Does Cape Air use two pilots on the 402s?

 

Yes, if the autopilot is inop or the PIC is on high mins (per Part 135). Still, it's an invaluable learning experience for the guy in the right seat (and also the guy in the left seat). Recently the company pulled a bunch of low-time guys off the ramp and put them through class as FOs. Great way to really learn the ropes before being put out on your own.

And that's all fine and good. Either way, the pilots here get two-crew experience. But, what about all the AirNet pilots, Wiggins, Ameriflight, etc.? Why are they excluded? They do a damn hard job and do a fine job at it.

 

Short Version: Yes.

Longer Version: Usually on routes where it is "beneficial" and they also consider it a "feeder program", get good guys with good attitudes but short on time, put em in the right seat, train them up and put them on the line. Works well from what the people I know there tell me.

Also, before people jump on this and say that the average 135 op isn't going to pay for the extra pilot, I bet you they would, low rate and they double as a ramper/loader/agent/fueler etc. So I bet Ameriflight/Wiggins etc. would probably be on board with that if they realized the benefits, 15/block hour is not a lot more than paying for another ramper to sit on the ground.

 

I am not so much against them as simply not for them. I don't care whether you "pay to play" at Gulfstream or "pay to play" as a CFI/135, but you should come with more than simply a temp certificate.

 

This is one of the most pathetic theories I have read on APC. I have no clue how you came about such an idea with the ‘law of unintended consequences’ but lets look at all the requirements that need to be fulfilled by a foreign pilot to fly as a commercial pilot for hire in the United States:

-These pilots would need to obtain a VISA with a work permit; this is not easily handed out by the U.S government; It can take YEARS for people to get this even after they have been in this country for a while

-These pilots would need to pass the TSA security investigation.

-These pilots would need to either convert or validate there certificates and I am pretty sure the commercial portion of this would have to be done with a Designated Examiner (checkride) either way. It depends what country the FAA has an agreement with, not necessarily the authorized agency.

-As ATPCliff stated, foreign pilots make so much more than U.S pilots. Do you really thing these pilots are going to flood our market to join the ranks of our regionals?

Give me a break…

 

If your profile is up-to-date you are a CFI. You will change your mind on this after a few years at a regional.

You will eventually find it comforting that not everyone will be able to come into the industry and undercut your livelihood...some will, but at least they will be more experienced and responsible, and have a higher opinion of their own professional and self worth.

There is however some potential risk that there really will be a pilot shortage at the entry-level. Oh well...airlines will have to raise prices to attract pilots, which will drive away a few customers. The remaining customers and pilots will all be better off.

 

To me the icing requirement is bogus.... I have flown in icing in every airframe I have flown in since I graduated UPT .... but I sure as hell didnt track it..... Perhaps a better idea would have been some indepth classes on icing, types of it, how it effects airfoils....etc.. et al.... followed by some good sim work .... but what the hell....

 

Another thing to add would be that post 9/11 pilots are prohibited from the H1B visa program. Which is an employer sponsored visa. Previously air operator's could import foreign pilots pretty easily through this program.

It seems like ATP is what we mostly agree on. It would be great if they got rid of this SIC type BS as well. Change towards ICAO and require Type Ratings for Co-pilots!

 

Agreed. In most cases where icing has been the fatal factor it came down to the decisions made prior to ever taking off.

 

This is good, let's see if it passes. 800 is better than commercial mins. And also let's see if they actually enforce it when they actually need more warm bodies and no one shows up.