Primary to Jet.....

OnTheFly7

OnTheFly7

Well-Known Member
I found a flying club that has a fairly neat set up. Rather than go to a big name school and feel like a number (it is just not me), I have been looking a smaller businesses. Here is what I found at one, and please give your opinion about the situation.

This is a flying club (not a certificate mill so to speak) with aircraft ranging from Warriors and Arrows to an Aztec to a PC-12. They do have two full time instructors who average 80 to 100 hrs. a month (these instructors are older career instructors not wanting to move on). They have a good relationship with a business on the field. This "other" business will bring an instructor from the club on as a full-time freight pilot on a Caravan. From the Caravan you go to a King Air and then to the jets. The "other" company only promotes from within.

To me this sounds like a great way to work your way up through the ranks, put in your time, and get a lot of different flight experience. Anyone have any issues with something like this?
 
As long as the CFI gig and above are paid positions. If that's part of the 'unpaid internship' deal, run like hell.
 
Indeed, as long as it's a paid gig it's cool. There are tons of situations like this around the country and fairly common.
 
Don't get to caught up in the hype of "paying your dues". This career is not about what you know, it is who you know. Flying the airplane is easy, making good decisions is easy (common sense folks). Does sound like a good deal though.


ps
Just to let you in on a secret, flying jets is easier than flying a turboprop.
 
It is indeed a legit progression through the ratings and all jobs are paid positions.

Now to possibly create some enemies............

I do agree that it is about WHO you know in this industry, especially for the corporate/charter/fractional sector. However, I am not in a wharp speed mode to get that jet job. I will take my time and put in my dues and if the opportunity comes up to advance I will consider it. I refuse to take just any flying job (I may take longer to advance but I want the right job. Also, I want to feel good about it).

Having been brought up within the aviation community (father flew for North Central back in the day, he was also a gold seal instructor until health problems took his medical) I have seen many pilots; young, old, and in between. Hands down, the BEST pilots I have ever known were in fact flight instructors at one time or another, others flew freight at one point in their careers.

Where am I going with this..........I just feel that too many people are trying to get THAT job by knowing someone. That is fine if you can handle the situations that you will be put in. Want a modern day, unrelated example.

Michelle Wie...........one hell of a golfer for her age, but how is her record against the men. Non-existant! Why? She does not have the experience to handle the situation with the men. Kind of like a 600-700hr. person jumping in jets. Yes you can get through indoc. and be on line, however, do you really have the experiences in you back ground to get through a situation. I just believe that in flying, as in life, the more you experience and grow, the more you will have to call on latter, if you need it.

Sorry to go on a rant, off of the subject. Just brought something out in me:yar: Anyway, I appreciate your info. on the matter.​
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top