I find it difficult that you have only 86 P1 hours yet have 280 total. Have you logged the P1CUS where possible when training? You can count this is P1 time too.
Have a good read through LASORS 08 on CAA website, free to download. See where you can get those extra P1 hours.

As for working for free? Don't even go there on this forum. Been done to death and people won't thank you for it.


Good luck.

What type did you complete your JAA IR on?

How about flying a private pilot who has spare seats and flying the aircraft for him? I quite often fly about on my own on business - as long as you don't get in the way and fit in with my timescales, you're more than welcome to the time, I don't need it. That way I can dose to my heart's content. Or fiddle with the MP3 player....

Not much at this time of year though.

Hi Pete,

Your SEIR isn't a qualification you can practically use in JAA land, as in the UK an IR has to be ME to be actuallly uesable.

I'm assuming you've tried all the offshore companies? Their reluctance may be the additional costs in changing your IR to a MEIR. Particularly if there is a ready supply of MEIR candidates applying.

So far as I can see your options are:
Find a friendly owner (as has been offered).
Offer your services as a non type rated second pilot.
Use the money you'd be spending to get an FI ticket etc etc to transfer your SEIR to a MEIR and then apply to everywhere again.

It's a case of knocking on every door I'm afraid and seeing if any company can make use of what you have.

Very best of luck.

FW