Plane-Sense

jjm

jjm

Well-Known Member
I just wanted to mention that I speak with some pilots who fly the Pilatus for a shared-ownership company called Plane-Sense: www.plane-sense.com.


The aircraft management is handled by Alpha-Flying out of Manchester, NH, I believe.

After speaking with the pilots-- it sounds like a great option for anyone not interested in flying jets... they are hiring, the minimums aren't that high (from what I hear-- 1000TT, not looking for high multi) and they have a great reputation and a fun, relatively easy airplane to fly. The pilots I have spoken to LOVE the company and there are lots of connections to the majors through them. If I had to restructure my approach, I might fly for them and build multi-time on the side and ultimately go Jet Blue or something after getting enough Turbine PIC with them.


Anyway, just a thought for career changers or anyone looking at stuff besides airlines. I have personally looked inside their airplanes-- they are absolutely spotless and the cockpits are incredible.

JM
 
Plane sense operates the PC-12 right? jetBlue has a weight limit I think and the PC-12 doesnt meet it.

(Just thought I'd throw that in..)
 
Not to mention the only "major" that doesn't require multi-turbine time is Southwest. You'd be severely limiting your options if you went to Alpha, IMO, unless you planned to stay there. Manchester area is nice, no income tax, it's just really cold in the winter.

Keep in mind you can't just "build" time on the side while employed in a 135/121 carrier unless you have specific OK's from your boss. You have to adhere to flight time/duty day limitations and flying on the side will impact your availability to work for your primary employer.
 
Good to know-- thanks for the input.
I spoke with an FO for them-- he said that regionals weigh Turbine PIC and Multi time kind of equally-- but I don't know... he does love flying for them, though-- really good people to work for he said.

I guess my main point was that it sounds like a neat outfit if airline flying isn't your ultimate goal. Lots of career changers in their late 30s might find this option a little better if they don't want to hit the 19K salary as a regional FO.

However this guy said he knows the hiring director for JB and they said to get his Turbine PIC time up and send the resume... (he must have some kind of connection)

BUT after a long conversation at lunch-- I decided to run away from an operation like JetBlue pretty quickly. Sounds like they might go Independence if they aren't careful. Lots of new airplanes that are coming around for major progressive inspections coupled with brand new pilots that are steadily gaining seniority is going to cost them a lot, but I don't claim to be an expert on the subject.
 
Remember, the PC-12 is not type certificated for two pilots and some regionals or majors may not accept their FO (SIC) time. But with that being said, there is no doubt it would be a blast. The PC-12 is a great airplane.
 
jjm said:
Good to know-- thanks for the input.
I spoke with an FO for them-- he said that regionals weigh Turbine PIC and Multi time kind of equally-- but I don't know... he does love flying for them, though-- really good people to work for he said.

I guess my main point was that it sounds like a neat outfit if airline flying isn't your ultimate goal. Lots of career changers in their late 30s might find this option a little better if they don't want to hit the 19K salary as a regional FO.

However this guy said he knows the hiring director for JB and they said to get his Turbine PIC time up and send the resume... (he must have some kind of connection)

BUT after a long conversation at lunch-- I decided to run away from an operation like JetBlue pretty quickly. Sounds like they might go Independence if they aren't careful. Lots of new airplanes that are coming around for major progressive inspections coupled with brand new pilots that are steadily gaining seniority is going to cost them a lot, but I don't claim to be an expert on the subject.
Click to expand...
you get a "dee-dee-dee" for that one.

you mean like... they gain seniority... like... all the time?! what the hell do you expect noob?!

theyre having super senior guys retire at the top end of the pay scale....

................................? they cant be suffering too much while theyre paying 90/hr to a 190 captain.
 
frog_flyer said:
you get a "dee-dee-dee" for that one.

you mean like... they gain seniority... like... all the time?! what the hell do you expect noob?!

theyre having super senior guys retire at the top end of the pay scale....

