Opinions on building turbine/jet time

[flight-crew]

I just wanted to get some opinions. What is better, build 90 hrs/month of SIC jet time.... or 20 - 30 hrs/month of PIC jet time?

One other thing to mention, your quality of life is crap while you are building PIC jet time (but the pay is better), but you have a nice schedule building SIC jet time (albeit lower pay). And I'm evaluating this strictly from a perspective of building flight time and enhancing the resume.... I'm not really considering money.

In discussing this with another friend of mine, he thought it was better to get the 90 hrs/month even though it was SIC, because it builds the total time, total turbine time, and total multi-engine time.

But at what point do you think it is better to start focusing more on PIC turbine time and less on total time? I'm thinking in the 3000 - 4000 hour range.

I'm not saying that PIC turbine time isn't valuable, but at 20 - 30 hrs/month, it will take close to 3 years to get your 1000 PIC turbine.

 

[Ty Webb]

Depends on factors you haven't included. For example, your other experience/ratings, goals, financial info, etc.

Jet PIC means a type rating, and semi-annual recurrent (if Part 135 or 121). That also means the opportunity to get your ATP on someone else's nickle, if you haven't already.

During this period of time in aviation, you might as well slowly rack up the PIC jet time, if it's available. If you need time in a hurry, you can always go to a regional and get that SIC time, but I'd take the type, PIC jet time and PIC pay first, generally speaking.

I am sure someone else can (and will) make an equally viable post touting the benefits of SIC time . . . . .

 

[bobbysamd]

PIC time

Two givens in this business include building multi PIC time and building turbine time. Jet time would be the icing on the cake. If you can kill two of these birds with one stone and do it in a jet, you'll be golden.

Perhaps the SIC time might be cushier and that is certainly a consideration. But, PIC jet time does not at all grow on trees. If you have the opportunity, you really should take it. Especially, as Ty noted above, while there is no urgent need to build time quickly.

Good luck with your decision.

 

[SpiderMan]

Yeah, whats the rush. Hiring is pretty much at a standstill except for a few companies. Enjoy life.