Velosprints

I was wondering if there was a magic number of hours that smaller charter companies look for in a new hire for insurance purposes. For example, pilot A has below the magic number of hours, therefore the company is not interested because their insurance costs for that pilot would be through the roof. Pilot B has more than the magic number of hours, therefore the company is more interested because it won't cost them as much.

Just curious. Thanks!

pilot0987

The magic numbers are in the secret spell book called the FAR/AIM. I wouldn't hire you if came into my office asking that.

LR31APILOT

An old company of mine looked for 1000 TT for king air FO's, 2500 for king air captains and around 3500 for Lear 31 captains. All these numbers are thrown out the window if they know you.

Velosprints

Hey thanks for the constructive input! I hope I don't walk into your office either!

Velosprints

Thanks lr31apilot. I was talking to someone who said that 1200 hours helps with insurance costs. But I guess it differs from company to company, or perhaps by insurance company.

jonnyjetprop

I think FAR 135.243 might explain why 1200 is a magic number:

(c) Except as provided in paragraph (a) of this section, no certificate holder may use a person, nor may any person serve, as pilot in command of an aircraft under IFR unless that person—

(1) Holds at least a commercial pilot certificate with appropriate category and class ratings and, if required, an appropriate type rating for that aircraft; and

(2) Has had at least 1,200 hours of flight time as a pilot, including 500 hours of cross country flight time, 100 hours of night flight time, and 75 hours of actual or simulated instrument time at least 50 hours of which were in actual flight; and

(3) For an airplane, holds an instrument rating or an airline transport pilot certificate with an airplane category rating; or

There is no minimum time for SIC:

§ 135.245 Second in command qualifications.
(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b), no certificate holder may use any person, nor may any person serve, as second in command of an aircraft unless that person holds at least a commercial pilot certificate with appropriate category and class ratings and an instrument rating. For flight under IFR, that person must meet the recent instrument experience requirements of part 61 of this chapter.

It's been a long time since I flew Part 135, but generally wet behind the ears SIC had a problem because they couldn't upgrade to PIC for at least a year. (1200-250=950 hrs max FAR 135 is 1200 hrs/year)

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Velosprints

Ah yes, the aforementioned "secret spell book." Thanks JonnyJetProp!

cl601pilot

Some insurance policies require in excess of the FAR's. So it is a valid question. Where I work about 2000 turbine will get you looked at.

Another thing, don't be such a douche.

wmuflyboy

There are no magic numbers. I got hired with 1800 hours at my job. The next guy had about 500. And yes it was to fly a jet. Its all on who you know. Some companies want someone who is 'entry-level' if you will. Some want experience.


And I agree, that comment was very douchey.

mooney

I got hired by a 135 king air outfit with 1100 total/200 multi. That was 15 years ago so times may have changed....

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