I have been with Ameriflight since the latter part of 2010, and am happy to answer any questions so PM me if you'd like.
I started in the PA31 out of PDX where most of the runs were M-F. As for what kind of schedule I would say that it is mixed if you have the M-F or M-S. Technically, having a M-S run typically gives you more time off during the weekend for example right now I goto work at 21:30 on Mondays and finish at 8:30am on Saturdays, giving me about 61 hours off per weekend. Ultimately though it just depends on where you are flying out of. So far my entire time in the 99 I've been M-S schedule.
I upgraded to the 99 after 8 months flying the PA31 but was out stationed to LGD. Then got a move to the east coast as I wanted to be back on the east coast. Waiting to hear back from BUR if I got another upgrade to either a 1900 or SA-227. I should know on Monday so total time at Ameriflight as of now is a little shy of 1.5 years.
AS far as the contracts go, I can't say if you go straight into the 99 for example, but assuming you go into the PA31, intial 12 month contract. Now you can upgrade to the 99 at anytime, but the first initial 12 month commitment still stands. However, the 99 does require a 6 month commitment as well. This is not compounded. I might not be explaining this correctly. Here's an example. You get hired into the PA31 on Jan 1, initial commitment ends in 12 months, or Dec 31. Now lets say you upgrade on March 1st (so 3 months after initial hire). You're inital contract is still valid until Dec 31 ( Now after the 6 months in the 99, you could bid for the next bigger airplane, but then it will be a full 12 month commitment from that date.)
Now lets say that you get hired Jan 1st, initial commitment ends Dec 31, and you get upgraded to the 99 on Aug 1st. The 99 has a 6 month commitment so your new commitment would end that coming February 1st (so it would only extend your initial commitment by 2 months). Hope this clarifies rather than confuse.
Any upgrades after the 99 (1900/SA227/EMB120) is a 1 year commitment from the date of your checkride.
As far as upgrading, the more willing you are to move, generally, the faster the upgrades will happen. If you just want to sit in one base your entire time at Ameriflight, it will take longer to upgrade. On a side note, when it comes to upgrading, if the company needs something filled, and you are qualified, then equipment commitments can be nullified (For example, you're in the 99 with a 6 month commitment in that airplane, but after 4 months they need a 1900 captain, if you qualify, they could take you before your 6 months are up).
Pay is decent. Its not great but definitely could be worse. I'm able to live comfortably even with student loan debt.
I hope this helps anyone interested in the company. Just like any company there are pro's and con's to every job. I am happy with where I'm at, my experience i have gained has been incredible and I am definitely a better pilot for it. Again, please feel free to PM me with any questions and I'll be happy to answer any questions.
Have a good one.
I started in the PA31 out of PDX where most of the runs were M-F. As for what kind of schedule I would say that it is mixed if you have the M-F or M-S. Technically, having a M-S run typically gives you more time off during the weekend for example right now I goto work at 21:30 on Mondays and finish at 8:30am on Saturdays, giving me about 61 hours off per weekend. Ultimately though it just depends on where you are flying out of. So far my entire time in the 99 I've been M-S schedule.
I upgraded to the 99 after 8 months flying the PA31 but was out stationed to LGD. Then got a move to the east coast as I wanted to be back on the east coast. Waiting to hear back from BUR if I got another upgrade to either a 1900 or SA-227. I should know on Monday so total time at Ameriflight as of now is a little shy of 1.5 years.
AS far as the contracts go, I can't say if you go straight into the 99 for example, but assuming you go into the PA31, intial 12 month contract. Now you can upgrade to the 99 at anytime, but the first initial 12 month commitment still stands. However, the 99 does require a 6 month commitment as well. This is not compounded. I might not be explaining this correctly. Here's an example. You get hired into the PA31 on Jan 1, initial commitment ends in 12 months, or Dec 31. Now lets say you upgrade on March 1st (so 3 months after initial hire). You're inital contract is still valid until Dec 31 ( Now after the 6 months in the 99, you could bid for the next bigger airplane, but then it will be a full 12 month commitment from that date.)
Now lets say that you get hired Jan 1st, initial commitment ends Dec 31, and you get upgraded to the 99 on Aug 1st. The 99 has a 6 month commitment so your new commitment would end that coming February 1st (so it would only extend your initial commitment by 2 months). Hope this clarifies rather than confuse.
Any upgrades after the 99 (1900/SA227/EMB120) is a 1 year commitment from the date of your checkride.
As far as upgrading, the more willing you are to move, generally, the faster the upgrades will happen. If you just want to sit in one base your entire time at Ameriflight, it will take longer to upgrade. On a side note, when it comes to upgrading, if the company needs something filled, and you are qualified, then equipment commitments can be nullified (For example, you're in the 99 with a 6 month commitment in that airplane, but after 4 months they need a 1900 captain, if you qualify, they could take you before your 6 months are up).
Pay is decent. Its not great but definitely could be worse. I'm able to live comfortably even with student loan debt.
I hope this helps anyone interested in the company. Just like any company there are pro's and con's to every job. I am happy with where I'm at, my experience i have gained has been incredible and I am definitely a better pilot for it. Again, please feel free to PM me with any questions and I'll be happy to answer any questions.
Have a good one.