From part135 to Banner Towing?

[BAe3100FO]

Like many pilots out there, I've recently been laid-off. I don't have enough time to fly under part 135 IFR PIC requirements. So I'm looking for anything to build my total time up quickly. Recently I've been offered a job towing banners and doing maintenance for a small company that flys 600-800 hours per summer. My question for the "pilot mentors" out there is this:

1. Should I take it and build my total time sufficient to move on with a regional...duh, YES
2. Will taking the obvious 2 steps backwards hurt me in the long-run?
3. Is banner towing less career enhancing than say, pipe-line patrolling, or traffic watch?

Any thought are appreciated.
Thank you

 

[luv2fly]

Go for it!

BAeFO,

Banner towing is a great way to build time in a hurry. When you are trying to build time all hours are quality. I towed banners as my first time-building job, I am now waiting in the pool at SWA. I actually used a banner towing story during my interview. We both laughed for awhile on that one. I would take the job and not look back. By the time you could accumulate enough time to qualify for Pt135 IFR mins there may be a job waiting for you. Good luck and fly safe.

Luv2fly

 

[BoxFlyr]

i would take the job. anything to keep you flying and building time, but be careful it doesn't turn into a mechanic job where you fly every once in awhile. been there done that! good luck, boxflyr

 

[bobbysamd]

Banner towing

If it were me, I would be using the CFI to build the hours, and especially multi PIC.

Having said that, I agree with the others. Just be careful that the job isn't one of those banner-tow P-F-T scams.

 

[BAe3100FO]

Oh, I'd love to use my CFI...unfortunately Comair and A.T.A. and a few other flight schools within a 50 mile radius put out more job hungry applicants than any other place in the country.
I was lucky to get on with a part 61 school and teach for awhile prior to the chance to fly the Jetstream. Now, the school has changed ownership and business has since dwindelled...leaving me without a school to go teach at.
The main reason for considering the Banner Towing job would be the chance to build a lot of time in a short span. Not to mention the experience of a lifetime.
However now it seems that I'm back to square one...ANYONE KNOW OF ANY JOBS OUT THERE? laugh out loud.
Thanks for all the responses...this board really does help us out.

 

[LR25]

Take the banner job, you wont regret it, it is a blast.

Dont get snookered from anybody in the process either.

But its alot of fun and you can build a ton of time doing it. Just be careful and remember that its as safe as you make it for yourself.

I know a few people that are not here anymore becuase they did dumb things.

Good luck and have fun.

 

[WrightAvia]

can you find a skydiving place to flyat?

Caravans, 182's, king airs...

Look up United States Parachute Association with your search engine. Get on USPA's web site...go to drop zone directory. Look up the drop zones nearest you. Don't believe all of what you hear about drop zones...they don't make money on broken planes. Clubs are the ones you have to watch out for...they spend their money on themselves, not the planes. Businesses keep the planes in good shape...it's their money maker.

Good luck dude!