I work for a 135 cargo operation. For those that don't know the mins are 1200TT (plus some other stuff) and those are non-negotiable for PIC's.
Unless the company hires VFR-only guys, which my company does.
Given the option to fly a jet at 500TT/50ME or waiting until you have 1200TT to get a 135 freight job seems like a simple choice these days.
Well, it's not so simple all the time. I had a couple of friends that told me I was crazy and they ran off to Regions. I had a standing invitation to interview. That choice wasn't so simple. I've always had STPS (Shiny Turbo-prop Syndrome).
I realize that there is still a small percentage of pilots with no desire to fly for a regional, but they may be the exception.
For many of us, it's not that we have no desire to fly for a regional - it's that we're not in a hurry to fly for a regional. Some of us admittedly love what we do because it's hard. Kind of the same reason that many people get their rocks off being machine gunners and Mortar Men. Because it's tough. Because not everyone is willing, or even able, to do it. There are definite bragging rights. That, combined with the experience that you gain, is awesome. Mix in the people (I've made some of my best friends at my company), and I wouldn't have traded it for anything.
In my opinion, pay scales for 135 operations will need to be raised significantly to attract new pilots.
I agree 100%
I also think that since this raise in pay is not likely to happen . . .
I agree 80%. A few companies will raise their pay. Others will not. The ones that do will gain more pilots.
. . . that many smaller 135 operations (and possibly even large ones) will go the way of the dinosaur.
Many of them will.
The FAA is not in a position to lower time requirements for such demanding flying (single pilot) when accidents still happen on a regular basis with the current time requirements.
They shouldn't lower them, either. Those times are there for a reason. This is demanding flying, and it takes some experience.
What can a 135 operator offer besides $$ to attract pilots meeting their minimums, or encourage younger pilots to flight instruct longer until they meet the time requirements rather than going to a regional?
That's a really good question. I think that more check-haulers should go out of their way to get jumpseat agreements. They should consider CASS. If my company had them, I'd probably stay here until they closed the doors.
They could also treat their employees better. I'm lucky enough to work for a (relatively) fair company. We have our issues, but who doesn't?
That being said, I know people that work at some pretty shady companies. These people stick around long enough to get their time and move on.
Flight Express has got to the point of hiring 500 hour VFR guys and paying them upwards of $50,000 a year.
Not quite $50,000, but pretty close. Over $43,000 your first year, and more thereafter. It all depends on the run. If you're willing to work 14 hour duty days (not as bad as it sounds . . . ), then you can do it.
Serious?
Us "freight trash" ain't as trashy as we're made out to be, eh?
Are they the rule, or the exception though?
Well, we're one of the larger check-haulin' companies. Take it how you want it . . .
I'm an airnet guy myself and would love to see 50k, or 40, or even mid 30's.
Then come to FLX.
Mid 30's ain't hard here, bud.
I hear that its only for FL though.
Not true. It's where we need you. I know for a fact that we've placed people from this last class in St Louis and Cincinnati.
- You get decent pay and benefits compared to a 1st year regional job
Compared to 1st year? If you want the hard runs, you can almost get pay and benefits compared to 3rd year CAPTAIN pay for some regionals!
Wait, but it's not a jet and there's no radar . . . my bad.
You personally know someone who is making that kind of scratch there? I do know people and trust me, they are not making that kind of money.
Remember when I was running 705, T-Man? Throw in the fact that I went at least an hour over with regularity? Man, that run pulls some cheese!
And, I could still be drunk by 8!!
