shanejj

I don't get why insurance companies make their hour requirements so high!
For stupid entry level jobs such as pipelining, aerial photography,etc...they want you to have ATLEAST 500-750 TT.

Why would a pilot with around those hours, twice the minimum for a commercial license, want to start in an entry level job like that?

This is ridiculous

Cubdriver

It's the money. They know from statistics the crash rate for pilots under 500 hours is high. They are not against people getting to fly, they are against having to pay settlements to the families of dead pilots. There are operators that hire lowtime pilots such as certain banner companies in New Jersey and Florida. The best path is flight instructing for lowtimers however, because the environment is not as pressured and the equipment is more carefully maintained than in banner ops.

tlove482

So I can teach someone who has never flown before, but I can't fly on my own with less then 500 hours? Seems backwards, but maybe the statistics prove my logic wrong.

Ewfflyer

End the end it's all about the money. If the company still wants to hire you, they can pay a premium on top of the regular coverage until you meet the minimum times. I know it's all statistics etc,,,,but they are making tons of money and aviation is getting the shaft in the end.

VTcharter

Some of the "entry level" jobs that you speak of are not easy positions for someone with really low times...hence the accident statistics. For example, my first flying job was sightseeing in 206, 207 and 172's. Seems simple, but flying aircraft at, or over gross, in high density altitudes (9000+), and no higher than 500 AGL is not for the faint of heart, especially going in and out of one way dirt strips. So although this was a 500 hour VFR 135 position, it should have been a job reserved for people with many more hours of experience. The insurance companies recognize the risk for these positions and assign premiums accordingly.

The same holds true for pipeline, etc, as you are flying down low (where all of the obstacles are) at slow airspeeds in aircraft that are power limited if you get into trouble. If you can get one of these jobs, I would say go for it, however be careful and respectful of the flying as it is certainly not easy, and you will begin to learn how to make an airplane fly intstead of simply how to go for a ride in an airplane. Although instructing may help prepare you for the job, don't go in thinking that you can do anything just because you are an instructor, because the majority of flight instructors are not experienced flying aircraft in these conditions either!

shanejj

So I got offered a job flying banners. I have 350TT. No problem.
But, for something like aerial photography.....you need 750TT
wtf?
It's the same sort of entry level job...
And for the insurance companies, it doesn't matter to them if the more ratings you have, the lower your times are.

Why would a 750 TT pilot be flying a cessna to take pictures?
Someone with 750 TT would rather get on with a 135/121 company.
NOT go fly a 172 around for photos.
Companies will not want to pay a premium for your insurance, not even
if your uncle OWNED the company

Insurance companies make it that getting your CFI is the best way to go for future airline pilots.....eventhough it's hell for us timebuilders.

Thedude

Only 10 yrs ago....we didnt have that problem.....you had to have 2000 TT to even be competitive at 135 commuters

shanejj

And how was that back in the 70's/80's?

I meant VFR 135 also.
I know 750 isn't alot of TT for 135/121 ops....but I think it's
way too much for an entry level as aerial photography...
Maybe if it was a high performance complex single..or twin.... but not a 172...IMHO

VTcharter

I guess you missed the point of my first post. The concern with some of these "entry level" positions that you speak of is that there is a high level of distraction involved, and so insurance companies would like to see a person who is a lot more experienced behind the yoke. As far as people towing banners around with 250 hours, I believe that most of those companies self insure so it is their own assumed risk. An example would be newly licensed drivers. In my state, you can get your license at 16, however you cannot drive with anyone other than an adult (21) family member for one year. This is because a newly minted driver / flyer, is not comfortable enough operating the vehicle yet with a lot of distraction, even though they may be found to be qualified to hold the license. Having the vehicle become an extension of the person comes only from experience, and that experience should not come at anothers expense, such as an insurance company or business.

As far as who would want to have a photography position in 172's at 750 hours...many people would. Not all of us want to fly UPS Heavy international. Many many people spend their flying careers crop dusting, sightseeing, and the like, not to mention the retired types that are looking for something to do in order to keep busy. Not all people that take that type of job are looking to build time. You assume that the industry is comprised of a very narrow band of personality, however you are sorely mistaken. Open your mind, widen your view, enjoy and learn from your experiences. It doesn't come all at once, but it does come.

tlove482

I agree with you VTcharter. I get sick of people of assuming that because I am a pilot I want to fly for an airline. I don't!!! I want to do other things. That is what I'm look for right now. Am I wrong for being on this forum? LOL