135 FO Question

[olypilot]

How long does it typically take to get on as a 135 FO? I have about 650 hours now. I know it's not alot, but should be climbing quickly real soon. I have a Cessna 206 that is almost ready to put on a 135 and a Husky I am giving tailwheel endorsements in. I know I could be happy just flying my 206 and Husky around, but it would be cool to fly something like a King Air around sometimes. Just wondering at what point people were able to get the first opportunity at. BTW I don't have a multi engine rating right now, should be getting it in a couple of weeks in trade for tailwheel endorsements at a flight school, so I know I will need that first.

Thanks,
Scott

 

[mike1mc]

Some operators hire FOs witha bout 1000 TT and 200 ME. If you want a fighting chance, look up the 135 PIC mins (1200 TT, 500XC, etc). Definitely need a ME Rating as most 135 aircraft or light twins and up.

 

[Timebuilder]

You have two airplanes and you want to be a 135 FO?

Seriously, how did you become insurable with 650 TT? Must be expensive.

For 135 hiring, the requirements of the owner's insurance will be a big problem in most places. To generate loggable SIC time, you must be a required crewmember, either by aircraft certification or the regs that control the operation. The problem is that low time pilots are not often insurable for the SIC position.

I got in with 1,100 hours and 140 ME because my company has in-house Lear training and a check airman authority. Most companies don't have this.

 

[LearLove]

Total time is really nothing to do with it. The real factor is NEED or DEMAND. Remember this it will be a recurring theme thru out your flying career.

My first 135 job came a just over 300tt in a PA31-350 back in 97 (not bragging or boasting just diff. times, you know buildings still standing/stock market going up bla bla bla). The demand was high back then.

My second Job as 135 PIC we hired guys at 250 tt and COMM MEL to sit in the RT. seat. These guys flew the PA31-350's, PA31T's ans BE-200's as SIC. I took my first 135 PIC ride right at 135 PIC mins w/ the FAA, the boss never said anything about insurance he just gave us the forms and we filled them out.

To get these types of jobs you need to do the foot work. Show your face at the local 135 operators in your area. Mostly its just a matter of time and timing. As guys (usually SIC's) leave they pull from the "faces" that show themselves, pretty much the standard. One thing though, you'll need the rating first, as you already know, and don't let any ofthese guy sucker you into any form of PFT, most 135 guys are doin just fine in the post 911 environment.

try this link to find 135 guys in your area:

http://www.aircharterguide.com/acg/guide/operators/


BTW where are you located, I'd like to get checked out in a husky.

 

[Wang Chung]

Work it

I think Learlove is pretty much on - it's timing, footwork and making contacts, etc. Although 650 might be a little low right now, but no too much. I was in a right seat with 800 TT and about 10 multi (had just gotten the rating)...but that was a few months before 9/11. It was just luck and fortunate timing.

Dude, I'm totally jealous about your 206 and your Husky. There's been a million times where I've been droning along at night in a crappy freighter thinking about how I would give my left nut to be buzzing around low-and-slow in a cub again.

Hang on to that Husky cuz when you're an SIC you'll need it to maintain your sanity and keep your perspective. It sucks when some days you feel like the fun has slipped away from aviation. Fly safe, enjoy the journey!

Wang

 

[olypilot]

Thanks for all the replys.

mike1mc,
I am working towards the 135 IFR pic minimums, I am ok 135 VFR already, that is how I plan on flying the 206. I am going to have to come up with the 200 me time somehow though, I don't plan on buying a twin and there aren't many local opportunities unless I become a 135 sic, I guess it is the chicken and egg thing. That is one of the reasons I am trading tailwheel endorsements for the multi rating, I have to travel to get it. Where I am going there is no tailwheel available, so that works out well.

timebuilder,
The insurance isn't that bad actually. There are alot of aircraft owners that don't wait until they have thousands of hours to purchase an airplane. Maybe having a commercial, instrument, and cfi helps with the low hours.

LearLove,
Thanks for the advice. Having a hanger at the airport and airplanes I kind of bump into these guys occasionally. I was just waiting for the multiengine rating before I mentioned to them if they ever needed a hand I would love to help out. And don't worry about the PFT, there is no way I will pay anyone to fly their airplane to make money. If I thought that way, I wouldn't be in the position to have airplanes on my own. Oh, I fly out of Medford Oregon if you ever get around this way.

Wang Chung,
Thanks for the comments, I am pretty happy flying these airplanes, just want to jump into some bigger hardware and more interesting destinations someday. I don't plan on reducing the fleet anytime soon. In fact a high performance two place sailplane will be added very soon. After waiting for three years it is finally on the boat from Germany.

If you want to check any of this stuff out it is on my website at

www.flymfr.com

I don't own the 172's !!!! They are the local flight schools where I do primary flight instruction. I like my Husky too much to let student pilots take it out for spin.

Thanks again,
Scott

 

[Wang Chung]

Scott:

I completely understand about moving up to bigger and faster stuff. 135/121 IFR is the next step and it is worth getting into (as long as your company isn't shady). In a perfect world, you could do that and also do VFR fun flying on the side and get the total package. Best of luck...and have fun with that sailplane!!

Wang.