p-factor

I think I need a guidance counselor!
I am currently flying right seat in a Pilatus PC-12 for Alpha Flying (PlaneSense frax). I have seen others' thoughts in other threads on whether or not this company would make a wise career move. Well, I'm already here, and now I need to know what to do next!
I was hired directly from a CFI position. I have about 2300 TT and about 300 turbine, but less than 200 multi.
I dont think regionals or any 121 job is in my future. So where do I go from here? I would love to work for CitationShares or NetJets sometime in my future (I'm in my mid 20's) Avantair seems like a logical choice, seeing as how it is very similar to my current job, but it's the all important multi turbine. I don't want to take any steps "down", like into a 135 Navajo or even a 402 for Cape Air or similar island hopper. What are my options? How long should I stay where I am? How else can I get the multi time? (preferably multi-turbine) Should I look for a smaller King Air position somewhere? Citation right seat with a smaller 135?
Thanks in advance for any suggestions

hatetobreakit2u

cant help but at least at cape air you can make 30K+ your first year with some hard work, at least its not like starting at a the bottom of a regional, and you get some multi time fast, then you can prob get into a corporate jet after a year with your time.

loudgarrettdriver

Always, Look at the job not the equipment.

What are the future prospects at your current gig? I understand that right seat gigs in a SE turbo props don't mean much- but if you stay with the company and upgrade the pay and the schedual could provide you a STABLE and COMFRTABLE lifestyle. And that my friend- is what its all about.

Talk to your captains- ask them what they think. If they say "this gig sucks a$$" then start to network and line up something else up. But if the majority are happy- think about staying put.

Some many pilots get caught up in this dream of chasing the heavy tin that they forget about the life, family and quality of life in the process. Not to mention- furloughs, layoffs, union crap, night after night in hotel rooms with no promise of a stable future.

The fact that you found a steady job with schedual, salary and benefits on f relatively easy equipment with not too much responsibility is a good start. Just learn, relax and don't spin your wheels if you don't have to.

1 penny + 1 penny = my 2 cents.

Jonesthepilot

how long youve been at alpha? I was in new hire class for alpha back in may but dumped after seeign the contract. Id recommend looking into flyign freight for a year or so, get a good amount of multi and pic and some freight co have turbine multis as well. the equipment will def be a downgrade but it wont last forever.

Airblazer

I agree with Jones. If you have decided that one of the larger fractionals is the place for you, flying freight may be the fastest way to get where you need to go. You need multi-turbine time, so I don't see how moving to a freighter or even a regional would be a step backwards or even sideways. A regional may even be better because of your interaction with pax, which my guess is pretty important to a fractional. I'm sure your schedule (QOL) might not be up to your standards at either the freighter or the regional, but I'm talking long term. There's a twin out there somewhere with your name on it!

Take luck!

p-factor

What contract?
There's a 2 year contract for captain upgrades, and upgrades are usualy around 1 year.
Did you go through ground school or did you bail before even starting?

Perhaps you're right. But I had the opportunity to work for AirNet or CapeAir or a few regionals who I was offered interviews with before I took this job. QOL is a big deal for me, and more importantly the wife! Granted I could be home every 'day' with Airnet, but I'd be sleeping all day and up all night. Maybe I'm being too picky, but flying a regional doesn't sound as interesting in some aspects. Yes, I would love to fly a CRJ around. That would be cool. But flying back and forth from gate to gate all day long for a few years doesnt really sound like a lot of fun. I like GA flying, going to new places, big airports or grass strips, Nantuckett one day, Nassau Bahamas the next.
I dont think I would mind flying frieght. I would love to fly around in cargo shorts and a T-shirt. But flying all night is a big minus sign for me. I guess if I found the right place that flew during the day...
Now that I have tasted jet fuel I dont think 100LL isnt as palatable. (maybe thats "pride" talking) I 'feel' that a twin turbine is the next step for me. King Air, Avanti, even a Conquest or something. I dunno.
Thanks for all your help.

Geronimo4497

This gig doesn't suck, IMHO. Upgrade will come soon enough, if that is what you are worried about.

"The grass is always greener where you water it." - some guy on the internet

p-factor

I was waiting for you to respond geronimo! I wasnt sure how often you checked these forums.
Agreed, I was going to respond to that "if the gig sucks" comment, but it wasnt worth it. This is a good job, I like it, its fun, and for all practical purposes I could just stay at this job for years and years. I know the upgrade will come, but I dont know if another 2 years (due to the upgrade contract) is best for my overall career (and my wife's sanity.)

Jonesthepilot

they make new hires sign 18 month contract prorated if you leave early. went through class 3 days before i made the choice. Ill tell you though I learned alot in that class and the deamenor of everyone at the company is great. seems liek a greta co to werk for but 24k to fly sic in pc-12 works out to bein poo poo, and not much room for advance.

Geronimo4497

Are you sure you have your numbers correct? No accusing anything here, just curious, because those are not the numbers that I hear floating around. If so......................