Wow, I just didn't make the connection I guess, I didn't realize you were the Chief Pilot... I just assumed that you were an employee giving us a heads-up on hiring news.

Well, it sounds like you had a good time at GCA. Good luck at Allegiant, and thanks for the help you given us.

Guys,

maybe not the right place where to ask but I give it a try, I'm not a us resident and don't have also the right to work (green card or visa) and I really would like to fly a DHC-6.

I'm from France where the majority of the pilots dream about a A320 or B737 me personnally I prefer the american way in matter of aviation it's without any doubt the best way, you begin small and step by step you jump if possible on the big jet but before you have a real experience of what fly means not like in Europe where a lot of pilot after their CPL jump on the jet and manage the PA it's not really flying but it's my opinion and at the end they don't have the feeling and experience that have american pilots or simply people who flew a lot of hours on the TP.

My question is about where can I find a center to get a DHC-6 class rating I hold a CPL/IR/ME FAA of course, I really would like to fly for company like GCA but as I don't have the right to work in the US : (

Thanks for the help & enjoy your flights.

Congrats on Allegiant!!!!

Thank you. Been going over the MD-82/83/87 study material for the past couple of weeks. Lots to know and I know there is much more info. coming my way:eek:.

Either Scenic or GCA is good way to build up PIC time. We have had guys and gals go on to Regionals and Majors working here. I also interviewed at Skywest and was hired but turned them down for Allegiant. I know that in both interviews they really seem to like that PIC Turbine time.

Canyon,

Just curious, do most people stick it out for upgrade, or do a lot bail after a few months to go on to other regionals?

What's the average upgrade time running? ~year if you have the times?

Did the flying ever get boring, flying to the same couple of airports every day?

Also, how many hours can one expect to fly/month? On seasons and off?

Also, feel free to chime in pilot221!

Thanks guys...

Good questions. It has been very hard to hold onto pilots when there has been so many opportunities with the 121 regionals. Many come here because they can build time and upgrade quickly without being domiciled across the country. They can stay close to home and near their families. Those that are more mobile have gone on to the regionals with or without the PIC time. On average it has been about half and half. With 1,000+ PIC you have a chance to bypass the regional step and go to a major. Those that have gone to regionals with the PIC time have upgraded quickly at places like SkyWest, Air Wisconsin, or ExpressJet.

You can figure in season about 100 hours a month of flight time with an upgrade after reaching about 500 hours in type with an ATP. Anyone coming in with turbine or heavy twin experience can expect a quicker upgrade. At GCA you will fly to 61B, 1G4, GCN, PGA, and UT25 (Monument Valley) often during the season. The off season flying time averages about 70-80 hours a month.

The Twin Otter flying is challenging with no autopilot and I was never bored with the flying or the scenery. The 45-50 minute canyon tours (circles) can get boring though especially if you do 8-9 of them in a 12 hour day. That to me was the drawback along with not getting alot of actual instrument experience. Hope this helps.

Do you have any Cpt's that stick around?

We have a couple older captains I would call "lifers". They are set in the area and tired of moving around. They will stay as long as the company treats them right. I personally think the company needs to treat those guys better. The tight schedule is the big thing, but that they may start improving as GCA gets more pilots on line. This hiring trend has been a real b--ch as far as companies are concerned.

We have some captains that are working on getting their 1,000 PIC time and then will leave. There are a few that are captain and are always looking to move on regardless of the PIC time. For the most part GCA and Scenic are stepping stones to something better.

menikos:
In the US the twin otter is limited to 12,500 max takeoff WT so it's not necessary to have a DHC-6 type rating, you could look at flightsaftey international they do training on the twin otter.

I'd be interested in applying if I could get a Cpt. slot. How likely would they be with no turbine or 121/135?