I have something to contribute here. A couple of years ago I participated in the program.
Here’s a little backround. It was less than a year since 9/11, and jobs were hard to come by.. I was flight instructing at a small school that didn’t have a twin. I also pumped gas and flew traffic, as well as ferry flights whenever the chance offered itself. My TT was a little under 1000 with 18 multi. Although I knew my chances of finding a 135 VFR job were slim, I nevertheless had sent out more than a few resumes. My chances of finding a multi job were slim indeed.
I called two buddies who lived in Texas and were familiar with the program. They both endorsed it and it seemed like the most reasonable way to increase my multi experience. For a little less than a month in Texas I could raise my TT close to IFR 135 times and make myself more attractive to any employer multi wise.
The flying was actually pretty fun. It’s not a whole lot different than flying traffic, but the scenery was a little different. It was an interesting balance of flying high for safety and efficiency reasons, and flying low when the weather required it. It was also my first time in an ADIZ. I had previously assumed it was a line and not an area. Anyway, my “can do” attitude seemed to be a good fit.
As luck would have it, within two months of my return from Texas, two freight jobs were offered to me simultaneously. The first was in a Metro, the other in a small jet. I took the latter job, but there was certainly no SJS, other factors played a bigger role in decision. Neither job would have been offered if my logbook didn’t reflect my time in Galveston.
It was a positive experience for me. To those that would damn my choice, I strongly support your right to have your opinion, but it was my choice to make. My alternatives? Ditch my employer, go to another flight school, and instruct at (maybe) 50 hours/year. Two other choices were economically not available to me…spend $15,000 on aircraft rental, or buying a plane. I have known people to do each of these.
It was my choice to make, and I have been forthcoming during interviews with respect to my multi time and it hasn’t been a problem. I no longer fly freight, but my 900 hours in the trade was something I’m glad I had the chance to do.
Lilah
PS. Not that it makes any difference, but I did interview with Mesa for the practice and turned the job offer down…