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Thunderbird Aviation

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Thunderbird Aviation reviews

3.9

70% would recommend to a friend

(20 total reviews)

Nancy Grazzini-Olson

77% approve of CEO

39% positive business outlook

Thunderbird Aviation has an employee rating of 3.9 out of 5 stars, based on 20 company reviews on Glassdoor which indicates that most employees have a good working experience there. The Thunderbird Aviation employee rating is in line with the average (within 1 standard deviation) for employers within the Transportation & Logistics industry (3.5 stars).

Reviews by job title

20 reviews
4.0
Feb 16, 2016

Flight Instructor

Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

I really enjoyed my time at Thunderbird and thought the people were great. There is a good mix of people and backgrounds. This job, like most, are what you make of it and I think that there is a lot of opportunity, especially in this job market for pilots. One of our CFIs moved up to Thunderbird's charter operation, many others went to the airlines, like myself, and I know of a few that decided to make Thunderbird a career and have been there over 10 years as a CFI.

Cons

Winter weather, which means less flying for the CFIs, so the paychecks end up smaller. Also, when the Arrow or Seminole goes down for maintenance, if all your students are in those courses, then it can be frustrating sometimes.

1.0
Jun 30, 2014
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

-Located in MN -That's it really, there's nothing else beneficial about working for this company at all.

Cons

-Pay -Benefits -Management -Student load -Unethical business practices - both towards the instructors and the students. Minimum charge times for pre/post are almost mandatory. Encouraged by management to unnecessarily repeat lessons. -Maintenance

1.0
Aug 17, 2013
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Meeting other great flight Only positive- nice new building. I left for much better flight opportunity elsewhere.

Cons

Aircraft are VERY old and not well maintained. Management doesn't interact with the instructors on a regular basis. Count on sitting, not getting paid for 7.5 of your 8 hour shift. 80% of your flying will be scenic and demo flights with customers you know nothing about or if they should even be in an airplane. Too many instructors, not enough students. Count in showing up even on rainy/snowy days and not get paid at all. If your aircraft checkout flight goes more than an hour YOU have to pay the difference. Their new employee training is bad...there is no training. They make YOU pay to stay instrument current using their aircraft or simulator. Wow.. Do not consider employment as a flight instructor at thunderbird aviation. Not worth your time. Count on working holidays sitting there not getting paid and no flying while management is sitting at home with their families getting paid vacation.

Viewing 16 - 18 of 20 Reviews

Glassdoor has 20 Thunderbird Aviation reviews submitted anonymously by Thunderbird Aviation employees. Read employee reviews and ratings on Glassdoor to decide if Thunderbird Aviation is right for you.