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Old 9th May 2007, 22:33
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westhawk
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: USA
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Better to build flight the necessary time and flight experience some other way, and not to even consider outfits like this. For one, paying someone to "allow" you to work for them is just a ripoff. You'd be selling yourself short. You can do much better for yourself if you're willing to put in the work. Also, "graduates" of this kind of scheme are viewed with scorn throughout the industry. Right or wrong, that's the way it is.

Additionally, at a time when regionals are lowering their minimum qualifications to well less than a thousand hours, (in some cases less than 500) the advantages of buying a job at an outfit like this simply don't add up, or make any make sense in the present market. "Pay to work" outfits simply seek to bilk aviation neophytes out of their money, using slick salesmanship (or con-artistry) to "hook" their victims. Don't waste your time or money trying to take a shortcut like this, you'll always regret it.

Instead, take one of the many other legitimate paths to your career goals. Entry level possibilities include banner towing, airborne patrol work, hauling jumpers, glider tow, traffic watch or aerial photography. Some pilots find flight instruction to be a viable option in building their career credentials, but it's not for everyone since you must be fully dedicated to the welfare of your students in order to perform this function effectively. Once a few hundred hours of flight experience is gained performing one or more of these functions, the next step is within reach.

By the time you've done one of the above for a year or two, building some experience flying twins and/or turbines is in order. The experience of being a PIC, and living with the consequences of your aeronautical judgments and decision-making will serve you well in all your subsequent flying activities. Don't miss the opportunity to be a PIC before becoming a first officer. Armed with your hard-won experiences to date, You can now look to fly night freight, pax charter, or in the present market, even apply directly to the regionals. Choose the path that best aligns you with your ultimate career goals, but don't be in too much of a hurry. Be prepared to prove yourself all over again at each new job and in each new duty assignment. This is the process by which your persona as a professional aviator is developed and honed to a fine edge over time. The quickest path to the right seat of a BE-1900 may not be the best path in the longer term.

I realize that this may be more advice than you were asking for, and that everyone has their own unique perspective. The above is just a small part of my perspective, and I offer it for your consideration. Consider it in the spirit offered, and do what you think is right.

Best wishes in your future endeavors,

Westhawk
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