ERA Helicopters

[ihavethewillto]

OOPs...didn't mean to delete this.

Edited September 25, 2008 by ihavethewillto

[helonorth]

I just Googled Era Helicopters bases.A link to a pdf with all locations came up. Just hope you

don't go to Galveston, but you are going to have a long drive no matter what! Expressjet just

went out of business recently. That would probably have been cheaper than driving. You're

looking at at least a 12 hour drive anywhere. I found flights from Miami starting at $116 RT!

I should move there, too.

Edited August 4, 2008 by helonorth

[ihavethewillto]

*EDIT*

Edited August 6, 2008 by ihavethewillto

[AV8]

Hello everyone, this is my first post on this forum. I've been browsing for some time and there is a lot of great information.

 

I have recently been offered a job with ERA. I will be living in Fort Lauderdale, FL and on a 14/14 schedule. I will be driving back and forth for the hitch.

 

My question is where are the different ERA bases along the GOM so I have an idea of approx. driving times.

 

Thanks in advance.

 

 

If you don't mind me asking? What was the interview process like at ERA? What kind of experiance do you have? I'm considering working out there as well. Did you shop around at all, or interview with any other companies? What made you choose ERA?

 

There was a great post about a guy who recently had an interview/ check ride with Airlog that was very informative and insightful. Any information you would be willing to give would greatly appreciated.

 

thanks

[ihavethewillto]

helonorth: You are quite the Googler...I typed in "Era Helicopter Base" w/out the 's' at the end of helicopter and it gave some different sites. I think I'll start driving and see what suits me best after awhile. I think the driving will be less stressful than commercial flights w/ the worries of delays etc. According to Mapquest my drive will be from 14-17 hours....whew.

 

AV8: My process for Era was not a formal one, however i did a fair amount of research on them to make sure it was a good decision and I seem to only find good things about them. I'm sure others on this forum that currently work or have worked for them could offer a much better answer. Sorry.

Edited September 25, 2008 by ihavethewillto

[captkirkyota]

helonorth: You are quite the Googler...I typed in "Era Helicopter Base" w/out the 's' at the end of helicopter and it gave some different sites. The cheapest flight I found before was from Ft Lauderdale to NO for 132 bucks... I think I'll start driving and see what suits me best after awhile. I think the driving will be less stressful than commercial flights w/ the worries of delays etc. According to Mapquest my drive will be from 14-17 hours....whew.

 

AV8: My process for Era was not a formal one, however i did a fair amount of research on them to make sure it was a good decision and I seem to only find good things about them. I'm sure others on this forum that currently work or have worked for them could offer a much better answer. Sorry.

 

Why on earth would you drive??

Round trip driving is about 30 hours. At an average of 60 mph thats 1800 miles. 1800/28 mpg if you get that kinda mileage, is 64 gallons at 4 per gallon thats 256 bucks and 30 hours!

Whereas if you flew and had a 5 hour delay each way, your looking at about 13-14 hours. Not to mention food to eat along the way driving, veh. maint., a flat tire, having to stop to sleep if off shift late etc etc. The flights are only gonna be a 1-2 hours tops. Not to mention your time being worth something. You losing 2.5-3 days of time off with travel and recovery.

Flying is the way to go for you.

[Gomer Pylot]

Why on earth would you drive? See this post. Flying can cause all sorts of problems if things don't go just right, and they seldom do.

[captkirkyota]

Why on earth would you drive? See this post. Flying can cause all sorts of problems if things don't go just right, and they seldom do.

 

Yeah, but I was referring to his specific post about from Ft. Lauderdale to New Orleans, if he has to jump all around then I guess so, but it still seems like that'd be worse.

Get a beater to leave in N.O. and drive from there to wherever if he gets moved around from base to base, but from N.O. to Ft. L. I'd fly.

[helonorth]

I have been flying for over a year now and have had no problems except when American

grounded all the MD's. They had me on a Northwest flight in a matter of thirty minutes and I

actually got to Lafayette in less time than originally scheduled. Schedule on a early flight.

I have found it almost hassle free. I would worry more about car problems. At

the end of a two week hitch, go to bed, get up early and be home by noon the next day.

It's the only way to go. At anything less than $200, I wouldn't even think about driving.

Edited August 6, 2008 by helonorth

[C of G]

I have to add a few things here:

 

1) As of Aug 1st Era is reimbursing the pilots up to $500 a month on airfare, so driving would be silly. Employees living closer get a different allowance.

 

2) As for the bases, I would think that would be the type of thing you ask at an interview, not after you are offered the job. How do you know you want it if you don't know where it is? If a "fair amount of research" was done, I think you would have had the answers to both these issues.

 

3) Galveston is one of the best bases, not only as it is a tourist destination, but because it is less than an hour from both Houston airports, so don't hope you don't get assigned there. Gomer will tell you, some pilots wait their entire career in the Gulf in hopes of getting based there. Lake Charles is a good place to fly into if you are based in Galveston, and there is free parking, but only Continental flys in there. Lafayette is good as a central Gulf airport with several carriers, and parking can be had for free. New Orleans is your best bet for Eastern Gulf, but friendly parking is at a minimum right now, but you might be able to strike a deal with a local hotel. I haven't parked there for a few years, but dealt with a Holiday Inn pre-Katrina.

