Advice-Pilot with 750tt and 150 multi

[Superpilot92]

voss
what kinda time did you have when you landed your first real flying gig. I anticipate building time pretty quick i have instructed almost 95 hours multi in 6 months or so and hopefully that stays they same.

 

[psysicx]

What they are trying to say is that if you go to a company like ameiflight you will make more money then a regional be home every night and upgrade to turbine equipment faster then a regional.That is why I can't figure out what the obsession with airlines are.Plus your flying ability increases.

 

[Sphrynxlla]

My 135 job is a great job! But I still really am looking forward to a schedule and stricter work rules.... I got hired with 950 TT 600 multi and a citation type rating.
I went into the Lear and eventually PIC in the Citation. I loved it, became a much better pilot and gained tons of experience...500 hours later I wasn't happy with my QOL.. that is why I think a regional may be better. Better schedule, Benefits and a predictable life.

 

[Maria]

King Airlines used to call me every summer to find out if I knew any 500 hour pilots that wanted to move to Vegas and fly part 135 VFR. The guy stopped calling last year, I told 'im I'd already sent everyone I knew.

I know those that have done ditch driving and are quite happy in their current jobs, check airman for one place, international Captain elsewhere, corp jet jockey at a third place.

FWIW.

Fly SAFE!
Jedi Nein

 

[vossdr1]

Superpilot,
That's kind of a misnomer. Flight instruction is a "real" flying job. If you get paid for it then it is a job. In fact, if you're a good flight instructor, you probably work harder than many higher paid pilots.

To answer your question, I got my first non-instruction flying job at AirNet with about 1700 tt. That seems like a lot of time from your prospective, but it's not that much. I built quality time there. You could certainly expect to be a captain if you applied with about 1450 tt. After training, adding a plane, and IOE, you'd probably have your time.

I think the point is, hold on to the good thing you have. You don't need to jump at a regional. If you really are dead set on an airline job, maybe you should go to a regional. Just know that you will be away from home, probably on reserve (i.e. not flying), and not making more than you make as an instructor.

I am thankful for the job I have now, but I always look for new opportunities. Believe me, I know the desparate feeling of looking down on another day of flight instruction- with no end in sight. However, be picky, you're an aviation proffesional.

If I were you, I'd stick out flight instruction. I'd get 135.243c mins. (these times are a good ballpark for most jobs) and as much multi time as I could (you're multi time is doing well, proportionally). Keep your instrument skills sharp. Get to know pilots of flight departments in your area. Get as much info about QOL, pay, benefits, etc. of the kind of flying that appeals to you. Then, go with that direction. It's just my opinion.

 

[Sticky]

Figure I'll through in my two cents...



I'd seriously consider something other then regionals if I were you. When I had 800 and 150, I thought the same way as you. However now, the regionals now look like a freakin' joke and an insult to me. I fly a survey C310/C320 during day VFR only and am home every night (those of you in the NYC area on clear days will hear us in the bravo for hours). I make $48,000 after bonuses and per diem. I average about a $8K raise per year until the magic $60,000 mark. After that, you'd pretty much have to assume other responsibilities in the company to break that line pilot salary. Anyway, to most CFIs, the regionals seem like the only and best way to go. DON'T FOLLOW THE HURD OFF THE CLIFF! There are much more important things in life then flying jets and wearing a uniform. If you're not careful, that’s all you'll ever end up with.



Mike.

 

[Sphrynxlla]

yeah sticky, but you dont have a chance with a higher paying major or national or even most corporate jet jobs... seems like you have a GREAT job, but there are reasons for going to regionals.. Jet time for those of us who want to work for a major airline, for me i hope for fed ex one day. Not bashing you just telling you why I am going the route I am going.

 

[fokkers&beer]

Remember-

Theres other ways to gain PIC turbine time besides the regionals, we'll all end up in the same boat sooner or later. For now enjoy the ride, and fly some fun equiptment, if thats what you are in aviation for.
There are some who are in it to wear the big hat. Others are in it for the experience, the joy of flying, and flying cool equiptment. We enjoy our jobs and the people we work with, and don't have to wear that d**n hat. The industry is truly what you make of it. Once again enjoy the ride.

 

[Superpilot92]

Thanks I am enjoying the ride. Learning more and more everyday.

Super

 

[cargodawg]

Keep your chin up, get your 135 mins then plaster exeryone you can think of with your resume (as long as you would like to work there) and see if anyone calls. If you want a better job, try very hard (meaning don't hold your breath for one outfit to call) and make sure you and your wife are on the same page as far as your job goes you can always get a different job wives are here to stay.
By the way sometimes doing something that is not so enjoyable is the best path to paradise.


Good luck

 

[cargodawg]

Fokkers&beer do you still want my hat I'm keeping it for you!!!later,
Matt

 

[flyfastinmy10]

Superpilot,
I went to work for a 91/135 operator flying a citation with 979tt and 35 me. It was a really good oppertunity. I was home most nights and upgraded 1 year later. I flew Pax. Mostly businessmen. I was very lucky and moved to the citation X 18 month after starting there. five years later with 4300TT 2000JetPIC I went to work for a Major airline.
Yes I was on call 24/7/365
Yes I worked a lot
Yes I'm happy now

 

[Sticky]

Sphrynxlla-



True...I realize that most pilots would love to fly for the majors and make big bucks. I'd love it too. However, don't you think that it's much easier said then done? Correct me if I'm wrong, but seeing how long time takes to make a livable wage at a regional (enough to own a home, invest, save for retirement, and have a family...you know, normal life things..) that its just too long and risky? I mean...a 25 year old FO can very easily and through no fault of his/her own, end up furloughed a couple times and be 45 years old still making under $45K? That seems crazy to me to bet that much on being a major pilot.



I guess my point is that to try to make good choices in your life and realize what’s required for you to live a healthy and happy life.



Good luck to us all



Mike.