................................? they cant be suffering too much if theyre paying 90/hr to a 190 captain.
Click to expand...

Froggie is currently under the influence of adult beverages.
 
I was just reading up on the PC-12 (before this was posted) and was thinking that would be a sweet job to fly one. Whats the pay and scheduling like?

Another question, since this is a part 135 op., would there be a problem with SIC time in a PC-12 to another 135 operation?

Thanks.
 
Froggy is right--about gaining seniority ...even with the six pack in him... but let me just clarify-- this may drift off into a different subject but this is what
I've kind of learned along the way:

I did like JetBlue a lot but after looking at it a little closer--

for starters, look at Southwest-- they have cut a profit for 30 years straight-- I think there was like 1 quarter during all that time when they had a net loss. why? the term is _controlled expansion_ which is something that Independence never did and jetblue isn't doing right now.

then you look at their planes-- all new 3 years ago-- now the TBO is coming up for ALL their aircraft and there will be huge inspection costs associated with that (hot stage inspections cost a hell of a lot).

Finally-- you look at the fact that all their staff was at the bottom of the payscale-- 90/hr for an FO. United is shelling out 2.4 bills for a 20yr senior captain and look where they are right now. Just something to plan ahead for... I agree that pilots should be gaining seniority-- I'm not crazy, but looking at it from an airline perspective, I would think it's going to cost a lot of money as the years go by and I would hope that they are prepared for it.
(Last but not least: no unionCEOhasahighschooldiploma).

Like I said-- I'm definitely NO expert-- just from conversations and articles along the way.

This PC-12 company is awesome from what I hear-- hiring minimums around 1000 although they hired a guy w/ 600 at one point, great training captains and decent 25K pay/benefit package for a 1st yr. FO. From a FO who works for them , they look for good personality and excellent IFR skills.


Looking at the comments here, it seems like maybe a good stepping stone for the regionals, not the majors.

Enough rambling-- I gotta get back to actually getting some work done. One of my interests is airline development, and if anyone knows some good places to get info I'd be interested.
 
jjm said:
I spoke with an FO for them-- he said that regionals weigh Turbine PIC and Multi time kind of equally-- but I don't know... the 19K salary as a regional FO...decent 25K pay/benefit package for a 1st yr. FO
Click to expand...

Going from a place like this to a regional wouldn't be hard. I thought by "major" you were referring to the major airlines, (SWA, CAL, etc.) not the "major" feeders.

And about the salary, I'm gonna blow past the $19k you quoted my first year at a regional, it'll be more like $29k-$30k first year (and $38k-$40k second, more if we win the arbitration) even counting pay while in training. But I certainly work the system to full advantage, past performance is no indicator of future returns ;). Still incredibly low, but at least above poverty...(slightly)
 
jjm said:
(Last but not least: no unionCEOhasahighschooldiploma).
Click to expand...

I think you may have forgotten the sarcasm tag there and if by chance you were serious, thats snobbery at its finest. You must have a doctorate or MBA. Some of the brightest business minds I've every worked with have been self-made 'high school diploma' guys. I think Dave has done a fantastic job at setting up jetBlue. I know him personally and think he is an outstanding business man, regardless of what others may say.
 
n57flyguy said:
Another question, since this is a part 135 op., would there be a problem with SIC time in a PC-12 to another 135 operation?
Click to expand...

Under 91.1049 you can log SIC time with regards to fractionals even if the aircraft is only certificated for one pilot. There was an old thread about this. Check it out below.

PC12
 
meritflyer said:
Under 91.1049 you can log SIC time with regards to fractionals even if the aircraft is only certificated for one pilot. There was an old thread about this. Check it out below.

PC12
Click to expand...

Oh, I think I understand now, that was a little confusing. I remember some threads about other parts, but didnt want to post a new one.

Thanks guys!!

Anyone see the new TBM-850? Sweet.
 
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