lphilbin

Hi all. As a new member I would like to ask for guidance. I love to fly but can't really afford much these days. I have commercial, instrument multi-engine tickets and about 700 hours with 50 ME and will be taking early retirement in two years from my company as an internal performance consulting engineer. I would love to market myself to a 135 or corporate operation as a second (safety or insurance) pilot who could also provide consulting services to clients. Does anyone think this would be appealing to any of these outfits? We will do the downsizing routine and are open to relocation.

Thanks for any opinions.

Larry

flyingfalcon401

larry,

I've sat in the right seat for two different 135 companies before in the past. The one company used me more because they only had one pilot on staff. The other company had multiple pilots, so they only used me in a pinch, because it cost them more for me to be in the right seat, than using one of their own. I think it will differ from company to company, but I don't know how much you'd be able to make doing this.

lphilbin

Thanks for the reply. Fortunately, money would not be the motivator. I would just like to be in a position to be around professional pilots and and flying and to learn at the same time.

flyingfalcon401

well I'd say its something to go after. You never know what a company will go for. I had a friend who use to just go hang around at a 135 company until the owner finally started having him do stuff. Before he knew it, he was flying. Go hang out, show your interest and who knows.

fr8av8r_66

Please do realize, though, that by being willing to work for less than what would be considered a normal wage for the position you are looking to fill you may be taking a job away from someone who can't afford to work for a substandard wage because they are trying to make a living. Employers will continue to fill seats with pilots while paying as little as possible as long as there are pilots out there willing to work for less than they are worth.

I understand your enthusiasm for aviation, and the temptation to do whatever it takes to catch the break in the business. As a commercial pilot you have to remember that you are part of a group... AVIATION PROFESSIONALS. If you don't have the hours to get the job you want that pays a commensurate wage then start a little smaller. Do part 91 pilot services, fly traffic watch, do aerial photography, fly pileline, tow banners, etc. There is always flight instructing if you have your CFI. Once you get started in the business you'll start to make the contacts that will move you up to the next rung on the ladder... then the next... and the next. Before long you will find yourself with many more options than just sitting right seat for lunch money.

Don't sell yourself short. Don't lower the bar.

fr8av8r_66

Please check my reply for your duplicate post over in the 135 section.

lphilbin

i am
just getting the hang of this forum and i won't do it again.

lphilbin

Thanks guys I like your ideas. I would not want to take anything away from someone, but just wish to fill a niche as a second pilot that the professional track young guys would not be interested in. I think flyningfalcon401 nailed it as when I retire, I need to hang out around airports and look for opportunity. Maybe I need to find a corporation or boutique consulting company that can use my consulting skills and would like to have a second heart beat in the plane they fly. But I would really like to learn the charter business and be a part of it using all my skill sets. Perhaps my new business card will read: "Airport Bum, Retired consultant, Commercial Pilot Looking for Adventure!"

Larry