Multi Engine Pilot looking for the next step?

[Moorzy0201]

Hey Everyone,

I just thought I would throw this question out there and see what the lovely people of Pprune think.

I am a Multi-engine pilot working for an AOC company, I've been accumulating numerous hours over the past 18 months, flown extensively around Europe, the Middle East and parts of Africa. Total hours are around 1500 and I am approaching 30 next year.

But for the past couple of weeks of looking for the 'next step' (C.V.'s, etc....), applying day after day, networking, etc........ it seems like jumping onto something heavier is proving more difficult than I first thought. Friends around me who are either working for the airlines directly as cabin crew have now landed the right seat jobs, people I know who have P2F (which I would rather not go down) and others have just been 'lucky' in having the C.V. on the right pile or that they know someone internally.

Any advice for a pilot who's trying to fly something 'bigger'?

[dboy]

First of all i think you already did a nice job in collecting your 1500 hours. You are showing perseverance.

Next step: why not trying Wizz. Crap pay and lifestyle but good for young guys like you.
Or what about air alliance in Germany doing ambulance flights? I recently heard they were hiring.

Good luck.

[rudestuff]

Get yourself an FAA ATP and go to the desert

[KailadAdi]

Hey!

Came across your post. Which country are you from? Are you able to work legally in the US? Do you meet the FAA ATP minimum? I might be able to pass your resume to the carrier I work.

-thanks

[Black Pudding]

Eastern Airways

[tume]

I am not sure if FAA ATP will do you any good in the desert unless you have 500h multicrew jet/heavy TP. Having gotten mine earlier this year, and moved back to Europe, I have very similar experience (and age) as you except I don't have much ME time but SE turboprop. Worked for a FAA Part 135 carrier as a last job and flying the same aircraft in Europe now once a month and looking for something more permanent.

I guess Moorzy0201 doesn't have US Passport / Green Card - there would be no difficulty obtaining a job at any regional (or corporate) as it seems ATP mins + pulse is the requirement at the moment.

People say the market is good right now, unfortunately in Europe nowadays it seems no one/very few people give a rats ass if you have worked your way up the traditional way (instructed your tail off, flew a light AC in your AOC operator etc.), nor if you have great refences (I have from previous carrier+instructing+military+major European airline ground ops). This is at least my experience, I have been looking for a break for several years. Let me know if you find anything as I am interested.

It's hard to catch a break here if you are not among these three categories, but I guess you know this already:
1) Know people inside (and/or excerise some brown-nosing)
2) Type rated with 500h on type
3) 200h cadet (preferably integrated from a big school) willing to shell 30k€+ for a type rating

[Moorzy0201]

Thanks for the response everyone!

I am British and don't have an FAA rating. I have a GACA, EASA license. I also instruct (SEP) but haven't upgraded to the MEP instructors rating yet.

I appreciate everyone's feedback :)

[parkfell]

Have you completed a MCC / JOC course?

This is not clear from your post, as it is mandatory for the 'next step' onto the larger types.