Innovative Airline Pilot Cadet Training and Development Program Takes Flight

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Airline Pilot Cadet Training

Air Georgian and Air Canada have created an exciting airline pilot training and development program targeting young Canadians who may be interested in a flying career. Becoming a pilot can be a daunting challenge, and not simply because the sky is not our natural element. The cost of flight training can be quite high and this, coupled with the uncertainty involved in establishing a career, can make even highly motivated individuals think twice about aviation as a profession. Recognizing this, Air Georgian and Air Canada have partnered to develop our Cadet Program as a way of encouraging young Canadians to enter aviation.

Air Georgian has operated regional airline flights on behalf of Air Canada in addition to its private jet charter services for thirteen years and is a part of the Air Canada Express family. Under our Cadet Program, a select group of young Canadians with no flying experience will be provided with conditional offers of employment from both Air Georgian and Air Canada. Once selected following a rigorous screening process, these individuals will be sent as a group to the FlightSafety Academy in Vero Beach, Florida where they will, over a ten-month period, be trained as professional pilots. Upon successful completion of the course at the FlightSafety Academy, the Cadet Program pilots will be hired as First Officers at Air Georgian and will undergo training on the Beechcraft 1900D regional airliner. These pilots will spend a minimum of four years flying for Air Georgian and, in that time, will build up approximately 3000 hours of flying time.

Upon completion of four years of employment at Air Georgian, these young pilots will then be hired by Air Canada on either the first, second or third new hire intake after that date. Air Georgian’s offers of employment will be conditional upon the students’ successfully completion of the FlightSafety Academy course.  Air Canada’s offers of employment will be conditional upon the Cadet Program graduates maintaining a good employment record while working for Air Georgian (with very clear and reasonably set expectations). The students will have to pay for their initial training at the FlightSafety Academy, but Air Georgian and Air Canada will cover all subsequent flight training. In addition, Air Georgian and Air Canada have been able to secure excellent financial terms with the Academy, not necessarily available to individual flight training applicants.

The Cadet Program will be a win/win proposition for everyone involved.  The students know they will have an initial job waiting for them at the end of their flight training and also know they will have an excellent opportunity to secure employment with one of the premier airlines in the world only a few short years later. Air Georgian and Air Canada win by securing another stream of high quality pilot recruits. The first intake of Cadet Program recruits will begin their 44-week course at Vero Beach in September 2013 and Air Georgian will plan to hire successful applicants from this group by August 2014. The selection process for this first group will begin shortly and we are looking forward to getting started.

For more information about the Cadet Program please visit our website at http://www.clearedfortakeoff.ca.

The Changing Face of Airline Safety in Canada

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Air Georgian’s Vice President of Aircraft Maintenance, Brad Warren, takes part in a recent webinar hosted by SMS/QMS software provider Intelex Technologies discussing a dramatic shift the Canadian airline industry has undergone to make Canadian skies safer.

In essence, this shift is about implementing SMS/QMS technologies to help managers identify safety risks before issues arise. New quality assurance systems have been implemented by Air Georgian and others to mitigate risks and enable self-regulation.  A primary component of these new systems is the empowerment of all airline employees from admin staff and technicians to pilots and executives with data they can use to make informed business decisions about safety. Further, these systems ensure accountability of all staff of aircraft charter providers like Air Georgian should mishaps occur. Airlines must adopt technology in order to organize and effectively share growing volumes of data to the ultimate benefit of their passengers and staff.  Armed with this data, airline staff can be more proactive in dealing with issues before they occur.

Purchasing a Private Aircraft

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Nothing can better define luxury travel than flying in your own private aircraft. Though it may seem impractical to purchase a aircraft during such rough economic times, owning such an asset may prove to be a wise choice for certain businesses or affluent individuals. If you decide to purchase your own private aircraft, here are some tips to consider during the process.

private jet

Tips and Guidelines

If you’ve been considering the purchase of a private aircraft, now may be the best time to take a harder look at your options. The overall market for aircrafts and planes has plummeted between 35 and 50% in the last decade and relative bargains are available if you’re willing to shop around.

