How valuable is a MET experience?

[winch launch]

Hi,

I am flying a single engine turbine aircraft for aerial work and have around 700 hours. Even though I really enjoy it, my goal is to get a JAR25 job, whether it’s for an airline or corporate is not a big concern for me yet.
I was just proposed to move on to a multi engine turbine JAR23 aircraft for an other company, to fly both aerial work, and normally some multi crew IFR operation too (Expecting an AOC soon). The pay is good, and all side expenses like driving, food and hotels are being paid by the employer. Only problem, and it’s a pretty big one, the rating is 10 000 euros, and I have to pay for it. Because the pay is good and the base is close to a family house, I should get this money back after 220 hours, but I don’t know exactly how long it will take to do this.
So my questions are the following:
How valuable are multi engine turbine hours?
Would those hours really help me to get a job, let’s say for corporate, even if we don’t get the AOC and I fly only single pilot aerial work?
Would that kind of experience increase my chances of getting a TP job in a regional airline like Loganair, Flybe, Eastern, VLM……?

[Dogfighter]

be aware that if the aircraft (not sure which type) is single pilot certified, you will not be able to log multi crew hours (even if you fly with two pilots). Other than that, MET is good experience towards an upgrade in job. Especially if the money is good and you will be able to pay off the rating.

I'd say go for it ,

Rgrds DF

[GusHoneybun]

Originally Posted by Dogfighter

be aware that if the aircraft (not sure which type) is single pilot certified, you will not be able to log multi crew hours (even if you fly with two pilots).

Not strictly true. If the operators Ops manual states that the aircraft needs two crew to operate, and this has been approved by the local aviation authority, then you can log the time multi crew. and you don't need to undertake any messy MCC training. oh, and the captian only needs a CPL/IR.
take a look at Loganair's twotters or any fisheries protection aircraft. both single pilot aircraft flown as multi crew.

[winch launch]

thanks for the repplies guys,

As Gus said, I will be able to log P2 hours when we operate under the AOC because the ops manual will be for multi crew operations.
My feeling is that it is surely a great opportunity. But lets say right after I fly it for 250 hours, therefore just paying back the rating, and now that I have a MET experience and some multi crew hours, I interest a corporate company. The chances are that they also will ask me to pay for the rating on their citation or whatever it is, and if i do, then maybe after 500 hours flying a jet and an ATPL, i ll interest an airline operating 737s which will also ask me to pay for the rating. That's where I feel I am going to. I have decided not to buy a 737 or an A320 rating because I think that it's to risky. If I pay for a rating, it`s only if I have a job for sure and with a garanty that I can pay it back quickly. But then if I try to make it to the airlines step by step, and at every step I have to pay for a rating, then when am I going to earn money and start living properly!? Maybe at the end of the day, I ll realise that I would have spent less money if I had bought a 737 or A320 rating directly. It's just so complicated to take a decision. I already have 700 hours of single pilot flying and I hear that airlines sometimes don't like it when you have to many single pilot hours. Most of the people tell me to go for that MET job, but when am I going to stop paying to get a job???

[hpcock]

For what its worth, I'd say, get your MET TR - 10,000 euros is not that much in the grand scheme of things - hang around long enough to get your command. Once you've got approx 500 pic, even if you do move to another operator, & if you have to pay for your TR, the chances are you will probably go to the left hand seat within 3 months of starting with them.

At the end of the day, its command time that counts.

[WX Man]

My 2p worth:

Take the MET job. Prior to issue of the AOC, log the time in "AOF" to show future employers you're not completely incapable of operating with another pilot. You'll still be marketable to the plenty of JAR25 operators who don't think that things like a PA31-350T or a DHC-6 are a SPAs.

[low n' slow]

A bit more to the point I think:
If its fun, the pay is good, and your lifestyle won't be too cramped, then why NOT go for it? Sounds like a great job and there's no hurry to fly the big stuff, is there? 700 hours sounds like your still in the beginning of your career (if I understood things correctly), I certainly am with my soon to be 500 hours.

Go for it and if you can repay the money spent within your career with that company, I don't see any problems. It might be a lot of fun...

/LnS

[Dogfighter]

Originally Posted by GusHoneybun

Not strictly true. If the operators Ops manual states that the aircraft needs two crew to operate, and this has been approved by the local aviation authority, then you can log the time multi crew. and you don't need to undertake any messy MCC training. oh, and the captian only needs a CPL/IR.
take a look at Loganair's twotters or any fisheries protection aircraft. both single pilot aircraft flown as multi crew.

It surely will depend on the country you are operating out of. At first this was not obvious, now I understand we are talking about the UK. There are for sure JAA memberstates where you will NOT be able to count the hours towards the MC hours needed for ATPL. I have multiple cases at hand where this is the case, just make sure that you are aware of the procedures in the country that issues your licence.

Other than that, I would not worry to much about the investment. See it as very good experience as will most of the operators. This is stil the time that you will actually learn and devellop skills. Take oportunities as they come along and be happy that they do come along.

Best of luck and enjoy your work!

DF