Quick Question...

[aa30]

I have a question for you guys/gals. I am currently flying VFR 135 cargo. I will be moving to Dallas in a few months to follow my wife's job. Currently I have a little under 700 TT, close to 400 ME; and, I figure that by then, with a little luck, I should be approaching around 850 TT. My question is this...would you, given the same situation, (1) stay in your current city for a while longer to continue to build time, (2) move and try to make connections. I know what I probably will end up doing...stay in this $hit-hole of a town for about 6 months more to make myself more competitive. That being said, I was just looking for some of your suggestions. I know that there are some very experienced pilots on this board, and I hold your opinions in high regard. Thanks in advance for your time, it is greatly appreciated.

 

[jumppilot]

It's your call

I'm not one of the highly experienced pilot, but here is my opinion:

Interesting question. It all depends on what your priorities are. Do you value time with your wife even if it means being unemployed? Or would you rather make money to contribute even if it means being far away?

Personally, in today's economy, I wouldn't give up a job unless I KNEW FOR SURE I would have one in the other city. Especially being below IFR 135 minimums it will be hard to find another job.

 

[starvingcfi]

you started flying vfr 135 in a multi with 300tt? wow. i've got 1200tt and 25 multi. i can't catch a break. i'm gonna go hang myself to sleep.

 

[Cardinal]

Finding a VFR 135 gig, particularly flying cargo, is about as likely as finding a meteorite in your front yard. (Well, maybe slightly more likely). I wouldn't count on duplicating your position in a new city anytime soon. Might be able to instruct without much delay, but anything else would be surprising.

 

[Timebuilder]

If your wife supports the idea, and with no kids, you might stay as long as she lets you to build experience! A job is golden in this market, and I strongly suggest that you have a new job, no ifs ands or buts, before you leave the one you have now.

When you commute to visit her, bring flowers.

 

[Jeff Helgeson]

Stay until reaching Part 135 mins.

I would stay until reaching the minimums for Part 135. It would at least make you employeable if you could find a new gig where you are going to move.

I think it was a lucky fluke that you were able to get a VFR gig with your low time. Get the mins., reassess your family situation and start networking in your new town, now.

Good luck

 

[WrightAvia]

I agree with most of the above posters

Keep that job you have now...keep working on the 135 mins time...START NETWORKING BY WHERE YOUR WIFES JOB IS.

It's always easier to GET a job, when you HAVE a job. So I would say keep plugging away at your vfr 135 job and start networking by where your wife is going to be taking her job. That way your future employer can get the idea that your are working towards a move instead begging for a job off the streets.

Good luck to you and your wife!

 

[aa30]

Thanks to everyone who replied. You are echoing exactly what I was thinking, and that makes me more comfortable with my thought process.

I wasn't trying to suggest that I would be competitive with anything less than 135 IFR mins--especially for a PIC position--in todays market.

Incidentally, "Timebuilder", who do you think wears the pants in this relationship? "...as long as she lets me..."

I hope she lets me stay for a while!

Thanks again to all the responders. Good luck to everyone searching.

 

[Timebuilder]

Who do I think wears the pants?

I've been around women my whole life, and I've ridden horses, too.

Sometimes, you're better off if you ease up on the reigns and give the horse his head. This can lead to a very good relationship between horse and rider, and surprising performance.

I hope she "lets you" continue in the job that you sell to her as being "important".

 

[aa30]

couldn't agree with you more Timebuilder.

Just so we're on the same page...I was implying that my wife wears the pants...but, on occasion she lets me borrow them.

Later.

 

[bobbysamd]

Multi PIC time

Multi PIC time does not grow on trees. Suck it up and stay where you are. Your times aren't competitive at all right now, but if you keep building multi PIC on your current schedule you will look great when the time comes.

You'll look better with about 2000 tt with whatever fraction of that multi, which would be 1700 multi if you keep your current job. It'll look even better if it is 135.

Good luck with your plans, which should include as much time with your wife as possible.