Ameriflight Part 91 Instructing...

[RefugePilot]

I seriously doubt I'll spend 5 yrs in the right seat here...

Not at skywest, but upgrades at Horizon and American Eagle are 5+ years. I know of someone who has been with Eagle since before 911 and is still sitting in the right seat.

I am not sure of the SIC program at Airnet. But the part 91 instructor for Ameriflight makes you a PIC and training captain. While you can't fly the line until you have the 1200 hours, you are already getting PIC, and more pay than average, as you are getting paid for instructing. Once you have the 1200 hours you are a line captain and a training captain, and possibly next in line for a Be99. Its a good headstart on a career.

The biggest difference I have seen between them is West coast(AMF) vs East(airnet), and that you get to wear shorts and a collared shirt at Airnet and got to wear a captains uniform for AMF, which has its advantages.

 

[Hootie9750]

SkyWest is a "good" regional. I've flown for AMF, and now I'm at SKYW and I have never questioned my decision. AMF is a good place to get some good IFR experience flying bigger ME a/c before persuing something better. I enjoyed my time there and if I had 600 hours, I think it would be a pretty good gig to get into.

I seriously doubt I'll spend 5 yrs in the right seat here...

I would have to agree Skywest is my pick for best regional. In fact ive had my application in with Skywest for over a year and not a peep from them. AMF is a great place to get some real world PIC experience but even I dont plan on sticking it out for 1000 turbine pic. 5am shows every day gets old.

 

[barracuda]

It's awesome! You get to start your seniority when you do your right seat checkride. That way you can piss of all the line pilots when you get enough time to fly PIC and take their runs away because you're senior. Also, you'll get typed really fast because you go out to lunch with management. And, oh yeah, you deserve it! I mean, flying the line is easy, not like working 9 to 5 instructing. And oh yeah, make sure that the SOP's are followed exactly because with all your experience on the line you should know the dire consequences! Oh wait....well, you get the point.

I kid, I kid, its a good gig to build time.

 

[Lucky13]

If you go to AMF as a line pilot or an IP, just stay long enough to log the time you need to get on at a regional and get out. Don't get sucked in by the fact that you make more money to begin with. Last thing you want is to get stuck in a job because of money. A Metro or B-1900 type won't get you a job at a major (Doesn't hurt). But getting typed in an RJ or ERJ at a 121 carrier and having crew time under your belt will. More guys from the regionals are getting on with Southwest than guys from Ameriflight. The bottom half of the 200 plus pilot at AMF turn over pretty fast. Be one of those guys!

Flying at AMF will teach you to be one hell of an IFR pilot. If it doesn't.....your dead.

 

[Vegaspilot99]

I left a regional to come to AMF and fly the Metro. The days ARE long and 5 days in a row can burn you out...but the pay is pretty good, they treat you pretty well, the job security is good and I like my job now soooo much better than where I was at. There's no way I'd leave AMF to go back to the regionals...not worth it at all, least for me. And at the rate this industry is going all of 121 pax ops looks iffy to me too (except for a select very few carriers). There's just something to be said for being home every night and having weekends and holidays off...4 day trips, no thanks (course I'm picky...I like being home and I pretty much refuse to move eastward). I think this is a good place to be. Good luck with your decision.

 

[JSky26]

Do AMF guys have any jumpseat privileges with other carriers? How is the cost of living in Burbank? Nice town?

 

[AZaviator]

A Metro or B-1900 type won't get you a job at a major

Hmm....try telling this to former AMF pilots who are now at SWA, UPS, US Airways, etc, etc.



AMF has j/s privileges with SWA.
As far as Burbank goes, I don't live there, but know its very expensive and difficult to live there on 1st year AMF pay.

 

[big_al]

Do AMF guys have any jumpseat privileges with other carriers? How is the cost of living in Burbank? Nice town?

burbank is in the heart of "the valley" of LA. you are 20-30 mins depending on traffic away from most areas. the beach, the hills, the mountains. you can live in an average part of the valley for around 800-1000 a month for a 1 bedroom. maybe cheaper depending on what area you want to live in. LA is an expensive place, though.

 

[de727ups]

"ME turbine CREW 121 PIC is the key to the big boys"

Getting an interview recommendation is more (most) important. My F/O last week went from Amflight (1000 PIC turbine) to Skywest F/O for two years, to UPS. I've talked to guys before who went from Amflight straight to UPS, though that was a few years back.

 

[JSky26]

Thanks for all the info guys. This job seems to be a good time filler for the guys with around 600-700 hours that don't have 135 mins or want to eventually fly for a decent regional (i.e. Skywest, Air Wisconsin, etc). Plus it gives you options to advance within AMF as well if that is what you chose. I'm sure that PA-31 Check Airman looks pretty decent on a resume...

 

[EatSleepFly]

Why is it that some regional pilots have it in their heads that everyone wants to be an "airline pilot" just like them and everything else is just a means to get there?

-QOL is subjective. "One man's junk is another man's treasure," you know?

-There are much worse places to be than AMF (many regionals, for instance).

-If your wet dream is to become a regional pilot, I would recommend just staying in the PA31 until you get your RJ job. Anything beyond that would make you way overqualified for any regional.

I know it's hard for some of you to fathom, but not everyone wants to be a hot shot airline pilot like you when they grow up.

No offense to regional pilots- to each their own.

 

[Sevenout]

Why is it that some regional pilots have it in their heads that everyone wants to be an "airline pilot" just like them and everything else is just a means to get there?

-QOL is subjective. "One man's junk is another man's treasure," you know?

-There are much worse places to be than AMF (many regionals, for instance).

-If your wet dream is to become a regional pilot, I would recommend just staying in the PA31 until you get your RJ job. Anything beyond that would make you way overqualified for any regional.

I know it's hard for some of you to fathom, but not everyone wants to be a hot shot airline pilot like you when they grow up.

No offense to regional pilots- to each their own.

Agreed, well said!

 

[Rogue5]

I would have to agree Skywest is my pick for best regional. In fact ive had my application in with Skywest for over a year and not a peep from them. AMF is a great place to get some real world PIC experience but even I dont plan on sticking it out for 1000 turbine pic. 5am shows every day gets old.

I went to interview and got called for the AMF instructor job at around 600 hours (and turned it down for a COEX interview during the groundschool), but that was back before those big buildings in NYC went crashing to the ground.

I ended up giving dual for another 1000 hours more than I would have liked (and begged to get that class date back at AMF: alas, no dice...), but it worked out for the best as I got on with my first choice regional (SKYW) and have moved up here better and faster than I could have imagined.

Looking back, I cannot imagine a better opportunity at the time for my experience level.

I'd say jump on it. It can only open more opportunities for you..

 

[protegepilot]

For the BE1900 and the Metro, do you AMFers fly them single pilot IFR? If so, why is it in 121 world they are required for two crewmembers? I'm confused.

 

[threegreen]

question one: yes

question two: people vs. boxes and a type cert that does not require two pilots