How worthwhile is Caravan time?

Av8trix

Av8trix

Well-Known Member
So..I have an opportunity to pick up some caravan time. I know turbine PIC is golden, but how about single TPIC? I've got about 1600TT / 1000 Multi, so piston multi time isn't a problem at this point. The kicker is, though, I'd probably have to sign a 1 yr contract. Wondering if it's worth it or not. I'd love to skip the regionals, but I'm doubting Caravan time would let me do this.

Thanks all
-A-
 
If you've got plenty of career time to play with, I'd say it wouldn't hurt. The only problem I see may be the possibility of logging no multi for a year.
 
Me I'm all for 'van flying, but I think I'm biased to that unknown draw to fly a certain type of plane. If someone offered me a job for bi-planes...

Anyway, the experience would look good on any resume no matter what you're going to do. As for the contract, one year isn't anthing at all. It will go by fast - since you already work for the company, you know you can deal with the bosses. I think the experience will make you much more marketable so that you do not necessarily have to go to the regionals
 
Av8trix said:
So..I have an opportunity to pick up some caravan time. I know turbine PIC is golden, but how about single TPIC? I've got about 1600TT / 1000 Multi, so piston multi time isn't a problem at this point. The kicker is, though, I'd probably have to sign a 1 yr contract. Wondering if it's worth it or not. I'd love to skip the regionals, but I'm doubting Caravan time would let me do this.

Thanks all
-A-
Click to expand...

Contracts are a part of aviation now...just something we all need to learn to live with. People who get through training and then jump ship to a different operator have left some companies with no choice but to have a contracts. Me personally, I can do anything for at least a year.

A quick scan of some requirements for non regional airlines shows that single engine turbine PIC can be more than just golden...

Some airline posted turbine minimums...(from their sites)
  • Frontier Airlines - 500 Jet (turboprop included here)
  • Southwest Airlines - 1500 Turbine
  • Delta Airlines - 1000 Turbine
  • United - 500 Turbine
In my quick and dirty search, there was no posted minimum requirement for multi turbine time, however, this search does not include what would be competitive minimums at these operators. Besides, having turbine experience period will be a feather in your cap as you continue your career.

As far as flying a Caravan, I love the ugly thing. Easy airplane to fly, very, very, very stable instrument platform. Not overly fast, but fast for an airplane with fixed gear and struts. Don't believe everything everyone says about the Caravan in icing...take the time to look over the material yourself, listen to those with experience with the airplane in ice, and make up your own mind. Best advice as far as icing...get out as soon as you can, but doesn't this apply to just about all airplanes??

I am currently flying a Caravan, in fact, just shut it down about an hour ago. I am sure there are plenty of Van drivers here, so if you have any questions, we should be able to answer them for you.
 
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