Contract pilot - what's the best type
#1
Contract pilot - what's the best type
Howdy ladies/gents,
I'm looking at a break from Pt 121 and considering purchasing a corporate type to do some contract work. I don't want to do single pilot work (i.e. CJ or Phenom), and I'd prefer aircraft with auto throttles and other safety/tech gizmos. Would appreciate any thoughts on aircraft types that might be most useful, especially on the west coast. Also, any that are easily switched up with differences training. TIA.
I'm looking at a break from Pt 121 and considering purchasing a corporate type to do some contract work. I don't want to do single pilot work (i.e. CJ or Phenom), and I'd prefer aircraft with auto throttles and other safety/tech gizmos. Would appreciate any thoughts on aircraft types that might be most useful, especially on the west coast. Also, any that are easily switched up with differences training. TIA.
#2
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Sep 2006
Position: 767 FO
Posts: 293
If you’re looking to break into the contract flying world my suggestion would be to do some reading on PPW. Unless you’re well connected getting a mid and or large cabin contract position will want some time in type. Limiting yourself to aircraft with auto throttles or other “tech gizmos” will just have you paying a lot of money for a type rating without getting any work.
#3
If you have a spare $120,000, a Global 7500 rating pays well ($3,500-$4,000 per day) and few contractors with or without “time in type” but most do have G6000 time. The Global and Gulfstream types have work, but have fair number of contractors in today’s world.
#4
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Feb 2019
Posts: 307
You’re prob 1 in a 1,000 considering “taking a break” from part 121 right now.
My intuition tells me most corporate operators aren’t going to want an airline guy.
I’d try to find the job first before investing in an expensive type rating.
If you want to live on the West Coast, go to a busy GA airport like Van Nuys and try to get a job at the FBO fueling planes.
With any luck they will give you a job and you’ll still have health insurance and be making approximately $15 an hour more than you would be making with no job. Every time you fuel a plane make small talk with the pilots.
As soon as one of the pilots says anything suggesting they would hire you if you were qualified then you’ll know what type rating to get.
My intuition tells me most corporate operators aren’t going to want an airline guy.
I’d try to find the job first before investing in an expensive type rating.
If you want to live on the West Coast, go to a busy GA airport like Van Nuys and try to get a job at the FBO fueling planes.
With any luck they will give you a job and you’ll still have health insurance and be making approximately $15 an hour more than you would be making with no job. Every time you fuel a plane make small talk with the pilots.
As soon as one of the pilots says anything suggesting they would hire you if you were qualified then you’ll know what type rating to get.
#5
Without time in type, most companies will not even look at you because of the insurance companies. Insurance companies have started to run the show these days and they have pulled the reigns back considerably.
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