WAFLYBOY: Are you ATC?

maybe 121 passenger airlines look more upon RJ pic than boxes but do people from amerflight on the 1900's and metro's typically move to UPS and fedex? it seems those companies like 1900 guys from 121 pax ops because they can hand fly, so by that equation they should like single pilot amerflight guys even more?

Pilots in the 1900 and Metro have moved up to UPS and Fedex without having to go to a 121 carrier. I don't know why people are making such a big deal about 121 vs. 135 time. It's all time in the logbook and good time for that matter any way you look at it. Pick an aircraft or the type of flying (121/135/91) that you enjoy and not just pick something that has a lot of glass and shiny buttons and be miserable.

Negative. Why do you ask?

To add something to this thread: I'm about 4 weeks shy of 1,200 hours, which means that AMF is about 4 weeks away from receiving my resume.

I hear it's a great place to be if you can handle the schedule and hard single pilot flying.

Wafleboy,

Weren't you inquiring about AMF chieftain lines in BFI? AMF really needs Chieftain pilots in PDX and OAK. You never know, turn in your application now and you may get a call. You don't have to have exactly 1200, but it helps. You will get about 15-25 hours of actual aircraft training so you might luck out. Any question put them on this thread or PM me.

135 cargo is a gamble. Yea you get valuable experience but to what end? Most pilot I would assume do not stick around for the 1900, metro so the ability for them to be hired at a major is greatly decreased. They'll go to a regional and their back to sqaure one, so what is the point of going to a 135 cargo? Some guys are describing upgrade from piper to b99 to the metro like it's peanuts but behind that there is a great sacrifice that takes time and hardship. I guess you have to answer the question whether you are in it for the PIC or are you in it to have a life?

I have a problem because I have free living near BUR and I could pay back the loans and save money if I just got job at AMF. If I have to commute or worse be forced to live at base at a regional, it's certainly going to take more time paying back the loans. However I don't see myself in that kind of flying long term for the reasons I stated in the first paragraph. Any tips from current Amf pilots?

Air Willie,

I can understand your frustration, believe me when I tell you that flying boxes is not for everyone. But, when you start it is really a lot of fun. Some days are better than others. Almost all the pilots start in the Chieftain and are there for 5-8 months then comes the possibility of a turbine upgrade to the BE99. Most will stay there for about 12 months and there is the possibility of a Metro or 1900 upgrade. There are very few of the Metros and 1900s and there is a 1 year commitment on the type aircraft. Many of the pilots I talk to in the BE99 have gotten jobs at Skywest in the RJ and a lot of pilots have been going to NJs (Net Jets) and a lot of the other fractionals after flying the 99 or the Metro III. Some pilots at AMF have been there for a few years are making descent salaries and going to a regional would be a step backwards in progress and pay. Flying for AMF makes someone very marketable to 135 jobs because of the turbine PIC time and the King Air type (99/1900) experience.
I'm based out of BUR and if you want more info, please PM me and I can give you more info.

Thanks for your help freightdog, I'll know where to look if I need some AMF info. However I still want to keep options open since my goal is a major 121 carrier and that is why regionals make more sense for me.

I flew AMF ended up in the 99. I thought some 121 time would be needed so I went to Mesa (worst 4 years of my life). Now I'm at America West. A friend of mine stayed at AMF and flew the Metro and never went to the regionals. He's 30 numbers SENIOR to me at America West.

Trust me, freightdogs are not looked down upon. If you've got the turbine PIC then you're fine. If I had it to do over again... I would have stayed at AMF and did what my friend did.

There's no such thing as bad flight time.. If you don't have 4,000 hrs with 1,500 pic.. just keep flying... Some CRM experience is very important eventually in your career path. Once you get your 1,000-1,500 pic.. go fly for a jet national or supplimental carrier (AirTran, Alliegent, Amerijet etc..). If you want the 135 freight route, you can also look at Freight Runners, AirNow, and Air Cargo Carriers.