Right seat expectations

[Instructor_Mike]

Hi all,

As someone very new to the industry, I read the posts for various companies looking for pilots and it seems like some of the requirements are a little inflated. For example 1000-1500 hours total time with 500-1000 pic maybe 100+ multi etc.

Are these requirements like the sticker price at car lot in that they want that much but are usually willing to accept less? I won't have 1000 hours for a while and I'm planning to do my Multi-IFR once I save up some money but since I'm not at a school with a twin, multi pic time isn't really an option in the near future.

Thanks

[lownslow]

Sometimes yes, sometimes no.

Often times you can get hired with less than the posted minimums but it depends on your qualifications compared to that of the other applicants in terms of total experience, what type of experience and what everyone's references have to say about them. Internal references help a lot here.

On the other hand, depending on the nature of the service they provide, your potential new employer could have those minima etched in stone at the clients' request. There are 500 hour superstars that are much better (and safer) pilots than some of their 'more experienced' brethren but there's no reliable and objective way to tell a customer that. That's aviation for you.

LnS.

[Chaxterium]

It can really depend on a number of factors but I certainly wouldn't equate advertised minimums with the sticker price on a car. Depending on the company the minimums are often quite adhered to and are just that; minimums. Often a successful candidate will have experience well exceeding the posted minimums and having only the minimums they're looking for—or even less—means you have no chance.

At the end of the day though you just never know so it's never a bad idea to knock on some doors or make some calls (unless the company specifically says no calls. Some do, so watch out for that!) When I was hired with my current employer they wanted 1500 hours with an ATPL and I was hired with just under 1200 hours and a CPL.

Best of luck!

Cheers,
Chax

[Instructor_Mike]

On the other hand, depending on the nature of the service they provide, your potential new employer could have those minima etched in stone at the clients' request. There are 500 hour superstars that are much better (and safer) pilots than some of their 'more experienced' brethren but there's no reliable and objective way to tell a customer that. That's aviation for you.

LnS.

Fair enough thanks. There is a company I know of (not specifics) that basically guarantee to their passengers/insurrance that there is X amount of hours in the cockpit (Say 3000 for example) so if the FO only has 300, the Captain must have 2700+ so in that case so that would be a factor.

I know of friends in aviation that at 250 hours and Multi-IFR that would get jobs (usually ramp first) so I know the jobs are out there, but I'm also hoping my extra pic time (even if it's mostly 172 time) will be of benifit and not looked down on.

--Edit--

Best of luck!

Cheers,
Chax

Thanks

And yes maybe the analogy to the car lot was a bit of a stretch, but I just think about all the 200 hour pilots getting 1300 more hours to get to the 1500 hour minimums. I know many don't instruct but maybe those northern jobs that will take fresh CPL are just never advertised since they probably have a stack 50 high of resumes from fresh CPLs without advertising the job.

[tbaylx]

Hi all,

As someone very new to the industry, I read the posts for various companies looking for pilots and it seems like some of the requirements are a little inflated. For example 1000-1500 hours total time with 500-1000 pic maybe 100+ multi etc.

Are these requirements like the sticker price at car lot in that they want that much but are usually willing to accept less? I won't have 1000 hours for a while and I'm planning to do my Multi-IFR once I save up some money but since I'm not at a school with a twin, multi pic time isn't really an option in the near future.

Thanks

In my experience it's usually the other way around. They ask for their minimums but are usually getting applicants with far higher experience levels.

[Flap_Operator]

Totally agree with tbaylx... And its even more true when the company has a great reputation.
Best example is the airlines.... Most post minimums at 1500 with ATPL, when is the last time you heard someone get hired with Westjet or Aircanada with just that....? Not saying it never happened just a very rare thing to see....

Butdont give up, the hardest part is finding the first job.

[Instructor_Mike]

Thanks guys. Like I said, most of this is just preliminary interest since I am an instructor but trying to have a rough plan/idea for the future. Multi and then IFR are my immediate plans once the money is there for it and I figure out logistics of commuting to a flight school with a twin or our school leases one.

[co-joe]

Sticker price hunh? Good analogy somewhat. Usually an operator has already talked to their insurance provider and agreed on a policy based on the number of hour for a FCM. If you don't meet those hours then you cut into the bottom line directly. Think of every car purchase as a bidding war then yes if someone else has the money and you want it for less, then they get the car. If no one else has the cash up front you might get the deal...

Until you get to Alberta and meet Mr Contrail... then your F'd.

[Instructor_Mike]

Yeah I think the bidding war analogy is better, but luckily the more hours I build the thinner the competition.

Thanks for the input and I'll be keeping my eyes open and once the multi-IFR is done I'll be much more marketable.

[Blue_Yonder]

FWIW, I'm in the same boat. Currently sitting on just over 300 hours. I'm also doing my MIFR over the winter, writing my IATRA and buying some block time. It's my goal to have 500TT and 50 MPIC by spring for hiring season. I've looked in the past for employment but without a MIFR and with only 300 hours, and the inability to be mobile (something that will change this spring), it was devastating to say the least.

I’m hoping this time around I’ll have more of a fighting chance .