500 hours
 

Can anyone give some insight? I have been away from flying for 10 years and now with the pilot shortage, I am looking to reenter the industry professionally. I have a little over 500 hours and plenty of multi time, but I haven't been flying. I am pretty confident in the ground school portion of things since I've been reviewing for about 2 months, but now need to get back in the cockpit. I realize I will have to spend some money to get current again, but am looking for advice as what may be the best way to proceed. Like many others, I don't necessarily want to instruct. I know that there are part 135 operators that hire with as little as 500 hours but since I've been out of flying I am assuming they will want to know how much I have done in the past year and the competition will be tough. Any suggestions? Please, no comments about getting back into flying. The decision was hard enough already.

I’d personally start with Synthetic Training Device / FTD / Simulator.
Get your IFR skills back up to speed.

Where are you located? There are a lot of pilots around looking to split time and get flying, that would be the best way in my opinion, especially if they happen to be a CFI. But assuming your medical and BFR are good, hop in with somebody who has been actively flying, one of you toss on a hood and both log PIC once your both comfortable with each other. Get a few good flights in, get your mojo back, some recent time in the logbook and go from there.

Chicago, and thanks for the input.

I have a good friend with a Cherokee in Chicago and a small flying club, he may have a good option, think its $55-60/hr dry, let me know if you want his info and I'll send it your way.

Yes please send the info. Looking for any and all possible opportunities. I appreciate it.

Getting back into it!!
 

I'm basically in the same boat as yourself and while somewhat reluctant, eventually decided to finish my CFI. Focusing on currency right now with a lot of ifr simulator work. Really helps!!

How can you have plenty of multi time with just 500 hours? How much is "plenty?"

What are the requirements for PIC under Part 135?

Your 135 PIC target at this experience level won't be IFR operations, but VFR, or a SIC position with an operator doing IFR.

..1st, get your currency and competency back..Especially multiengine IFR..You need to spend some time and money here, because your future employer wants to see some motivation and proficiency..Next, go out there and look for an entry level job, better pay and quality will come later..Good luck..!!

Fly safe,
B757

Theres no shortage of low time pilots, and almost nobody will hire you for a 135 PIC at 500. Your best bet is find some local 91 gigs, get your hours up and get on SIC with 135. But beware of the contracts, if you plan on going to the airlines you will be stuck at a 135 for longer than your ATP mins.

Or just CFI, won't have to relocate and fly your ass off.