Expert: David A. NewMyer - 3/22/2006

Question

   Hello,

           I am currently working on my multi engine commercial rating and will have approx. 180 hours multi time and 300 total time.  I wanted to know if there are any jobs that will hire me with my low total time.  I would prefer not to flight instruct but realize my options are limited.  Are there any jobs that will hire me with my multi time?

                          Sincerely,

                                 Shay Park

Answer
Hi, Shay:

Thanks for your question, I will try to assist.

The primary methods of building flight time for low time pilots are:

1.  Flight Instruction (which I realize you do not want to do)

2.  Pipeline inspection flying--all over the nation but especially in the nations heartland (up and down the Mississippi River Delta and north, along with to and from Texas and parts of California and along the gulf states)

3.  Aerial sightseeing/aerial tour companies--especially at national parks like the Grand Canyon, or near cities like Chicago and others

4.  Aerial appilcations (agricultural operations in particular)....this one is not necessarily for the inexperienced, but, since you have so much multi engine time compared to your total flight time, I thought I would mention it.

Look in places like AIR JOBS DIGEST OR IN TRADE A PLANE FOR JOB LISTINGS IN THE ABOVE AREAS.....OR ON findapilot.com

Once your total time gets up over 500, then, you will pass a key hurdle in that 500 hours PIC (pilot in commmand) time is key to insurance companies who insure charter or FAR Part 135 operators.  In addition, there are some regionals that will look at you with 500 hours PIC flight time because you have 180 hours of ME time.....they would include Skyways and others.

I hope that this answer is of assistance.  Best wishes,

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