Pipeline Flying Job
 

How tough is it to get one of these positions right out of college with about 300 hours?

Good luck... Most don't hire with less than 1,000 to 1,500 these days. If you are looking to build time, I would strongly suggest getting your CFI/II and going that route. It is by far the fastest way to build time and you will learn a lot. I learned more in my initial CFI training than I did in all of my other ratings combined.

There are still a select few employers out there that will hire guys with Commercial Minimums fresh out of school, but they are hard to find/get on with. There are so many low-time commercial pilots right now because of the hiring minimums for Regional airlines going back up that I believe it is actually more competitive now for a low-time commercial job than for the few years previous. I found a job flying traffic watch at 300TT but it doesn't pay squat unless you have your CFI and can take students up with you. And I only got that because I know a lot of people here on my home field and I have many foots in the door so to speak. I'm also about to start an instructing job next week. A very few aerial survey companies will hire at low-times but that season has already come and gone.

Besides just insurance, one of the biggest issues is low-speed handling, stall recognition, prevention, and recovery, spin recognition and prevention, and general slow-flight handling. What kind of upset-recovery training do you have? Maybe think about getting some extreme upset recovery training, tell them what you want to do. This would look good for a pipeline pilot and be one of my biggest concerns if I was to hire pilots for such a company.

Lowest Ive ever seen was 750. Fun job, yes. Dangerous job, hell yes. Hence the high time requirements to make insurance companies happy.

You may befriend a company if you sell the whole ride along thing to work on spotting. Expect little/nil pay, but if the guy flying is a CFI (and probably is) you may get some time that way while learning the trade. Some companies like the idea of an extra spotter onboard.

Dont expect a lot of straight and level flying at 5000 or above during clear sky days.

I instructed for a while before getting my pipeline job at 700TT. Flying pipeline is an incredible way to build good flight time. All PIC, XC flying in real world conditions. Some IFR flying, if we get stuck under a low cloud layer or fog.

The job sounds easy on paper, but when you're at 500' AGL taking pictures of activity off the approach end of a Class B runway, things can get real dangerous, real quick. That being said, I would not advocate someone with 300TT doing this job.

If you do get into pipeline, be very careful who hires you. There are a lot of good operations with good planes, good mx, good pay, etc. However, there are a lot of operations that will cut corners (which are the ones that will hire with 300TT). There is a ton of money in this business, so if they are cutting money on MX, then they are putting you in danger so your boss can run to the bank. Be careful, and feel free to PM me if you want more insight on the industry.

Lifter

I got hired at 500TT. It was a small operation.

Years ago:). I had 350, it was in a L3E Grasshopper. I loved it...

AAflyer

I think the biggest requirement is, "Can you stand living in Midland Texas, and do you already have a place to live?" Well heck, if you have a place to live in Midland Texas, you might get on with a corporate job...

Not meaning to bump this thread.. well, actually yes I am LOL

I've been out of the game for 3 years, I'm wanting to get back in. I'm a CPL, single and multi.. and I live in San Antonio, TX.. I thought about looking for Pipeline flying, but I can't find anything remotely close on any job board.. what are some companies that are hiring?

What is your TT looking like? And are you current? If your in San Antonio I'd look into getting your CFI/II/MEI (or at least your CFI) at a school that could possibly offer you a job when you are finished. That is about the best way to build time these days.