Does anyone have any information on the process to get in the twin otter as FO? Ive heard your on the dock for some time then you get in the right seat as demand requires.... is there a minimum time on the dock? and is the requirment just CPL, Multi with float endorsment? any information appreciated, however i dont need to hear the beaten-to-death remarks about CP, Owner, etc. I think that there is enough threads that viewers could read those opinions.

People have gone the dock route, some are hired from outside. I don't think there is any real advancement program for the dock guys. If they need someone and they like you, then you have a chance. I was a dockie for a few months and it kept income coming in until I could find another job elsewhere. Great summer job, I had alot of fun.

HuD 91gt wrote:People have gone the dock route, some are hired from outside. I don't think there is any real advancement program for the dock guys. If they need someone and they like you, then you have a chance. I was a dockie for a few months and it kept income coming in until I could find another job elsewhere. Great summer job, I had alot of fun.

That's it exactly, no ramp advancement program. No guarantee of a flying position if you are hired on the ground.
However that's not to say that it won't happen.

A pilot there told me it was about a 2 year ramp wait when I was sniffing around.

It's like anything in aviation, be in the right place at the right time!
There are currently a few guys working on the dock who are "in the que" for an f/o job. There have been guys promoted that way in the past, but you have to fit in pretty well. If you don't work hard or you don't do well around customers, they won't promote you. Working the dock isn't the only way to get work there. If you come to them with a PPC, some time on type, or a bunch of coastal time, there's hope.
Working the dock there is a pretty good job, it's totally slack compared to other dock jobs, you hardly load anything, and you get to live in a city on the coast which is pretty sweet if you ask me. Word on the street is that they might be expanding this summer. That combined with the usual seasonal fluctuations might make this spring as good a time as any to get hired there.

I know two people personally that have advanced from the ramp to the right seat but like 'square' said both of them worked upwards of years before getting into the twotter

So, where do the dock-f/o guys go next? Can they be upgraded to left seat after a couple years? I guess it must depend somewhat on what flying experience they had prior to becoming f/o....

The chief pilot last year did not speak highly of the f/o's, or more like what it took to be one... Hopefully that attitude has been replaced.

whos the chief now?

steve sheehy (kiwi) i worked with him for years, good guy. they are looking for people who fit in! prefer guys with some experience and there is a lengthy hiring process, interviews, personality tests etc. as far as upgrades full time status, there is a union in place which does complicate things. the guys seem happy and i hav'nt heard any complaints in a long while.

angry inch wrote:So, where do the dock-f/o guys go next? Can they be upgraded to left seat after a couple years? I guess it must depend somewhat on what flying experience they had prior to becoming f/o....

The chief pilot last year did not speak highly of the f/o's, or more like what it took to be one... Hopefully that attitude has been replaced.

ive heard a couple different people say its possible to go from right seat on -6 to the beaver in time... no promises im sure, but a heathly step

but... do ChixDiggit?

square wrote:A pilot there told me it was about a 2 year ramp wait when I was sniffing around.

how long ago was that?

PCC makes them look desperate for pilots, but that place is only updated once a year

but... do ChixDiggit?

they dig it till you bring them home to your parents basement and tell them how much you make

chixdiggit is an inside joke about the current CP. He'll know what im talking about. I figured Danno if he is who i think he is would know too.

But yes, FO wages at any off the dock job are tough but to live in YVR... it was/is hard to do. I just ran up huge debt and met girls with places downtown! worked for me back when I did it.

cheers.