DC-3 Time
 

Hello everyone this is my first post, hope I can get some feedback from you all. I'm a CFI-I on the West Coast, and was recently given the oppurtunity to fly right seat in a DC-3. Really excited to be considered, but will this time be beneficial to future employers? My end goal is to be a UPS or Fed Ex Pilot, would they like to see DC-3 time or would they rather see me at a regular 121 operator flying regional jets? Thanks for the help! rocjett

[QUOTE=rocjett;1853882]Hello everyone this is my first post, hope I can get some feedback from you all. I'm a CFI-I on the West Coast, and was recently given the oppurtunity to fly right seat in a DC-3. Really excited to be considered, but will this time be beneficial to future employers? My end goal is to be a UPS or Fed Ex Pilot, would they like to see DC-3 time or would they rather see me at a regular 121 operator flying regional jets? Thanks for the help! rocjett[/QUOTE

20 years ago it would have helped you, today not so much, but what do I know ?I flewDC-3s for 10 years and 8000 hours because I loved it, I was able to get my turbine time on a non sched 727 after our 3's flew onward, follow your heart on this, but the sane sober advice is to go 121

If you're young enough, mid twenties or so, go ahead and fly the 3. It's a great historical aircraft that's fun to fly and can teach you some valuable skills about flying larger aircraft. Landing a heavy airplane on two wheels and maintaining balance and directional control is a whole-nother-deal, if you know what I mean.
If you're closer to your thirties I think you may want to keep your nose to the grindstone and get some turbine PIC. To answer your primary concern...No, I don't believe that FedEx or UPS would take note of the DC-3 time. I mean, I doubt that an old timer in the CP office is going to slap you on the back and say "you must be a stick to have flown that ol DC-3". Those days are gone. I think that HR folks rather than pilots do all of the initial pilot selections at those places. If the aircraft type you're claiming to have time in isn't available on the drop down menu, they would likely just move on the next guys application. My two cents...

Well said AgCat

Thanks guys, like you all said its a great plane to fly, but I really would like to get to a cargo airline as quickly as possible to start my career there. All great points, looks like I have some thinking to do...

The DC-3 time would count as AMEL time, in a heavier-than-12K airplane.

Important: Is it a turbine conversion? In that case it would count as turbine time and would be similar to a Saab, Brasilia, etc.

Also what is the nature of the flying? Multiple destinations, or just LGB-SXC-LGB? Any IMC?

It would be a plus when you make it to an interview and get to talk to actual pilots, but if it's got radial engines the time will not do much to get you an interview.

I would expect to have to do some sort of regional flying after the DC-3, although if it is turbine you might dodge that bullet.

Thanks everyone for the replies. I noticed my conversation was taken off of the Cargo and Major Forums, can someone please switch it back to those forums. I appreciate the great and informative replies, but I was hoping to speak to some guys who have flown the DC-3 and are now at major/cargo airlines could help me out! Thanks to all, Rocjett

Would it be on the West Coast?

I've been to interviews in which my four-engine radial experience is classed the same as a Cessna 172...because it's piston. The airline wasn't interested in differentiating between single and multi piston; it was just piston.

My impression was that the original poster wasn't looking at taking a job in a Doug, but simply getting a little right seat time. In that case, have fun; the DC3 is a great airplane, flies beautifully, and it will teach you a few things (raising and lowering the landing gear is an exercise in multi-tasking and crew coordination, as you'll see). Depending on your goals, it may not move you toward an airline position as fast as other employment. If you can get a type rating out of it, while it may not be useful for other jobs, it's definitely an ice breaker, and may be of personal worth to you.

Get turbine time period. I spent years flying around four engine radials at a 121 and it counts about as much as Baron time in the eyes of those worthless HR people. If I were you, I'd work towards getting on at FedEx, UPS, etc and then go join the Confederate Air Force. The CAF have an inventory of antiquated junkers you can fly around to airshows if you so desire. :eek:.:cool: