Career Planning Advice...

pdxcfi

pdxcfi

Flyin' Shoe
Looking for some advice from people that have been around the block a time or two...

It was suggested to me that I find a job flying something multi-engine turboprop either as pic or sic for a few thousand hours. That would open up more doors.

Trying to decide what I want to go i.e. airlines, cargo, charter/medvac...

Right now my flight times are:
TT ~1400
ME~178
Turbine~300
PIC~985


Preferences:
A known schedule...
Living in the Pac NW but not opposed to a commute

Any advice?
 
The TPIC is gonna serve you the most in the long run, so I'd so go with a job that's going to get you that. Always keep your main goals of schedule in mind. It's easy to get sidetracked and then kick yourself 6 months later when you can't get what you wanted despite what promises have been made.

Most important career advice I ever got was have a backup plan....or 5 or 6. I think I'm on plan F or G right about now, and I'm hoping this one pans out.
 
kellwolf said:
Most important career advice I ever got was have a backup plan....or 5 or 6. I think I'm on plan F or G right about now, and I'm hoping this one pans out.
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That's no joke. When I started flying, my goal was 121 regional to 121 major. Retire. :) Of course, I ended up going to that regional, got furloughed, started flying scheduled 135, and now I'm in supplemental 121. Never would have guessed I'd be doing the last two. :laff:

I dunno...plans are nice, but they change at a moment's notice. I'd recommend that the OP be flexible and willing to move for a flying job. Oh, and don't get comfortable unless you're at your career gig. Be ready to make aggressive career moves.
 
dasleben said:
That's no joke. When I started flying, my goal was 121 regional to 121 major. Retire. :) Of course, I ended up going to that regional, got furloughed, started flying scheduled 135, and now I'm in supplemental 121. Never would have guessed I'd be doing the last two. :laff:

I dunno...plans are nice, but they change at a moment's notice. I'd recommend that the OP be flexible and willing to move for a flying job.
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Agreed. You're all sick of my story by now, but my plans were:

121 regional to 121 major to retirement.

Instead I did: regional to LCC (furloughed) - to same regional - to major (furloughed) - to another regional (furloughed) -to another regional - to Part 91 corporate.

So yes, be flexible and willing to move. Try to avoid being completely financially dependent upon your company and especially on flying max block hours (or overtime). I'm married and my wife and I have always tried to live on the lesser of our two salaries (and bank the remainder). This has served us well during periods of unemployment. It also helps you to avoid the golden handcuffs and to be able to absorb a few years of lower pay should you change jobs.
 
So...anticipating having a several company changes...what flight time experience (multi turbine PIC, Heavy SIC, ect...) has most benefited you to find another job?
 
pdxcfi said:
So...anticipating having a several company changes...what flight time experience (multi turbine PIC, Heavy SIC, ect...) has most benefited you to find another job?
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I'm still a ppl student, but from reading JC for the last few months, it seems like TPIC is the most important number.
 
pdxcfi said:
So...anticipating having a several company changes...what flight time experience (multi turbine PIC, Heavy SIC, ect...) has most benefited you to find another job?
Click to expand...

I'd say meeting the company's minimums and having a good internal recommendation are the most important things. At least, that's what's worked decently well for me.

But, all things being equal, PIC is going to help you the most I think. TPIC is great (though I don't have any), but PIC in general is fine too. I got my current job with about 600 hours of jet SIC and 1300-1400 hours of Part 135 piston twin PIC. In fact, the piston job was what interested the interviewer the most.

YMMV. Good luck.
 
The type of time really depends on what job you're going for. It was likely the multi time I had that landed me my regional job, but all the multi-engine time in the world wouldn't help me with a job where I'm competing against guys that have time in type, even if I had twice the multi time they did. Even then, a solid internal rec would trump that.
 
Look... take it from a fellow Oregonian... the key to this career is growing a mountain man beard, wearing cowboy boots, and being high speed/low drag all of the time. Until about six months ago I had been literally living out of a bag for three and a half years... didn't have a specific address... no one place I called home. And I've been fortunate enough to see a whole lot of the world. Flexibility and the willingness to take chances will exponentially raise your chances of doing what you want.:crazy:

Oh and a pinch of Copenhagen from time to time helps keep the frustration and nerves in check...
 
If you're looking to stay in the PacNW, there are a few avenues that you could pursue:

1 - Horizon is talking about hiring late spring/early summer. With your times, you could easily get an interview. I will say that there are some very good things about the company, but there are some things that will drive you bat poop crazy. Stay up to date with what goes on there in the next few months if you think you might want to go that route. (Feel free to PM me, I'm a furloughed QX'er and always happy to help someone)

2 - SeaPort Airlines could be some place to talk to, esp if you have PC-12 time. I know a few guys that are there and they seem happy with it.

3 - There is a medivac outfit out of Hillsboro that a good friend of mine flies for, they have AC-690's and she seems happy with it. I'll find out the name for it if you're interested.

4 - Ameriflight could also be somewhere to look into. At one point I talked to them and they were hiring into the PDX base with the PA-31 aircraft.

If I come up with anymore in the PacNW, I'll be sure to pass it along.
 
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