Career advice

[dpilot_citation]

Hi Everyone,

I have been reading all of the posts on here for a few weeks, and now I’m going to ask for some advice. First of all I’m very fortunate to have a good (no great) job. You can see from my information, I have some low times in my way of looking at it. I live in a mid sized midwestern city and fly a C-560 for a corporation. I also fly a C-501 on a contract basis for another corporation.

In the last year I logged 446 TT with 302 in turbojet and 189 PIC in turbojet and 112 SIC in turbojet. These times where acquired in 100 days of flying. The balance was night check runs, in a old 206 (hope to avoid this in future).

Now for my question…. At 51 years of age with 2700 TT 1100 multi and 982 turbojet with 622 of that as PIC. What would you do next? I love corporate flying, but would consider all. I work for a great chief pilot who will probably retire in a couple of years. I think I can move into his job. The only problem is that I want to learn more and be exposed to different operations.

To close, I’M VERY THANKFULL FOR THE JOB I HAVE. Just a desire to improve my skills, and my marketability.

Thanks for your time.
Dpilot_citation

 

[Astra Guy]

Wellllll, ahem. I say stick with what you have got! If you want to be exposed to new aviation things go fly some aerobatics at a professional school, get a sailplane rating, get into baloon flying, go do some training in a floatplane. That should broaden your horizons some.

 

[Astra Guy]

Err...I meant balloon.

 

[bobbysamd]

A bird in the hand . . . .

I, too, would stay put. I see no reason for you to change jobs, assuming that you are earning enough. I suspect you are, from how you described your job.

If you're looking for something else to do along with your current job, and not knowing all the rest of your quals, maybe you could get into something like instructing or training. There are a number of outfits that look for on-call instructors to teach ground schools on the airplanes they fly. If you have an instructing background, perhaps you can lobby FSDO to be a DE.

Frankly, from how your described your situation, I think you've got it made. As Astra Guy suggested, you could work on different ratings if you want to do something different.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

 

[Gulfstream 200]

What are you seeking?

you say you have a GREAT job flying for a great guy in a great airplane....

you are very lucky indeed!!

improve your skills??? what skills?
each time you fly that citation work on them...hand fly often, etc..maybe persue an online degree??

marketability? - can you get 10 more years out of this good gig? if so then F the marketability - there are very few GREAT jobs out there for a 50+ year old citation pilots (no offense - just reality)

 

[wil]

I say start training to replace your boss! Sounds like you are in a good spot! Who care about marketability when you will be running the show! On the plus side you can work to 65 or when you drop dead. In the 121 world you are a pumpkin on your 60th b-day! Good luck!!

 

[Draginass]

STAY! For God's sake, don't get into the airline business. If you love aviation now, you'll hate it flying for an airline.

 

[dpilot_citation]

Thanks for the good advice!

Thanks to all who replied; Astra Guy, Bobbysamd, Gulfstream, ( no offense taken), Wil, Draginass:

All very good advice, I will keep trying to improve my capabilities. The gentleman I fly with will have been in aviation for 50 years as an active pilot, in July of this year. I learn a lot just being around him.

Again thanks for all the responses!

Dpilot_citation

 

[ilkwamh2]

You should flight instruct part time. It is a very rewarding experience, especially when you see a student solo or get his/her pilot's license.

 

[scoot]

What do YOU really want. If you want to learn more and be exposed to other operations then I say go for it. Apply for a regional job. Some feel better flying stuff like charter or corporate, or flying anything that will, or will lead to, making the most money. I like line flying... being an airline pilot. Regular people, regular schedules (somewhat). It's easier than other type flying jobs...IMHO. I ONLY HAVE LIMITED EXPERIENCE THOUGH!

 

[Ty Webb]

First of all, congratulations on being in a job you are happy with. That in itself is cause for celebration.

My suggestion would be that if you stay in corporate flying, to maintain your contacts and always keep a few irons in the fire. The only constant in this business is change. Keep a database, keep every card you get, stay in touch with the guys you meet at FSI or Simuflite, keep a resume up to date. . . . no matter how great your position is right now, I have seen things happen quickly . . . . a merger goes bad, an owner gets killed in a car accident, etc.

Another thing to consider . . . usually, but not always, the straight-wing Citations and early Lear jobs pay less than the midsize planes . . . also, consider an A&P certificate- not required to be an aircraft manager, but it could help. You don;t necessarily have to sit through a bunch of classes, there are other ways to get it.

 

[dpilot_citation]

Thanks for the Help!

Ty Webb

What are the other ways to get an A&P other than class?

Thanks

DP

 

[Ty Webb]

It's my understanding that you can work under the supervision of an A&P for 2 years, then get a sign-off to take the test . . . and either learn the book stuff on your own, or correspondence, or a "Cram course".

I don't have an A&P, but I have a friend who helped re-build a Stearman for 2 years (on the side) and got a sign-off that way.

One other thing- I worked for a company that kept the aircraft on the 135 certificate of a large charter operator. We didn't do that much charter, but it would have helped me later if I wanted to be the CP of a small 135 outfit . . . . although it sounds like you might already be on a 135 certificate already, which just makes you qualified for one more set of employers