Single pilot operations, whether in military or civilian aircraft are great. The only downside is there's no one else to blame when you pass wind.

JJ

 

Box hauler makes good points. I might add that you are also the meteorologist, hazmat specialist, fueler, customs specialist and customer service rep.

You will be faced with IFR flight with no flight director or autopilot, often to mins and more missed approaches than you will see the rest of your career. Although RNAV is becoming more ordinary today, there are still plenty of NDB approaches and VOR's out there for the secondary and small community airports. Needless to say, your interview sim checks from now on will be no brainers!

I had a couple af fantastic years at Ameriflight in the Metro. It was by far the most rewarding and challenging flying I have done. The nice thing at AMF was that alot of guys started in a Piper Lance and worked there way up through BE-99's, -1900's and Metro's. No change in employer, health benefits or uniforms. If you are more af a transient, you might be able to advance faster by swapping companies but 135's aren't always stable.

Good luck!

 

Some of the best pilots I have flown with come from this background. In my opinion it is far better way to obtain experience than becoming a low time right seat hire at some regional. As others have indicated never let yourself be pushed into flying an airplane that is not safe mechanically and always stay in the FAR's.
These jobs build both basic skills but, more importantly they develope the unteachable judgement that is being omitted in what they are now telling young pilots that they need.

 

Devin,

On this instance, I have to agree with 757UPSpilot,

In ANC, I've flown with a number of "Bush" pilots that used to fly for Marc Air (sorry if I spelled it wrong), and they were really very strong stick-n-rudder types. In my opinion, flying single pilot ups your situation awareness because you are the one man band.

And, as mentioned by 757 above, judgement learned when flying single pilot in usually crappy conditions is valuable. I remember my first air carrier job was single pilot Part 135, and I was scared straight when flying passengers-no one to blame but me.

One thing Mark at FDX brought up, is network network network, especially when sitting around the FBO waiting for your peeps or your packages. Many of us, including myself did not get this job based on good-looks...well, maybe 757UPS did...I'm just kidding...I'll get the first round at Stooges.

Good Luck Devin,

FF

 

A question for those who have gone before. Did the lack of crew experience create problems when interviewing for a 121 job? I assume most didn't "down grade" to regional and when looking to move up and took their turbo PIC time direct to a career opportunity. Does the like of FedEx, UPS, or major airlines look at the lack of any FO time (for a civilian only) as a negative??

 

When I was a recruiter at a small regional airline we interviewed quite a few part 91/135 drivers and many had no crew experience whatsoever. However, in my opinion crew experience is really about people skills and very often we could tell early on that the guys/gals were really nice folks to be around and we knew they'd pick up the CRM part really fast.

After all, once the technical portion and the sim ride is over with the rest of the interview really boils down to deciding whether one would want to spend an entire trip with the interviewee without going crazy?

Did interviews for three years and only twice do I feel we made a huge mistake. In fact, every now and then I'd get notes in my V-file or even some phone calls from line guys asking me what the h*** I was thinking when we hired that one particular @#*!☼¢à♀$#! piece of $#@!*&É#@♀♫!?

They were right and I (and the rest of the HR) were wrong in those particular cases but it only shows you that interviewers make mistakes too. Sometimes they hire people they shouldn't while turning away those who would be a perfect fit... Look, they even hired me!

 

I'm currently doing the single pilot night cargo deal in the be58. So far the previous posts have been dead on. Especially the "as safe as I made it post." A lot of guys will let they're company railroad them into doing something they don't really feel comfortable with. It definately can be hard to say no, but sometimes thats the best decision. Generally these nights are very few and far between. I've only had a couple and most of them occurred when I was new. I learned that my decision is not up for debate, contrary to some people's belief. It is in fact MY decision. Other than that I'd say its been overwhelmingly positive. Im not sure where it will take me, but I know that I won't ever regret doing it. Best of luck in your career.

 

I was in your shoes. I was doing the CFII thing and then went to work flying single pilot night freight. I flew C-310Rs and Be-55/58s for what use to be US Check (Starcheck). It's now called AirNet. I had a lot of fun but it wasn't easy work. My first run was 6 legs a night, no auto pilot, no flight director...nadda.

I had no problem interviewing for a 121 commuter job. They actually really liked guys with that background. It will make you a very sharp pilot. I agree, it's only as dangerous as you make it although some outfits are better to fly for than others.

I'm now at FedEx so it all worked out for me just fine. I wish you the best of luck.

 

Hey Ntsing,

Kneepads, that's the word on how you got all ur jobs NTsing! Lol! Just kidding, way long time. You in Anchorage much? I'll buy the first round at Humpy's. I'm up here full time and lovin' it. I fished all summer, hunted all fall and now I'm hibernating.

C

 

Statistically, is part 135 freight any more dangerous that flight instructing? I really don't know, but both have horrible safety records when compared to 121 pax or freight flying.

Most people just accept the first job that will get them out of instructing. Anybody that says they miss instructing has a very selective memory. I jumped at my first opportunity and it happened to be a part 135 freight job. I get a little depressed when I realize that I'm still doing it 3 years later, but I still like the job and the pay is actually decent. I can probably handle about 3 more years of this before it permanently scars me for life.