Civil air patrol. I flew with them for seven years and got a few hundred hours. Only had to pay for 4 hours to get my checkout. Theres alo of other requirements involved but its another avenue to gain time affordably

Urp99,
check your pm !

They may post that but insurance & ratty pipeline 172s dont go hand in hand. Got hired on with 320TT.

I'd check out Eagle Sky Patrol, Barr, KGSI, American Patrols, Guardian, Hawkeye Helicopters ( They have fixed wing )

got my hours in under 6mo.

Keep rippin along you'll be done before you know it! Enjoy the time, there are still aspects I miss. Mostly flying 200' and buzzing the occasional farmer.

Well I am being an observer for Barr right now and they are saying 1500 because of the oil companies requirements not so much insurance requirements. Who did you get on with at 320?

Either way why be an observer when you can go on your own solo adventure with any of the aforementioned companies. I was with ESP.

I work for Eagle Sky Patrol. PM me for any questions. I got hired on at 500 in August we usually want 750. I should have my hours by July time.

I am a little lower than 500 but I’m in range I have about 415 at the moment, how do I get in touch with eagle sky patrol? It seems like I tried to look them up Before. Also I appreciate the information.

You guys all have the right attitude. Keep going, the hours will keep adding up. When I was low time it could get pretty discouraging feeling like I would never get to my goal. Just remember, aviation is a marathon not a drag race. For those of you who are flexible in where you move for a job, you might try looking at some 135 VFR operators up in Alaska. It was one of the best experiences of my career, and I would recommend it to anyone who's able to go. Just some food for thought. Keep it up guys!

It feels like a never ending battle! But should get there quickly as a CFI.

I'm committed to a skydiving operation until October of this year,
but after that Alaska is definitely on my list of places to look for work! I took a summer and drove to Alaska a few years ago and just bummed around, fell in love with the place and can't wait to get back!
I'm currently at just under a thousand hours, should have close to 1500 by fall, and have my AP/IA with 25 years of experience in the industry. Any recommendations on places to apply to? Or areas to live? I'm currently thinking the South East or Anchorage, but I'm trying to get as much information as possible.
Thanks in advance for any advice.