Part Time/Casual Work - Experienced Turboprop Pilot

[Bell Man]

I’ve been looking for some casual/part time flying recently, basically flying anything from a piston twin through to a jet on a part time/casual basis. Surprisingly no one seems to be very interested particularly given that I live in a location where most operators on the airfield can’t get enough pilots to fly their aircraft, one local operator has apparently pushed a whole fleet of turboprops to the fence as they can’t crew them.

General feedback that I have received is that it’s to difficult to integrate a casual pilot into their CAR 217, which I actually find strange particularly in the current climate where the airlines are sucking GA and the regional airlines dry. Been told that if I wanted a full time job, no problems we will interview you and go through the usual process, but casual forget it.

I’m not in a position where I can take a full time flying job at the moment. Anyone got any suggestions?

[drpixie]

Obviously there are still enough start-level pilots out there.
I'm assuming you don't want to move - where are you?

[Horatio Leafblower]

General feedback that I have received is that it’s to difficult to integrate a casual pilot into their CAR 217

Problem is that CAR217 systems are rigid and inflexible and if you want to be part of that system, an operator needs to do every step of the process with you OR suffer the wrath of the regulator. You will cost the same to induct and train as a full time guy who desperately wants to work and log those hours, but as a casual you will only work when it suits you.

Check and training resources are scarce, Sims are expensive, time is limited.
What are you offering other than a qualified bum on a seat?
Why would an operator fill that training spot with 0.2 - 0.5 of a pilot when they can fill it with 1.0 of a pilot?

[Bell Man]

I agree that CASA don’t make it easy, particularly for GA CAR 217 organisations. Anyway it’s not the end of the world as I have other things to do outside of aviation.

[The name is Porter]

Mate, I used to employ pilots (granted, not Twin or Turbo Prop peoples) but if I had the option of a part timer who could add to the organisation rather than a full time duck, I'd wear the cost of induction to have your flexibility. Hopefully you'll find an enlightened employer, good luck!

[Horatio Leafblower]

Porter - that's what I was saying..... you just achieved a much more encouraging tone!