need some advise

flyinggordyhalen · Post by **flyinggordyhalen** » Tue Apr 04, 2006 1:04 pm

I've been outa the scene for about 1 1/2 yrs. I no longer have my multi-ifr but still have a valid Commercial licence. Unfortunately I only have 250 hrs and have not been in a cockpit for long time. I know that I will have to be reaquainted with the likes of a 172 and so on. What are my chances of getting anything either as an FO or single engine somewhere? The latest rumor that i heard was that Alberta is booming and that pilot's are being hired by the big guns which means that all the lower positions are becoming more and more achievable. Will I still have to pay my dues that I already did? What is the market REALLY LIKE right now. Is it the same ol same ol with everything like being a rampee for a while or do I really have a shot. I have a family with 3 kids that i need to support and are more important than anything but i am willing to pack up and leave if need be. My family and I want this dream to come true but is it worth the heartache to go for it?

Invertago · Post by **Invertago** » Tue Apr 04, 2006 1:42 pm

I know how you feel, I left my flight training part way through my Multi-IFR, got married, got a degree, and now am rethinking getting back into aviation. I am hoping on the air force, but failing that I am considering getting a refresher on my flying. I’m thinking of trying to get on as a rampie while finishing a multi-IFR, but I am weary of sinking any more money into training with out a good chance at getting a job of some sort out of it. I would love to start paying my dues, but I fear being screwed over and working a ramp for 2 years with nothing afterwards. I realize ramp work is a start, and I think up to a year is reasonable, but if I wanted a career loading airplanes I wouldn’t have trained to fly them. Good luck, I wish I could help other than to say I’m in the same boat as you.

compilot · Post by **compilot** » Tue Apr 04, 2006 2:06 pm

There is still an over supply of 200 hour wonders out there, as good as the industry (temporarily) is, Unless you have 500 hours and a current MIFR I probablly won't start packing my bags yet.

I personally only have 350 hours with a current MIFR, I'm working in the Oil and Gas industry and unless the industry really changes I plan on becoming a hobby pilot.

My roommate from Flight school just got into the rights seat of a KingAir after 2.5 years on the ground and is only making 18,000/year (nothing that you can raise a family on)

like2fly · Post by **like2fly** » Tue Apr 04, 2006 2:24 pm

I personally only have 350 hours with a current MIFR, I'm working in the Oil and Gas industry and unless the industry really changes I plan on becoming a hobby pilot.

Which industry are you referring to...the oil and gas or aviation...cuz if it is the aviation industry, this is probably the best its been for a long time!!!!

Cheers

compilot · Post by **compilot** » Tue Apr 04, 2006 5:06 pm

I'm referring to the Aviation Industry, I agree that its much better then it has been, but it is still missing a real pay cheque.

double-j · Post by **double-j** » Tue Apr 04, 2006 7:16 pm

compilot wrote:I'm referring to the Aviation Industry, I agree that its much better then it has been, but it is still missing a real pay cheque.

Dude, if you're expecting a "real paycheque" on the right seat of a Kingair anytime soon, I hate to break it to you but it ain't gonna happen. That position has never been a moneymaker ever. Its just a steppingstone to something better and pays as such.

I can only imagine how hard it must be supporting a family on F/O wages but it can and has been done before. IMO if you really want to be a pilot do what it takes to make it happen now instead of waiting for change to happen from the inside.

The wages suck, I know, I've been there, but its always been that way and it doesn't look like change is on the horizon anytime soon..

Best of luck to you guys..
cheers,
jj