Bigsky,
I don't think NWA owns any of Champion anymore, but I'm not positive....as far as passes go, I don't think they get any, but they have jumpseat with most carriers.
I have many friends who have flown for Champion, and it sounds like working for any other non-sched....there all about the same!!
Most of the flying is scheduled charter to the Carribean for Apple, Funjet and Transglobal Vacations(tour groups)...cattle car 727-200 with 170+ seats....long days that are turns from cities like MSP and DET to destinations like CUN, MBJ, AUA, ZIH, etc.....other flying will be AD HOCS (subservice).Always a nightmare!!!!
Good Side:
It's nice flying when your on-time and you can get a good amount of days off if you live in base. The money is usually descent!
Bad Side:
Supplemental 121 duty regs are less restrictive than domestic/flag.....can have very long days that are very legal.....not a whole lot of support from the company, need to make sure everything is in order...gen decs, documentation, etc.....need to pay for out-station servicing with company checks/credit cards/cash. This list can go on for pages....
My suggestion is to talk with a seasoned non-schedder over a couple of beers to find out what it's all about!! It's an interesting lifestyle and a part of the industry that most pilots don't even know exists!! Just don't have any misconceptions that just because a company fly's big aircraft, it's going to be organized! 😉
