Urgent, should I P2F?

[AirofMistique]

Hi Guys,

I know this is going to get shot down in flames, but believe me I am so out options its unbelievable.

I'll start by saying I am not brand new to aviation.
I am not a rich kid or a daddies boy. I am man and have around 10 years in commercial aviation.
However I have reached a very very low point and I am actually now considering seriously P2F to rescue my career, sorry, but thats the way it is.
I am a former BALPA member, a former self improver, a former 'never paid for a TR' guy and trust me, this P2F is on my last chance saloon list...

I have around 3500 hours mainly jet airline time on the EMB 145.
However some life stuff got in the way and I left a terrific job in the desert on the 737 NG due to some issues in my personal life, now resulting in the ever popular Divorce.
Problem is, I have not flown for 12 months and I left this particular operator with just 250 hours on 737. Now, most if not all operators want 500 hours on type.

What are you guys thoughts on my options?

[No_Speed_Restriction]

1. Bite the bullet and, if disposable income permits (I'm not too proud to admit that I chose this option too), go for it or.....
2. Try this link if all else fails

[AirofMistique]

Hi

@ No Speed, thanks for that link, it's not bad enough for that, nothing is!

@ Loco I am actually an EX FDB guy, which is a real shame, as I would go back tomorrow, they are a great outfit in many ways.

Has anybody taken part and got successful employment post these line training hours?

[No_Speed_Restriction]

You could always pretend you dont have a B737 rating and go knock on FR's door.

[Narrow Runway]

Get registered with Titan Airways on their website.

They occasionally need good Co-pilots and I would hope there may be some seat swapping coming up soon. But, it is just a guess, so please don't quote me.

Try not to P2F.

[PURPLE PITOT]

If you are going to be a whore to aviation, at least get paid when they you!

[LoCo Commotion]

AoM,

I am not privy to how they go about selecting one guy over another exactly. I do know that some good guys have applied through CTC and have got nowhere but that's another issue. At the moment there are a few Baby and Flybe guys going through the system and by all accounts they are all good guys.

If you worked there before then surely it's worth contacting them again as they know you - what do you have to lose? You could always try explaining why you left in the first place and see if they will have you back...... unless of course you buggered off without repaying the bond!

Good luck!

[AirofMistique]

@Loco, as I stated, Return to FDB is a No Go. I have fully explored that option.

[cldrvr]

Then do what the rest of the muppets are doing, pay the likes of eJ or FR 100k and give up 30k a year in salary and you can hobby fly for a few years before they let you go for a cheaper bunch. All the while being seen as the scum of the industry by your collegues and never being able to afford a "normal" lifestyle, then show up here in a few years complaining how sh!t flying as a career has become.

Alternatively, there are plenty of others in the sandpit/Far East/ Eastern Europe still hiring guys with time on type.

[luc753]

Maybe you can try wizzair, but it's on A320. i think that you have the min for non type rated pilot too. But i don't know if you have to pay the TR. Good luck

[AirofMistique]

@ Luc 753, thanks, I applied previously, but no go , I think they wanted locals as F/o's.

[Narrow Runway]

Cheap Flights | Find & Book Cheap Flights Online | Jet2.com

Advertising on their website for type rated FO's. I know it says 500 hours, but what the heck, apply anyway.

Or, try Aviation News | Aviation Industry & Airline Statistics | flightglobal.com

There are always adverts on there for 737 pilots.

Or, are these also all no go?

[AirofMistique]

Thanks for the replies so far guys.

Has anybody had any experience with buying 250-500 hours at a specific company and can share their experience maybe?

[bex88]

I know two who did what your considering with a reputable uk airline which has recently been swallowed up. Those guys times it right and found employment but that was with less hours on type and total hours than you have so I don't think you need to P2F. You should be able to find something through agencies to get you in the air again. One other I know got totally and utterly screwed with another program and lost his money and has no job. P2F is ok as a concept if the company has morals and is either A saying there is no job at the end and is doing it in such limited numbers that it does not affect their pilots or B is essentially looking to employ you providing you meet requirements. Some of the charter outfits give six month contracts and then let you go or invite you back on a permanent deal if you ticked all the boxes. Tread very carefully is my advice but I don't think it will change your situation. Good luck

[POS_INT]

hey why cant you go back to FDB?

[AirofMistique]

@Bex88 Well balanced post, looks like there's a few things to consider there then. I'll have to do my home work.

@pos_int See your thinking, but already tried, they don't tend to take people back in the Sandbox.

[captjns]

AirofMistique, try EK, or Etihad or Qatar. You meet their requirements for a FO position. Being part of the problem that P2Fers pose is no solution for proper career progression.

Good luck.

[AirofMistique]

@ CPJNS Thank you good suggestion, got apps in with all three.

Excellent suggestions guys, keep em coming, all food for thought.
The P2F is something I really don't condone and if I can avoid it I will.

[beachbumflyer]

You say you're so out of options it's unbelievable. That is because other
p2flyers did what you're thinking of doing.

[POS_INT]

I have a suggestion, COPA in Panama take a look, I dont know what you would do about VISA

or if you fancy a change they are hiring pilots at Skywest in Brisbane