927A

Hi all. I've been a reader of this thread for some time. I finally have the hours to consider applying, and I was going to use the online chat to speak to someone directly but it was offline every time I tried today so I decided to post some general questions here.

I am currently a CFI and have just over 500 TT. I have more multi than the average bear. I do not quite have 500 PIC and thought it was a firm requirement (and was waiting to apply/ask questions until I reached it) but then saw a post a few pages ago indicating I may have been mistaken. I am interested in the EMB120 FO position

How frequently are people hired for that position?

I've read about typical bases; Are they assigned or chosen? What are the upgrade opportunities/timelines?

I've found it to be a bit of a risqué question on pilot forums, but what are grooming standards, if any, such as regarding facial hair tattoos etc? I assume it's a bit more relaxed from passenger carrying gigs (I've noticed some furry pilots in AMF pics!). Just want to make sure I'm well aware of policy.

How long is the hiring and training process? I think I saw somewhere training is 6 weeks in various locations, and classes are usually once a month?

These are just a few things off the top of my head; I'm sure to come up with a more. Is it best to ask future questions here or contact a recruiter directly?

Apologies if I've asked previously answered questions. As I mentioned I have been a reader here for some time, but I figure some of this information changes periodically so I want to ensure that I have the most up to date information.

FreightDogs

Hi, there!

At 500TT, you'd be coming in as an EMB120 FO. There is not a contract for that position.

The only contract we have is for our ACP positions, those pilots come in at around 800TT. The reason for that contract is that the pilot is put in aircraft that do not require a First Officer and the contract helps us make sure Ameriflight is actually benefiting by having the pilot as a Captain for a bit after they gain hours as an ACP FO.

Hope that makes sense!

FreightDogs

Hi, there!

I'll try to answer all of your questions!

FOs at 500TT come in on our EMB120. We have 12 EMB120s in our network. We typically see new EMB120 FO pilots in our new training classes every 2-3 months as our current FOs upgrade.

For that, the PIC requirement is 350 hours. It used to be 500 PIC, but we have recently lowered it to 350. Currently, our site reflects the 350 and going forward, everything else should as well.

When the time comes, you'll decide on your base before you even sign your offer letter. There should not be any surprises when it comes to that. As an EMB120 FO, your offer letter will clearly state the base you're going to and you'll have to live within 1.5 hours of it. Here are the bases we currently have EMB120 routes out of: BFI, ONT, PDX, PHX, BQN, and SLC

Typical upgrade time from EMB120 FO to BE99 Captain is one year. Ultimately, it's however long it takes you to get from the TT you come in at to 1,200TT. We do occasionally have EMB120 FOs become ACP FOs at around the 800TT mark if they don't seem to be gaining hours quickly.

Our rule of thumb for grooming: "As long as it doesn't impede safety, you are good to go." We, of course, would like for you to look/dress/act professional while you're rocking facial hair, no facial hair, tattoos, no tattoos, etc.

When a position is open and you've submitted your app and resume, you'll have a phone interview where you'll discuss your times and experiences and other HR stuff. You'll also discuss your availability for a class date and your location availability. If all jives well, you'll get a verbal offer asap and once the offer letter is signed, training material will start rolling in. We can't hire more than two months out, so you'll see a class date pretty quickly.

The training process is six weeks long. It starts at our headquarters at DFW. Everyone does the first two weeks at DFW (InDoc and MEICC). After that, it depends on aircraft. For the EMB120, you'll go to Atlanta to our sims there for about two weeks. The last two weeks will be wherever we have the aircraft available. While in training, we'll pay you a training wage and cover your travel, lodging, and per diem.

Hope that all makes sense and I didn't miss anything!

frmrbuffdrvr

One thing I would add to what FreightDogs said about facial hair. You need to make sure it isn't SO long that it would interfere with the oxygen mask in an emergency. So no "Duck Dynasty" style beard.

BravoPapa

So no FO on the EMB120 if you live in Atlanta and wanted to stay there since you have to move within 1.5 hours of one of those bases once you upgrade?

FreightDogs

That is correct. With our typical schedule being Monday through Friday, morning to evening, we don't really have commuting options.
The upside is that our pilots usually hold a specific line and most of our routes allow our pilots to sleep at home every night and be home every weekend (as long as that home is within 1.5 hours of the base).

FlyJay

Hi there!

Is the 1000 PIC a hard minimum for B1900 captains?

Thanks,

- J

FreightDogs

Hi, J!

Yes, 1,000 PIC is mostly a hard min. If you're under by a little, it's not too big of a deal especially if you can compensate somewhere else.
But for the most part, you'll need 1,000 PIC!

ESQ702

- kind of an odd question, but do you guys allow for part-time pilots (fly, for example, 2 days/week instead of 5)?

Any new domiciles in the future coming up for you guys?

Thx

927A

Hey FreightDogs, thanks for the quick response! You've been most helpful.

According to those numbers, I am well qualified, so my next question is how do I go about starting the application process? Also, how do I know when and where there are openings?

Can you shed any light on when the next round of FO hiring might be expected?

I'm still flying now as a CFI, e.g. gaining hours, is it possible to become "overqualified" for the FO position?