LAXSAAB

What’s the story with PFE’s at Evergreen? If you have your Commercial Multiengine will they allow you to upgrade to the right seat? I have an offer for an interview and if hired need to decide whether to stay at a regional or go with Evergreen. I’m currently 3 years from captain upgrade at my current job.

FEL1011

Hi LAXSAAB,

I was a former PFE at Evergreen and really enjoyed the time that I had there. The guys were great to fly with and had hoped to return, but had another option after a lengthy furlough.

If I were in your situation, I would not go to the panel. You do not know how long you will be a SO and your pilot skills will waste away. FE time will not do anything for your career, if you are looking to go to your next employer after getting heavy jet or over water time. I would find another regional that would upgrade faster, so you can build your PIC turbine time.


Just one man's opinion!

cac737

Hey Saab, what is your experience level, what are your times? Riding the panel on the B747 can be a great experience, but your head must be on that panel and not on the seat in front of it. The FE's do a great deal on the airplane, must know it very well and are in charge of all the airplane performance. If you can remain focused on doing your job well, then you'll be in a good position to upgrade to FO, but you still must pass the training and checkride. That is why I was asking about your experience level, because you may be on the panel about a year or two and then when you do upgrade it may not be on the classic, but on the -400, and if that is the case, are you prepared to pass a full type ride? weigh these considerations along with your eventual goals and make your decision. I write this from HKG and in 48hrs, i will be in NYC after having been through Japan and anchorage. can you be gone away from home for 2-3 weeks at a time? Can you fly 10+hour legs?

these are things that arent covered in any gs or hanger flying session, but can make or break your decision to go the heavy cargo road.

just my thoughts....

spitfire1500

I would stay put. There is talk of furloughing F/E's at Evergreen in May. The chief engineer told a few PFE's this already with the parking of 100 model aircraft.

Rama

Connie hires pfe's and allows upgrades. The new payscale is much more realistic than the previous s/o pay.