Sunwest travel benefits

[indieadventurer]

Hi, wondering if the guys/gals at Sunwest have any travel benefits with the airlines?

edit - spelling

[broompusher]

I left there in 2008 and they didn't have any benefits then. Unless they started scheduled flights, probably not (just guessing though), but there are others who would know better than I.

[razorblade]

None as of July 2013.

[indieadventurer]

Does anyone have current info on Sunwest they could share with me? I'm looking at one of their positions they have posted online and curious about working conditions, company moral and lifestyle. Feel free to PM. Thanks

[boeingboy]

One of the best 704 companies in the country. IMHO. Good pay, Great benifits, family first. New facilities and a large, diverse aircraft fleet = long term employment and advancement.

What position are you looking at?

[razorblade]

I'll agree. Great place to work!

[loopa]

That's great to hear!

What is the DH8 bond at now? I heard it was something in the vicinity of 36k for 2 years not too long ago, and when you upgraded you would be bonded again.

Was this wrong information?

[razorblade]

I can't remember the exact numbers (and I was never on the Dash), but that sounds about right.
Having said that, I (and everyone else I knew there who has subsequently left) have never been asked to actually pay the bond, no matter at what stage.

[indieadventurer]

Thanks for the info! Was looking at the SW5 position. Know anything about what they use their Metros 23's for?

[boeingboy]

Cargo and charter - and they are well cared for birds.

They used to do some pass runs when one of the 1900's were off line, but with the Dash 8's online - that freed up the Beech. Dont think they run many pass in them anymore.

[razorblade]

The SW5 sched was... shit. I did it for a while before I felt compelled to move on.

As you can imagine, the company's major bread and butter is the charter side, a lot of which is last minute. Unfortunately, that mentality carried over to the cargo runs as well (SW5) as far as scheduling goes.
Which meant, you didn't have your sched for the week until 2-3 days before. Which is really hard to manage when you don't have the notice to plan errands, doctors' appointment, or even your sleep schedule - Try only finding out on a Sun afternoon that you must wake up to do a flight at 2am Mon morning- just doesn't work.

Now you may be more of a night person than I was, but that's how I felt anyway.
Outside of that, the flying was fun- I love the metro, and everybody I worked/ flew with was amazing. Sunwest treats you well, and the culture within the company is great. The CP is a bit of a dink, but because you'll be sleeping all days you'll never come across him anyway.

[loopa]

I can't remember the exact numbers (and I was never on the Dash), but that sounds about right.
Having said that, I (and everyone else I knew there who has subsequently left) have never been asked to actually pay the bond, no matter at what stage.

Interesting ... do you know why they would bond you if you aren't expected to pay it when time comes to leave?

[razorblade]

Your guess is as good as mine. Scare tactics?

[ScudRunner]

I know several pilots who have paid out their bond at SW, that being said some come to an agreement with management (usually employees who have been there for awhile). The bond is air tight if they want to go after you.

[loopa]

Scare tactics?

Great place to work!

Hopefully that's not what it is... cause scaring any employee is not usually going to have good morale go along with it.

But that being said, you guys seem happy about working or having worked there there so that's great you guys!

[calgaryguy]

I know several pilots who have paid out their bond at SW, that being said some come to an agreement with management (usually employees who have been there for awhile). The bond is air tight if they want to go after you.

Everyone I know who skipped their bonds with Sunwest did not have to pay it out. Some less than 6 months in. They take your last pay check and expenses but if you ask for it they are forced to give it back.

[Captain Kangaroo]

I know several pilots who have paid out their bond at SW, that being said some come to an agreement with management (usually employees who have been there for awhile). The bond is air tight if they want to go after you.

Everyone I know who skipped their bonds with Sunwest did not have to pay it out. Some less than 6 months in. They take your last pay check and expenses but if you ask for it they are forced to give it back.

And still, people wonder why we have bonds

[indieadventurer]

What about their King Air flying, any better than the Metro lifestyle?

[tdp19]

What about their King Air flying, any better than the Metro lifestyle?

Your better off where you are now!

[calgaryguy]

And still, people wonder why we have bonds

Lets just say a mass sideways exodus is an indication of the true nature of a company.