Mar 06

Twin Falls, Idaho: Where Beauty and Adventure Meet

At first glance, visitors seeing these beautiful waterfalls for the first time often think of Niagara Falls or possibly C.S. Lewis’ Narnia, not South-Central Idaho. In reality, Shoshone Falls in Twin Falls, Idaho stands about 45 feet higher than Niagara Falls and is much more real than Narnia. Another bonus – no passport is needed to visit either side of the falls!

To be fair, Idaho is technically considered a desert. This means that at certain times of year, the falls may be slightly more frozen than flowing. But this hidden beauty, within an otherwise desert environment, is one secret that needs to be let out and is dying to be explored. No matter the time of year, this sight is worth a visit.

For those adventure-seeking types who aren’t interested in watching bursts of water shoot off a cliff, here are two words to know: Perrine Bridge.

To add a few more words, this bridge is one of very few manmade structures in the U.S. where B.A.S.E. jumpers don’t need a permit to jump. Here, daredevils and thrill-seekers alike are able to enjoy a 486-foot drop into the crisp water of the Snake River below. On top of that, history is literally created at this Twin Falls landmark as several world records have been made and/or broken on this 1,500-foot-wide bridge.

In 2005, 21 people took the challenge to jump off Perrine Bridge at the same time. As their parachutes opened and they glided to the river below, Twin Falls caught the literal meaning of that ‘80s song, “It’s Raining Men” (and in this case, women, too).

The next year, in 2006, a man named Captain Daniel G. Schilling jumped off the Perrine 201 times in less than 24 hours, setting a Guinness World Record. He used a 60-ton crane that lifted him to the top to speed up the process.

If it’s not clear yet, this place is one-of-a-kind. Visit Twin Falls today with a short SkyWest jet flight, operating as Delta Connection, from Salt Lake City.

Five Fun Twin Falls Facts:

Residents are known as Idahoans

First settled by Bannock and Shoshone Indians

Twin Falls was the site of Evil Knievel’s unsuccessful 1974 jump of the Snake River

Seventh largest city in Idaho

Top industries include manufacturing, agriculture and tourism.

Feb 19

Customers Commend Crew for Excellent Service

SkyWest’s success is a direct result of the incredible employees who help take care of hundreds of customers on a daily basis – despite delays or other challenges. Recently, four crewmembers – Dave Dalton – CRJ captain, Jody Mack – CRJ first officer and flight attendants Peggy Maneotis and Ruby Landreth – were recognized by passengers on two separate flights thanks to their efforts to ensure everyone had a good travel experience. From each of the letters, it’s clear that this flight crew truly provided excellent service!

United Express Flight 5201

I wanted to send you a quick note to let you know that I had one of the best experiences flying in almost 40 years, and that’s even with a two-hour maintenance delay!

We flew on Flight 5201 from Chicago (ORD) to Aspen, Colorado (ASE) on Saturday, Jan. 24 and everyone from the gate agent in Chicago to the crew – specifically your flight attendants, Peggy and Ruby; captain, Dave; and first officer, Jody – was everything you could ever hope for in terms of representing the best in SkyWest! They couldn’t have been any nicer, more pleasant or accommodating. What also added to the experience was that Dave and Jody continued to keep everyone informed on the status of the maintenance –something very rare and very much appreciated!

I fly a lot, and this crew should be the ones teaching everyone on how to make sure customers have a great overall experience! Thanks again!

Julie

United Express Flight 6320

This afternoon, my wife and I flew on Flight 6320 from Aspen, Colorado (ASE) to Denver (DEN), which was about three hours late due to a mechanical problem.

I would like you to know that the captain, Dave, and cabin staff, Peggy and Ruby, went the extra mile and then some, to make sure the short journey was as hassle-free and pleasant as possible under the circumstances.

Dave, at the request of my worried wife, came to look for me – the United gate staff needed to work on my ticket, resulting in my being last on the plane, and not the usual first. He found me on the apron and escorted me to the aircraft.

