Questions for any current or former warbird pilots.

CFI A&P

CFI A&P

Exploring the world one toilet at a time.
Searched already, found some good info but looking to see if anyone has more/ current info out flying warbirds.

There was a posting in the Jobs Available section not too long ago for a T-6 pilot, so I applied, and have an interview scheduled. Anyone know more about this kind of flying? The questions that come to mind: What is the pay structure, schedule (days out vs. days home), flying time... The typical QOL questions. I know each operator varies, but looking for a general guideline. Couldn't find much on the internet for this type of flying.

Thanks.
 
The ad didn't say anything about the type of flying? Or minimums......or experience in type?
 
It would help if you could list what the organization/company is and the location. Without that info, it's not possible to provide any insight.
 
From what I know, it is all different. When you see warbirds at any airshows you see a diverse group of pilots. Some of the planes are owned by a museum or a consortium. Some pilots own their own warbirds and fly them and pay all the costs. Some museums or entities will give flying tours on the planes not only for educational purposes, but to help pay for the cost and upkeep of the aircraft much like the Liberty Belle did and like the Tico Belle, C-47 does as do dozens and dozens of others as well. Many pilots fly voluntarily or for expenses only. The crew of one of the B-17's flying around the country is privately contracted, assigned to that aircraft and paid well, but I do not know how much. Many pilots that you see flying warbirds are also ex-military (former fighter pilots) or have extensive aerobatics/display experience, or were lucky enough to be very experienced and rated in several types, have radial engine experience and volunteered at a museum and worked on the planes and eventually may be lucky enough to get to fly them and be trained on them. This is not always the case, however. Some owners of these planes will instruct and sell time in them. I know one guy that does this in Florida with his P-51.There are also some clubs who own and operate warbirds exclusively and fly them to shows, like Prowler Command and they use Corporate sponsorships and are also non-profit as are many other groups. At one time they were offering a single type rating in a Mitchell for 25k plus hefty dues and some other fees. But it was a way to get the experience, training and type. There are also a few decent schools around for warbird training like Michigan.

I am very surprised that the job posting did not have requirements or info regarding the position and certainly their insurance company has some requirements as well. (besides the FAA requirements) Have you spoken to them? Are they willing to train you in type or would you have to pay for that?

Who specifically placed the ad? That would help. I looked through the first few pages of the job forum briefly but didn't see it. I could have easily missed it though as I am still sick and my brain is flying at half mast.
 
Here is the original posting:

http://forums.jetcareers.com/threads/cfi-fl-tailwheel-sweet.134468/

It's for Warbird Adventures in Kissimmee, FL. The minimums were 1,500TT; 500TW, Current CFI. Having aerobatic experience and A&P were a plus. Check, check, check, check and check. No information on training contract or costs. Not sure if it is a traveling operation, or just a fixed base only out of ISM.

Anyone worked there, or know someone that has?

Thanks again.
 
Oh, okey dokey. I have heard of them from Fun N Sun and they are a pretty big going concern and have been around since the mid 90's I believe. At the rates they charge to fly in one of their aircraft (750.00/hr for the T-6 for example) the pay should be pretty decent especially if you have students that sign up for the full 10 hour course I would think, but really I have no idea. But I imagine at even one time flights, they are pretty busy. I don't know how seasonal it might be as well. I do know that have participated in some airshows too, but how often or if they still do, I don't know. Hopefully someone on here has better info for you. I seem to remember they had a fatal a few years back. D&B shows they are raking in the bucks and healthy though so that is a plus.
 
If you PM me your email address, I'll hook you up with one of the instructors from WA who can answer all your questions about it.
 
They used to come up to Chicago (ARR) in the Summers to give rides and instruction, but I don't think they have done that in a while. They might still go 'on tour' to other places though.

I would love to work for them though. I would never pass up an opportunity to get paid to fly a warbird like that.
 
