Interviews, jobs & sponsorshipDo ya feel lucky, Punk? Well do ya? If so, here's the place to swap the hot gen on who's sponsoring or employing, their selection criteria, and where those oh so elusive first jobs can be spotted in the wild. Watch out for the tumbleweeds...
My current job is great, I fly maybe two or three days a week, am rarely away from home except during the high season. It's fun flying too, for the most part and I feel lucky to be able to do it. I performed a little low level flypast the other day with lots of banking and diving. There aren't many flying jobs around that allow that kind of thing anymore. I sometimes look out the windscreen and marvel at the sights I see, never a day the same, cloudscapes, sunsets and scenery. Every day presents a different challenge and I feel privileged to be sitting there in the high seat.
But there are times when you're up there and all you can think about is going home or what you'll have for dinner. You get tired and the last thing you want to do is fly. I am usually glad when I shut down at the end of the day's work. But that goes for any job. The main flaw with it is the money. It doesn't pay enough nor will it ever pay enough for it to be a permanent job. So I must walk away from it sooner rather than later.
It's the eternal problem. When I was twenty two, it would have been perfect as a starter job, right now with a family and mortgage, it's an expensive luxury. So I must move on, quite possibly out of flying altogether. Newbies, don't PM me for info. I'm not going just yet and in any case you will never get the job. It requires hours and maturity not just flying skills.
The twenty two year old in me is horrified at the idea but the Father and husband has to face reality.
Attitudes change but really being a pilot is something different to the herd and even if we become jaded about it, isn't it better to be a jaded pilot than a jaded accountant, or a jaded factory worker or shop worker.
So young and enthusiastic pilots, the job will pall eventually. That's life. As for those jaded amongst us, well at least it was fun once. Some jobs are never fun, never interesting and never have memorable moments. I know all too well having had a few of those over the years.
I'm enjoying the flying at the moment particularly as I realise that it's unsustainable and will end soon. But everything comes to a natural end. Such is life.
Corsair could not have said it better myself.! Such is life- ned kelly i believe good way to end it and a way that i look at my life in some aspect. I agree with what your saying therfore being a younger '22' yr old pilot atm im enjoying my job but getting tired of it and will move on soon to something more challenging however i wont always focus on aviation scuba diving whilst flying as a pilot has always been another of my dreams which i will soon be taking on. Any way good advice enjoy your flying stay safe.
From time to time, I read a post by pilots with 250 TT, MCC, ATPL theory, ME-Comm/IR, upset that they can't get a job. Be grateful that airlines in Europe look at people with 250 hours TT. Why? Well here is a job offer to join Virgin America (as a First Officer).
COMPANY:Virgin AmericaDATE:Sep 22, 2009POSITION:PilotsDESCRIPTION:Airport Location: Virgin America HQ
Country: United States
State: California
City: Burlingame
Description: Are you ready to take off? If you’ve got passion,
drive, and a guest-friendly spirit, you might be the kind of person
we are looking for. Virgin America is seeking a special kind of
person who will help define who we are. We’ll supply the planes --
brand new Airbus A320-family aircraft — and the headquarters —
beautiful San Francisco, California. We want you to bring the heart
and creativity to make this the most beloved airline in the sky.
Together, we can create a company where inspired people will
always love to work.
The Role…… ensure a safe journey and a positive Virgin America
experience for all. This position will safely operate the aircraft in
accordance with all Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) and
company policies and procedures while maintaining a lasting
impression of friendliness and outstanding service representative
of the Virgin America brand. What you can bring…..
Skills:
• FAA Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certification
• Check Airmen or Instructor time highly desired
• 5000 hours total time in airplanes (excluded: Helo, Sim, F/E time)
• Airbus A320 type rating preferred
• Current FAA Class 1 Medical Certificate
• Must pass FAA mandated drug test
• FCC Radio License
• Must possess a valid U.S. Driver’s license
• Current passport
• Legally authorized to work in the U.S.
• Must pass required federal background checks and Virgin
America pre-employment background checks Experience and
Expertise:
• Excellent communication skills
• An established knowledge of MicroSoft Office, Adobe Acrobat,
and Internet e-mail functions
Recent flight experience:
• 1000 hours total time as PIC, in turbine or jet aircraft
..oh is that all.
Sounds just like every other job that is advertised.
ATPL - 2500TT
1900 turbo-prop
Instructor
Damn good fellow
Stuck
Too much time for some airlines (200hr OAT /CTC Sausages fresh from the Sausage Factory only)
Not enough jet time for the rest
Sod paying 23k for a temp 6 month contract (see mug written on my forehead?)
Must be light soon - but enjoying the flying while I wait.
Location: Somewhere between the Airfield ops and 26L
Posts: 102
As seen on Flybe.com
Leading regional airline signs on 16 new pilots fresh from leading flight schools
Flybe, one of Europe’s largest regional airlines and the UK’s number one domestic carrier, has welcomed 16 new pilots from its own sponsored pilot recruitment programme to undergo a familiarisation/induction course for its Q400 fleet, included amongst which are three recruits from the South West.
The intake flies in the face of current global aviation activity where many airlines are shedding rather than hiring pilots as a direct result of the economic climate. Flybe’s programme operates in conjunction with a number of training schools across Europe and demonstrates its commitment to high quality training as it continues to recruit from flight schools that include Flight Training Europe, Jerez, Cabair College of Air Training at Cranfield and Oxford Aviation Academy.
Flybe’s unique relationship with its partner Flight Training Schools brings hope to many potential pilots looking for the opportunity to realise their dreams.
Ian Baston, Chief Pilot for Flybe comments; “Flybe seeks out the best pilots in the industry to help us continue deliver a first-class flight experience. To this end, we have built solid relationships with a number of leading flight schools across Europe and are always on the look-out for new talent to bolster our teams. We’re looking forward to helping our 16 new pilots embark on a long and successful career with us.”
Mike Rutter, Flybe’s Chief Commercial Officer, comments; “We are delighted to be strengthening our flight team with the recruitment of the new Pilots. It’s great to know that we have some of the best talent in the industry coming on board to help us to grow the Flybe brand. At a time when other airlines are tightening their belts and feeling the impact of tough trading conditions, Flybe continues to recruit.”
I have recently completed Australian CPL with MECIR and ATPL theory. I am now looking at jobs flying 206's on outback cattle stations. Not the best work as when you are not flying you are working on the station in +35deg. Still, 500 hours per year cannot be sniffed at.
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