There are two pitfalls to avoid when buying a private aircraft.

First, do not try to do it on your own. Getting expert recommendations and ongoing assistance from an aircraft management firm will ensure a more informed purchase. Aircraft management firms and purchasing advisers are able to coordinate the transaction process from initial planning to the actual signing of papers.

Aircraft management companies can also function as your aircraft maintenance crew, taking care of its complex systems and keeping it in the air whenever needed. Though there are corresponding fees to these services, the yields can make it worth every penny you pay.

The other pitfall you should avoid is thinking that buying is the only way to use and own a private aircraft. Chartering a aircraft for business or pleasure is always an option. You can also join aircraft card clubs and fractional ownership organizations that offer private aircraft rentals for a fee depending on the flight times and frequency you require.

What to Consider?

First, execute a cost-benefit comparison. Investing in such a big-ticket item deserves ample time and consideration to make a final decision. A private plane will require an investment of millions of dollars and regular ongoing maintenance costs. That said, aviation veterans recommend at least 350 hours of flight per year to justify the expenses of owning your private aircraft.

Consider hidden expenses. Cost factors to be taken into account include insurance, fuel, ongoing aircraft management and maintenance services and crew charges to name a few. Aircraft management firms can take on many of the responsibilities of maintaining and operating a private aircraft for annual fees in the $200k to $500k range. This amount will naturally fluctuate depending on the size of the aircraft and frequency of use.

Next, assess your specific needs in terms of who and where you anticipate flying. Private aircrafts come in three basic sizes – small, medium, and large. According to experts, based upon size and flight range, light aircraft costing between $3m to $8m can take up to 8 passengers approximately 3200 kilometres. Medium sized aircrafts with prices in the $13 million range may transport up to 10 people around 4800 km. Larger aircrafts will, of course, come with higher price tags, but can potentially accommodate 20+ people on much longer haul flights.

After identifying your needs, it is now time to find a private aircraft. Typically, aircraft management firms and advisers assist clients in their pursuit. Your aircraft management agent will either be involved in the actual process or provide referrals to brokerage firms who can source private planes. There are also several Web sites you can access to “comparison” shop for new or used aircraft.

Finally, you will be well advised to take any plane for a test flight and having a thorough technical inspection completed before committing to a purchase. A private aircraft management company can also assist in these regards in order to assure you are making a wise, informed choice.

Corporate Charter Flights for the Canadian Oil and Gas Industry

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Energy exploration is a global industry that has always generated a significant amount of travel. As exploration in the oil and gas fields in Canada continually expands, many companies are looking for the most efficient and cost-effective method for transporting key executives to the oil fields. Using a business aircraft charter service can provide a number of benefits over commercial air travel for oil and gas executives and employees who need to travel to and from the oil fields.

corporate charter flight solutionsOne of the main benefits of corporate charter flights is that they can typically be chartered to meet a company’s specific needs. For instance, your company can easily make arrangements for a single private jet charter or a range of aircraft, as required.  When it is necessary for VIPs and senior personnel to visit the oil fields in Canada, luxury private jets can be chartered. A variety of other aircraft options is also available, including cargo planes and helicopters to transport personnel or equipment.

By hiring a corporate charter flight provider, your company will also be able to maintain the flexibility necessary in choosing the most cost-efficient blend of charter aircraft for your specific project. Most such services also provide a dedicated account manager who will arrange and then closely supervise every aspect of your charter flight. Account managers are typically available around the clock to answer any questions or book last minute flights.

Business charter flights also provide direct transportation to remote or difficult-to-reach areas. In many cases, the Canadian oil fields are located in areas that are either poorly or not served at all by commercial airlines. With charter flights, key personnel will not be tied to the schedules of commercial airlines.

If you’re flying in Canada, it only makes sense to choose a Canadian charter company who are most familiar with Canadian air transportation rules and can best relate to the travel needs of your executives.

Corporate executives can also benefit from the enhanced security offered by a private jet charter. When you travel aboard a business charter flight, you can rest assured the aircraft will carry only your own approved personnel. For corporate executives who have grown weary of the reduced baggage allowances of commercial airlines, a corporate charter flight can be welcome relief by allowing increased baggage to be carried aboard in the cabin.

