Tropic Ocean. I spoke with them and visited their ops... Also couple pilots who worked there that said 60-100 hour a month. Makers Air out of FXE I believe has a 20K contract. I agree those are some insanely high "training" costs, but that's just me passing on the info.

I found this thread while trying to research Tropic Ocean Airways and I'm glad I did! I'm in a very similar position to you and a few others on this thread, being LEO and having about ~420 TT (pun not intended, I actually have 419.8 as of this writing). I began flying back in high school, eventually got my IFR, CPL, and began the CFI courses but wasn't successful there since I was in college at the same time. I try to keep within my biannual flight review, but haven't flown frequently since 2016. I also got the notion to get out of law enforcement and back into aviation, but it seems I may be behind the curve since hiring slowed down for the airlines. I plan on getting current again soon, and getting a CSES seems like a good way to do it - along with a multi add-on.

Have you had any updates since last year? Did Tropic Ocean Airways work out for you? I'd like to talk more on PM or phone if you'd like, since I am also trying to figure out how to take the pay cut and move into a low time flying job.

Does Copa Airlines Permit Name Correction Due
 

lol, wut??????????

420 hours, excuse me, 419.8 hours; you’re definitely behind the hiring curve. Honestly would not make any move from a pension paying career to the airlines at this point when starting from scratch, which is kind of what you’re doing.

coming from someone who did it, who made the Jump, all I can say is KEEP PLUGGING AWAY. The business is cyclical. Slowdown today, tomorrow could be balls to the wall. But don’t let todays slowdown discourage you from trying as hard as you can from reaching the goal. Pretend as though the hiring wave is as strong as ever, and do everything you can to secure the job as soon as possible. 18 years law enforcement, it was a great job for a good while. But set yourself to get out as soon as you can. I can assure you, you will NOT look back.

I say keep going but don’t leave the pension career until the timing is right and you are at hireable minimums. This all depends on your age.

I was FD for 12 years. Started flying at age 32 in 2017. Was ready to go then Covid hit. I stayed at FD through that. Made a quick stop in regionals and made it to legacy now. I have 26 years left assuming 65 age holds steady and I keep my medical. Flying is way less stressful than paramedicizing the clients that like to use the 911 system. It pays better with a better schedule than I had at FD as well. I even get part of my pension at age 55.

It was the right switch at the right time for me. Could be a lost decade coming up. Could be a short dip before another giant hiring wave and economic boom. No one knows, just take as much info as you can, make a decision. Have a backup plan

This is good advice. Fly as much as you can and be ready for the next wave. Right now you won’t be getting hired at any good job without 5,000TT

This Industry is a head scratcher... The amount of guys/gals in recent legacy classes with 2,500hrs TT who got hired in 2022/2023 compared to what it took previously (and I guess currently). talk about timing and luck......

I hear yeah. My last 4 trips all 4 FO’s at UA less then a year all hired with 2500hrs. Boggles my mind. Good news (unless your low time) the hiring pendulum has swung the other way. 6-8000 hrs is competitive mins, 1000TPIC.