Glider time at the Regionals

[Steve]

Anyone know if Expressjet/ AE/ ASA/commuteair, and the other regionals count glider time towards there minimums? If I meet all the min's but 300 hours is in gliders as a CFI-G, would that be looked down upon? I am also a cfii/mei if that makes a difference. I read on the major's board that SWA only wants to see time in powered aircraft. Not sure it the regionals run it the same way. Thanks in advance. steve

 

[Mel Sharples]

This is just a guess, but I would say no. Usually they want powered flight, specifically airplanes but sometimes rotorcraft are okay, too. Only a guess, however...

What I think is so ironic is that your time in gliders probably makes you one heck of a stick and more knowledgeable about aerodynamics than most. It's a shame that you don't get more credit for that.






.

 

[username]

Sorry, but glider time doesn't count. They want to know if you can nail an ILS. To them the word thermal is only used to describe a coffee mug.

 

[PBRstreetgang]

Hey,
from Skywest website:
PRINT

PILOT - Professional Development Career Guide



To be considered for a Pilot position, you must meet the following requirements:



1,000 - hours total time
100 - hours multi engine


100 - hours instrument (Max 20 hours simulator)
Must be at least 21 years of age


All applicants will need a current first class medical (which will verified at your interview)


Must be a United States citizen or show proof of right to work in the US



SkyWest Minimum Requirements When Counting Helicopter or Glider Time
SkyWest Airlines recognizes the skills common to helicopter and glider flying. Helicopter and glider applicants for pilot positions must meet one of the following minimum flight criteria:



Total fixed wing time plus 50% of total helicopter and glider time is at least 1,000 hours
No more than 3,000 hours of helicopter and glider time can be used for this requirement

This would mean, a 5,000 hour helicopter pilot would need 250 fixed wing time and can use 3,000 of their helicopter time to get him to 1,000 total time

5,000 hours total time can only use a max of 3,000
3,000 divided by 4 = 750 hours
Fixed wing time - 250 hours
Total for SkyWest - 1,000 total time

OR
Unrestricted Fixed wing ATP
This would mean that you could use all your helicopter and glider time to meet the minimums

Other requirements remain the same

Currently the averages for SkyWest New-Hires are:

2,000 total time Fixed Wing
600 multi engine
300 Instrument
PBR

 

[Steve]

Thanks for the reply's guy's. I do believe that being a glider instructor with 300 hours dual given has made me a better pilot then 300 hours more in a 152 would have. Anyone out there with a glider time interview in the last few years care to chime in? All replys are appreciated. Steve

 

[Nova]

What part of glider flying transfers into flying a jet at a Part 121 carrier? Not powered? VFR? Towed to altitude? Lack of emergencies? Most time training in the sim. is spent on takeoffs and shooting approaches, neither of which are glider related.

 

[N8Dogg]

I do not fly gliders but have a lot of respect for those who do. It seems like it would take more planning and precision to fly a glider than a powered aircraft. I definately think it should be counted. Good luck!

 

[Hugh Jorgan]

Those things are a little underpowered for me.

 

[Ted Striker]

What part of glider flying transfers into flying a jet at a Part 121 carrier? Not powered? VFR? Towed to altitude? Lack of emergencies? Most time training in the sim. is spent on takeoffs and shooting approaches, neither of which are glider related.

Dude, the whole flight is an emergency if you don't manage it right. No second chances. How about energy management, stick skills, decision making, reading terrain and weather.... Not saying that a glider only pilot would make an airline pilot, but this guy should get some kind of credit for his 300 hours.

 

[WhiteCloud]

What part of glider flying transfers into flying a jet at a Part 121 carrier? Not powered? VFR? Towed to altitude? Lack of emergencies? Most time training in the sim. is spent on takeoffs and shooting approaches, neither of which are glider related.

Didn't we recently have a CL-65 become a glider at 41,000ft? Glider skills improve stick and rudder technique and judgement. I have no idea if the glider time will count toward meeting some airlines minimums but it sure is something to have on your resume and to be proud of as a significant pilot accomplishment.

 

[sleepy]

Really, Glider? LOL!

 

[Mel Sharples]

What part of glider flying transfers into flying a jet at a Part 121 carrier? Not powered? VFR? Towed to altitude? Lack of emergencies? Most time training in the sim. is spent on takeoffs and shooting approaches, neither of which are glider related.

Yeah... the nerve of some guy thinking that aerodynamics plays any role in flying a large aircraft. Sheesh... when I do steep turns and visual patterns it is ALL about procedure. No aerodynamics there. That no-flap landing was easy because I know how to read a Jepp chart. Glad I didn't waste any time with angle of attack for that little maneuver.

You are absolutely correct, Nova. We should require more time on MS Flight Sim and throw aerodynamics completely out the window.





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[Steve]

Dude, the whole flight is an emergency if you don't manage it right. No second chances. How about energy management, stick skills, decision making, reading terrain and weather.... Not saying that a glider only pilot would make an airline pilot, but this guy should get some kind of credit for his 300 hours.

Thats the way I feel. Glider guys are often put down as not being "real" pilots. I was a CFII/MEI before I had my first flight in a glider, and i feel thats a unfair opinion. It looks like the only pilots who have respect for this kind of flying are those who have done it. If anything it shows a passion for aviation, not just a passion to be a hot sh(i)t jet pilot chasing after the all mighty $.

 

[johnpeace]

What part of glider flying transfers into flying a jet at a Part 121 carrier? Not powered? VFR? Towed to altitude? Lack of emergencies? Most time training in the sim. is spent on takeoffs and shooting approaches, neither of which are glider related.

I've never flown a jet...but dude, have you ever flown a glider?

It's all about efficiency and smooth, coordinated flying. It's probably some of the most precise flying you'll ever do. Lots more use of the rudder, since the ailerons are so far out on the wing, contributing much more adverse yaw. Mastering that aileron/rudder equation in a glider is much more difficult and much more important than in a 172.

Gliders definitely make pilots better, more capable, more well rounded pilots.

 

[CommStudent]

What part of glider flying transfers into flying a jet at a Part 121 carrier? Not powered? VFR? Towed to altitude? Lack of emergencies? Most time training in the sim. is spent on takeoffs and shooting approaches, neither of which are glider related.

Hmmm, maybe this will convince you http://www.wadenelson.com/gimli.html.

Clearly a 121 pilot can find his glider experience handy sometimes. Show this article at your interview, they'll give you full credit.