Peggy and Ruby involved themselves with the passengers, helping them where they could.

Most of my flying is on European and Far Eastern airlines, which U.S. companies do not often compare to favorably. Today was the exception, and I wanted you to know that.

Tony

These letters are just a few of the many compliments received each week and are great examples of the service SkyWest’s 10,000+ aviation professionals provide every day on nearly 1,700 flights! To learn more about the SkyWest team, visit www.skywest.com.

Feb 14

SkyWest Employees Love What They Do

Wes Horrocks

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Corporate Communications Manager

What sets SkyWest employees apart and makes the airline such a great place to work? All of the people who absolutely love what they do!

“I love the attitude of the people I work with. Everyone seems to really enjoy working here and makes it enjoyable to come to work. I feel proud to be a SkyWest pilot!” – Michael Larsen, first officer

“My friends at the dental office I worked at thought I was crazy to want to change careers and be a flight attendant!!! I love my job, the schedule and good friends and professionals I encounter every work week.” – Kenna Davis, flight attendant

“I love SkyWest because of the people I get to work with throughout the system. The people are what make SkyWest so great!” – Gwen Carter, customer service

“It’s wonderful being able to say that I truly love going to ‘work’! We have such wonderful people!” – Sarah Bliesath, captain

“I love SkyWest because it has that small company feeling.” – Robert Anderson, mechanic

“I love the energy that SkyWest agents bring to the company. Everybody is always smiling and willing to help, and it makes you feel at home and part of their family. They are the greatest.” – Rosemary Pierce, customer service

And this is just a few of the more than 10,300 aviation professionals who are proud to work at SkyWest Airlines. Happy Valentine’s Day!

Feb 11

Fun and Relaxation in Butte, MT the Heart of Big Sky Country

Once the largest city west of the Mississippi River between Chicago and San Francisco, Butte, Montana not only sits in the heart of Montana’s Big Sky Country, it also holds an important part in American history. And while Butte offers a memorable past, it also provides plenty of fun and relaxation for visitors today.

Founded as a gold and silver mining camp, Butte was at the center of the copper boom that resulted from the development of electricity and industrialization of America in the early 1900s. And a visit to the World Museum of Mining is a great way to get a unique look into Butte’s storied mining heritage. They even offer one of the most realistic underground mine tours in the world. Equipped with a hard hat, cap lamp and battery belts, visitors will venture 65 feet into the mine to get a first-hand look at life as a miner.

For those that prefer adventure above ground, Butte offers incredible outdoor activities as well. Enjoy a day of scenic and man-made beauty by visiting the Our Lady of the Rockies statue. Summer tours are available for visitors to see this 90-foot marvel sitting atop the Continental Divide overlooking Butte. Second in size in the U.S. only to the Statue of Liberty, Our Lady of the Rockies is a must see when visiting Butte.

After the tour, head up to Georgetown Lake just 40 minutes outside of Butte. The lake is nestled in the shadows of the Anaconda Pintler Mountains and offers everything from recreation to relaxation. Fishermen should plan on bringing their bait and tackle as the lake is rated Montana’s most prolific and sees more fish caught per person than any other in the state. Georgetown Lake also makes for the perfect backdrop for nature hikes.

Summertime in Butte is the perfect time to enjoy a festival, the largest of which is the Montana Folk Festival. This outdoor music festival features some of the best traditional performers in the nation, ethnic and festival foods, a lively family area, and folk life demonstrations and workshops. The Folk Festival, along with the numerous other festivals in Butte, is sure to create a lifetime of memories for families visiting the area.

And what’s a trip to big game country without great food? After a day of adventure and excitement, head over to Casagranda’s Steakhouse and Guido’s Bar in the historic Bertoglio Warehouse of Uptown Butte. Diners will be treated to a seasoned, hand cut, Rocky Mountain grown steak and a wide variety of specialty wines and beer in this historic Old West building – the perfect end to a day full of fun and adventure.

Get started on an unforgettable visit to Big Sky Country by booking a convenient SkyWest flight, operating as Delta Connection, from Salt Lake City International Airport. The best fares can be found at Delta.com.

