Any Ag pilots here
03-16-2014 | 04:02 PM
#11
Thread Starter
Line Holder
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 75
Likes: 0
Me. I've made the switch from Ag to airlines twice. The money in Ag and the lack of money at the airlines always made me go back.
The regional that I worked for had restrictions on outside commercial flying and I suspect most of them are the same. I'm also a real Eastern pilot. My time was short, but I think they allowed it as long as it didn't cause a legality issue.
Most regionals are like sweat shops and they will want all of your time available to them. My experience was they were not willing to work with me at all with outside flying except when the staffing would allow for a leave of absence, but if you own your own business you might pull it off if you employ someone that's willing to step up and cover for you.
Or just wing it and hope you don't get caught. I wouldn't know anything about that
The regional that I worked for had restrictions on outside commercial flying and I suspect most of them are the same. I'm also a real Eastern pilot. My time was short, but I think they allowed it as long as it didn't cause a legality issue.
Most regionals are like sweat shops and they will want all of your time available to them. My experience was they were not willing to work with me at all with outside flying except when the staffing would allow for a leave of absence, but if you own your own business you might pull it off if you employ someone that's willing to step up and cover for you.
Or just wing it and hope you don't get caught. I wouldn't know anything about that
03-17-2014 | 10:04 AM
#12
Gets Weekends Off
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 241
Likes: 0
From: AT802
To me there is no comparison of 121 vs 137 Ag work. 121 was the easiest work I've ever did (this is me ducking). I didn't like the time away from home or the bureaucracy of 121 at all, but I enjoyed the flying.
I have to say that the fun left Ag years ago. I still love to fly, but this is just a hard job that pays well.
03-17-2014 | 06:34 PM
#15
Thread Starter
Line Holder
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 75
Likes: 0
If I were to get on with a good regional and live where my domocile is, would i be able to be "home" with my family 2-3 days a week or would I be gone more than that?
I have visited with a few pilots in the industry and it seems rather complex how your work schedule is actually determined. I know that most companies have a bidding system set up so you can try to get certain trips and avoid others. This might be hard to explain thru a forum. I guess I don't need details just wondering what to expect for away from home time in the beginning.
With the ag work i'm home every night, and i know it wouldn't be like that.
I have visited with a few pilots in the industry and it seems rather complex how your work schedule is actually determined. I know that most companies have a bidding system set up so you can try to get certain trips and avoid others. This might be hard to explain thru a forum. I guess I don't need details just wondering what to expect for away from home time in the beginning.
With the ag work i'm home every night, and i know it wouldn't be like that.
03-18-2014 | 04:11 AM
#16
Gets Weekends Off
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 241
Likes: 0
From: AT802
In my experience, living in domicile was everything. I upgraded to a commute and around a year later, bid back to FO so I could live in base again. Commuting sucks for me and can easily rob you of 2 of 3 days off, depending on your schedule and available flights. Also, there is no guarantee that the base where you live will be there forever. Ask an Endeavor pilot.
Bidding can be a complex or simple system depending on the company, but in my experience, the good schedules come from seniority. Reserve at the regionals is a life changing, mood altering experience from which most people never fully recover from. Starting out as a commuting junior pilot on reserve, with small children at home could test your marriage.
Bidding can be a complex or simple system depending on the company, but in my experience, the good schedules come from seniority. Reserve at the regionals is a life changing, mood altering experience from which most people never fully recover from. Starting out as a commuting junior pilot on reserve, with small children at home could test your marriage.
03-28-2014 | 09:45 PM
#17
New Hire
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Embraer E-170/175 Capt
Did it. Used to fly low level at night spraying for W. Nile Virus... It can be done. PM me if you want some pointers. My 'regional' is hiring but we are about to reject our TA and hopefully get a real contract... or go under. Keep your day job.
03-28-2014 | 09:49 PM
#18
New Hire
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Embraer E-170/175 Capt
In my experience, living in domicile was everything. I upgraded to a commute and around a year later, bid back to FO so I could live in base again. Commuting sucks for me and can easily rob you of 2 of 3 days off, depending on your schedule and available flights. Also, there is no guarantee that the base where you live will be there forever. Ask an Endeavor pilot.
Bidding can be a complex or simple system depending on the company, but in my experience, the good schedules come from seniority. Reserve at the regionals is a life changing, mood altering experience from which most people never fully recover from. Starting out as a commuting junior pilot on reserve, with small children at home could test your marriage.
Bidding can be a complex or simple system depending on the company, but in my experience, the good schedules come from seniority. Reserve at the regionals is a life changing, mood altering experience from which most people never fully recover from. Starting out as a commuting junior pilot on reserve, with small children at home could test your marriage.
03-29-2014 | 04:51 AM
#19
Gets Weekends Off
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 13,843
Likes: 1
From: FAA 'Flight Check'
Up until that time, I did not know they flew at night. Gusty Maverick!
03-29-2014 | 04:51 AM
#20
Gets Weekends Off
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 13,843
Likes: 1
From: FAA 'Flight Check'
Up until that time, I did not know they flew at night. Gusty move Maverick!
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
