Part Time Airline Pilots

P

propsync

Well-Known Member
Do any major or regional airlines have part time airline pilots?

I left the airline pilot world back in 2000 as a Captain and started an IT company. With the pilot shortage on, I wonder if it could be a win-win scenario for both the airline and the pilot?

For example, if I could fly a two to four day trip once per month without any further obligation to the company, that would be ideal.

I know some airlines allow you to drop trips, but I wonder if that is only for senior pilots or certain airlines.
 
Where do you live?

I did a similar thing.

I've got a gig lined up putting me right seat of a Lear 35 a trip or two a month.
 
propsync said:
Do any major or regional airlines have part time airline pilots?

I left the airline pilot world back in 2000 as a Captain and started an IT company. With the pilot shortage on, I wonder if it could be a win-win scenario for both the airline and the pilot?

For example, if I could fly a two to four day trip once per month without any further obligation to the company, that would be ideal.

I know some airlines allow you to drop trips, but I wonder if that is only for senior pilots or certain airlines.
Click to expand...

Well, I only flew 80 hours last year. That seemed pretty part time. :)
 
propsync said:
Is that airline or corporate?
Click to expand...

Airline. We have a "call first/call last" reserve system, so if you're senior and bid "call last," then you don't get called to fly unless the world is coming to an end. I actually just went non-current after going more than 90 days without flying, so I'm going to the sim on Monday.
 
ATN_Pilot said:
Airline. We have a "call first/call last" reserve system, so if you're senior and bid "call last," then you don't get called to fly unless the world is coming to an end. I actually just went non-current after going more than 90 days without flying, so I'm going to the sim on Monday.
Click to expand...

I see, I'm guessing major airline not regional?
 
melltimejr said:
Plus, at a regional airline you really need the per diem and over guarantee to make the salary somewhat livable. ;) 80 hours in a year is pretty awesome though! Good work!
Click to expand...

I wouldn't be living off the salary, as I said in the original posting, I own an IT company.
 
propsync said:
I wouldn't be living off the salary, as I said in the original posting, I own an IT company.
Click to expand...

If that's the case, why would you subject yourself to the airlines? Seriously, go find a right seat sub deal in a King air or light jet. It's easy and fun, with a lot less BS when you're not worried about consistency/paying rent. I cannot imagine going through a new hire training event at an airline just for fun!
 
ATN_Pilot said:
Well, I only flew 80 hours last year. That seemed pretty part time. :)
Click to expand...
You're dangerous.
NmvuG.gif
 
propsync said:
I wouldn't be living off the salary, as I said in the original posting, I own an IT company.
Click to expand...

I agree with @GypsyPilot on this one. The airlines are too much BS to put up with if you don't care about the money. Do what I'm planning to do next year: buy a small airplane and have fun with it. Forget the airlines. That's a way to make a living, not to enjoy yourself.
 
ATN_Pilot said:
I agree with @GypsyPilot on this one. The airlines are too much BS to put up with if you don't care about the money. Do what I'm planning to do next year: buy a small airplane and have fun with it. Forget the airlines. That's a way to make a living, not to enjoy yourself.
Click to expand...

I built a nice Vans' RV and fly that for fun. Like I said though, if I could do one trip per month I would consider it for fun. But I could never come back full time because of the lack of pay and benefits. I'm willing to bet there are lots of people like me who would consider returning but can't or won't because you can't come back to living on 5 figures salary. Kind of a catch 22 for the airlines, my guess is you have a lot of pilots with the hours and the ATP etc.. who are qualified but won't.

I've also been considering getting a CJ type rating as there are thousands of these airplanes flying. Good article on contract flying http://blog.aopa.org/opinionleaders/2014/04/16/contract-pilot/
 
propsync said:
I built a nice Vans' RV and fly that for fun. Like I said though, if I could do one trip per month I would consider it for fun. But I could never come back full time because of the lack of pay and benefits. I'm willing to bet there are lots of people like me who would consider returning but can't or won't because you can't come back to living on 5 figures salary. Kind of a catch 22 for the airlines, my guess is you have a lot of pilots with the hours and the ATP etc.. who are qualified but won't.

I've also been considering getting a CJ type rating as there are thousands of these airplanes flying. Good article on contract flying http://blog.aopa.org/opinionleaders/2014/04/16/contract-pilot/
Click to expand...
Please don't pay for a type rating.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top