About to get my CPL - what should I do?
 

Hi all, this is my first post.

I'm at 280 hours with an Instrument rating, I've been working the front desk at a flight school/ maint. shop for the last 2 years. I've been paying cash for lessons to avoid debt. I have my CPL checkride in 2 weeks and I would love to hit the ground running with a flying job.

I want nothing more than to start getting paid to fly. I know the typical route is to become a CFI, but I'm out of money and would like to start flying immediately. So what jobs are available to me with a wet ticket and 280 hours? I live near Denver now, but I'm willing to up and move anywhere.

Thanks for any advice!

Almost impossible to get a job with 300 hours. It will cost you at least 5k just in fuel to get to 500 hours to meet the insurance requirements for a job. You know what else you can get for 5k...you guessed it the CFI. Its your choice though.

Pretty much any of us would have loved to get a flying job with a wet CPL. I didn't happen for 98% though, so off to CFI school.

If you're willing to move anywhere you might have a shot but you'll really have to beat the pavement. Probably quicker to just get the CFI.

Also airline interviews are HARD for folks without CFI experience, especially if all you did was VMC flying (skydive, pipeline, traffic, etc).

I would tend to agree with the previous two responses. Even if you can find a single engine job with that amount of flight time it's not likely to be worth moving for. The studying alone for your CFI will be one of the most valuable things you can do for your career. A wet CFI ticket opens up a whole other world of options for you. Good luck!

I also recommend that you get your CFI and go to a school that will invest in you for your CFII and MEI. That will open more doors. Otherwise you can look into Aerial mapping pilot positions with Landcare, Northern States Aviation and Air America. Do a google search! The season is ending for them but they start interviewing in the summer for fall.

Can't agree more with those above me. I was in the same shoes, but I had my CFI and 300 hours...just didn't want to flight instruct. I applied to every low-time company I could with the 300 hours and ended up with an interview from one. I denied the interview due to thing I had heard about that company and ended up giving in and flight instructing. Just got my CFII and about to start my MEI.

Out of morbid curiosity more than anything else who would give you a job at 300 hours? I have never heardof a job with less than 500 hours total time.

Take a look at Star Marianas Air, Inc..
On pilotpool.com their requirement asks for 250 total time, although the SMA we page says 500TT. could be worth looking into.

I just got word there were a few pilots that got hired on at the canyon tours with 300TT but you need to apply NOW. gcaops.com

Not what u wanna here is it?

Well im sorry to say, its the truth.

The kinds of jobs you get with 300tt are skydive flying and banner towing. These positions dont do much in buliding the experience you will need for the carreer orientated pilot.

Look into Skylink Aviation at KSET. Ive hered of guys getting their CFI there in one week and its legit. Around $3500.

Get the CFI, instruct for a year or two, and you will have a better understanding.

Good Luck.