New guy

C

CARL0S

New Member
Hello to all

Although I’ve been a member of the forum for a little while now, this is my first time posting.
A little bit about me, I’m from Florida, 75% Commercial Pilot, meaning that I am done with the oral and the single engine part of the checkride, yet to “show proficiency in a complex airplane”, whish in this case will be the almighty PA-44 (AKA Seminole).
Done with this (hopefully on Monday) I will also get my associate in science degree.
My plan is to become a flight engineer within a couple of months from now, and I’ll like to know if anybody here is/was one of these extinct creatures and can give me some inside about the F/E deal.

BTW great site!!!
 
"My plan is to become a flight engineer within a couple of months from now, and I’ll like to know if anybody here is/was one of these extinct creatures and can give me some inside about the F/E deal"

I wouldn't do that unless you have a job lined up and think it's worth it. Do you have your A and P? I was a 727 F/E for four years at UPS.
 
Have a job lined up (DC-10 Cargo),
negative on the A&P though. What do you think? How about those 4 years as a FE?
 
Unlike most people, I did't mind being a plummer. It was a great chance to learn the airplane without the stress of my first experience flying a jet being IOE at a major airline in a Boeing.

I was just thinking the other day how I'm glad we have a 1000 PIC turbine requirement if guys are going to be going straight to the right seat of a 757. If a guy is going to have some time as an F/E, it probably isn't that big of a deal but the F/E seats are becoming fewer and are taken by retreds (over age 60 pilots).

Now, if you're thinking you'll go be a DC10 F/E and have a shot at getting into the right seat with nothing more than Seminole time....I'll wish you luck with that...

Also, if they hiring you because you are willing to pay for your own initial as a DC10 F/E, and then will upgrade you if you're willing to pay for your own DC10 F/O training. Well, I'll just say that sort of thing isn't looked highly upon in this business and it's for good reason.
 
DE727UPS said:
Unlike most people, I did't mind being a plummer. It was a great chance to learn the airplane without the stress of my first experience flying a jet being IOE at a major airline in a Boeing.

I was just thinking the other day how I'm glad we have a 1000 PIC turbine requirement if guys are going to be going straight to the right seat of a 757. If a guy is going to have some time as an F/E, it probably isn't that big of a deal but the F/E seats are becoming fewer and are taken by retreds (over age 60 pilots).

Now, if you're thinking you'll go be a DC10 F/E and have a shot at getting into the right seat with nothing more than Seminole time....I'll wish you luck with that...

Also, if they hiring you because you are willing to pay for your own initial as a DC10 F/E, and then will upgrade you if you're willing to pay for your own DC10 F/O training. Well, I'll just say that sort of thing isn't looked highly upon in this business and it's for good reason.
Click to expand...

Understood!
What was the requirement you had to meet to go from F/E to F/O and how did you meet them while flying from the "backseat"?
I mean, I heard of F/E's with CFI jobs on the side and once the have some hrs becoming F/O's (easier than the guy coming straight from the street with the same hrs), dont know how they manage their time to do it though.
In my case, I think becoming an F/E is a lot more beneficial (economically) than working as a CFI for now. I didnt have money for flight training so I borrowed it and it needs to be paid back.

PFJ, among other things, is way out of my budget so dont think will be an option

Thanks for your replies they're of great help.
 
"What was the requirement you had to meet to go from F/E to F/O and how did you meet them while flying from the "backseat"?"

Seniority...that's it. Remember, typically airlines hire pilots, not F/E's, based on their pilot experience. I had a Convair type rating and 4000 hours when I got hired. It was assumed that when you decided to go to the right seat, you'd be able to pass the training based on your experience as a pilot. The F/E seat was, at one time, simply the first seat you got before you worked your way up.

So what's the deal? What airline? What country? Are you paying for your F/E ticket with the promise of a job?
 
DE727UPS said:
So what's the deal? What airline? What country? Are you paying for your F/E ticket with the promise of a job?
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Centurion Airlines, 121, based here in Miami. All they operate is DC-10's flying mostly to south america, but they have some domestic and europe flights too.

Yes! I will pay for the initial F/E with the promise of a job.
 
CARL0S said:
Centurion Airlines, 121, based here in Miami. All they operate is DC-10's flying mostly to south america, but they have some domestic and europe flights too.

Yes! I will pay for the initial F/E with the promise of a job.
Click to expand...

Where are you doing this training, duration, and at what cost?

Thanks
 
Well that is not settled yet!
It will be here in Miami (Aeroservice or PanAm), it will probably be weeks long and cost a couple of thousands (4 to 6 for what I've been told)
 
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