Feb 09

8 Tips to Succeed at One-Way Video Interviews

After finding the perfect job at SkyWest and nailing the initial steps of the application process, some potential new employees may be asked to complete a short, one-way video interview. These interviews are often used in place of a phone interview and can be nerve racking for someone who hasn’t done a video interview before.

To help, here are eight tips that can help first-time interviewees succeed:

Dress the part.
The one-way video interview is a part of the application process and candidates should dress professionally, just like they would for an in-person interview.
Find a place that’s free from background noises and distractions.
The goal of the one-way interview is to hear and learn about the applicant. Background noise and other distractions can make it difficult to focus on what they’re saying.
When recording an interview on a mobile device, film in landscape orientation (not portrait) and try using a tripod to keep the video steady.
Smartphones and tablets make it easy to capture video almost anywhere, but a little preparation will help improve the quality of the video.
Keep the camera at eye level.
Not only is this the best view angle but it helps eliminate distractions.
Look directly at the camera lens.
This can feel strange at first but allows the person reviewing the video interviews to feel like they are actually talking to the applicant.
Practice responding to the questions but don’t worry about memorizing every answer perfectly.
It’s important to know what to say before hitting record, but memorized responses can sound boring or robotic on video.
Speak clearly.
Speaking too quickly or quietly are common errors when recording video interviews. To be successful, the person watching the video needs to be able to easily understand what the candidate is saying.
Be natural!
SkyWest hiring managers want to see the real person who may be joining their team.

Dec 24

SkyWest Employees in Salt Lake City Spread Holiday Cheer

This month the SkyWest Airlines InFlight and Flight Operations crews in Salt Lake City joined forces with those in the Customer Service Department to help fulfill the dreams of several local families in need.

These SkyWest groups worked together to serve Safe Harbor, a crisis center in Kaysville, Utah, with a Sub 4 Santa Christmas drive. Safe Harbor helps domestic violence survivors achieve a life free of violence by providing a healthy environment. They also provide the tools needed to rebuild confidence and help these families become self-sufficient. This is the second year these crews have teamed up to help Safe Harbor and no one hesitated to jump in again this year.

To help spread the word for this year’s Sub 4 Santa, a Christmas tree was set up in the SkyWest Crew Lounge loaded with ornaments. Each ornament consisted of the needs or wants of a mother and her children from their Christmas lists. Nine families were adopted and there were more than 200 items requested, including winter coats, gloves, socks, blankets, boots and shoes. Other requested items included bikes, LEGO blocks, kitchen appliances, books, toys and games. Thanks to the overwhelming generosity of the SkyWest family, nearly all of the requests were fulfilled ahead of the Monday, Dec. 15 deadline. It is truly amazing to see the giving spirit of the SkyWest family as they have gone above and beyond the requests listed.

Just a few of the items loaded up for the adopted families!

A few items loaded up for the adopted families!

The ability to sacrifice and help others in a time of need is an amazing opportunity. It is a great reminder of what the holidays are truly about. And the overwhelming generosity shown by these incredible SkyWest employees every holiday season is remarkable!

Dec 22

SkyWest Flies 50 Children to the “North Pole”

On Saturday night, Dec. 15, 2014, 50 Colorado Springs children flew to the “North Pole” on SkyWest Airlines’ Fantasy Flight. There they were able to experience the magic of Christmas at a special event dedicated just for them.

This is the eighth year running that SkyWest employees have partnered with community volunteers to organize the Fantasy Flight and transform Colorado Springs Airport’s East Terminal into a winter wonderland. The evening began with dinner, autographs from local Olympians, a petting zoo, face painting and a special appearance by Sky Sox baseball’s Sox the Fox mascot! The little passengers then boarded SkyWest Airlines flight 1225 to the “North Pole” and took off on what was, for many of them, their first flight.

“Nobody got scared,” said Michele Warren, flight attendant – COS. “They all did a good job.”

