03-06-2022Hi All-
Another mid-life career changer here, looking for facts vs. fiction on the available avenues to finish off about 600 hours to meet ATP. (I do get the ramifications of changing jobs, industry ups & downs, etc., and I'm with all of that; solid wife & kids on-board too.)
1. When the freight operators say words to the effect of "You can expect 18/12", I'm aware that means 18 on and 12 off. But does it really work that way? Even with a commute from CLT area to anywhere, that theoretically still leaves me with 10 days off in a row, where I'm back home, right? Is that a reality, or is it more like 5/2 or 10/3 where there's no time to get home for a few days?
2. How much flying per day is at the freight feeders? It seems like some are 2-3 hours a day spread over a morning run and an evening run.
3. When job hunting/intrviewing with freights, is it culturally ok to be up front and tell them I'm looking to safely build a bunch of time and experience in a year wherever thay want me to go, then head to the regionals, or does one not mention that?
4. Over a decade ago, I was very lucky to be in the right place at the right time, and got 200 hours SIC in Lear 25s & 35s for a 135 company over 18 months. However, the only place that's recorded is in my logbook, as I'm not sure what, if any, records were maintained by the company (I suppose I should call them..) The rest of my other 600 hours are usual training and a decade of fun-flying in 172s & Arrows. Any detriments, or pluses, there?
5. And here's the biggie: What seems to be the time most attractive to the regionals? I do not have CFII but love to teach (have an MS in education), but there are no large schools anywhere near me. Freight appears attractive unless my "research" is wrong: Commute a lot to places I've never been, live there for a few weeks, fly a bunch of SPIFR, go home for 10 days, repeat for a year.
I appreciate any information on facts vs fiction of what's ahead, between now and the regionals.
Thanks,
-Me
AIRLINEPILOT CENTRAL
