SIC Time
Thread Starter
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 203
Likes: 0
From: South of the Equator
SIC Time
Hi,
After doing a search and reading the FAQ, I have decided to make my first post.
I am in the process of getting a CPL(H) and am jut wondering how much use logging SIC time would be to me.
I am asking as an offshore company has said to me they MIGHT be able to offer me a job(which I will of course accept if they do).
However, all of the time I log with them will be SIC, and I will only be considered for PIC time with them when (or IF) I reach 2500 hours.
So assuming I do get offered the job and take it, would the SIC time be of any value to me when applying for other jobs in future?
Thank You
After doing a search and reading the FAQ, I have decided to make my first post.
I am in the process of getting a CPL(H) and am jut wondering how much use logging SIC time would be to me.
I am asking as an offshore company has said to me they MIGHT be able to offer me a job(which I will of course accept if they do).
However, all of the time I log with them will be SIC, and I will only be considered for PIC time with them when (or IF) I reach 2500 hours.
So assuming I do get offered the job and take it, would the SIC time be of any value to me when applying for other jobs in future?
Thank You
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 123
Likes: 0
From: INBOUND
many people who read this forum would be delighted to be offered the left hand seat offshore. Many of them prob. already have cpl or atpl. To be offered a job before even attaining cpl or without doing companys ab-initio i find strange.
mk10
ps
or is the chief pilot your cousin??
mk10
ps
or is the chief pilot your cousin??
Thread Starter
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 203
Likes: 0
From: South of the Equator
MK10
He is actually a really good friend of my old business partner. So he said he MAY be able, but its just verbal and may not happen.
I was speaking to some people, and they told me that SIC time is useless etc, but I thought it sounded good to me.
But thanks for answering my question
He is actually a really good friend of my old business partner. So he said he MAY be able, but its just verbal and may not happen.
I was speaking to some people, and they told me that SIC time is useless etc, but I thought it sounded good to me.
But thanks for answering my question
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 185
Likes: 0
Garfs,
It all depends on what you want to do in the future. I would take it if you get it. No time is 'useless'.
2500 hrs is not unreasonable before being considered for a command. Especially in the sort of aircraft that fly offshore (multiengine / multicrew / ifr). I don't think you will get a job as command pilot on this type of aircraft with much less than 2500 (even if all your time is P1 time).
During your time as SIC, you will be logging night / ifr / x-country etc.. in a multicrew multiengine aircraft!! That is great for the logbook. Once you've flown multi engine coupled up 3-cue autopilot, it'll be hard to go back to singles. So you are making a hefty career choice. The big boys from now on.
Many companies are looking for 1000-2000 on type, and a number of hours with the company, before considering pilots for an upgrade to Captain. Remember, its a large investment for the company, to 'upgrade' a pilot, so they usually require you to spend time with them first (and after - bonding). Don't be thinking that with a 1000 hrs of tour work or instructing, they'll throw you into the right seat straight away.
But, if it's offshore that you want, then that is a great way in.
However, there are some things you should know.
It will be difficult for the company to upgrade you, without any P1 experience. You could find yourself with many P2 hours, but no P1. So you must ask the company, if there is any way 'within' the company of gaining that experience...some companies will allow copilots to go on an 'internship' elsewhere and then return having gained the P1 experience. Other companies have 'single engine' operations which you could work on for a year.
Otherwise, once you have a good number of P2 hrs be prepared to say to them, "thanks, but gotta go." Otherwise you career would be unable to move on. It would be understandable if you left after say 2000 hrs of Copilot, to go and find a P1 job.
It is true, you need to have a plan on how to get that P1 sometime.
If you want to go offshore or medium-large heli, then expect to have to put some time in. They're expensive machines, and carry many pax. Whether you gain your P1 first, or your P2 first, getting to the RHS is a long road requiring at least 2500 hrs of flying (1000-1500 PIC and 500-1000 SIC on type), which is close to 4-5 years for most people - - minimum.
Hope this helps.
cl12pv2s
It all depends on what you want to do in the future. I would take it if you get it. No time is 'useless'.
2500 hrs is not unreasonable before being considered for a command. Especially in the sort of aircraft that fly offshore (multiengine / multicrew / ifr). I don't think you will get a job as command pilot on this type of aircraft with much less than 2500 (even if all your time is P1 time).
During your time as SIC, you will be logging night / ifr / x-country etc.. in a multicrew multiengine aircraft!! That is great for the logbook. Once you've flown multi engine coupled up 3-cue autopilot, it'll be hard to go back to singles. So you are making a hefty career choice. The big boys from now on.
Many companies are looking for 1000-2000 on type, and a number of hours with the company, before considering pilots for an upgrade to Captain. Remember, its a large investment for the company, to 'upgrade' a pilot, so they usually require you to spend time with them first (and after - bonding). Don't be thinking that with a 1000 hrs of tour work or instructing, they'll throw you into the right seat straight away.
But, if it's offshore that you want, then that is a great way in.
However, there are some things you should know.
It will be difficult for the company to upgrade you, without any P1 experience. You could find yourself with many P2 hours, but no P1. So you must ask the company, if there is any way 'within' the company of gaining that experience...some companies will allow copilots to go on an 'internship' elsewhere and then return having gained the P1 experience. Other companies have 'single engine' operations which you could work on for a year.
Otherwise, once you have a good number of P2 hrs be prepared to say to them, "thanks, but gotta go." Otherwise you career would be unable to move on. It would be understandable if you left after say 2000 hrs of Copilot, to go and find a P1 job.
It is true, you need to have a plan on how to get that P1 sometime.
If you want to go offshore or medium-large heli, then expect to have to put some time in. They're expensive machines, and carry many pax. Whether you gain your P1 first, or your P2 first, getting to the RHS is a long road requiring at least 2500 hrs of flying (1000-1500 PIC and 500-1000 SIC on type), which is close to 4-5 years for most people - - minimum.
Hope this helps.
cl12pv2s
Last edited by cl12pv2s; 30th December 2005 at 09:57.
