New starter - Advice needed

[FLEX/MCT]

Hi guys,

this is my first post on PPrune so a big hello all round!

I am a low houred (250) pilot about to start a six month summer contract with Thomas Cook next month, really looking forward to it and extremely grateful to TCX for the opportunity. The ideal situation for me would be an offer of permanent employment at the end of the summer, but realistically TCX are unlikely to have room over the winter.

I am therefore considering applying to other airlines at the end of the 6 months and my question is thus - what do you guys and gals think the prospects would be for someone in this position? I really fancy the idea of working for someone like bmi but would 450hrs or so jet time be enough? Would the big orange (EZY) be the right option?

Looking forward to your replies,

FLEX/MCT

[Beta Range]

Hi there.

Congrats on the postion with TCX, even though temporary. I have 1600 hours now 1400 of those Dash 8 and I am struggling to even get an interview for a jet job. Any number of jet hours must be beneficial to be honest.

Cann I ask how your position with TCX came about - have you self funded a rating?

Have fun,

BR

[Conway Bomber 2000]

Hi,

Congrats on getting that first job !
You shoud stand a good chance with quite a few airlines with a bit of jet time I would think. Not sure what the EZY requirement is, but believe a few hundred hrs on type? (check website). Don't know about BMI.
Last year at least one of the cadets got offered a winter contract at MYT Scandianavia, and they also have recruited quite a few guys/girls on a perm. contract this year, so who knows what will happen when your summer contract ends...
Good luck and enjoy the summer !

[A Very Civil Pilot]

Having the type rating, jet time (~400 hours?) and Thomas Cook on the CV will do no harm at all. Don't wait until the 6 months is up, but start looking now. If you are let go at the end of your contract, you've got something to move on to.

In the meantime get known by the HR dept and fleet manager.
It also helps if you don't :mad: up too much whilst you're there!

[FLEX/MCT]

Hi guys, thanks for the replies and advice. I am going to start looking when I get through the TR, at the moment I seem to have my head buried in the books all the time. Im looking forward to the summer though and fully expecting to be worked hard!

Beta Range, I got this position through the CTC Wings programme. There are a few guys doing type rating at the same time as us who are destined for easyjet, most of them seem to be t-prop guys, including a couple of dash 8 drivers. Easyjet places seem to be limited at the moment but hopefully when recruitment ramps up a bit you can apply to them?

thanks again

F/M