Corporate charter flight service providers make it possible to tailor everything about your flight. Not only can you customize the route, but also you can also usually tailor the food available during the flight if this is at all a concern. Customized on-board catering and service ensures the best in-flight experience possible for your employees and executives.

Finally, in choosing a provider, it is important to select a company that is familiar with the needs of the oil and gas industry. You want to choose a business charter flight company that understands the importance of personnel arriving on time and at the correct location. Furthermore, the business charter flight company you hire should be familiar with the cost and time constraints associated with oil exploration and extraction.  It goes without saying that time is money, so you will want to work with a partner who will look to save you both.

Why Outsource Your Flight Operations?

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Outsourcing has become a beneficial strategy to lower the cost of operations in a number of different industries. Surprisingly to some, aviation outsourcing has grown in popularity and has become a way for small and mid-sized airline companies to strategically lower their operational costs without compromising the quality of service they offer their customers. As an airline executive, you know just how many core activities you must focus on in the industry to ensure your customers stay happy, your flights stay safe, and your company still profits. Find out why you should outsource some activities in your operations and make the right choice for the financial health of your business.

Get the Flexibility You Need to Focus on Core Activities

Not all operations in the airline industry can be outsourced. As you might know, there are a number of functions that you want your own executives and your own employees handling. When you outsource, you can still keep the more important core activities in the hands of your professionals and leave some of the other functions to outsourced employees. Some of these functions include: dispatching, record keeping, weather monitoring, flight plan creations, ground handling, and catering. When you assess what can be outsourced, you will have greater flexibility in your operations and be able to focus more on the areas that count without compromising any other functions.

Benefit from the Technologies Outsourcing Suppliers Already Have

Your IT infrastructure plays an important role in your flight operations. From scheduling to flight plan creation, you need to make sure that the technologies you use will meet your particular needs. If you are not able to find an off-the-shelf solution, you have to consider whether or not you want to spend a small fortune having a software program designed for you. If you outsource the functions that require these technologies, you can choose a supplier that already has a proven track record for project management. This is just one area where small and mid-sized airline companies can save money without being forced to operate without the latest technologies.

These are just some of the many reasons why wise airline companies are outsourcing specific flight operations. If you are considering aviation outsourcing, make sure you consider the legal aspects and how you will protect and manage data collection. If you plan ahead of time and work with the right supplier, you will see the benefits rather quickly.

Things to Consider When Choosing a Corporate Jet Charter Flight Provider

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Most businesses find that flying private is a lot easier than flying commercial. No waiting in line, no long-term parking and let’s not forget you don’t have to share the plane with anyone else. With so many perks, you don’t want to buy an airline ticket just yet, but instead, you should know exactly what some things to look out for before using a corporate air charter service.

Listed below are a few tips and questions you may want to keep in mind and ask when doing research:

The Business Entity

It is simply best practice to research any business entity before doing business with them. By law, an operator should have a Transport Canada Certificate. On this certificate, the name should match the business entity name. Sure, while the company can have a great looking website and great selling points, it doesn’t mean that they are legit. Aside from the operating certificate, always make sure that the carrier provides a Certificate of Insurance, as well. On this insurance certificate, the tail number of the carrier should be listed.

Transport Canada

All legitimate airlines should be listed by Transport Canada under the operator’s control. On this control, the aircraft’s tail number should be listed. Again, ask the charter jet company for this information, or you can search for the information by contacting Transport Canada by using their official website at http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/air-menu.htm.

Incidents and Accidents

The great thing about the Internet is that you can research business certifications and the history of pretty much any airline and any of its airplanes. Just like a vehicle history report, you can check to see if an airplane has been in any accidents in the past. If any accidents have been reported in the last 10 years, the Transport Canada National Transportation Safety Board in the US and/or Transport Canada will post this information.

Citations

Aside from the accident reports, it’s important to look for citations. To see if any operating citations exist, Transport Canada will have this information readily available on their website or via personal inquiry.

