Expert: D. Norkus - 3/23/2010

Question
QUESTION: Hello:
   First, thank you for your time!  I am almost 38 years old and I should have my single engine commercial license in a couple of months.  I am also instrument rated.  My total time should be between 250-300 hours once I get my commercial.  

1) First, I am figuring out what to do after my commercial.  My goal is to work for a regional airlines and I know they won’t be hiring for a couple of years.  I am also aware that once they do start hiring, they will require 1500+ hours.  I was thinking of flying for operators of small single engine aircraft i.e.: flying mail/cargo, medical supplies, air tours,  pipeline etc.  Are any jobs available in those fields these days or are they not hiring these days like the airlines??  

2) Another idea I had was to basically buy a used Cessna 172/182 or a similar plane and set up shop flying tourists around the Grand Canyon, Hawaii or Seattle  etc. as a business.  I should have around $65k left over from my flying after my commercial license ( money I had saved for the Gulfstream Training Academy, but for now, decided against it).  I have also paid for all my flying over the years and am debt free with excellent credit.  Do you know anyone who has done something to this and is this a good idea?  I have seen websites where air tour operators flying small single engine land/sea planes charge up to $150 per passenger for a 30 minute tour around certain tourist areas!  Seems like a good way to  build time and earn money too.  What do you think?  

3)Are there any other ways I can put my money to use like maybe investing in a company which operates single engine planes if they would give me a flying job or something like that?  I decided against the Gulfstream Academy because they only give 250 hours and not a permanent job.  Do you know any operators who would give a permanent job for money?  ( I don’t want to flight instruct because of the risk.  I knew a flight instructor who’s career was ruined because his student wrecked the plane while trying to land it.)  The bottom line is I want to be able to built time and earn money any other way besides flight instructing!

4)On one of your previous questions, “jump pilot” was mentioned.  What is that and any opportunities there?  Any other flying job apportunities I need to look at?

Thank you for your time volunteering!

Andy

ANSWER: Andy

1) "I was thinking of flying for operators of small single engine aircraft i.e.: flying mail/cargo, medical supplies, air tours,  pipeline etc."

Regarding this option, you would need 1200TT for most such jobs as they are considered Part 135 (on demand charter) and fly IFR. If you could manage to find an operator that flies only VFR, then the minimum experience level would be 500TT. Such jobs are few and far between though. Of course, with so many pilots looking for work, the minimum to get hired in any job these days won't be the minimum to apply. There are some single engine positions that may provide an opportunity at far less time, pipeline may be one in addition to traffic watch, banner tow and skydive flying.

2) "Another idea I had was to basically buy a used Cessna 172/182 or a similar plane and set up shop flying tourists around the Grand Canyon, Hawaii or Seattle  etc. as a business."
This would require you to become a Part 135 operator, complete with FAA company certification. You simply can't go out with a commercial certificate and start such a business in your own airplane. You can get more info about the process here http://www.part135.info/  &  http://www.taxijet.org/Part135Certification.html

3) The "fast track" programs are pretty much dead post the passage of the 'Airline Safety and Pilot Training Improvement Act of 2009'. Also, buying a job is very much a controversial issue (and frowned upon by many) in this business. For a lead on anything left that may come close to this description, visit http://forums.flightinfo.com
I also was not excited about instructing either, and it is possible to get an airline job not having done so. However getting that CFI is the most common route to building time. You may have to consider it if other time building jobs are not available.

4) As mentioned, jump pilot could be a possibility for you once you get your commercial. For the most part such single engine jobs are on the tier of entry level for new commercial pilots. (Some operators use turbine equipment).  Check my page for more info that and several other ideas at- http://www.pilotcareer.info then let me know if you have further questions.

Dottie

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for your detailed risponse.  Sorry for the delay in asking the follow-up question, i did not have internet access for a while.  

1)Are you saying that 500 hours is the minimum to find any single engine flying job or are jobs available for less hours?  Is the 500 hour an FAA minimum or is it for insurance purposes?  

2)I am aware that there are online agencies that help qualified pilots find airlines jobs for a fee.  Are there online agencies that help new commercial pilots find low TT single engine jobs for a fee?

Once again, thank you for your detailed risponse!

Andy

Answer
Andy

1) Are you saying that 500 hours is the minimum to find any single engine flying job or are jobs available for less hours?  Is the 500 hour an FAA minimum or is it for insurance purposes?  

The hour requirement is due to insurance and is not an FAA requirement. You will have to do some research in your area and see what the operators near you require. The type of operator and their equipment will affect their hiring minimums. For example, a skydive operator flying a turbine Cessna Caravan or Twin Otter will have substantially higher minimums than one operating a piston Cessna 182.

Luckily for you, the legislation passed this week will mandates 800 hours to apply with a regional and not an ATP certificate. However the minimum to apply and the actual competitive candidates flight times may vary greatly once hiring resumes in force. Right now any airline hiring is getting some very, very overqualified applicants! This might change in a few years and it may come back down again. Ten years ago the average minimums were 1,000-1,200TT and in the 1990's, it was 2-3 times that!

2) I am aware that there are online agencies that help qualified pilots find airline jobs for a fee. Are there online agencies that help new commercial pilots find low TT single engine jobs for a fee?

There are several job clearing house websites and most are subscription based. Listings can cover anything from single engine jobs to Boeing/Airbus vacancies. Most are a mixed bag and you need to be a subscriber to view even if you don't qualify for 95% of the listings. These are examples:

www.findapilot.com
www.climbto350.com
www.pilotjobs.com
www.willflyforfood.com
www.pilotjobsnetwork.com

In my personal opinion, such sites don't have a lot to offer brand new commercial pilots but are geared more for those with some, if not substantial, experience under their belts. There just aren't that many operators looking to hire such pilots that they need take out an ad. Most such positions are filled by local reference and word of mouth. It really is who you know. That was the case for myself and my pilot friends when we all got our first jobs at about 300TT. Every one got the interview or was hired due to a personal recommendation. (That was the case all 3 of my general aviation and both airline jobs.) So, I suggest networking with everyone you can that has an 'in' where you'd like to be. You may have to work hard to make connections to find that first job in the current market. Go to your area drop zone or banner tow and introduce yourself. Don't rule out instructing. It could be your only opportunity.

Here is another site that may have some ideas or job leads- http://forums.flightinfo

Good Luck,

Dottie