TAKE IT AND RUN LIKE HELL :D

Sometimes I have to use international letters when I type so I've memorized a few short key codes. To get ¢ on my computer I have to hold down the "Alt" key and then type 155 (however it only works if i type the numbers on the number key pad, you know all the way to the left).

Hope it helps.

¢ Here's more for your pleasure.... æÅåäåÿÜ₧ÿ₧£ÿùÜ¥₧ƒÖûéäâåçêëè٧Ω∆€ :D

Most people here will probably disagree with me on this but I still think you should focus on the CFI gig and then focus on your PIC time as soon as you can.

Here’s my reasoning. I personally know several people who through different ‘special programs' were able to get hired at some major airlines with almost no PIC time. It was great for them as long as their airline was doing well. When they got furloughed, guess what? – the thousands of SIC hours they have in a B737 and/or A320 isn’t helping them now because, you guessed, they still lack the PIC time.

You'll never impress a regional airline recruiter (or any recruiter) with your SIC 'jet experience' – PIC is what they want.

You mentioned that this was not for the USA market and I assume you're thinking about some kind of expat program in India, China, etc where they promise you quick upgrades and pretty decent pay? In fact, the pay probably looks incredible to you from your current perspective.
However be very careful! If they hire you with no PIC experience they'll know that they own you because no one else will hire you. Even though you find out that you really dislike to work for that company you just might be stuck there for quite some time.

Just my thoughts on it...

The way I see it: PIC is always king over right seat in anything. If I go to company X and sit in the right seat and later get furloughed or whatever, then I've got some turbine time, but no more PIC than when I showed up. The "dual given" has weight as well since most instructors show that they take the knowledge to a different level.

Good luck.

great info. thanks to all.;)

I think you'll learn more of what you need to learn as a CFI initially, then when the time comes go for some SIC/PIC job that's appropriate.

Contrary to popular belief, 208 SIC time is not worthless, but you need to understand what it is good for:
CRM
hands on the controls half the time
flying a line, keeping a schedule, MELs, etc .
depending on location, more IMC

The bad:
single engine
you are not signing for the airplane (REAL PIC not just sole manipulator of the controls)
no loggable PIC


CFI pluses:
you sign for the A/C
logable PIC
learning a huge amount of how airplanes "handle"
Minuses:
probably little multi time (In my case about 1 hour in 6 after six months of all single engine)
probably little IMC
very little time with your hands on the controls

Probably the best time CFIing (the time you will learn the most valuable stuff) is instrument instructing. I have flown with a bunch of captains and the former CFIIs have MUCH better IFR skills.


In the big picture, my guess is CFIing has a little more value to your next employer. Having said that, considering how many pilots are on the streets now, moving on to the next gig could take a long time. I would strongly consider quality of life and, to a lessor extent, a big difference in pay. Wherever you go, you may be there for a couple of years, so quality of life will be huge.

As an aside, I have 1000 hours in Caravans and LOVED THE AIRPLANE. Very easy to fly and forgiving. They ain't sexy, but boy do they do a great job.


Pick the one where you will have the most fun. A couple thousand dollars a year will NOT make up for a crappy commute, living in a poop-hole, a terrible schedule, or a company that does not appreciate your efforts.

Good luck!!

Hey FlyJSH -
Where did you get the Caravan time? Are they hiring? If so, would they consider someone with just over 900TT, or do you need 135 IFR minimums?

Years ago I flew freight on a Airborne contract. That company has long since been sold off. They wanted 135 mins.

A bit over a year ago, I flew for a family owned oil exploration company.... only one plane and one pilot. They had no set mins, but I had 800 hours in 208s, 5000 TT, and ATP.

I don't remember seeing any 208 jobs that have less than 135 mins. MAYBE you could find a jump pilot job that has lower mins, but those are pretty few and far between.

Good luck

Thanks a million for the input and ideas. I'll check out jump jobs.