The Seneca Driver ....
 

Last year I was lucky enough to find my first employment (as pilot) for a business man who owns a Seneca II.. .Since then, I have build 300 Hrs on this toy, most of them all across Europe (from west to East) and even north africa.. .This business man, is nice; pay me well (better than some airline F/O's I know). .and never put me under pressure to reach a destination .. .I must say that my job is quite demanding, since I am in charge of the maintenance of the A/C, some logistics, and all the little things who make your boss happy .. .b. .But I can't see my all career going in this direction, I would like to drift toward more serious operations or A/C (Airline or Business flying). .What do you think of such an experience ? Will it appeal some potential employers ? Maybe some of you guys began in a similar way ?. .I know that soon or later I may upgrade toward a Turboprop. Do you think it worth to wait a little to add some serious flying to my logbook ?

Advices needed

Mate, that sounds like some sensational flying. I think you should have no problems getting jobs elsewhere, but why would you? The current world situation is pretty dismal as you may know, and if 600 hours is all you have, you'll have trouble getting anything better than what you've already got. Also, if you're looking for work in oz, some employers prefer experience there, but quite frankly i think you have a dream job. Enjoy it a little longer.

I don't consider leaving this job in the coming months, I am just trying to evaluate my position on the employment market. I'll not quit for a crappy operation on a citation or other bizjet.

To give you more clues about me :

Total time 1400 Hrs (300 Glider). .Multi time 340

I guess an ATPL would help ! sigh ....

Well Porcorosso, your experience may be valuable but it won't impress airlines in the UK, I'm afraid...See my reply in the Wannabes Forum at"Air Taxi Pilot earnings".

As far as Business jets companies are concerned, networking is the best way to be hired.

Good luck in your quest for the Holy Grail.

Salutations. <img src="wink.gif" border="0">

[ 19 February 2002: Message edited by: Leo45 ]</p>

Porcorosso

This job you will look back at as being the best jobs you ever had. Just enjoy it. Use your time on visiting airports to talk to other operators and pilots. Make it your business to know who is where on which airport and contact them on spec. Have some current CV's on you. Take care of number one!

In a matter of interest what do you use for your IFR flight route planning? Flitestar IFR, long hand perhaps?

Safe flying. . L X

I am presently using FliteMap for the flightplanning bit, as my job involves a lot of last minute changes ! I must say I find this software really powerful.. .I don't have many opportunities to release CV here and there, unfortunately. . .As a matter of fact, I am not always staying on the A/F, and therefore can't visit hiring airlines or operators. But when I can, be assured I do.. .What I am complaining about, in my job, is that I am based in the middle of nowhere in France, on a very calm A/F; I don't have any "aviation minded" colleagues in this company. (in fact I am pretty sure I am regarded as the "lucky lazy employee" by the staff here) I don't mention the local flying club members, who probably think it's a shame to be paid for what I am doing !. .I appreciate my job in itself...that's the little things around I dislike.

By the way :. .Anybody around Jersey this week-end ? I have to ferry the Seneca over there for maintenance .... .See you

Hi Porco,. .I flew over 1000 hours flying Senecas, all over Europe, its great fun on a nice day, but as you will know by now it can get very lonely on a wet windy night... enjoy it while you can. Those twin hours are indeed good log book time because you will one day call on your handling experience when you get in a sim for your next job.. .Don't knock the small jet operators, they're a step in the right direction if jets are what you want.If its an airline post or a corporate jet job you are looking for, then a citation or a 125 rating would top up your C/V perfectly.. .Keep doing what you are doing but target 4 or 5 specific operators you really want to work for and send them your updated C/V every month or so,(with a short,polite letter) one day it will land on their desk on the very day they need to recruit.. .Best of luck,. .26.2 <img src="cool.gif" border="0">

Hello 26.2

I see in your profile you are somewhere around london.. .Drop me an e-mail; I sometimes fly to UK, next time could be an opportunity to have a beer and a chat

Cheers, and thank you for the advices

Porco ..

Keep trying, you have the right attitude and sounds like you are a 'go-getter'. .Listen out, keep your finger on the pulse, there are over 15,000 unemployed pilots in the world who would love to just have a job, yours is ideal for a start.. .I assume you have all theory exams passed thru to ATPL, instructor rating and multi engine training approval? FAA licence is essential.. .Some of the best jobs in the corporate executive world only employ F/O's who are A&P's on the type.

Good luck,

I do have a JAA CPL/IR, with all ATPL written exams; I am also holding a FAA CPL/IR. (the Seneca is "N" registered). .Unfortunately, I am not Instructor, and I had very low time on Multi when I was contacted for the job... But I guess the contact with my employer was good. As a matter of fact, I can't even remember him asking me my total time on this occasion !. .Make no mistake, I like the job, and in short times I may fly something bigger and faster (Cheyenne or TBM700 )