Caravan vs. Continue Instructing

[CatcherintheSky]

Hey I need some advice from my fellow older and wiser aviatiors. I am currently approaching IFR 135 mins and working as a CFI.

I have about 100 ME and lots of Actual instrument time.

It looks like I have an opportunity to get a job in the caravan flying mainly VFR operations. It sounds great because it is obviously progress but am I better off sticking it out and trying to get a multi 135 job later on down the line?

Any advice appreciated! I don't want to make a bad move and kill my career before it has really started!

 

[Denizen]

Killing your career

How would taking a job flying a caravan "kill your career"?

What are your goals?

What does the Van job pay?

Not trying to bash you or anything I just hear that alot..."Kill my career"

Try not to crash into a bus load of NunLawyers

Don't drink and Fly

Don't sleep with the admrials daughter


them 3 might kill your career...the van flying shouldn't

Good Luck

 

[cdog]

If everyone holds out for the optimum position, who's going to fly the rest of the airplanes?

 

[340drvr]

I'd have to vote for the Caravan job, unless the pay is way too low compared to where you are now. With bottom-of-the-pile 135 minimums and 100 multi, there's not a whole lot out there right now. It'd sure seem to be a better seat, flying 135 van, logging turbine and 135 time, and you can still keep an eye out for that twin job down the road. Just my 2 cents....good luck!

 

[wingnutt]

the only way it could kill your career is if you get on and stay there for the next 10 years. other than that its a great stepping stone into the 135 world. the Caravan is a very docile plane to fly, but if you have any aspirations at all, you will get bored with it fast. get in, start looking for that next job right away, get some PIC turbine, and get the h3ll out.

...regards

 

[Palerider957]

Go for the Van...build that turbine/PIC, and gain some good enroute experience. These jobs also often lead to good networking opportunities. Good luck!

 

[jumppilot03]

If you dont take the position will you post it on here for others?
Thanks

 

[GLSoar]

Get the Turbine Time

Get the Turbine time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Newbee]

van time

1 PT6 is better than no PT6! Multi time is important but if you have the opportunity to do the Caravan, DO it! I flew caravans for a while and loved the plane. Too slow and won't hold ice, but still sounds cool starting up!


Good luck!

 

[atpcliff]

Hi!

Some of the major airlines require 1000 PIC turbine (airplane) and the Caravan fills the bill. Fly the caravan.

CLiff
DTW

 

[Gulfstream 200]

If the next job is better - GO TODAY. Dont get comfy here but keep looking for the next best job. Keep doing this until you are personally satisfied, then only look every other day...

 

[stillaboo]

There's only 3 things better than SE Turbo-prop PIC:

ME Turbo-prop PIC, Turbofan PIC, and better pay/QOL.

Take the Turbine PIC, 'cause some majors actually don't care if it was an RJ, a Gulfstream or a Caravan.

On a different note: anyone know if there's a SE turbofan out there? Flying around with one of your fans shut down doesn't count, kids

 

[Steve]

There's only 3 things better than SE Turbo-prop PIC:



On a different note: anyone know if there's a SE turbofan out there? Flying around with one of your fans shut down doesn't count, kids

F-16, BD-5J, BD-10. Diamond aircraft is also coming out with a SE turbo fan biz jet. Single pilot if i remember correctly. I'll believe it when I see it.

 

[Hugh Jorgan]

Re: Killing your career

How would taking a job flying a caravan "kill your career"?

What are your goals?

What does the Van job pay?

Not trying to bash you or anything I just hear that alot..."Kill my career"

Try not to crash into a bus load of NunLawyers

Don't drink and Fly

Don't sleep with the admrials daughter


them 3 might kill your career...the van flying shouldn't

Good Luck

All good advice, but if you get the chance, do the Admiral's daughter.

 

[Eldorado]

Is this for PIC or SIC

IT makes a big diff if this if for PIC or SIC. Or how soon you could upgrade to PIC! Also think about living expenses after taxes in hI. The market is slow right now, but its starting to climb, so weigh all you options! PLUS I NEED YOU AS MY ROOMMATE, DONT LEAVE ME!

see ya buddy!

 

[Eldorado]

AND I AGREE WITH HUGH, BUT ONLY IF SHES CUTE!!!

 

[Hugh Jorgan]

AND I AGREE WITH HUGH, BUT ONLY IF SHES CUTE!!!

Depends... Will your buddies see you leave with her?

 

[wingnutt]

F-16

...huh

P.S. the top ranks daughters were always the biggest trouble makers on the bases i went to...made for some very fun evenings

 

[Hugh Jorgan]

...huh

[/QUOTE

I believe Steve correctly stated "F-16".

http://www.avitop.com/interact/engine.htm

 

[bobbysamd]

Caravan job

I assume the Caravan job is 135 single-pilot. I would take it. It is the next logical step for you. You will achieve at least two objectives by taking it: (1) 135 experience, and (2) turbine experience. Turbine experience does not grow on trees. You can stand to build a bunch more multi, but you do have some multi and a job such as this, that provides 135 and turbine time, can lead you to a 135 multi job.

I would have leaped for job like this at the same level of experience, all things being equal in terms of a living wage. Good luck with the new job.