I am considering applying to Simuflite's SIC program. I have heard this is a great way to get your foot in the door with a corporate flight department while learning something.

Any comments on good idea vs. bad??

Also, which aircraft would be the smartest choice if I get a position? I'm thinking about the Citation V because I've heard the type would apply to everything below the CJV in the CJ line.

Thanks ahead of time

 

I just looked at the program and it sounds promising but just as a caution alot of corporate jobs like to see time in type and to be honest 200 hours in a sim really isn't worth much. Yes it technically counts as time but I wouldn't really think it would put you ahead of anyone with time in the plane. just my two cents.

oh and don't confuse the CJ's with the citations, two different types. The citation 500 type covers the
500, 501, 550, 551 and the 560. Respectively, the citation I, II, V, Bravo, Ultra, and Encore.

The Citation Jet is a different name and type. It covers the CJ1, CJ2 and the CJ3 which are the 525.

 

To answer your question about what type, go with the citation. It covers alot of corporate aircraft out there.

 

I started my "corporate aviation career" at flightsafety in there PAID sic program, and have written many posts on that topic for other interested pilots, If you have a few minutes you should look them up you might find something that could help you. Good Luck!

 

Hey, I'm a SimuFlite SIC guy on the Beechjet.

I highly recommend it, if you can swing a flight instruction job at the same time. The networking has been great, and I've had a few job bites and offers in the process. Without any sim time I'm only at 710TT/22ME, but I've got my PIC type in the BE400 and am well underway on a second type.

You probably won't get to pick your aircraft, unless you happen to know that aircraft's training manager. You'll be placed in an aircraft where SICs are most need. Right now that happens to be the Citation. The Citation is a good program, along with the Hawker, since they cover multiple aircraft.

-Brett

 

I've known several pilots who went through the program and they highly recommend it. Be prepared to wait a while though. I signed up for it a month or so ago and am #40 something on the wait list.

 

On the contrary, 200 hours in a sim is worth its weight in gold for multiple reasons. First and foremost, you learn the aircraft systems front to back. After working through a couple of initial type ratings and recurrents, you'll have it down cold. Second, if you take it seriously and you're not just there to yank the gear, you'll experience every emergency scenario the instructors can throw out. That, in turn, takes you to the emergency procedures checklist which you'll eventually be reciting in your sleep, but read it each and every time like it was your first. It will help and impress the client sitting next to you. Third, the networking potential is limitless. Where else could you go and have chief pilots and directors of aviation held captive for five days to three weeks? It just doesn't get any better. Finally, act like a professional. It does not work walking around with resume in hand passing it around as if it were candy. Most will be turned off by this behavior. Those clients that notice your abilities, are in need of an SIC, and make the hiring decisions might ask for your resume. Of course, always have it nearby. Some chief pilots and DOAs like to give low-timers that show potential a chance in order to groom them into company captains.

Ditto. I went through FSI in Savannah five years ago. Without a doubt, the best experience of my life...that is in regards to aviation.

Again, ditto. Although I had less time than Brett, I was still hired as an SIC in type with 350 hours in the sim. Just remember that a job is not guaranteed out of the program, but it is definitely possible if you work hard at it. Hope this helps and best of luck as well.

 

no doubt. i'm a sim/ground instructor, and get job offers at least once per month. I love the interaction with the clients. Oh yeah, I always begin my classes with a break!

 

Thanks for all the info!! Sorry for the late response. I'm flight instructing trying to pay off the college loans, so I haven't been getting much forum time.

I think regardless of a guaranteed job offering it will be an outstanding opportunity.

For those who have been through the program: When you complete the sim sessions. How do you get the type rating. Also, is it an SIC only type?? I read somewhere that the Citation V can be certified for single pilot in some cases.

 

Once you're done with your 80 sessions you go through the complete PIC initial type rating course. At 40 sessions you can get your SIC type. Some Citations can be certified single pilot as long as the pilot has single-pilot training.

-Brett