Low time pilot looking for some advice
 

Graduated college with a flight operations degree in 2011. Finished flight training with a commercial liscence with instrument and multiengine ratings in 2012. I have a little over 300 hours. Originally planned on going to the Air Force, but I was in a car accident and a little over a year later I had back surgery disqualifying me. I've been in two car accidents since then that have hampered my recovery.

I have put my health concerns behind me, but not having my CFI nor having finances available to complete it due to the health issues have me in a bit of a limbo area. I'm at the point where I wouldn't have any issues passing my medical and flying, but not knowing what is really out there for someone with below 500 hrs. Is there any decent options out there for someone like me? I know I would need a biannual and a bit of refreshing, but that isn't overwhelming to me.

I'm currently living in the Midwest, but willing to go anywhere that I would have an opportunity.

Thanks,
AE

Low time pilot looking for some advice
 

I got my start with 250 hrs after graduating (2010) doing aerial surveying. That was the minimum to apply. The company was Landcare Aviation. You can find numerous threads on here for aerial surveying and flying skydivers. You may even be able to find some small Part 135 companies that fly single pilot who want low timers in the right seat.

I didn't get a CFI or an instrument rating until I'd been flying commercially for five years. In fact, I got the instrument rating in order to get my instructor certificate.

Capital City Skydiving in Fowlerville, MI, is looking for a jump pilot right now; 400 hours is what they're saying. They fly 30-50 flights a week. Probably couldn't survive on that, but depending on your circumstances, maybe you could. Might be worth checking into.

Banner towing might be your thing; lots of flying and experience, initially. Paramount says they're hiring presently.

Seaport airlines ad in trade a plane says they're hiring and give preference to those with more than 500 hours, so apparently use those with less.

Positions are out there, and yes, you can find a place to work, if you want, without a CFI.

Thanks for the help. I had ran across quite a few saying 400-600 hours with the saying "Do not apply unless you meet the qualifications." I figured they were strict numbers.

You never know where your next job comes from, but one absolute certainty: the jobs for which you don't apply will never be yours.

I got my first jet job, flying a corporate Sabreliner 60, from an ad in Trade a Plane. No telling where your next job will be found.

I was once hired into a Learjet when the company adamantly said they weren't hiring. I travelled several hours to the city where the company was located, and had a cover letter and resume customized for them. I called the chief pilot from a payphone not far from the airport, and asked if it would be okay to drop by. He told me that in no uncertain terms, they weren't hiring.

No problem; I'd heard so many good things, I was in the area an d would just like to stop by and shake his hand; okay, he said. Fair enough. He had a few minutes. I stopped by, we chatted for fifteen, then he asked if I had a resume. I retrieved it from the car, and walked out with the job. You never know until you apply.

My first flying job, outside of turning wrenches and pumping fuel and washing and waxing airplanes (which wasn't really flying...but it was close enough at that age and it did net the occasional pity ride from someone with a spare seat...I begged for every one) was flying ag, directly after high school. You just never know.

Flexibility is a key; especially early in the career; be prepared to seek opportunities to gain experience, rather than simply fast track. The airlines are clogged at the lower rungs with individuals who have plenty of hours, but no experience that qualifies them to go anywhere and get a job; they've never been a pilot in command. In too big a rush to jump onto a regional without getting real experience, and they're stuck. Go for the experience.

Don't overlook an opportunity to turn wrenches, either. Good experience, and a great qualification.

Or you could just call it "stalking".

Skydive Arizona sometimes hires pilots in the mid 300hr range. Eloy, AZ. Twin Otters and Skyvans.

Care to elaborate on that?

Did your accidents come with moving violations? If so, don't forget to get that all taken care of. I know some folks that got jobs with less than 5 Hondo. Just gotta pound that pavement. Try up here in Alaska. I know a guy who may be looking for some seat meat / ramp monkey on a DC-3. Pay would be crapola, but it's kick butt work.

RadialGal

I got my first job up here in Alaska at 250tt. It started out right seat hauling freight in the CASA 212, then moved into the 207. Once I got 1500tt I moved to Penair where I am home everynight. It took a year and a half.
Desert Air?