As they took to the air, flight attendants sang Christmas carols with the kids (although not always in tune), and watched as the children gazed with wonder out the window at the world below them. After a magical, 30-minute flight filled with laughter and song, they had arrived at the “North Pole” (COS East Terminal). The children excitedly hopped off the plane and ran up the jet bridge, anxious to see Santa and tell him their dreams for Christmas morning.

When they entered the room, they were greeted by family and friends, and of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus themselves! They played games, did crafts, and snacked on cookies and hot chocolate while they opened the gifts that Santa brought them. The atmosphere at the “North Pole” was clear throughout the night: This was a magical experience that the kids and their families would remember for years to come.

“We’d like to do a lot more for the kids, but finances are tight and we don’t have a lot of money,” said Kris Dalton, a father of three daughters who participated in the event. “This is something really special.”

Children aboard the Fantasy Flight are enrolled in CPCD’s early childhood education programs. These children live at or below the federal poverty level, have an identified special need, or have a fragile home situation that puts them at risk for school failure. Reaching out to provide them with a magical holiday event is always rewarding, and a lot of hard work and preparation goes into putting it together. Everything from dinner and the volunteers’ time, to the gifts, fuel and aircraft are all generously donated by SkyWest and all of the volunteers who are anxious to give back and help these children have a magical Christmas experience.

Jamie Young, SkyWest’s COS general manager said, “Seeing the kids and parents enjoy the event makes it all worth it!”

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Dec 18

SkyWest Maintenance Team Helps Hundreds of Local Kids With A Free Toy Drive

This holiday season, SkyWest employees and teams across the country are reaching out to help those in need. Just recently, the maintenance team in Nashville, Tennessee (BNA) and their families volunteered with Laguardo Baptist Church in Lebanon, Tennessee to offer a free toy store.

The “toy store,” held at the church, consisted of long tables filled with donated toys, games, bikes and more. Children and their families had the chance to browse through everything and were able to pick out their favorite items. Last year, the SkyWest team served more than 200 families – several with multiple children. However, after seeing some people turned away due to a lack of toys, they set a goal to help even more.

“We were able to provide more than $5,000 in cash and toys for 300 children and their families,” said Ginger Steed, BNA admin assistant.

The huge success was possible thanks to many generous donations and a desire to give back.

“I think of the 300 smiling faces (plus the stress relieved from parents) come Christmas morning, the memories we created, and the impact that all of it has on everybody,” Ginger continued. “It gives you a warm, fuzzy feeling inside, and that’s what it’s all about!”

This is just one of the many opportunities SkyWest employees have taken to give back this holiday season. Big and small, they are always looking for ways to get involved and to give back to the communities where they live and work.

Dec 10

Slamming Cancer One Dunk at a Time

SkyWest’s history is one full of ambition and perseverance. It’s little wonder then that SkyWest people and their families exhibit those same attributes. Need proof? Look no further than five-year-old JP Gibson, grandson of SkyWest Crew Time Coordinator Sherri Gibson. JP was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) at the age of two. Since then he has faced the disease with so much determination and tenacity that even the Utah Jazz took notice and signed JP to a contract in October.

Fulfilling his dream of joining the Jazz, thanks to the Anything Can Be project, JP quickly took the sports and media worlds by storm. After signing his one-day contract in the presence of Jazz executives and media personnel, JP took to the court to showcase his skills. He entered the Jazz preseason, intrasquad scrimmage to a huge ovation from the thousands of fans in attendance at the Energy Solutions Arena.

This phenomenal boy has not only achieved his goal of playing for the Jazz, but he and his family have brought increased awareness and funding to pediatric cancer. His parents, Josh and Megan, have become active lobbyists for pediatric cancer care and are involved with CureSearch in Salt Lake City. And even though he’s only five, JP has brought hope and courage to people across the country.

JP’s story is filled with hope and determination, and is a testament to the human spirit that is displayed by SkyWest people and their families every day. Please join the entire SkyWest team in supporting JP in his fight against cancer, and wishing him a long and healthy life!