I dont have much to add other than you'll love the T-6. My primary instructor's brother owns one. Pretty fun plane
 
I bought my grandfather a ride in a T-6 from Warbird Adventures. They did a great job. He's a WW2 vet, former B29 gunner, and a war bird enthusiast. He said they were professional and the ride was thrilling.
 
Follow up:

Flew to Warbird Adventures today in my buddy's RV7. Met the crew, and spoke with the Chief Pilot (Thom) at great length. Hangar flying about each other's flying experience, the airplanes around the hangar and such, warbirds, formation and aerobatics, the business etc... Thom had me hop in the back seat of the T-6, showed me the cameras, basic systems, general cockpit familiarization. I figured this was the extent of the meeting/ interview. Then a customer walked in for a ride and I was in the non-scheduled airplane... Perfect chance to burn some fuel in formation. Since it was my first time in the T-6, we had a briefing about the takeoff in the T-6 and flying out to the practice area. Formation take-off followed by a flight of two out to the practice area, switching from slot to lead to slot for the camera. We broke from the formation and began to run through a series of loops, rolls, 1/2 Cuban's, reverse 1/2 Cubans, stalls, stalls, more stalls and then made our way back towards ISM. Overhead break to a three point, taxied back for another take off. Flew the pattern and a three point. The flying and landing wasn't my prettiest work, especially since it was my first time in that make/ model of airplane. My maneuvers were consistently left, so I must have been looking at a something in the cockpit that kept giving me bad reference. Once back in the office he gave me the details of schedule, pay and such. Then he said "I'm trainable" and offered me the position. Very clean airplanes and hangar, the personnel were extremely professional, well organized operation. Left with a nice smile and couldn't stop celebrating by rolling the RV7 on the way home.

Great flying, cool airplane. Although it requires relocation. Talked with the boss and she thinks I should figure out a way to make it happen. Conundrums and decisions.

Thom in the front, and I'm the fat kid in the back.
 

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Well hell, it sounds like the pay is decent then and the schedule (?) Go for it! When will you get an opportunity like this again and Florida is a great place. Congrats on getting the offer! And with your wife on board, (assuming you met your wife or at least gf) what more do you need? Go with that smile factor and what you feel in your gut. Best of luck!
 
CFI A&P said:
Follow up:

Flew to Warbird Adventures today in my buddy's RV7. Met the crew, and spoke with the Chief Pilot (Thom) at great length. Hangar flying about each other's flying experience, the airplanes around the hangar and such, warbirds, formation and aerobatics, the business etc... Thom had me hop in the back seat of the T-6, showed me the cameras, basic systems, general cockpit familiarization. I figured this was the extent of the meeting/ interview. Then a customer walked in for a ride and I was in the non-scheduled airplane... Perfect chance to burn some fuel in formation. Since it was my first time in the T-6, we had a briefing about the takeoff in the T-6 and flying out to the practice area. Formation take-off followed by a flight of two out to the practice area, switching from slot to lead to slot for the camera. We broke from the formation and began to run through a series of loops, rolls, 1/2 Cuban's, reverse 1/2 Cubans, stalls, stalls, more stalls and then made our way back towards ISM. Overhead break to a three point, taxied back for another take off. Flew the pattern and a three point. The flying and landing wasn't my prettiest work, especially since it was my first time in that make/ model of airplane. My maneuvers were consistently left, so I must have been looking at a something in the cockpit that kept giving me bad reference. Once back in the office he gave me the details of schedule, pay and such. Then he said "I'm trainable" and offered me the position. Very clean airplanes and hangar, the personnel were extremely professional, well organized operation. Left with a nice smile and couldn't stop celebrating by rolling the RV7 on the way home.

Great flying, cool airplane. Although it requires relocation. Talked with the boss and she thinks I should figure out a way to make it happen. Conundrums and decisions.

Thom in the front, and I'm the fat kid in the back.
Click to expand...

Maybe you can get Thom to let you fly Precious Metal
 
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