a little help please
 

Hi all,
I’m hoping to get some advice.
With nine years in the aviation industry in commercial operations and about 6,500 hrs in light turbo props I’m still trying to climb the ladder with very little success. Currently I fly for a small operator in the Caribbean. It sounds wonderful and it does have its moments, however I’m finding it increasingly harder to support my family at this level of flying, plus I’m not getting any younger. I really need to get on with this flying career!
So could anyone please advise me to whom may be hiring non typed rated pilots with “0” jet time (well just 130 hrs in a Hawker) it seems that there are companies hiring like KAL, but are only taking on typed pilots with experience. Where can I get this experience?

I have always stood by the notion that I will never pay for a type rating. I am now beginning to wake up, as the standard has already been set in the industry. Long story short I don’t what to retire in the next 25 years still flying king airs saying ‘well at least I never paid for a type rating’.
I’m looking to go over to Asia in the next couple of months to knock on some doors and hand deliver my CV, but with no contacts I’m not sure if this is a good idea, or where to start?

The good thing is that I do have jump seat privileges so will not be paying for tickets. I’m thinking Hong Kong then Singapore and maybe Korea?
If anyone can point me in the right direction, or can give me some point of contact it would be most appreciated.
I am not ready to give up on this career but I am feeling the frustrations!

Thank you in advance

You asked for advice, so here is mine...
At age 42 (that is what it says on your bio) you are well past the point where you would want to look to airline flying.
If I were you, I would stick to corporate, as that area is more likely to provide satisfaction, with minimal outside costs...for you.

IF you were thirty two, my advice would be quite different.
Sorry in advance if my opinion is not to your liking...:ouch:

411A,
Thank you for your input and I appreciate your honesty.

Although I feel with 23 years still left in the business I still have time to achieve my ultimate goal.
If anyone can join the debate and offer up some contacts in Asia, again I would be most grateful.
I’ve been told persistence is the Key! :)
Thank you in advance

If you have GBP30 000, you can try Tiger Airways in Singapore. Not the best deal in the world but it is a good stepping stone.

Jesus Christ mate, if you're having trouble breaking into the airlines with 6500 hrs on light turbo props, then how is there any hope for those of us with only piston time?... :}

but seriously, my advice would be that you want to get into an airline like Cathay - they sort you out with all the ratings and so forth... but they've also stated that they won't be hiring again till 2012. Eva air have hired non-rated guys recently to fly MD11s - but I'm not sure if the pay would suit you.

I love your attitude RE never paying for a type rating - if everyone had the same integrity as you the world would be a better place. I think 411A has hit the nail on the head. Surely you would be in an excellent position to get into corporate jets? The pay can be just as good as the airlines....

Well the first part in curing your problem is admitting to it! :} One way to move your way up is to start at the bottom, or bottom feeders. The small operators that have just a few aircraft and don't pay much flying 727's , A300's or similar, I would say that you don't have much of a background for a corporate gig, and not many openings available anyway.

Do some networking, locate some of your old flying buddies and don't give up, with your flying experience you will be comfortable in a big jet in no time, but you have to aim low to begin with.

Good luck, D.L.

Much appreciated
 

I would just like to take this opportunity to say thanks for all the response and positive feedback. I wish you all the best with your Flying Careers

Kind regards
20 flaps please :)