I just started on my first aviation job as a SIC on the PC-12. I had my private pilot license for 20 years. Left a job in IT and made the jump to aviation. Took me 2 years to do my commercial license and instrument rating (part time). I'm 56 years old.
You two are so heckin' cute together, I love that even your names make a great pairing! Thank you for this video by the way, it's very nice listening for aspiring professional pilots! Your channel in general is quite nice for this and I'd like to thank you for it. You don't have as many videos, but I like coming to your channel for PC-12 specifics and lessons on more universal real world pro pilot expectations, in the same way that I watch Sportys or FlightInsight for lessons on procedures and basics.
I just retired from the Fire Service(51)I was a member of the Civil Air Patrol and served as a flight Paramedic for both fixed wing and Rotor ambulances services. I have been wanting to be a pilot since I was a kid. I am wrapping up my Private Pilot. I understand it is a matter of time and money to get my IFR and Commercial and CFI. Any advice on how to get from 250 hrs to the 1200 hrs while getting paid as opposed to going into debt. I am not interested in the airlines. However, part 135 or 91 would be nice. I keep looking for these low hour jobs but they are not listed on Indeed. Every job, including SIC $35,000 jobs, want an ATP and 1500 hrs
Sounds like you're off to a good start. Keep on trucking through your instrument, commercial, and CFI. Once you get your CFI you can instruct to earn money while you build time. Once you have your commercial, network in your local market as much as you can. With the pilot shortage, there are lots of Part 91 corporate operators and management companies looking for contract pilots. You can probably find some opportunities flying right seat in turboprops and jets here and there, either contract or part-time, even if you're a very low-time pilot. Part 91 operators have flexibility, especially for right-seaters/SICs. It's usually a matter of what their insurance policies will allow. Part 135 operators won't hire you until you meet the regulatory minimums, and they almost never use contract pilots because of the complexity and expense of required training, etc. To sum it up, get your instrument, commercial, and CFI as soon as possible. Then instruct while networking and looking for part-time/contract right-seat Part 91 opportunities. Once you get your commercial, there are lots of good Facebook groups to join that post jobs. Follow up with me here, even down the road, if you need anything. Good luck!
Another thing is the retirement age is 65, that when they kick yo out of the cockpit, so if you are pushing 60 and wanting to get into this, thats not going to work out for you as employers want younger experienced pilots as the insurance requirements mandate that. I made the mistake of letting time get away from me, age is a big issue in this business.
Age 65 in mandatory retirement for 121 operations (airlines), but there's no age limit for Part 91/135 jobs. Lots of retired airline pilots transition to corporate and charter flying. So long as you can keep your medical, there are opportunities.
That would be tough on student pilots battling debts. I wish there were more concrete evidence of a pilot shortage. And I’ve heard online that the aviation schools are full.
@@cutliss the shortage is real. The fact that flight schools are full is an indication of that. The need for pilots exceeds the capacity of the 141 schools.
I just started on my first aviation job as a SIC on the PC-12. I had my private pilot license for 20 years. Left a job in IT and made the jump to aviation. Took me 2 years to do my commercial license and instrument rating (part time). I'm 56 years old.
Welcome to the Pilatus! Congrats on making the switch.
You two are so heckin' cute together, I love that even your names make a great pairing!
Thank you for this video by the way, it's very nice listening for aspiring professional pilots! Your channel in general is quite nice for this and I'd like to thank you for it. You don't have as many videos, but I like coming to your channel for PC-12 specifics and lessons on more universal real world pro pilot expectations, in the same way that I watch Sportys or FlightInsight for lessons on procedures and basics.
Thank you so much! 🙏
I just retired from the Fire Service(51)I was a member of the Civil Air Patrol and served as a flight Paramedic for both fixed wing and Rotor ambulances services. I have been wanting to be a pilot since I was a kid. I am wrapping up my Private Pilot. I understand it is a matter of time and money to get my IFR and Commercial and CFI.
Any advice on how to get from 250 hrs to the 1200 hrs while getting paid as opposed to going into debt. I am not interested in the airlines. However, part 135 or 91 would be nice.
I keep looking for these low hour jobs but they are not listed on Indeed. Every job, including SIC $35,000 jobs, want an ATP and 1500 hrs
Sounds like you're off to a good start. Keep on trucking through your instrument, commercial, and CFI. Once you get your CFI you can instruct to earn money while you build time. Once you have your commercial, network in your local market as much as you can. With the pilot shortage, there are lots of Part 91 corporate operators and management companies looking for contract pilots. You can probably find some opportunities flying right seat in turboprops and jets here and there, either contract or part-time, even if you're a very low-time pilot. Part 91 operators have flexibility, especially for right-seaters/SICs. It's usually a matter of what their insurance policies will allow. Part 135 operators won't hire you until you meet the regulatory minimums, and they almost never use contract pilots because of the complexity and expense of required training, etc. To sum it up, get your instrument, commercial, and CFI as soon as possible. Then instruct while networking and looking for part-time/contract right-seat Part 91 opportunities. Once you get your commercial, there are lots of good Facebook groups to join that post jobs. Follow up with me here, even down the road, if you need anything. Good luck!
Very interesting, thx for the insights 😊
Anytime! 😉
Another thing is the retirement age is 65, that when they kick yo out of the cockpit, so if you are pushing 60 and wanting to get into this, thats not going to work out for you as employers want younger experienced pilots as the insurance requirements mandate that. I made the mistake of letting time get away from me, age is a big issue in this business.
Age 65 in mandatory retirement for 121 operations (airlines), but there's no age limit for Part 91/135 jobs. Lots of retired airline pilots transition to corporate and charter flying. So long as you can keep your medical, there are opportunities.
Well that’s encouraging as im in great shape, but older, and I love the PC 12.
Is it worth it to leave my job in tech for this? Man this is cool.
Good question! Mind if I use your comment in a video response?
I think the requirements will go back up as the pilot shortage ends soon.
That would be tough on student pilots battling debts. I wish there were more concrete evidence of a pilot shortage. And I’ve heard online that the aviation schools are full.
The pilot shortage will not be ending soon
@@cutliss the shortage is real. The fact that flight schools are full is an indication of that. The need for pilots exceeds the capacity of the 141 schools.
As an older pilot I would have an advantage as i wont be scooped up by an airline and would be happy in a PC 12.