Key lime or pipeline

[GCD]

The pipeline job won't benefit you at all for a Lear position. Simply, day VFR time isn't going to get you many interviews at all.

Although, Key Lime has a reputation, it is real flying that is looked at by potential employers as a good training stepping stone.

 

[b707guy]

My apologies for the "real" comment above... Don't mean to malign ANY type of flying, but was referring more to seat of the pants kind of flying as opposed to more civil (for passengers...) transportation. I doubt that there are many CEOs out there who don't want to keep their lunch down, nor will it do much for your instrument proficiency, so the pipeline work may not transfer very well to corporate. 22 years flying and I've still got lots to learn!

 

[WabiSabi]

Even though the pipe line gig is better pay and probably better QOL, I have to vote for Key Lime. 135 single pilot IFR is quality time that a corporate operation would want in your logbook vs VFR. Just get your time and get out. Don't do anything there to prevent you from leaving with your life, limbs or certificates.

 

[refplusnone]

Having done Pipe flying myself I'll tell you that the only good that will come of it is more TT. I'd say Key Lime. You'll find it easier to get a better gig after flying with them for a year than after flying pipe.

On a side note I don't know the details of Key Lime's safety record but don't kid yourself that flying pipe a very safe alternative. I myself had a motor pop on me in the middle of Houston, then after I left two guys I used to work with were killed in low ceilings when they went into the trees. I can't stress enough the amount of care you have to take when flying pipe.

Ref

 

[belchfire]

Navaho, huh...

The first thing that I would look at is at what point in the flight an engine failure in the Navaho generates a NTSB file...

you should come the conclusion that if you are close to the ground on takeoff and one of the motors packs it up that the safest couse of action is to close the throttles, select full flaps and crash straight ahead...lots have tried other things and they have crashed at various unusual attitudes that preclude survival! (I've never flown the 'ho, just read the reports on a recommendation from a friend...I opted out).

We that have some level of success in the industry find a place we fit. I like the frieght gig. I really thought that I wanted to do something like SWA or Air Tran and while I wouldn't turn down an interview with either, I stumbled into something that I'm really loving!

I would recommend hanging out with some of the local pilots that do what you are wanting to do. Try to learn if the really like who they are working for and what would be expected of you. Could you handle servicing the lav?

If you really want to go corporate the thing that I have found is that after beating on the door for months they call you after you've taken some other job-for better or worse. Perhapse in my case (jury's still out, hell it's avation and you will never know till it's too late) it was for the best...I never thought I would fly a 74 for instance, but here I am. In that vein, get over the Lear. It's not that equipment, it's the job that matters!

One thing I can say-a corporate outfit won't call you until they need you, like as not that will be at the last minute! I've gotten several calls from people that I was desperate to work for a few months earlier...only to have to tell them that I was either in class or just done with class and thanks but maybe next time.

 

[Trogdor]

With you saying Lear, in Denver, I assume you are looking at either Mayo or I-Jet. I would take the 135 job in a heartbeat over flying VFR PIC in a Cessna. The 135 multi experience will be looked at in a much more favorable light than Cessna PIC. Plus, if you are flying in and out of APA, you may get a chance to meet some of the guys at Mayo or I-Jet and make some connections. I know Key Lime sucks, but if it is between that and a single-engine Cessna gig, I say take the 135.

 

[f-dawg]

Go with Key Lime. It's tough out there and likely to stay that way. So, the multi and eventually multi-turbine is much more valuable than the single-engine vfr. Plus you'll have a valuable type if you go in the metro. There is a sort of fraternal thing that exists between Metro drivers and there are a lot of fmr metro guys in corporate flight now. I got my last job out of 800 applicants b/c I had Metro time. I'm not the only guy who this has happened to either. Of course they sold my aircraft and I'm on the market now. But, so are a lot of other guys.

 

[OrionFE]

Pipeline/Powerline Patrol

Anybody know of any pipeline/powerline patrol operators in Pennsylvania?

 

[CUBMAN]

Are these your only options? I wouldnt hang my neck out for an operation like Key Lime. They definitely wouldnt for you. Take another look around. There are more ways to skin a cat. Happy hunting.

 

[wlacy]

Listen, I spent 3 1/2 months in Dallas flying around the city both before sunrise and also during the heat of the afternoon. Traffic Watch is just glorified pipeline patrol, and while I averaged 100 hours a month it really taxed my instrument proficiency among other things. I don't care what job you're building your time for: they're all going to require a set of skills that just cannot be proven with thousands of hours behind the helm of a Cessna 172. I would much rather fly a 2-leg DHL run than drone along for 8 hours at 1,000 AGL in a 172.

Dealing with reporters and helicopter pilots was another pain in the neck...but you'll have those issues anywhere ya fly. So set yourself apart from the pack and go fly "Multi PIC IFR Solo Night Mountainous-terrain, Part 135" compared to "Day VFR"