At 1500, Best Path next?
01-26-2025 | 05:01 PM
#1
Thread Starter
On Reserve
Joined: Apr 2023
Posts: 22
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At 1500, Best Path next?
At 1500 TT C172 mainly
110 night
300 XC
15 Actual
25 ME
CFI/CFII MEI
Long term goal is a legacy. I’m 45yo.
I’d like to avoid any contracts if I can. What is the best path for me at this point with the current status of the hiring trends?
110 night
300 XC
15 Actual
25 ME
CFI/CFII MEI
Long term goal is a legacy. I’m 45yo.
I’d like to avoid any contracts if I can. What is the best path for me at this point with the current status of the hiring trends?
01-26-2025 | 05:07 PM
#2
SrFOorJrCAisthe?
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 1,630
Likes: 280
Freight dog types (Fedex feeders, Ameriflight), BoutiqueAir type places will be in reach soon. Smaller fractionals as well like PlaneSense and Tradewinds are solid gigs too
Of course, if you aren't tied down, go to AK. Plenty of flying jobs and great living/experience. Good luck.
01-27-2025 | 04:20 AM
#3
Gets Weekends Off
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 6,217
Likes: 52
From: B-737NG preferably in first class with a glass of champagne and caviar
Apply with Empire, Mountain Air Cargo... and other cargo feeders for FED EX and UPS. You may find yourself i the Seat of a C-208 (135 fleet) with movement to their ATR (121 fleet). Also, for multi time, apply with survey operations. They operate PA-23s, C-310s, and PA31s.
01-27-2025 | 07:40 AM
#4
Prime Minister/Moderator
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 44,908
Likes: 694
From: Engines Turn or People Swim
Yeah if the regioanls aren't calling, with 1500 hours, go get some turbine time.
You may still need to hit the regionals later but if you can bag some 135 TPIC now that would be a good start. Especially consider operations where you can get ME TPIC, ideally without waiting for many years.
With 135 ME TPIC a legacy call could be within reach (without regional experience), but that would depend on market conditions, which you can evaluate when the time comes.
Alternatively with just SE TPIC, you could then to go to a regional and the combination of ME 121 jet SIC plus the 135 TPIC might well be enough, without waiting for regional upgrade.
SE TPIC has historically only been competitive for legacy jobs if it's in a fighter. Caravan time doesn't usually cut it.
You may still need to hit the regionals later but if you can bag some 135 TPIC now that would be a good start. Especially consider operations where you can get ME TPIC, ideally without waiting for many years.
With 135 ME TPIC a legacy call could be within reach (without regional experience), but that would depend on market conditions, which you can evaluate when the time comes.
Alternatively with just SE TPIC, you could then to go to a regional and the combination of ME 121 jet SIC plus the 135 TPIC might well be enough, without waiting for regional upgrade.
SE TPIC has historically only been competitive for legacy jobs if it's in a fighter. Caravan time doesn't usually cut it.
01-27-2025 | 08:13 AM
#5
Line Holder
Joined: Jan 2024
Posts: 892
Likes: 151
a busy MEI job would be an obvious move but basically anything other than day vfr se fixed gear is a step up. Apply broadly and take what the market is offering
01-28-2025 | 03:01 AM
#9
Gets Weekends Off
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 6,217
Likes: 52
From: B-737NG preferably in first class with a glass of champagne and caviar
01-28-2025 | 05:54 AM
#10
Disinterested Third Party
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 6,758
Likes: 74
The grand catch 22 is an inconsistent dichotomy: Alaska pilots come from somewhere. If only experienced pilots were hired, then only a limited supply of pilots already in Alaska could be used, and that's not the case. Numerous operators will pick up a fresh pilot and put them in a seat, right or left. Those opportunities are often seasonal.
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