Tell me about the hours then?

[conair]

As a student pilot fellas, could anyone tell me what sort of hours/ratings you had before you got hired and what routes you took ie. instructing first etc?

[JJflyer]

I delivered Airplanes around the world.
I had a total of 300 and some hours ( including flying as a PPL ) before I got that first job.
My first delivery flight was in a right seat of a DHC6 Twin-Otter. I did that for about 2 years .About 60 differnt types of airplanes later I am currently flying a Executive B727.
No delivery flights for me anymore... Though very hard way to earn your living, it was fun while it lasted.

JJ

[andymac]

Hi JJ, how did you get into the ferrying game, and with what licence did you begin with??
regds.

[conair]

JJ, thanks for the reply. Where did you do your ferry flights to and from and what was the pay like? I ask because I'll be based in Virginia, only up the coast a bit from the piper factory. Is there any other sort of ferry flying available apart from new a/c deliveries? Thanks mate!

[JJflyer]

Well then.

I had a US ASEL AMEL COMM INST when I started my delivery " Experience". I did most of my flights from Oakland International in the San Fransisco Bay area.
Most of my flights were westbound.
I did fly over the Atlantic quite a few times too.
Best way to get into the business is to talk with people that do it. Hanging around the factory is a good option. Also give them a call and find out when they have somebody pick up an airplane for delivery.
To start with you do need to have some experience. To get it you need to fly several crossings with an experienced pilot. Usually you have to pick up your own expences during that period.

There are several companies in US alone that provide specialist services ( deliver A/C ).
Some of them better than others, some downright ruthless in trying to get you cheap.
Pay varies. Some pay by the mile + expences, some pay by the hour or daily rates.
I got paid in all of the above ways 53 US cents / nm and anywhere from 100 USD to 250 USD a day.
keep in mind that there are easier ways to build your hours now, and a lot more safer ways to do it too.
Never ever sell yourself cheap. It is hard to find qualified pilots that have experience and can be insured ( Insurance is the determining factor in pilot selection ).
So if you are qualified and with experience (Insurable) you can name your price, as long as it is reasonable.
You can make a lot of money but usually income only add's up to an average income.
Unfortunately Salaries and Pilot fees have dropped considerably in the last couple of years. So it is fairly hard to keep income at acceptable levels, unless you have a contract to deliver KA350's to Japan or something else like that.

Hope this gives some ideas as what to expect.
Oh yes check the " Big balled ferry pilot " thread on the Rumours & News forum.
JJ




[This message has been edited by JJflyer (edited 18 June 2000).]

[conair]

JJ,

Thanks for the advice. Checked out the thread you recommended - sounds like interesting work and something I'd like to have a go at once qualified. Dis you see the recent edition of "airshow" on the box? Interesting bit on ferry pilots.