References

Ask the prospective air charter company for customer references or seek ask friends/colleagues if they’ve had any charter flight experience.  Ask lots of questions of these references regarding scheduling, costs, customer service and their overall experience with the airline.

Lawsuits and Bankruptcy

Dealing with an operator that is in a pending lawsuit or has declared bankruptcy in the past can cause a lot of problems. This is why it’s important to find out about this information, and again, this information is all public on the Internet. Be wary of operators that have filed bankruptcy in the past. The main reason is because they can close their doors in the future not learning from their mistakes in the past. This could ultimately mean you lose your money.

In general, it is a good idea to ask lots of questions when planning on booking a corporate jet charter. As you learn more about each business, there’s a good chance you will find a company you’re comfortable with. Once you do, you can avoid this research process every time you need fly privately.

Business Jet Safety

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A recent article announced 2011 was the safest year ever for business jets.

The improvement in aircraft safety over the years is a combination of efforts between regulatory agencies such as Transport Canada and the individual operators.  Within Canada for example every Canadian aircraft operator is subject to the safety standards outlined and monitored by Transport Canada. These standards represent a minimum benchmark from which Canadian aircraft operators are expected to operate their flight operations within.  However, it is highly encouraged that the respective private jet charter and all operators create and implement internal processes that help manage and minimize the inherent risks that exist within the operating environment.  At Air Georgian, for example, we have created and implemented a Safety Management and Quality Management System,  in parallel, has helped us achieve the highest industry safety standard — IATA Operational Safety Audit.

Our Safety Management System was designed to manage the inherent risks associated with operating with the aviation industry/environment. By having a well-defined and supported SMS program, Air Georgian is able to identify and manage attendant risks and hazards.

Each member of Air Georgian’s executive and management team, along with our front line flight operations and maintenance staff, are required to clearly understand their roles and responsibility with respect to our SMS program. As outlined in our Corporate Communication Policy, managers and employees share information related to safety via the company website, company bulletin and blog forums, company newsletters and various safety conferences and seminars. Moreover, Air Georgian has assigned a dedicated Corporate Safety Officer whose day-to-day responsibilities include; developing and maintaining a reporting system that collects and deciphers safety related data, identification of hazards and risk management analysis.  Air Georgian’s Quality Management System (QMS) was designed to enable our company to identify, measure, control and improve the effectiveness and efficiency of our performance. In parallel with our Safety Management System, our corporate commitment to an effective QMS program further supports our desire to be an industry leader in the realm of safe and efficient processes. The success of any Quality Management System relies heavily on the engagement levels of its employees. At Air Georgian, we encourage and support senior management and front line employees actively and positively foster a culture of employing innovative and effective solutions to company performance related concerns.

Through an integrated set of policies, processes and procedures, the benefits of Air Georgian’s Quality Management System are:

*Mitigate risk by maintaining ongoing compliance;

*Eliminate silos of data and avoid duplicate data entry;

*Evaluate the status of company performance;

*Drive continual improvement of service quality; and

*Reduce costs and unlock frozen resources

Operators who choose to engage in the same high level of safety standards as that of Air Georgian will continue to benefit from having an impeccable safety record and it is our hope, for the safety of the industry, flight crews and passengers, that regulators adopt and enforce standards that continue to improve air safety travel.

Proactively Preparing Pilots

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Advanced pilot training and flight crew preparation is essential to the operation of any commercial private jet charter service.  Pilots must have finely tuned cognitive skills to operate an airplane and ensure the safety of all passengers on board.  Air charter operators likewise must verify their staff maintain these unique skills.

Air Georgian has chosen to partner with Ottawa Aviation Services to help ensure the selection of the qualified pilots and first officers for employment, while at the same time assembling a pool of qualified candidates for potential future hire.

OAS uses an advanced set of pilot selection tests to assess Air Georgian flight crew applicants. These assessments validate (1) advanced aptitude skills, (2) English language proficiency and (3) personality profiles. The COMPASS (Computerized Pilot Aptitude Screening System) tests were developed by the European Pilot Selection & Testing Company and are extensively used by airlines in Europe and Asia.

