Pft Help!

[8sm]

I'm amused at the posturing.

First, I was hoping to hear from those that adamently find disgust in the PFT/PFI practice, what they are doing from behind the computer screen to stop this practice, if anything.

Secondly, is it alright to instruct at these PFT/PFI schools. I would
think your also keeping the business going and feeding the beast.

I find the conversation interesting from those who are from PFT/PFI schools. I want to know why they chose that route? How successful the program? and did you find the training hard? How many of you advance to airlines? Did you get any grief in the interview because you PFT/PFI? Would you do it again? as well as many more question. I'm interested in learning from their experience good or bad. By negatively confronting these people we close the door on information. Knowing what your competiion has to offer in the interview, lets you know what your up against.

Perhaps the weight of qualification to airline pilot training will be for those willing and able too pay for initial training. I hope not, but with the rising cost to train and the turnover rate, those willing to jump from one airline to another, has force the business unable to no longer budget such expensive initial training. Those that have gone before you may have shot us in the foot.
I do not know of many businesses that can afford to pay for thousands of dollars of training and be willing to loose that money and employee if they should decide to walk. We all know that it happens all to often. We are our worst enemy, we perhaps forced our future employers to PFT/PFI. Funds are tight for payroll, training ect when consumers are only willing to pay $39 for a seat.

Thanks inadvance..........Best regards 8sm

 

[46Driver]

I've been on a trip and just got back so I did want to clarify a few items. One of the reasons that most naval helicopter pilots think that they can jump quickly into flying airlines (albeitly for a regional - not enough hours or experience for a major) is that for the last 35 years, the majority of the primary fixed wing (T-34C) flight instructors were helicopter bubbas. A helo driver would go through a short (50 - 70 hour) course and then its off as an instructor pilot teaching students approach turn stalls, spins, and acrobatics, as well as instruments - we don't think it is too far of a stretch for us to fly as a copilot in the airline environment (i.e. no acrobatics) Also, while you are correct in stating that most fleet helo time is uncontrolled VFR, the training command is different due to the fact that fully 50% of the syllabus is instruments and we spend most of our time trodding the airways and irritating jets while we are on the ILS
And to those who think PFT is a heated debate, Engima brought up the issue of scope which is far hotter. I will ask this question since I have limited experience on the civilian side. Is the RJ the cause or the effect? I would think it is a combination of the discount carriers (SOuthwest, Airtran, JetBlue) not only siphoning off passengers but changing the entire price structure. Likewise, the internet has made it easier for business and coach passengers to shop for prices. Finally, Executive Jet as well as the Acela train in the Northeast are taking a bigger share of the premium paying business passengers. That is just an observation - if you have any other insights or conclusions I would like to hear them.
Finally, you will be happy to know that I turned down my first job offer because it was PFT (7 were selected for the class and then I was singled out and told to PFT because I was a helo bubba). I declined the offer and went to another regional which offerred me a job , no strings attached.
Good Luck to all.

 

[bobbysamd]

Hiring rotorheads

Well, there you go. I've been saying all along that there are plenty of regionals that will hire military helo pilots if they can show even a little fixed-wing time. You just have to find the right regional. Your T-34C time most certainly counts as turbine PIC. If you could get a hundred or so in a C-12, you'd really be set without having to P-F-T. Once you can get in to a 121 regional and go up the chain, you'll be prime majors meat. The majors still let military pilots go to the front of line; it's a matter of checking off that box.

We had a helo driver a few weeks ago who had something like 100-200 of Seneca time lament that he'd have to go P-F-T. I don't believe it. In this day and age, someone with his background will get regional interviews. The military flying background and not the multi would be his calling card in his case.