Planesense
#1551
In a land of unicorns
Joined APC: Apr 2014
Position: Whale FO
Posts: 6,401
I've heard Tradewind isn't terrible if you're alright with alternating between the Carribean and Northeast. They don't have a training contract, same as Surf Air, which is nice. Pay is decent.
I'd say the consensus on most pilot forums is there's no reason to go to any of these companies if you're goal is 121. In today's hiring environment, it's faster to simply instruct at a pilot mill in FL or AZ for a year or so and you're off to a regional class date. I'm interested in 91/91K/135 as a career, so I want to try this on for size.
I'd say the consensus on most pilot forums is there's no reason to go to any of these companies if you're goal is 121. In today's hiring environment, it's faster to simply instruct at a pilot mill in FL or AZ for a year or so and you're off to a regional class date. I'm interested in 91/91K/135 as a career, so I want to try this on for size.
Definitely go to a 135 before 121 if you ask me. Yes, it might take 6-12 months longer, but having experience in commuter operations and multi-crew flying will be very beneficial during your 121 training.
Yes, you can pass training after sitting right seat on a 172 for 1500 hours, but 172 to 121 is a steep learning curve.
#1552
Tradewind does have a training contract, 12 months after upgrading to PIC. If you do well, you can except to upgrade at 135 IFR mins. Pay is great for PIC.
Definitely go to a 135 before 121 if you ask me. Yes, it might take 6-12 months longer, but having experience in commuter operations and multi-crew flying will be very beneficial during your 121 training.
Yes, you can pass training after sitting right seat on a 172 for 1500 hours, but 172 to 121 is a steep learning curve.
Definitely go to a 135 before 121 if you ask me. Yes, it might take 6-12 months longer, but having experience in commuter operations and multi-crew flying will be very beneficial during your 121 training.
Yes, you can pass training after sitting right seat on a 172 for 1500 hours, but 172 to 121 is a steep learning curve.
#1553
In a land of unicorns
Joined APC: Apr 2014
Position: Whale FO
Posts: 6,401
Hey, a lot of us would gladly go that route. But we've all beaten the discussion of "regionals and mainline have opened the hiring floodgates" to death so it doesn't need repeating. So many "lower time" 135s still want around 1000TT and a good amount of multi. Many instructors will take the obvious route of "suck it up for a few more months for that next 500 hours" and then be on their way, versus jumping to 135 and spending the next 6-12 months before they upgrade there. And since a lot of these outfits have these contracts, that means instead of sticking it out for 6 more months they now will spend two years at 135, a net setback of 18 months. I'm curious to see what ends up happening, because I think there will be a significant onslaught of R-ATP eligble CFIs. For me, it's a no brainer: I need 675 more hours to go to a regional, which is around the same time I'd be really competitive for many 135s (and still falling short of single pilot IFR). I know we don't make up the majority of the upcoming pilot force but between us R-ATP guys and the guys who can go to any regional at 1500, I think it will be very interesting to watch what happens to 135, many of whom hire between 1000 and 2000TT.
I understand where the job market is, and how it is just a numbers game at the moment. But if anyone claims (and plenty of people here do) that a 1500 (or less, if R-ATP) CFI is better qualified and prepared than a 135 guy with 1500 hours, they are just full of it.
I'm in a nice spot in life, where I'm not in a hurry to get to majors as fast as I can. Unless you are in your late 40's, this should make no difference in your QOL. You'll make more money you know what to do with. I actually like the 1500 hour rule, and I think the regionals should have higher standards than what they currently have.
#1554
I'd say most "lower time 135's" hire between 600-800. I got hired at 700ish.
I understand where the job market is, and how it is just a numbers game at the moment. But if anyone claims (and plenty of people here do) that a 1500 (or less, if R-ATP) CFI is better qualified and prepared than a 135 guy with 1500 hours, they are just full of it.
I'm in a nice spot in life, where I'm not in a hurry to get to majors as fast as I can. Unless you are in your late 40's, this should make no difference in your QOL. You'll make more money you know what to do with. I actually like the 1500 hour rule, and I think the regionals should have higher standards than what they currently have.
I understand where the job market is, and how it is just a numbers game at the moment. But if anyone claims (and plenty of people here do) that a 1500 (or less, if R-ATP) CFI is better qualified and prepared than a 135 guy with 1500 hours, they are just full of it.
I'm in a nice spot in life, where I'm not in a hurry to get to majors as fast as I can. Unless you are in your late 40's, this should make no difference in your QOL. You'll make more money you know what to do with. I actually like the 1500 hour rule, and I think the regionals should have higher standards than what they currently have.
#1555
I would love to do some 135 time prior to 121, but it doesn't make any sense.
#1556
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Sep 2016
Posts: 1,948
#1557
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Sep 2017
Posts: 616
Hey guys and gals! I'm interviewing on Nov 29th and feel like I'm in pretty good shape.
That being said, the one thing I feel I might be a bit weak on is my knowledge of using GPS for IFR.
I already took the online course that they recommended in the interview email for GPS, but would like some insight on what in particular I should review when it comes to this.
Thanks in advance.
That being said, the one thing I feel I might be a bit weak on is my knowledge of using GPS for IFR.
I already took the online course that they recommended in the interview email for GPS, but would like some insight on what in particular I should review when it comes to this.
Thanks in advance.
#1558
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Nov 2015
Posts: 225
I was offered a position this week for the February IGS. I declined due to being in school, they've reserved a spot for me in a ground school for either June or July! I'm extremely excited!
#1559
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Sep 2017
Posts: 616
I'm very excited to have the chance to interview.
If I'm lucky enough to get hired, do you think I'll be able to get a Feb class? Id request earliest possible one.
Also, what are the biggest reasons an applicant would get a TBNT? Besides personality and not being able to fly 8/6, is it subpar IFR skills/knowledge?
Put another way, is the interview more of a "it's yours to lose" situation or do they interview a lot with the intention of hiring few?
#1560
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Sep 2016
Posts: 1,948
Congratulations and thank you!
I'm very excited to have the chance to interview.
If I'm lucky enough to get hired, do you think I'll be able to get a Feb class? Id request earliest possible one.
Also, what are the biggest reasons an applicant would get a TBNT? Besides personality and not being able to fly 8/6, is it subpar IFR skills/knowledge?
Put another way, is the interview more of a "it's yours to lose" situation or do they interview a lot with the intention of hiring few?
I'm very excited to have the chance to interview.
If I'm lucky enough to get hired, do you think I'll be able to get a Feb class? Id request earliest possible one.
Also, what are the biggest reasons an applicant would get a TBNT? Besides personality and not being able to fly 8/6, is it subpar IFR skills/knowledge?
Put another way, is the interview more of a "it's yours to lose" situation or do they interview a lot with the intention of hiring few?
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