Professional Help Please

[bertengineer]

I have 1 year remaining in the USMC. I have my CFI, CFII, MEI, A&P, and Flight Engineer TurboProp, plus AGI. The only problem is that I only have 400 hrs GA time.
Here is the question. What are some of the companies that may hire a pilot with my type of hours, although I have 6000 HRS C-130 time as a FE?
I am starting to look at what I am going to do when I get out, and I am trying to get some information on companies, such as airnet, that hire low time pilots.
Any assistance is greatly appreciated

Rick

 

[Flywrite]

Rick,

I probably dont have any great insight for you, but I figured somebody should respond to your request.

Later in your career you may be able to get some type of credit for your FE time, but at the 400 hour level it's probably going to be tough. My advice would be to pursue the CFI route when you get out. It's not for everyone, but it is a great way to learn about flying yourself.

I'm always telling people that instucting is a great way to prepare for a crew situation. This obviously wouldnt apply to you as much with your C130 time, but it's still a great way to build time. Your other options are probably going to be limited to towing banners or flying summer sightseeing tours (there are quite a few of these operations along the coast. Several on the NC Outer Banks if you happen to be stationed at Cherry Point) until you get around 1200 hours.

Pardon my ignorance, but is it tough for a military FE to get an FAA A&P Certificate? If not then an A&P could help open quite a few doors for you with low hours.

I hope this at least helps a little.

Good Luck!

 

[Flywrite]

DUHHH..... sorry Rick, I just noticed that you already have your A&P!

This may help you out a lot. Probably not at Airnet, but it may give you an edge at a smaller place if you arent opposed to being a "Pilot/Mechanic", at least until you build some time. Yoou may even stand a decent chance at a right seat job with a smaller corporate operator (King Air/Cheyenne/Conquest, etc) if you dont mind working on the plane.

 

[bobbysamd]

FE jobs v. CFI jobs

There aren't too many FE jobs around. Perhaps you can apply to some of the freight outfits, e.g., Zantop, etc. I believe there are some that operate C-130s, such as Southern Air Transport, if it is still around. I recall Zantop operating Electras, which require FEs. Such companies like people who can also turn wrenches, which you can do.

I second the suggestion above about looking for CFI work after you leave the Marines. You really need pilot time to be truly marketable, and your CFI is a highly marketable credential in the civilian world. Beware, though, at this time there's not much work to be had, for anyone, really. But times will get better because they always do.

Hope that helps a little. Good luck with your job search.

 

[A Squared]

Re: FE jobs v. CFI jobs

There aren't too many FE jobs around. Perhaps you can apply to some of the freight outfits, e.g., Zantop, etc. I believe there are some that operate C-130s, such as Southern Air Transport, if it is still around. I recall Zantop operating Electras, which require FEs.

The only US company I know of that operates C-130s is Lynden Air Cargo. SOuthern Air Transport went bankrupt a few years back and stopped operating. There is now a Southern Air which rose from the ashes, but as far as I know, they only operate 747's

With very low pilot times, it may be hard to find a job which has the potetial for advancement to a pilot position. I have heard that Lynden only hires PFEs for thier hercs. This was from a buddy of mine who is a captain at Lynden and was one of the last pilots who started as an FE before the change in policy. There are probably plenty of other operations who will hire you as a FE, but not many who will let you move to pilot.

regards

 

[B190Captain]

Would you consider staying in the service? Is there potential to move to the pilot seat in the C130? The time you have as FE and if you can get right seat for that matter is a hell of alot better then teaching some kid how to fly a C-152 for a fraction of what you make in the Marines.

The industry is in shambles right now with 3000-10000 hour Part 121 pilots looking for work. You have time to build it up.

Good luck!!

 

[skiddriver]

Some good thoughts here, however I'm afraid that you won't be able to use your C-130 time for more than a line in the qual block on your resume, and a great opportunity to discuss your ability to operate as part of a multi-person crew. While you and I know that you held a position of responsibility, just like NFO's and helo Crew Chiefs, the time doesn't "count" when you're looking at civilian hiring minimums.

One thing you have going for you (I hope) is your MGIB benefits. You didn't say anything about having your degree. If you don't have one, now is the time to start. Getting started in this environment (with a ton of high-time pilots on the street) is tough, and it's a good time to take a slightly different tangent and work on quals. Try looking around for a school where you can whack out a 4 year degree ASAP (remember to get whatever civilian equiv you can for you Marine Corps job experience). If you can find one with a flight department where you might be able to pick up some part-time CFI work, that's good too. You really only need your ATP at this point, and you need to build hours for that, so the standard CFI, traffic watch, banner pull, drop zone route might be your route.

As someone else alluded, age dependent, you might also consider doing the degree-OCS-flight school-finish 20 route. If you go reserves or guard, you can get some retirement credit for the time you're in school, and with your prior time, you shouldn't have more than 15 or so to hit 20. Many states provide full tuition for guard members, and with your MGIB you could get your degree pretty painlessly (financially anyway).

Good luck, don't forget to consider the reserve option even if you stay straight civilian. It's good for the country and for you.

Semper fi...PM me if you need any help. I retired as the site commander at NAS New Orleans and still have a few contacts in 4thMAW.

 

[SpiderMan]

Doesnt Evergreen International still hire only PFEs for their 74s? I have heard of a few of them getting into the right seat when they have the time. Is Evergreen hiring?