Career advice..

[Beeech19]

Hi guys

I would like to get an input from the guys who've been there and done that.

I'm considering doing a 737 3/4/500 rating( self sponsor) through one of the local carriers in SA as I've finally saved enough money doing contracts for 4,5 years.

What do you guys think are the chances of getting a job at one of the local 737 operators in SA?

I've got SA ATP, 3100Hrs TT, 2500hrs Turbine and 1200hrs B1900.

Am I wasting my time or money? please, solid advice will be appreciated as this is a big investment for me.

Thanks guys:ok:

[FlingWingKing]

Hi Beeech19,

This is just my opinion, so take from it what you consider appropiate and disregard the rest. I am sure many of us has many diffirent opinions regarding your dilemma.

May I just say that I am speaking without authority on the subject as I was sponserd my 737 rating.

SAA:
They are busy with talks and serious planning to restart their freighter operation with approximately 9 737-300's. Getting the machine on your license will however NOT gaurantee you an interview, let alone a paying job. Should you get selected you will have to redo the rating anyway.

Comair:
Same as SAA.

Nationwide:
In my opinion this is the only airline in this contry who will give you a job if you get the rating. They are however a bit fat on F/O's and dont pay so well.

SAFAIR:
They own a lot of 737's which are leased to the likes of Comair, SAX, 1time etc. They might give you a job, but having said that, I do not know much about them other than the ownership issue.

1time:
Consider doing a DC9 rating. Once again, I do not know much about the airline but heard they pay well.

Execurive Aerospace:
They operate 2 DC9's for SAX on the coastal route, but I heard rumours that the contract is about to finish.

Phone the chief pilots of the various airlines and ask their advise. When I was job hunting I found most of them open and keen to give advise.

Good luck with your decision.

FWK

[Jelly Doughnut]

don't forget Interair, or their leasing company Aero Africa, they have employed a couple of self-sponsored guys in the past.

[Beeech19]

I'm not too worried about the salary initially, time on type more important.

[saywhat]

IMHO, put your money away. To pay for a rating will help you nothing in SA. If someone offeres you a job if you have the rating, then fine, but to do it on a hope that you might be employed, you'r wasting your time. Rather buy a brand new car, you'll get a better return on that!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Xshongololo]

Have to agree with say what....
The worst case scenario is you pay for a rating with your hard earned bucks and never get a job on this type. It is a bitter pill to swallow in aviation. Also be aware that after 6 months your rating is expired. If a company is interested in you they will pay for your rating. Its that simple. Yes of course they will bond you but thats only expected. Good luck.

[B Sousa]

Not a starch winger at least for the money, but looking at the big round globe from a bit different perspective, I think you may be jumping the gun, especially in Africa.
Suggest you explore work in other parts of the world. Maybe take a vacation and knock on some doors.There is life outside.
If it has to be Africa, take a serious look at ALL the well qualified types who frequent these threads and are unemployed. Might give you incentive to look around. Aviation today is tougher than ever, albiet if someone just solves the dilemma of Airlines losing copius amounts of money, many will be working again.
Good Luck.

[FlingWingKing]

Think very careful before making your decision. Speak to some heavies at the various airlines and get their opinions....it might be of great help.

I wouldnt buy a new car though........

P.S. Check your PM