Originally Posted by
Alti2d
For better or for worse, AMF does have a pay to play program, and several of those FOs that did well over the years have been offered positions within the company. They know you, they like you, they need a pilot, you're hired. Of course it costs $10,000 (+) to have that happen. It's operated as a turbine time-building training program. I don't think that they have an internship situation when they are making money off these things. I'm not judging the people who are willing to do this, or the company for doing it, I'm just saying that there is a program in place.
I know that there are many out there that do not approve of people paying for time, but I would like to offer this up for your consideration. Many of you did pay to build time in a twin (Seminole/Duchess), there are many pilots out there that do not have an MEI and have built their required multi time by renting. So what is the difference between paying to gain experience in a twin turbine or paying to fly a Seminole around? I used to disapprove of "first officer" programs, until I flew with one. She was very professional, and demonstrated excellent airmanship, when she had completed her time, we hired her into a Brasilia. I believe that she is now a Captain at Republic. This young woman knew that she did not want to instruct, and she felt that she could better herself professionally through a 'first officer' program, and she was correct. She personally changed my opinion about these programs. I think in the right environment these programs can be excellent as they teach young pilots how things work in the real world. Lets face it, instructors out there are just baby pilots themselves, and have no idea how 135 or 121 operators actually do it in the real world. Just remember what you get out of an experience is what you put into an experience.