Freight: A way to build twin PIC?

[sorenk]

I've researched different ways to get a Regional job back and forth, pft. buy a plane ect... I've come to Freight. It is a good way to build time to get to the next step in aviation? Thanks, I know it's a tough life in general.

 

[jaxpilot]

I dont know about using freight to get a job in the regionals, per se. By the time you reach IFR 135 minimums to fly freight, you will have qualified for most regional hiring mins out there. I guess if you desperately need the twin time and dont have your MEI. Most people use freight (I plan to) as a way to bypass the regionals. Get on with a good freight company with turboprops/small jets and you can get the time you need for a major or good corporate flight department.

 

[FlierDude]

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Freight's a great way to gain experience and valuable multi PIC time while you wait for the right regional - or Purple or Brown. Good Luck!

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[propilot]

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Freight's a great way to gain experience and valuable multi PIC time while you wait for the right regional - or Purple or Brown. Good Luck!

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uh ...actually most of us fly freight so we can avoid the regionals...I don't know of anyone at my company(we fly Lears and Falcons) that is waiting for the call up from the regionals. We're all waiting for something a little bigger. If you're talking piston freight, then I might agree with ya.

Look at it this way. You can go to a regional and make 18-30K until you upgrade in 2 - 10 years depending on the regional, or you can get on with a Pt 135 company that flies jets or turbo props and make at least 30K ( made 33K my first year) and upgrade as soon as you meet the insurance requirements. Took me 14 months to move to the left seat. Downside...depends on the company...

 

[GIVDrvr]

I had some of best flying and friends in my career while hauling freight but its not for everyone. Highly recommended

 

[flyinloki]

Hell I'd definetly say freight is the way to go if you want to avoid the regionals or get to the regionals like you may want to. You just have to find the right path and right company. I kinda fell into my situation. Makin 35+K right now flying a chieftain for gadzooks! Its good money. I actually got a call from XJet but I definetly wouldn't trade this job in. I would take a pay cut! My former instructor did the same thing. Cept he flew Barons for 2 and a half years or so makin mid 30's at a small Ankeny based Iowa operation. He finally decided to do regionals (which he said he would never do) at American Eagle and didn't last 3 months before he went crazy from sitting reserve and makin 18K and quit. Now hes flying for a company out of Des Moines flying a Navajo and a King Air C90. Think I'll follow that route. Even with the majors gone sour there are still different routes to take to get around the regionals and to get to UPS, FedEx, Southwest, JetBlue, ect, ect, ect. You just have to pick and choose the right ones. Its like a big freakin maze with a minotaur in certain areas watin' to eat you and gorgeous babes waiten @ others You have to navigate thru it to find your desired path. Some people just don't like the regionals though and its not for them but there are alternatives. Anyway, good luck choosin' your path thru the crazy world of aviation.

 

[sorenk]

Thanks a lot for all the advise. Perhaps someone would have some advise on the "adviseablity" of getting into this field at the age of 37, no time, no family, 4 year degree, no money, summers off (I teach). Thanks for input, I really need your insider's view. Dont' pull punches.

Thanks again!

 

[1973Arrow]

A tough life? Not really. I work 5 days a week and I'm home every night
I've been with my company 4mo and have insurance, will get a raise in another month as well as a sizeable bonus. I already make more than many 2nd year regional F/O. So why would I want to fly an RJ....I refuse to let myself have S.J.S. (shiney jet syndrome). I'l be happy in my 4-0-duce..
You're 37, why would it be tough to get in? I was 24 when I got my freight job and was either the 2nd or 3rd youngest flying the line. I would say our "average age" for new hires was mid-early thirties...

 

[sorenk]

Ok, but from what I understand a 2nd year Regional FO get about 25k. That's fine if you have a plan to move on. Sorry, im a bit ignorant. Welcome input thought.

 

[whereamI]

Keep your teaching job! The aviation industry is a huge gamble. If you make the jump, plan on making peanuts with a crappy schedule and no retirement forever. You get a 3 month paid vacation every summer, so fly all you want during that time. Take it for what it's worth, this industry isn't what it used to be.

 

[whereamI]

In fact, I would recommend getting your masters/phd if you have not already, and trying to get a job teaching college. Then you can work 2-3 days a week (8 months a year), pull in plenty of money, and even have the option of taking sabaticals. This is probably the route I would take if I were you. Good luck with whatever you decide.