How do the majors view T-6 IP time?

[stusavage]

First time caller...(ding)

I've got about 1600 total turbine (T-37,-38, A-10) and 1100 PIC in same before any conversion factor. Adding the SWA .3/sortie would give me about 1200 PIC and about 1900 total turbine. I could have gotten out within the year and I was thinking about doing that and trying SWA, but I didn't think I'd be quite competitive enough. So, I'm going to take another tour and be a T-6 IP. Question is, now I'll be logging single engine turboprop as opposed to twin jet - how's that gonna go over with the majors in a couple years?

 

[HoursHore]

I think you'll be in good shape, having that much turbine PIC and already having 1000 Plus multiengine Turbine PIC. They don't seen to really differentiate after you have the mins in a particular catagory.

Many a T-34 IP has been hired at many a major in the past, so I think you'll be good.

 

[BMW]

I agree. I have a bunch of T-34 buddies who are with SWA. Single engine time doesn't bother them any.

 

[MercuryPilot]

There are a boatload of T-34 guys at JetBlue. The important thing is that you'll be logging more Turbine PIC time. Nobody really cares if it's jet or prop, just turbine and PIC. You should be very competitive after an IP tour. Most of us logged 1500+ hours in a single tour at the training command.

Fly safe!

MP

 

[stusavage]

Thanks for the words guys, that makes me feel a lot better about my decision...should be a fun airplane too...

 

[Huggyu2]

Yeah, should be a blast! I've love to get a chance to fly it.
Also, remember all the guys in the airlines that have only flown the Viper (does it's APU count as a second engine???)

 

[PlaneStupid]

Stu, have you considered a corporate gig? The pay is pretty good and you have just as much uncertainty as the airlines.

 

[milplt]

The bigger question is "Why aren't you working harder to fly something besides the T-6? (unless you are going to fly T-6's at KNPA)" The T-6 is an OK airplane, but primary pilot flight instruction is work - there should have been a T-38 or IFF T-38 with your name on it.

 

[stusavage]

Answer: I've already been a UPT IP; I'm going to be a PIT IP at Randolph. The only assignment I was willing to stay in the AF for was PIT in San Antonio. Location and quality of life in said location are what's most important to me. Sure, the T-38 was my first choice, but I was willing take whatever jet...I mean, ummm, airplane they would give me as long as it was to PIT. It so happened to be a T-6 - I'll gladly take it and run. I don't know why I didn't get a 38, but that's what the flesh-peddlers gave me. So once I got over my fighter pilot ego and accepted that I might have to fly an airplane with a prop to get where I wanted to be, I started thinking...this thing could actually be more fun to fly than a 38. I've never flown a T-6, but you and I both know what it's like trying to cloud chase in a 38...or do a cloverleaf...or a 10,000 foot loop. BFM in the 38 kind of sucks too, right? I mean, burners and tiny swept wings are cool and all, but the two mile turn radius and the "good buffet/bad buffet" final turn are kinda sketchy. Really what it comes down to is that it just sounds and looks cooler to fly a T-38, and that seems to be more important to some dudes...and those guys can go spend three years in Enid or Del Rio, but no thank you for this guy. Don't get me wrong, I'm not bashing the 38, and I'd love to fly it again too. I've just been forced to think a little "outside the container" on this one, and now that I have, I don't think it's gonna be that bad...plus I get to keep my harness. I'll let you know how my T-6 fun-meter predictions pan out in a couple of months...

 

[VVJM265]

I say good on ya. SA is a better local anyway. Fly your behind off and have fun; its all turbine, glass, and most importantly, PIC time. You'll be fine. If they don't have enough gouge at Randolph, go down to Corpus and talk to the bubbas there.

 

[t6ip]

Speaking of gouge, if you're looking for info on the T-6, check out T6Driver.com. It has a lot of great info on PIT.

 

[str8upflyrght]

You shouldn't have any problem getting a gig. A lot of the T-34 guys i fly w/ are getting picked up. With the exception of FEDEX and UPS, i think the majors really respect primary IP experience.

 

[stusavage]

Thanks for all the good words, fellas. I have found t6driver.com and I'll be studying that stuff in the near future for sure. Thanks guys.

 

[rstev1955]

I ended my career as a T-37/T-6 IP at Laughlin and now live in Schertz. You will have a blast flying the Texan 2. It has long enough legs for great X-countries, is comfortable (can you spell air conditioning), and the glass cockpit with GPS/RNAV is great. I hope they have fixed the departures out of RND, because when I went through PIT that was the hardest thing to do. Have to DME hold, fly an arc, and then pick up a radial on the SAT VOR with crossing restrictions on the radial (as I recall).

You will also have the opportunity to go to airshows where the T-38 can't even consider going, like Angelfire, NM (stayed in the ski lodge) and Silver Springs, NV (three nights in Reno).

Best of luck in your assignment and future airline plans.

 

[milplt]

Hey, my post was a joke. Besides, notice that I didn't say anything about the airplane, I said something about the mission. I've been MR in enough types of aircraft to know that they all have their strengths and weaknesses. But since it has been brought up, a lot of us have done the primary flight instruction thing (and I know that PIT is better than UPT for most); but BFM, surface attack, DACT, ACM (and yes, even CT X-C's) beat TP stalls and T&G's anyday.

When it comes down to it, AFPC has a bigger vote than we do on most instances and we can either go where they say and accept the flying mission they bestow on us or we vote with our feet.