TexasFlyer
Living the Dream (well at least trying to)
I debated writing this for a few weeks. It's not really an announcement for me sine I don't have much to show yet as I can not log any time in this job. I just keep reading on here how companies expect F.O.s and pilots young in experience to work for poverty wages. Young pilots driven by gaining flight hours but forgetting to enjoy the ride. And also companies that treat their young pilots terrible. So I thought it would be worth the write up on here to show an example of a great company with a great aircraft owner and PIC at the helm.
For the last month I been working on a contract position flying as a F.O. on a C510 for a private owner/ company. I get paid a monthly base amount which is right about what a FO at a good paying Regional makes in their third or fourth year. I also get a per diem for each day I fly. Not bad for what is a lame duck position where I can not log any time as this is a Part 91 operation where I only exist for an added level of safety.
Now the actual reason I am here is in 4-6 months I am told the owner will purchase a larger aircraft. The C510 Mustang is just not the right plane to be flying 1,000 to 1,400 NM trips. We average 2-3 days per week with 2 nights out of base. We fly the USA, Canada, and Mexico. We are slow, close to max weight, and at the mercy of the winds. Winds determine if we need a quick turn stop on the longer trips. Plus seats are a factor. On some flights the owner likes to bring his closest 4-5 friends which means I get left behind or airlined home due to lack of seats or too much weight.
The Captain of this single PIC flight department is a great guy. He has taught me all FO duties (preflight, call-outs, performance calcs, etc), how to use some great flight planning technology on the iPad, how to handle the international stuff, and CRM. I am also learning Spanish with Rosetta Stone for our Mexico trips as that was encouraged. And while the Captain is not a CFI or MEI, he is an ATP. So he is now going to endorse me for my SIC in the Mustang once we finish up all the required elements. The SIC will not do me any good since we only fly Part 91, but it shows commitment on his part and the companies part to invest in their current/ future FO.
The owner is also a great guy too for valuing a two pilot crew, paying a reasonable salary, and thinking ahead as it's clear this aircraft is a valuable business tool for him. It's his first aircraft and experience with aviation. He seems to be enjoying it. The owner even may look into becoming a private pilot himself (glad I am a CFI since I can help him there).
The risk is I get nothing out of this experience. If the owner's plans change I come out with nothing to show for my learning experience other than adding Spanish to my resume along with an 8710 for SIC in a C510 with no logged hours.
The reward is that if all goes well there is a Beechjet or large Citation F.O. position my near future. Oh, plus this is the best job ever even though it adds no value to my logbook at the moment. I am enjoying ever minute of this job. I am really learning a lot as well. Fingers crossed we get that new aircraft soon. I love my job!
For the last month I been working on a contract position flying as a F.O. on a C510 for a private owner/ company. I get paid a monthly base amount which is right about what a FO at a good paying Regional makes in their third or fourth year. I also get a per diem for each day I fly. Not bad for what is a lame duck position where I can not log any time as this is a Part 91 operation where I only exist for an added level of safety.
Now the actual reason I am here is in 4-6 months I am told the owner will purchase a larger aircraft. The C510 Mustang is just not the right plane to be flying 1,000 to 1,400 NM trips. We average 2-3 days per week with 2 nights out of base. We fly the USA, Canada, and Mexico. We are slow, close to max weight, and at the mercy of the winds. Winds determine if we need a quick turn stop on the longer trips. Plus seats are a factor. On some flights the owner likes to bring his closest 4-5 friends which means I get left behind or airlined home due to lack of seats or too much weight.
The Captain of this single PIC flight department is a great guy. He has taught me all FO duties (preflight, call-outs, performance calcs, etc), how to use some great flight planning technology on the iPad, how to handle the international stuff, and CRM. I am also learning Spanish with Rosetta Stone for our Mexico trips as that was encouraged. And while the Captain is not a CFI or MEI, he is an ATP. So he is now going to endorse me for my SIC in the Mustang once we finish up all the required elements. The SIC will not do me any good since we only fly Part 91, but it shows commitment on his part and the companies part to invest in their current/ future FO.
The owner is also a great guy too for valuing a two pilot crew, paying a reasonable salary, and thinking ahead as it's clear this aircraft is a valuable business tool for him. It's his first aircraft and experience with aviation. He seems to be enjoying it. The owner even may look into becoming a private pilot himself (glad I am a CFI since I can help him there).
The risk is I get nothing out of this experience. If the owner's plans change I come out with nothing to show for my learning experience other than adding Spanish to my resume along with an 8710 for SIC in a C510 with no logged hours.
The reward is that if all goes well there is a Beechjet or large Citation F.O. position my near future. Oh, plus this is the best job ever even though it adds no value to my logbook at the moment. I am enjoying ever minute of this job. I am really learning a lot as well. Fingers crossed we get that new aircraft soon. I love my job!
