Flying Contract

[Bruno82]

I'd like to hear about contract work. How reliable is it for pay? Can I pay the bills with it starting out? Those are the two main questions I have. I'm very unfamiliar with it, so I'd like to hear as much info as possible. I'm interested in leaving a regional and contract is a possibility initially. Thanks......

 

[AA717driver]

Check out pilots4rent.com. They have a lot of contract flying info.

What you read there will scare the crap outta you. If you still want to do it, go for it.

Bottom line is: there is little opportunity for those who buy a type with zero time and no corporate/charter experience. Jobs are most often word of mouth. Once you work for someone, it can open the floodgates, though. Trying to double-dip and still fly for the airlines would be REALLY tough, IMO.

I'd suggest bailing on the regional, find a corporate or charter job and get something to put on your resume.

Making a living on the Lear or Citation seems doable. On a Hawker (a real Hawker, not a renamed Beechjet) it seems to be a little easier. On the long-range/big cabin types, you can make some big bucks but you need time in type and you might have to go out of the U.S. for several weeks at a time. There are even a lot of 30-day contracts overseas.

Check out that website. TC

 

[Bruno82]

Thanks alot. I'm just concerned about going from a regional where I can feed my family to a place where I can't.

 

[AA717driver]

Bruno--Check your PM's.

 

[Hugh Johnson]

Probably not very many corporate ATR jobs out there.

 

[Bruno82]

Oh snap.

 

[DrProc]

I have to agree with AA, without corporate experience, connections, a type and time and type it will be hard to get your foot in the door.

A lot of King Air operators use right seat guys for insurance requirements with only inhouse training, but the pay is pretty low. This may allow you to build connections and move onto other aircraft.

A lot of FlightSafety/Simuflite/Simcom instructors do contract work because of their connections with numerous operations, you could look into a part time instructing gig to get a type and build connections.

 

[rumrnr78]

Are you talking about RJ contract work? I know a couple of people who have gone to Africa. Not the best conditions but they made good money. One was typed the other was not but upgraded quick. Not a career move but a temporary bridge to something else.

Cheers- Rum