Help a Pilot put his skills to good use... Serious advice needed!
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Join Date: May 2014
Location: West Palm Beach, FL
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Help a Pilot put his skills to good use... Serious advice needed!
Hi all,
It's been a decade since I checked out PPrune... What a great site and still booming as I see....
I've been out of the flying industry for 10 years and would like some advice.
Here's some background:
I'm a Canadian now living in the US on a green card - Permanent resident. I'm 34 years old, I have logged 3,500TT with lots of PIC and Turbine/Twin. I have an Instrument and Float rating. When I was employed as a pilot, I did Medivac with a focus on mountain and northern / remote regions.
I'm now happily employed as an executive and earn a great living. I have no desire to go back to a Full-time pilot position. BTW, I'm based in Palm Beach County in Florida.
I'm looking for a way to use my flying skills Part-Time to help people, make a difference...basically do more than rent a Cessna and do a couple of circuits.
I'm not interested in making money so I'm certainly open to volunteering. I do understand though that some assignments would come with a pay and that's fine.
Here are some avenues I'm exploring:
1- I'm currently looking into the Reserve and National Guard but I'm pretty sure I'm past the cut-off age. Also, I'm not a Citizen yet...
2- Angel type flying - problem is most require you to have your own aircraft
So any ideas of what I could look into?
I'm prepared to invest in an Add-On Helicopter rating or CFI. I like things such as Medivac, Search and Rescue, etc.
Any advice would help. Thanks a bunch!!
It's been a decade since I checked out PPrune... What a great site and still booming as I see....
I've been out of the flying industry for 10 years and would like some advice.
Here's some background:
I'm a Canadian now living in the US on a green card - Permanent resident. I'm 34 years old, I have logged 3,500TT with lots of PIC and Turbine/Twin. I have an Instrument and Float rating. When I was employed as a pilot, I did Medivac with a focus on mountain and northern / remote regions.
I'm now happily employed as an executive and earn a great living. I have no desire to go back to a Full-time pilot position. BTW, I'm based in Palm Beach County in Florida.
I'm looking for a way to use my flying skills Part-Time to help people, make a difference...basically do more than rent a Cessna and do a couple of circuits.
I'm not interested in making money so I'm certainly open to volunteering. I do understand though that some assignments would come with a pay and that's fine.
Here are some avenues I'm exploring:
1- I'm currently looking into the Reserve and National Guard but I'm pretty sure I'm past the cut-off age. Also, I'm not a Citizen yet...
2- Angel type flying - problem is most require you to have your own aircraft
So any ideas of what I could look into?
I'm prepared to invest in an Add-On Helicopter rating or CFI. I like things such as Medivac, Search and Rescue, etc.
Any advice would help. Thanks a bunch!!
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Around
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Angel flight, if you're into critters pilots and paws, also there are some coast guard flotilla volunteer spots which I have heard good things about.
I'm not sure blowing up stuff with the guard (or anything having to do with our foreign policy) could really be classified as "helping people" well aside from special interests and some senators.
You might also look into instructing some aspiring kids or doing young eagle flights too.
I'm not sure blowing up stuff with the guard (or anything having to do with our foreign policy) could really be classified as "helping people" well aside from special interests and some senators.
You might also look into instructing some aspiring kids or doing young eagle flights too.
Join Date: Nov 2011
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Public Benefit Flying
I rent my planes for all the Angel Flight, PALS and Veterans Airlift Command flights I do. The rental company even gives me a 10% discount on the rate. So, yes, you have to supply the plane, but you don't have to own it. With Uncle Sam picking up a goodly portion of your costs (they're deductible, you know), it'll be the cheapest and best flying you'll ever do.
So, get yourself checked out someplace and jump through the few hoops these organizations require and get to it. You have the right attitude and desire.
So, get yourself checked out someplace and jump through the few hoops these organizations require and get to it. You have the right attitude and desire.
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Join Date: May 2014
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First of all, thank you both. Those are amazing responses.
James, fully agree, I'm not looking to go out and engage in warfare but I was mainly thinking about helping in SAR, or disaster relief, etc. I know that sometimes, once you sign up, you may be asked to engage in war and I'm OK with that but that is not my main goal.
Your lead on the AUXAIR is fantastic. I've already made contact. It's very very promising! So thank you!
TB,
I didn't know most of what you explained so thanks for that!! That actually sounds very rewarding and quite easy to do. Instead of spending a few grand flying around for fun, I could put it to good use!!
Thanks guys!
Keep'em coming!!
James, fully agree, I'm not looking to go out and engage in warfare but I was mainly thinking about helping in SAR, or disaster relief, etc. I know that sometimes, once you sign up, you may be asked to engage in war and I'm OK with that but that is not my main goal.
Your lead on the AUXAIR is fantastic. I've already made contact. It's very very promising! So thank you!
TB,
I didn't know most of what you explained so thanks for that!! That actually sounds very rewarding and quite easy to do. Instead of spending a few grand flying around for fun, I could put it to good use!!
Thanks guys!
Keep'em coming!!
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You can check out the Civil Air Patrol as well. They have their own planes and you will have to put in some extra time doing volunteer work in addition to the flying.
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CFIing would be a great way to make a difference. It's not for everyboby, but it soulds like you have a lot to offer new pilots, MUCH more that a 300 hr newbie trying to build time. I remember my best instructors and the little tips and hints they showed me that I still use today, and that have saved my butt multiple times. You've probably seen flying that most will never see in a career, and I think that's quite valuable. And, heck, you'll make a few bucks for groceries as well.
Sometimes the most rewarding jobs are the least glorious.
Sometimes the most rewarding jobs are the least glorious.
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Zondaracer...thanks for the lead! It's great what the CAP does. I wasn't even aware of their existence. I'm looking into it. Thanks again!! 
Geosync...thanks for the kind words...I do agree that it would be nice to share experience with aspiring pilots/students. I was hesitant at first as I remember how I felt when I first started and had guys who did not depend on flying get the "CFI jobs"...I do think it would be rewarding and fun at the same time.
Thanks again for the leads!
Geosync...thanks for the kind words...I do agree that it would be nice to share experience with aspiring pilots/students. I was hesitant at first as I remember how I felt when I first started and had guys who did not depend on flying get the "CFI jobs"...I do think it would be rewarding and fun at the same time.
Thanks again for the leads!
