Hi everyone,

By the end of the summer I'll join the mass of low timer pilots, yes another one...Like alot of other wannabes I'd like to fly the big jets, like the B747. From what I've read a shortcut to that can be a job as a relief pilot. A job looked down upon by many, low paying and often open to low time pilots. Am I right? It's a career path I'd like to explore a bit more so here are some questions.

1. What airlines use(hire) relief pilots today?
2. What if you get fired and have logged lets say 500h. Will that time get you anywhere else then another relief pilot job on the same type? (wich may be very dificult to get)
3. Will the airlines let you upgrade to FO? Can there be a no-upgrade contract?
4. What is the typical upgrade time to FO?

Thanks,

I believe that most airlines use regular FOs and just roster them as the relief, then they will swap duties with the other rostered FO for the return journey. There are exceptions though, TNT, Cathay and KLM spring to mind. There will be others though I'm sure.