Low-time jobs?

ZeroPapaGolf

ZeroPapaGolf

Well-Known Member
I've been thinking about what kind of job I could potentially get shortly after getting my commercial and some hours. So basically, what jobs would I be 'qualified' for with a multi+commercial ticket and 400-500 hours? I will not have a CFI license though.

thanks!
 
From what was posted here a few days ago, about the only thing you are going to be able to find is a non-paying one.
 
500 hours could get you a VFR 135 job but you gotta have connections and be in the right place for that one.

It could also get you a glider tow, banner tow, pipeline patrol, or traffic spotting job. All these are kinda hard to find.

Why don't you want to get your CFI?
 
DE727UPS said:
500 hours could get you a VFR 135 job but you gotta have connections and be in the right place for that one.

It could also get you a glider tow, banner tow, pipeline patrol, or traffic spotting job. All these are kinda hard to find.

Why don't you want to get your CFI?
Click to expand...

Or a...regional. I have heard they're hiring at 250 hrs TT.

:sarcasm:
 
DE727UPS said:
500 hours could get you a VFR 135 job but you gotta have connections and be in the right place for that one.

It could also get you a glider tow, banner tow, pipeline patrol, or traffic spotting job. All these are kinda hard to find.

Why don't you want to get your CFI?
Click to expand...


It may have been a while since you last flew little airplanes. So I can understand your response to the question asked.

I would add tho, that most, if not all pipeline operators require at least 1000 hrs and several require 1500 prior to even looking at you.

This is being driven by insurance requirements. So while there may be some jobs that can be found with minimum hours, there are not many.
 
"It may have been a while since you last flew little airplanes."

I own a Luscombe and a 152, but you're right, it's been a while since I've flown them. HEHE.

Thanks for the update.

There is a guy who has an all yellow Cessna 180 that checks the power lines going by my house once a week. Not really sure what he looks for but he could sure be going a lot slower. Seems like you could do it cheaper is a 150 or 152.
 
Unless you have one of those really expensive flight academy deals (not just the expensive one mind you), the days of getting a paying flying job at 250TT (other than CFI) is over I think. I mean, they may be out there but good luck finding one. If at all I am thinking those jobs come to you through someone you already know.

Banner towing is done as there are TFRs over most stadiums. Perhaps if you live by a beach but then again I am sure they have some pretty high mins too. Everyone brings up VFR 135 jobs but I have never seen one for myself. Pipeline jobs like said above, require alot of time for insurance since you are flying so low. Flying skydivers might be the best option but even for those the lowest I have seen is 500 hrs since alot of them fly King airs, and twotters. Perhaps you can find one that jumps from a 182?

My advice is get your CFI ticket, I have alot of fun teaching, give it a try, you may really enjoy it. I think it does all depend on the school though, I think most schools really suck all the fun out of it, and when you combine no fun, and low pay, it runs most people off.
 
King airline hires people to fly the canyon with 500 hrs total time. Or you could go to Alaska and fly the bush.
 
Warning: This post rated R

scoobs said:
Or you could go to Alaska and fly the bush.
Click to expand...

I've heard flying the bush can be a bit hairy! :bandit: But it sure beats flying solo!
 
Flying in Alaska (as I have found) almost always requires "alaska time" which is hard to get unless you start out there, and even then...
but it's not a surefire way to get yourself killed - no more so than any other operation. As long as the equipment's good, it doesn't know whether it's flying over remote Alaskan mountain ranges or Kansas flatlands..

I have yet to ever see a pipeline patrol job or traffic watch job advertised, ever - but I know people do get them, not sure how though.
If insurance minimums are what's screwing us these days, what's going to happen when insurance companies start telling companies that their CFI's need a minimum 1000 hours to work for them -what will we do then?
As previously states on this board, to much dismay usually, I've always though CFI's should be required to have a bulk of experience, like a couple thousand hours, and flying boxes around should be for low-timers, but no one else appears to see it that way, which is why after I type this I'm back to studying for my CFI written so I can bang them hours out and advance my career. Like it or lump it I guess, or whatever the saying is...I'm not shelling out big $ to places that will take it and run and leave me high and dry.
I like the idea of flying skydivers though, if I could find a place w/a C-182 and a twin so there'd be both options.....

John
 
I will just put out another recommendation to get your CFI and try instructing. It can be very tedious and exhausting work, but it will be more rewarding flying than you'll find in any other entry-level flying jobs. Particularly if you want to work in the crew environment.

I'm kicking myself for not instructing more, but I had an opportunity and jumped on it. Plus, now, I'd like to still instruct but feel guilty taking a possible job for someone looking to get time and money with low time.
 
Mountain Flying is AWESOME !!! and cruising the rockies in a 152 is a LOT more dangerous then other areas even if the planes are in top notch shape, specially If you have to stall the plane into the tops of trees if your engine fails.

Anyhow

Canada has a TON of vfr low time flying jobs at around 250 hrs, just got to search around up there...
 
[

Canada has a TON of vfr low time flying jobs at around 250 hrs, just got to search around up there...[/QUOTE]

Can we Americans just apply or is there any kind of license-conversion thing to do, or do they just accept American pilot's commercial licenses "as-is" ?
 
here is a job for the pipeline, they require 500 hours, I'm not sure how I get these but they keep sending them to me, I think it was a website that I went to, I got one for a 747 first officer somewhere over seas, too bad my little 260 hours doesn't qualify just yet


JUST POSTED: Aerial Pipeline Patrol Pilot
Over 49 NEW pilot jobs posted last week!
396 Pilot Jobs Posted in the Last 90 DAYS!

Description:
Aerial Pipeline Patrol pilots search for leaks, construction, and other types of encroachments along pipelines from an altitude of 300 to 500 feet. We currently patrols for Acadian Gas Pipeline Systems, Amerada-Hess Corporation, Cypress Gas Pipeline Company, International Paper Company, Mid Louisiana Gas Company, Basis Petroleum, Transco Energy Company, and Williams Field Services and others. We currently operate 29 patrol aircraft and are looking for pilots.

Requirements:
You must have a commercial license with at least 500 hrs of flight time. Prior banner, sailplane or AG experience a plus. A&P a plus. You will need to spend at least 5 days on the road at a time.

Company Benefits:
Salary $30K + Medical after 90 days
 
500 hours will get you a job flying circles around the ditch or in maine doing sight seeing tours. Airnet and a couple other cargo places hire people with as little as 500 hours.....you sit right seat in a baron and flip the gear switch up and down until you have the 135 ifr mins. Now, after your training, getting to 500 is the tough part without a CFI or some good luck........
 
Now do these cargo places and airnet make you sign a contract saying you will stay with them after you hit the mins? I don't knwo 135 regs but if is it 1500 hrs required for 135 mins?

At that point it may be tough to choose them over one of the better regionals depending on QOL and $$.
 
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