AMF to Skywest

[highalti2d]

for big al, PR just happens to be set up that way. Long routes, multiple legs, and relatively slow airplanes. especially if you pull the power back to the new company directed power settings! Check the distance from PR to Port of Spain, Trinidad. Figure a GS of 230 kts or so....

At least they get up at a (somewhat) reasonable hour in PR.

 

[Vegaspilot99]

Do what you feel will best help you reach your goals. I left Mesa to come to AMF and after 4+ years of crew time (3 at Air Vegas and 1.2 at Mesa) I like it here for the most part. I wouldn't go back to a regional period. Thats just me though. You can realistically expect about 300-500 hours a year depending on base and runs. As far as moving to a major from here, we have had a guy leave here for Champion (I know not a major) and another guy just interviewed with Southwest. I think I'm getting quality time and experience here and I don't regret leaving the regionals at all (granted it was Mesa). Good luck with your choice!

 

[PA31Driver]

I would say do what you think will help you reach your ultimate goal the quickest. I've been at AMF for about a year now and have so far logged just under 500 hrs. Time definitely doesn't come quick here. I also know one pilot out of SLC who's leaving for SkyWest soon and another one getting ready to follow him. I think what burns out most pilots here is the lousy QOL....5 am to 9 pm 5 days a week gets old after a while.

 

[Toobdrvr]

Another $.02

My opinion is worth every penny you paid for it, but...

As someone who went straight from AMF (6 1/2 years) to a "major", this is what I learned from the experience:

1. For the average pilot, I don't believe there are really any shortcuts to the final goal. Still know your training partner who soloed the day before you? You'll probably be at his/her retirement party the day before yours. Sure, there are those "blessed" individuals who have an inside track past all of us all the way to the top, but if you were one of those, you probably wouldn't be asking us for advice. My point is that (at least for me) this is more of a journey than a destination. Stop counting every click of the hobbs and enjoy the ride! You'll get there.

2. Keeping #1 in mind, I suggest you focus on where you want to be and what you want to be doing right now, vs. where you think it leads. The flying at AMF and SW are very different, each with it's high and low points. If you'd rather be at SW, then go there. If you like the flying and schedule at AMF more, stay where you are. The majors will still be there when you are ready for them...

3. Many percieved "fast routes" really aren't. Noone has a crystal ball that can acurately tell you the best route, especially in this industry. Many of my instructor buddies who went to the regionals at the same time I went to AMF thought I was nuts. Most of them are still at the regionals, some still right seat (0 pic). I upgraded to the SA227 really fast because all the senior guys at my base turned it down so they could go to the regionals (didn't want to sign the 1 year thing). Two years later, many of those guys were calling me for a job because they had been furloughed (9/11). My point is you never know...

4. Whew, this is getting long. Finally, don't forget that this undustry is pretty tight and your reputation will follow you wherever you go. Sure, you didn't sign a legal contract, but did you lead anyone to believe that you would stay at AMF for any length of time? If you did, I would suggest that you earn (and keep) a reputation as someone who is good on your word. If you don't, this will bite you one way or another. If not, you are free to do whatever you want. Just be up front and honest and you'll never regret it...

Sorry that was soo long. Hope it helps. Good luck!!!

 

[psysicx]

Wow a guy I talked to was getting 90hrs a month out of Sea on the 99.

 

[Popeye0537]

Will leaving AMF after only 5 months look bad on my resume if I leave for SkyWest?? I did not sign a contract with AMF....Or should I just stay at AMF and upgrade to the 99 (PIC Turbine)?

You gotta ask yourself if you like getting paid more for flying a larger aircraft. There is a pay increase from the cheiftan to the 99 and so on. If you go to Skywest, your gonna get paid the same rate to fly 50,70,90 seaters....Is that what you want?

You have to look at the industry, Skywest just aquired ASA and they don't like each other. Management is playing one pilot group against another. I left AMF after about six months with no problem, I let Shawn know a month in advance before my ground school date.

One last thing about where you want to go, I commute every week and must check in upfront with the flight crew eveytime. I have yet to come across someone who worked for AMF. Most of the time they are form the military and the regionals(mesaba,XJT,CHQ,SKW)....... not to say they're not out there but POST 9/11 it is very, very rare.

 

[big_al]

for big al, PR just happens to be set up that way. Long routes, multiple legs, and relatively slow airplanes. especially if you pull the power back to the new company directed power settings! Check the distance from PR to Port of Spain, Trinidad. Figure a GS of 230 kts or so....

At least they get up at a (somewhat) reasonable hour in PR.

Thanks for the reply. What routes do you fly in PR? and are they all with the 1900c?

 

[big_al]

and a 5am-9pm schedule???? is that true?

 

[time builder]

and a 5am-9pm schedule???? is that true?

He he, no, they can't put that down, then they'd only have 8 hours rest on their log.
More like 5 to 8. You show at 5, taxi to UPS at 5:30, wheels up at 6:30, arrive at 7:30, unload, hang out until 5PM, load up, wheels up at 6:00, back at the base at 7:00, unload, and try to make your way across the airport across 2 or 3 runways back to the AMF ramp, (that's what kills you, trying to taxi back in the evening can take a half an hour sometimes).
2 hours flight time, 8 hours pay, 15 hours consumed,... typically, just in case anyone was wondering.

 

[time builder]

What the heck is going on with the symbol maker? It just puts smilie faces where it wants. That's wierd, anyone else had that problem?