Air Georgian recently completed its first round of assessments using OAS’s COMPASS test services.  Based on the initial test results and performance in training, Air Georgian is confident this testing will have long term benefit within its flight training program as well as positively affecting pilot and flight crew retention.

Air Georgian and OAS are also partnering on a airline pilot provisioning service.  OAS will effectively train flight crew candidates based on requirements defined by Air Georgian as part of its integrated ATPL (Air Transport Pilot License) program. Candidates will then be interviewed by OAS using the basic and advanced COMPASS battery of tests. Approved candidates will be offered an opportunity to interview with Air Georgian for potential employment as first officers.

This pilot training program was officially announced via press release last week.

Boosting Airline Efficiency with Outsourced Flight Operations: Air Georgian Partners with World Air Operations

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Earlier this month, Air Georgian signed a partnership agreement with startup World Air Operations (World Air Ops) to provide a turnkey operational solution for airlines, business aviation departments and other worldwide aircraft operators. Airlines and other aircraft charter operators aiming to reduce costs and boost efficiency by outsourcing their operations can now turn to the Air Georgian-World Air Ops partnership.

Borrowed from a concept developed in the 1980s – outsourced aircraft maintenance – Air Georgian and World Air Ops offer aircraft operators complete outsourced operational support, thereby reducing costs and freeing them to concentrate on generating income through their core business of flying passengers and cargo. Each member brings its expertise to the team – World Air Ops is the provider of logistical and operational support, such as flight planning, securing air traffic rights, and sourcing fuel; while Air Georgian offers its infrastructure to provide flight dispatch and flight crew scheduling services. Together, they offer clients a total operational package.

Startups, existing airlines and corporate flight operators contracting this type of turnkey service, benefit by avoiding costly expenditures associated with operations, software and training. Operators who commit to outsourcing part or all of their operational elements realize both the cost and performance benefits of this outsourced model. They are more focused on their core competency and revenue-generating portion of their business, and have the confidence that a highly professional and competent team is managing their operational needs.

The outsourced operational support model is gaining traction among domestic and international operators, with an increase seen in both requests for information as well as presented proposals in 2011. Air Georgian and World Air Ops are certain that the outsourced model is a true winner and that 2012 will continue to see increased interest and commitments from operators.

Check out a press release for the announcement of this new Canadian outsourced flight operations partnership here.

 

Preparing for a Charter Flight with a Pet

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Starting December 15th, 2011, Air Georgian private aircraft charter customers will have the option of traveling with their Pet in the Cabin (PETC). This now aligns our scheduled flying policies, with those of our private jet charter department.  Advance reservation for PETC is required and it is strongly recommended it be done within 24 hours after making the booking to ensure that PETC can be accommodated.  Please contact Air Canada reservations for more details.

Below you will find some helpful tips to make sure your pet is ready for takeoff.

Preparing your pet for travel

  • Purchase a pet carrier or kennel well in advance so your pet has time to become familiar with its kennel.
  • The kennel must be prepared prior to check-in.
  • Feed your pet 4-6 hours prior to departure time as a full stomach may cause discomfort during travel.
  • Prior to arrival at the airport, give your pet adequate exercise.
  • Bring along a leash so that your pet can be taken for a walk prior to departure and upon arrival.
  • Provide your pet with water right up until check-in and then empty the water dish and leave it inside the kennel.
  • Arrive at the airport early (at least 30 minutes prior to the suggested check-in time).
  • Make sure your pet and/or the kennel has an identification tag with your home address, phone number as well as the address and phone number at your destination.  It is a good idea to include your pet’s name as well.
  • Pack a favorite toy or item for your pet.
  • Do not padlock the kennel in case airline staff needs to access your pet in the event of an emergency.
  • It is recommended that a veterinary certificate be provided for kittens less than twelve weeks old stating that the animal is fit to be transported.
  • In most cases, cats and dogs should not be given any tranquillizers or sedatives prior to travel.  Sedatives affect the animal’s natural ability to maintain balance and equilibrium, which can be dangerous when the kennel is moved.