BeardedFlyer

Does anyone have any current contact info for their pilot hiring department?

BeardedFlyer

I guess the Miami office is in charge of pilot recruitment, but I still haven't been able to talk to anyone in "power." Anyone know if they usually are looking for pilots this time of year??

BeardedFlyer

Ok so I finally found some info:

1. Most of the pilots end up getting a good amount of x-c time ferrying the planes to different bases.

2. hiring starts in January/February

3. Interview in Miami, in the past they have paid for ticket out and back, said that shouldn't change but he wasn't positive.

4. Wagner provides cars and housing while you're working for them. No talk of pay but from a job ad I saw from 2008 they were posting "up to $40 an hour."

5. If hired, ask you to commit through the summer time with the option to possibly stay longer if you want.

6. They want $500 for training even if you're already TW endorsed. Does this seem reasonable???

BeachBum82

I would argue the $500 for training if you are tw CURRENT and ENDORSED. My family operates a smaller banner tow company and we have two full time guys and typically hire two newbies a year. We don't charge for training up to 10 hours ( that's required by our insurance that you have that with one of us before you are cut loose, not the new guys problem so why should he have to pay for it?). In fact you are even paid a ground rate while you come out and get trained (much like airlines that pay per diem during training, it's not a lot but at least it's not coming from your pocket). As far as I'm concerned anywhere you have to pay for your own training is a place to stay away from, this goes for airlines, corporate, banner towing, pipeline patrol ect.... if you have a commercial license you have done your part, if they are not willing to invest a little money in you in order for them to make money, something is wrong. Of course the flip side is, you come in with your endorsement and you can't reasonably handle the airplane with a couple hours of instruction, then possibly paying for training time might come up. Only once in about 6 years has that happened, and it was actually a friend of mine who was having problems flying the airplane. At some point the company has to cut their loss, which is either A) Let you go or B) have you pick up some of the expense.

El Pilot

Any more info on Van Wagner would be apreciated. How much tt and tailwheel is required?

lowtimepilot

Any updated info on these guys?

kbennett

I called Van Wagner yesterday in Miami and the lady told me the pilot recruiter's name was Kyle. She said he would be the one to answer any questions about flying with them. I left him a message, and missed his call when he returned mine due to work. He said feel free to call back anytime. His office number is 954-372-4910. Keep us updated on what you find out as I'm curious about them also, thanks

lowtimepilot

Yes, that is the correct contact. I ended up turning down an interview with them because I had already signed a contract with someone else. Everything I have found on them is good though. Good maintenance and pay was good for a low time gig (don't remember what it actually was) if based outside of Miami. I would have taken it if I didn't get an offer from someone else.

kbennett

Congrats. Who did you take a contract with? And what are their minimums? I'm close to getting my commercial and have about 20hrs TW. Just trying to see what's out there

lowtimepilot

I got a job doing aerial survey with Northern States Aviation. I don't remember what VW mins were.. I think I had about 480tt but 250 of it was tail wheel time so I am sure that is why they liked me.