 

4) Having said all that, bases are temporary at best

 

5) See you in new hire class................

 

Just my 5 cents. Take it for what it's worth.

[ihavethewillto]

Thanks to everyone for sharing their thoughts.

 

captkirkyoda: At 1800 miles roundtrip in a 36 mpg civic it would cost me 200 dollars at $4 a gallon. Not that there's too much of a difference My current plan is to start out driving to begin with and may start flying as I figure things out. I'd much rather have a flat tire or other issue in a brand new car covered by a warranty with a car manufacturer that will give a loner car anywhere in the country than worry whether or not the commercial flight would arrive on time and all the other headaches involved, but we'll see...

 

C of G: If Era is now giving $500 reimbursement per month to fly that would offset the headaches of flying.

Edited September 25, 2008 by ihavethewillto

[C of G]

I have been offered the job, but don't yet have it. I have not yet met with anyone from ERA for an interview or otherwise and have received all of my information second hand. I am still in the research phase which is why I'm on a forum asking those who know more than I do.

 

Please read the post's thoroughly before making ignorant comments.

 

Sorry, I didn't realize you could be offered a job without an interview. Usually the offer is extended after the interview. I agree, nowhere in the posts, can I see where you said you did interview. The only pilots I knew that were hired without a flight, still had an informal interview and didn't have to fly based on previous experience with the pilot, generally with extensive experience in the gulf, or they knew the secret handshake. Sorry for the confusion. But.....

 

I will be living in Fort Lauderdale, FL and on a 14/14 schedule. I will be driving back and forth for the hitch.

 

I took the word "will" to mean you "will" be doing what you said, not "might" or "if I accept the position, I will...."

 

As for the rest of your posts, I can't go re-read what you edited out.

 

I wasn't trying to argue with you, I have seen too many interviews that wind up with a new employee who doesn't know anything about the company they start working for, and it sometimes ends up a waste of both their times. An interview is two way, make sure you fit the company and the company fits you. If you're trying to learn more about the company before you interview, good on you. What I thought I read is that you were done with the interview and there may have been an area you forgot to ask about when you were face to face. Again, sorry for the confusion.

 

Good luck with your decision process. As for the bases, it also helps to know what aircraft you have been offered a position in, because that will narrow down the bases, as well. For example, Markham, Johnson's Bayou, Mobile and Pascagula don't fly many different types, and have lifer pilot's in most instances, so those are bases you may not need to know about, or they might be the only bases you would ever see.

 

If you have any other questions about Era, let me know and I might be able to help you out.

Edited August 6, 2008 by C of G

[helonorth]

OP:

You have a job there, but have never been interviewed or did a flight? Gomer, I have had at

least 50 flights in the last year (I have to connect). Never had much of a problem. Everything

you read about commercial air is pretty overblown, in my opinion. 30+ hours in the car to

avoid flying (I would call 30+ hours in a car a "hassle") is ridiculous.

Edited August 9, 2008 by helonorth

[ihavethewillto]

C of G: Sorry for jumping down your throat, I appreciate the offer for information and the insight. I may take you up on that shortly.

 

For all of you that fly how do you deal w/ keeping a car there? Do you do as was suggested and find a hotel nearby and make a deal w/ them or bite the bullet and keep the car at the airport. It seems like that could be a bit of a problem.

 

Thanks.

[Bassbone]

C of G: Sorry for jumping down your throat, I appreciate the offer for information and the insight. I may take you up on that shortly.

 

For all of you that fly how do you deal w/ keeping a car there? Do you do as was suggested and find a hotel nearby and make a deal w/ them or bite the bullet and keep the car at the airport. It seems like that could be a bit of a problem.

 

Thanks.

 

 

Perhalps you will be in C of G's class if you decide to take a position at Era. He is a training Captain with Era, check the attitude at the door.

 

Bassbone

Edited September 23, 2008 by Bassbone

[copter88]

This is my first post as well. Could anyone please give me information about the interview at Era?

 

Any advice on what I could do beforehand to better prepare myself?

 

Are many applicants turned away at the interview process or are most intended to hire provided they don't make a large mistake during the interview flight?

 

I have heard the flight is done in a simulator, is that difficult to fly coming straight from Robinsons and what are they expecting/wanting to see?

 

What are some typical questions that are asked in the interview?

 

Anything that I forgot to mention?

 

I appreciate your input, I am very excited for this opportunity.

[FLyer]

I'd be interested in any information too that isn't already posted. I'm going to be starting flight school soon and like to be prepared.

 

ihavethewillto: if you're in lauderdale that is where im going to start my flight training after i move back to the states (currently in dubai), if you take a job w/ era i'd love to get together sometime to see what its all about...thanks.