Expert: David A. NewMyer - 11/13/2007

Question
Hello, Dr. NewMyer,  
    Next spring my 32-year-old son will complete jet training, the final 3-month phase of the CAPT program in Florida. [You probably know that CAPT is now independent of Embry-Riddle where it began.]  Although some feeder airlines continue to hire CAPT graduates with as few as 250 hours, the carrier my son prefers has a 600 hour/100 hour multi requirement.  In thinking creatively about options for building hours quickly without incurring more debt, it occurred to me that an appropriate niche may possibly already exist, and I would like to ask your opinion.
    Light piston twins are commonly flown with an empty right seat.  For at least a portion of those flights, the pilot could benefit significantly from having First Officer support available from an already instrument- and commercial-multi-rated 400-hour pilot in the right seat--a First Officer Intern.  As the Captain's confidence in the Intern's proficiencies grows, there will likely be opportunities for the Intern to log some PIC hours, for which, where allowed by regulations, the Intern may also make a nominal contribution to aircraft operating expenses.  While potential issues involving schedules, layovers, and personalities would all need to be resolved beforehand, whenever a match can be worked out, clearly both the Captain and the First Officer Intern stand to benefit, all while enhancing aviation safety.  

If you agree, how would you suggest looking for First Officer Internship opportunities?  Thank you!  Jerry

Answer
Hi,

We actually have a course here for our Aviation Flight Majors at Southern Illinois University Carbondale that offers just what you suggest:  Multi Engine time building in a Cessna 340A or Cessna 421C.  

As far as finding those opportunities on the outside, meaning, in industry, we have typically built up relationships with area fixed based operators who have charter operations.  Our students then get hired there as flight instructors and as back up charter pilots....just as you say, as the company's confidence builds with these graduates over time, then, they get multi engine time building opportunities.  Most FBOs are set up to take advantage of young people and then have the young people take advantage of them....so, my suggestion is to have your son check around at local FBOs to see what these opportunities are.

Another thought is the sightseeing/multi engine flying opportunities.   I know that some of our students have gone to the AZ/NV area and done some Grand Canyon flying, gradually building to where they are doing the flying in multi engine aircraft.  These opportunities exist around the country where natural beauty exists such as the Maine coast, Hawaii, Alaska, etc.  For most of these areas, this is the time of the year to look for NEXT year's flying opportunities....just a thought.

Good luck to your son....the multi engine time building is one of the tough areas of aviation, made tougher because there are less FBOs out there than there used to be.  That is why we have a course at SIUC....!

Take care,

David A. NewMyer, Ph.D., Professor and Chair
Aviation Management and Flight
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
http://www.aviation.siu.edu