[Leewenhooke]

Hello all:

I just got out of the Army recently and took a Part 91 PC-12 gig. The money's not great, but I'm teaching part time and have nothing to complain about. That all said, I don't want to be stuck doing this the rest of my life.

Am I setting myself up for success building all this SEL time or should I be logging a bunch of dual given in a PA44 or BE76? I currently have about 120 hrs. MEL. If you were looking to hire a new guy to co-pilot your small jet, would you rather see a bunch of SEL turbine time or a bunch of multi piston time? (Yes, multi-turbine time is better, but that ain't gonna happen)

Any insights/opinions would be helpful.

[Aviation Interview Prep]

Leewenhooke, on 28 January 2010 - 08:37 PM, said:

Hello all:

I just got out of the Army recently and took a Part 91 PC-12 gig. The money's not great, but I'm teaching part time and have nothing to complain about. That all said, I don't want to be stuck doing this the rest of my life.

Am I setting myself up for success building all this SEL time or should I be logging a bunch of dual given in a PA44 or BE76? I currently have about 120 hrs. MEL. If you were looking to hire a new guy to co-pilot your small jet, would you rather see a bunch of SEL turbine time or a bunch of multi piston time? (Yes, multi-turbine time is better, but that ain't gonna happen)

Any insights/opinions would be helpful.

Wow, lucky you landing such a great job so quickly out of the military. Ideally you would want to pick up both Turbine and some dual time in a BE-76 or a P-44. Generally, most companies are looking for at least 200 hours multi and anywhere from 1200 to 1500 tt. This used to get you on the radar for an interview with most corporate flight departments and regionals. Some companies also make a distinction as to whether or not the multi time was a straight line thrust. This shows you how much they value multi time. However, the fact that you are flying a turbine separates you from all the 172 drivers because of the complexity of your aircraft. With the market the way it is right now, that bar may be raised when the next round of hiring comes. Unfortunately, layoffs are still prevalent in the industry and the competition for jobs is as fierce as ever. I would try and do both if possible.

[Leewenhooke]

Thanks for getting back. I've joined Civil Air Patrol to get some more time and am lining up some dual given through those guys to work towards my ATP. I have a feeling that when the industry gets on its upswing that ATP will be the new ground floor. (or at least ATP written completed) I'll keep on chugging and get those multi hours up. Currently in West Palm on a Super Bowl trip, so I shouldn't be bitching. Thanks for the advice! I'll let you know how it turns out.

[Aviation Interview Prep]

Leewenhooke, on 05 February 2010 - 12:08 AM, said:

Thanks for getting back. I've joined Civil Air Patrol to get some more time and am lining up some dual given through those guys to work towards my ATP. I have a feeling that when the industry gets on its upswing that ATP will be the new ground floor. (or at least ATP written completed) I'll keep on chugging and get those multi hours up. Currently in West Palm on a Super Bowl trip, so I shouldn't be bitching. Thanks for the advice! I'll let you know how it turns out.

I like the way you are thinking. Joining the CAP will help give you hours, make contacts and it looks good on a resume that you are trying to help others. The ATP may very well be the ground floor. I believe that when the next upswing starts it will be very competitive. The more hours and varied experience you have will go a long way. Having an ATP will certainly prove to those looking at your resume that you are motivated and career oriented. Good luck and let me know if we can help with anything else. By clicking on the resume creation link on WFFF we can help you create a professional resume to catch the attention of the hiring manager when you are ready.