Once an FO reaches 1500 hours they can upgrade to Captain so depending on your hours you can either come in as a Direct Entry Captain or upgrade in less than a year.

I can’t find anything even on the company website what a starting FO makes

A first year Captain will make $60,000 not counting overtime. A starting FO will earn $34,000 for the year without overtime.

Thanks, I applied and received the email stating I would be contacted later. I would like to get the DTW office

1st Class Medical req’d for PC-12 Captains?
 

Thanks for the replies above regarding upgrade time to captain or applying as a direct entry captain. I know that Plane Sense requires just a 2nd class medical for FOs, but are captains (in the PC-12) required to have a First Class?

I realize that they certainly would in the jets, but I wanted to ask about the PC-12. Thanks again.

Second I believe. Just get the first. Nothing more and usually the same cost as the first.

https://www.airlinepilotcentral.com/...nal/planesense

I’m a PC-12 Captain and all I need is a 2nd Class. The only difference between the two is you don’t need an EKG for a 2nd Class.

Though those that have already answered this question are technically accurate in that you can seek upgrade once hitting 1500 hrs and/or if you have enough hours you can apply for DEC, it’s my opinion your flying background and particular experience should and likely does play into the situation.

I had hopes of a quick upgrade path, however, after getting in the door I’ve heard from a couple of sources the company ‘prefers’ you get experience flying the summer and winter season as an SIC before upgrading you to PIC; considering the various WX challenges associated with those particular seasons. As it could be argued the typical guidance from the light plane GA playbook is to stay on the ground, and/or wait another day, etc., if that type of flying is what your experience is composed of, flying those 2 seasons as SIC is a good idea, IMO. If however, you have amassed real world experience across the seasons as an FO of a similar type of operation in a similarly equipped and capable aircraft, then I think it’s realistic to think you could come in as DEC or quickly upgrade.

All this said, the other advantage of taking your time is the ability to learn the ropes. Flying the plane is easy, it’s the FMS and Flight Director/AP that will throw you curveballs. Though training is very good, fire hose syndrome limits how much can realistically be thrown at us and the reality is, time/real experience is our friend.

Additionally, there’s a customer service and business aspect to the job as well. It’s been beneficial to see how an experienced captain handles various situations, both corporate and customer. What I mean by corporate is, the flight operations center schedules us to do X, it’s been beneficial to see an experienced captain push back on certain requests, where as a newbie might be apt to just accept and roll with it, it’s nice to get a sense of boundaries - and I’m not talking about whether we fly or not fly.

Though I was hopeful for a quick upgrade for financial reasons, the reality is, I’m thoroughly enjoying the role of FO and having the time to learn the ropes properly. I’ve flown with some really great captains that took an interest in expanding my knowledge base. Are there long days, yup, do you get tired at times, sure do, but it’s been a blast so far; for me personally, the type of flying we do and the job is exactly what I hoped it would be! Your mileage may vary!

PC-12 CA upgrade time
 

Clrd4apch, thanks for your reply. I agree that it would be very beneficial to be an SIC for a while and learn from all of the experienced captains. I might have to pick up some helicopter work on the side to supplement my income though. Does the company allow additional flying outside of work? This would just be Part 91 helicopter flying.

Thanks to all of the PlaneSense crew that have chimed in here. I get the impression that you all are pretty happy with the company and the flying. Yeah, some long days for sure, but any 8 on / 6 off operation is going to involve long days.

One last question... how often do you end up at your base airport during an 8 day rotation (if at all)?

If you have the time, go in as a DEC. You are paid as such from day 1. Airline day 1, airline day 8.

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