Low Timers
 

This question is for my fellow low timers that are thinking of going to the regionals this year. Also anybody in the 121 world that would like to take pity on our wretched souls and chime in please do. I am asking this question in this section in attempts to avoid the b***hing I would hear if it was in the regional sections. For every 1 good answer you get 50 people telling me why I should just get out of flying.
Has or is anybody planning to attend one of the job fairs this year by fltops.com? I am trying to weigh the cost of flying, admission etc. if it’s worth it? If you did go what were your times and what did you need to have for them to be interested in you? I know when the terms of H.R. 5900 were released all regionals raised the mins for obvious reasons. I want to attend one of these fairs but not sure it’s worth yet, if any senior guys want to advise please feel free. I have around 620 tt with 211 Multi and 150 of that is turbine.
If any of my fellow low timers have already gone and had a good or bad experience feel free to share.
Thanks!!

Most of the regionals have bumped their minimums up to over 1,000 TT and 100 ME... It is never a bad idea to go to these and meet people face to face though. It helps when they have a face to put to a resume and you might meet people who you can network with for future job opportunities down the road.

I just got back from the Vegas Fltops Job Fair and as someone that is much lower time than you, I felt that it was very productive. Networking and being about to get some insight from the recruiters themselves was very helpful and I am hoping to return next year with more time to find a job. I even had one guy give me a moch interview to give me an idea of what to expect.

Job Fair
 

A new job fair has been posted for Friday June 29th in Chicago, if this event is going to be attended by the regionals I am planning on going. If anybody living in western Ohio (CVG, DAY or CMH) area would like to attend and go half on a rental car and drive up early and back the same day send me a PM and we can set something up.

Have you ever thought about flying agricultural airplanes? The industry is hurting real bad for pilots right now. The pay is above average and its seasonal work, summers only. Some fellow work 6 weeks out of the year in the corn belt, Iowa indiana and illinois.

Same boat here. About 500/110. I was hired at Silver (Gulfstream) but turned them down because of the working conditions/everything else. I'm dispatching for a pt. 135 jet charter company and working on CFI on the side. I'm keeping my eyes open for flying jobs, but my plan is to start instructing full-time once I finish CFI.

Who knows. HR5900 definitely put a damper on things, but that's how it goes sometimes.

Any tips on how to find one of these jobs?

Where are you located in Western Ohio?

I am in Cincy. Would you want to go fly some time!? Just got my PPL and my thread is in this same section.

Start here: AgAir Update | Agricultural Aviation's Newspaper

I know you feel that way right now, but take it from the hundreds of thousands of other pilots out there who are relieved to finally have something like HR5900 in place, that it is a good thing.

Realistically it will only set you back a year, if that. Instead of getting hired with 1000/100, you work a little longer and get 1500/100. Not only are you more experienced and prepared for the regionals, but they're also getting a better applicant.

Keep your head down and good luck!