Acoustic2

Hi,

Here is my info:

-98.1 total hrs
-21.3 multi
-Working on inst rating now
-Working on commercial now
-Working on ATP written now
-Following all of that, I should have around 350 TT
-BA Degree in Finance / Accounting
-Seperate AS Professional Pilot degree from local Community College

Also have:

-1,800 in back of helicopter (Military) as rescue swimmer / sensor operator
-CRM Instructor (Navy)
-Squadron NATOPS Instructor (Navy)
-10yrs in Navy
-Basic First Aid Instructor
-CPR Instructor
-Squadron Standardization Board Member (Navy)

What can I do with all of that, but with only 350 TT? How can I best set myself up for success?

Lori Clark

You have some great experience from the Navy which will make you a valued asset in the cockpit. However, once you've finished with your ratings you will need some stick time. Your options are limited, to be frank. But they are out there.

My highest recommendation would be to continue on and get your flight instructor ratings as well and then start teaching. With only 350 hours you will be hard-pressed to find a paid flying gig otherwise.

Start networking, find out what employers are looking for time-wise. Talk to anyone who ventures through a FBO where you might be, talk with your own instructors, everyone you come in contact with. Many folks will fly traffic watch, fire patrol or tow banners to build time. Wish I had a "short cut" suggestion for you, but there really are no short cuts in aviation. You need the hours under your belt.

Good luck!

Acoustic2

Ok- thanks for the reply. From all of the reading that I have done through the misc threads of new hires and whatnot it seems that there is little to no flex on the minimums. I did not know what kind of flex I could possibly encounter with my experience....if any. Just wanted to get a better understanding. I know that I am nowhere near any of the minimums...especially w/o my commercial/inst yet.

I will network as best I can as I continue w/ flight training. Thanks again for the quick reply- once I get closer to being half marketable I'll ask for some updated advice-

D

Short Final

I can only assume you are aware of the ever so light downturn in the industry- am I correct?

I would suggest you take your 350tt and BS degree and go to law school or something other than this. Are you nuts?

TransMach

Check your PM's ... TransMach

Mr. Irrelevant

As Lori mentioned, it would be a good idea to check with various operators in your area and see what they are looking for not only in terms of flight time, but in terms of background, character, etc.

With 350 TT, you're not going to be very helpful in the cockpit. Sure, you may do even better in training than someone with 2000 hours but you'll still be quite a bit behind when you're actually on an approach in the ice and blowing winds encountered in many places in the U.S. during winter. All that said, you may luck out. You wouldn't be the first one. More than likely however, it'll probably take 1000-2000 hours or even more before you'll sit up front in a turbojet. But as I said, I've met multiple pilots who were flying jets with 300-700 hours.

The CFI is a great rating and has brought me many wonderful experiences. You also get to meet many people you might otherwise never have a connection with. I'd highly recommend working on that rating regardless of whether you pick something up at 350 hours.

Mr. I.