BrianNC
Well-Known Member
So you have to have 135 VFR minimums for that, correct?
Ram Air Flight Training
- Thread starter pilot4500
- Start date
pilot4500
IT Architect/ Former Cirrus Charter Pilot
That is correct. The 135 VFR minimums include 500 hours total time, and a few other things. You also need to have a Commercial Pilot's License with a Single Engine Land rating, an Instrument rating, and at least a second class medical. A multi engine rating is not required, but you will need one if you ever want to upgrade into one of the twins.
BrianNC
Well-Known Member
This might be a stupid question, but how do they use VFR guys? Just short runs in good weather or runs when it is obviously going to be VFR for a while?
pilot4500
IT Architect/ Former Cirrus Charter Pilot
As far as I know, they use the VFR guys on days where it is forecast to stay VFR for a while. I'm not exactly sure how it works since hiring VFR guys is something that we just started doing.
pilot4500
IT Architect/ Former Cirrus Charter Pilot
You would probably be based in Raleigh or Concord. Most likely it would be Raleigh.
murphfly
Well-Known Member
Man, you just got hired by Flight Express didn't you?? All ready looking to leave? Did you not know that you'd be flying a 210 for a while?
pilot4500
IT Architect/ Former Cirrus Charter Pilot
I am currently doing run 515/707 here out of JQF. The routing for this run is JQF VJI ROA UKF RDU JQF. It is nice run. It leaves at 1400 and comes back at 2100 local time.
If you are willing to move anywhere, you can get a twin run in about 3 or 4 months. I could have gotten a twin run sooner than I did if I had been willing to move to Hanover, VA, but I didn't want to do that. I just didn't want to move there for a few months, and then have to move again once I get an airline job. Beseides that, I happen to like living here in Charlotte. The next time I move, I want it to be for an airline job.
One of the main reasons I chose Ram Air over Flight Express is because the upgrade time to the twin is much faster at Ram Air. At Ram Air, I don't see any reason why it would take longer than 6 months to get an upgrade. And you can it much faster if you are willing to move.
If you are willing to move anywhere, you can get a twin run in about 3 or 4 months. I could have gotten a twin run sooner than I did if I had been willing to move to Hanover, VA, but I didn't want to do that. I just didn't want to move there for a few months, and then have to move again once I get an airline job. Beseides that, I happen to like living here in Charlotte. The next time I move, I want it to be for an airline job.
One of the main reasons I chose Ram Air over Flight Express is because the upgrade time to the twin is much faster at Ram Air. At Ram Air, I don't see any reason why it would take longer than 6 months to get an upgrade. And you can it much faster if you are willing to move.
I knew very well but now I got some good flight time,135 current, and a little money, just keeping the options open. No reason to sit where I dont want to be in a hiring market like right now (nothing against FLX, its pretty awsome actually, but not my end goal).
LAFF
New Member
pilot4500
IT Architect/ Former Cirrus Charter Pilot
The Seneca run has been treating me well. I like it. It is a nice schedule, and the couriers along this run are all very friendly.
The Seneca is a nice plane to fly. With both engines humming along, it isn't that much different than flying the Lance. I have had to deal with afternoon thunderstorms every day since I have started doing this run, but that is just normal during the summertime.
scflyin> If you see me in JQF, stop by and say hello.
pilot4500
IT Architect/ Former Cirrus Charter Pilot
Sorry I haven't posted anything in a while. I have been keeping pretty busy. Things have been going well. I am still doing my Seneca run out of JQF.
At this point I am trying to decide which regional I want to apply with. I've been going back and forth between ASA and Mesaba. Ram Air has certainly fulfilled its purpose. I came here to get multi time and get some weather experience, and I have certainly accomplished both of those goals. I have 2800TT and 300 multi. Both of those numbers are increasing everyday. The flight time that I have should get me into any regional of my choice.
My contract here at Ram Air expires on December 14. I don't plan on staying any longer than that. I get a $2,000 bonus for fufilling my contract. If I left now, I would end up owing Ram Air money and I really don't want to do that.
I have gotten some excellent experience at Ram Air. Weather in here in the Carolinas is certainly interesting. One thing I learned is never trust the TAFs. It seems like they are always wrong at least half the time.
I also met a lot of good people while working here. The pilots are all really good guys. I have reached a point where I am ready to move onto bigger and better things though.
Mitch Connor
New Member
Just thought I'd register & give my 2 cents....
I started at Ram Air Jan 07 & my multi-engine contract is up in 3 days. I've got interviews & have put in my 2 weeks notice (yes, that's important to them here) so I can secure an exit date. If need be, they'll let me stay beyond the 2-wks to make a little extra cash. They're really good about working with you when it's time to move on to the next rung in the career ladder.
They're not bad to work for & 98-days out of 100 I've truly enjoyed the flying. Don't let those 2-days hold you back; just keep it safe!! Best advice I can give if you're thinking about working here is to sharpen those instrument skills BEFORE you apply here, then keep a positive attitude AFTER you're here; which is a general concept that applies at most jobs, including aviation.
Ram was a great choice for me & best of luck to all who decide to give it a try!
I started at Ram Air Jan 07 & my multi-engine contract is up in 3 days. I've got interviews & have put in my 2 weeks notice (yes, that's important to them here) so I can secure an exit date. If need be, they'll let me stay beyond the 2-wks to make a little extra cash. They're really good about working with you when it's time to move on to the next rung in the career ladder.
They're not bad to work for & 98-days out of 100 I've truly enjoyed the flying. Don't let those 2-days hold you back; just keep it safe!! Best advice I can give if you're thinking about working here is to sharpen those instrument skills BEFORE you apply here, then keep a positive attitude AFTER you're here; which is a general concept that applies at most jobs, including aviation.
Ram was a great choice for me & best of luck to all who decide to give it a try!
pilot4500
IT Architect/ Former Cirrus Charter Pilot
I would agree with everything that was said above. Keeping a positive attitude is very important with any job. Ram Air is a good place to work.
I would add one more thing to this, and that is something that I have said before in this thread. When you work here, remember that YOU are the pilot in command and the final decision maker. It is not the person sitting in dispatch that you are talking to over the phone. You are in charge of ensuring a safe operation.
A couple of things that I would like to say to Mitch Connor. First of all, welcome to JC! Second of all, best of luck to you with whatever new job you decide to take! It's been a pleasure working with you Mitch.