detpilot

Hey guys, I'm seriously considering Airnet once I hit the 1200 hour mark. I've got a couple of buddies there, but I couldn't get any of them on the phone tonight, so I figured I'd ask my question here...

Do you get to choose which aircraft (out of the NAvajo, Baron, and Caravan, obviously not the learjet) that you want to fly, or is it assigned?

I've heard that the Navajo has trouble starting in the cold, and that the Baron is uncomfortable for tall guys due to the wing spar location (I'm 6'2"). The Caravan, aside from being slow and simple, is an ice magnet so to speak (from what I've read/heard, no actual experience).

However, with the turbine engine, I'm assuming there are never problems starting it up in the winter. I'm also assuming the heat works well, and that it'd be a bit more comfortable to fly than the Baron or the Nav. Nice heat sounds like a must after loading your own cargo at 2AM.

I know I don't have the job yet, and I'm jumping waaay ahead, but a man can dream, huh? I'd appreciate any real world tips/stories from any Airnet guys, or anyone who flies Barons/Vans/Navajos. Thanks!

Chickenwolf

You bid the run along with the city it's based in. Each run has designated aircraft, it could be 1 or all three. Typically a run will be one aircraft or two, unless you are a reserve captain then most times you will be trained in all three. You get 1 base move per year within the same equipment and unlimited laterals within base. I believe if you change the grouping of aircraft you are trained in, then you have to sign a new 1 year contract. The Navajo and C208 are definitely more comfortable but most pilots are more concerned with where they are living. But a year goes by fast and if you are willing to move the upgrade will come fast too. Finally if you plan on staying for the lear it's pretty short too. All the tall guys end up removing the back cushion and some remove the seat cushion too.

Good Luck!

LineTroll

Not wanting an airplane because it doesn't heat up fast enough? Imagine the days of open cockpits!

detpilot

Thanks for the info Chicken!

Hey, I put in my time learning in Michigan, and I'm putting in my time teaching (or still learning, depending on how you look at it) in Michigan... I know the value of good heat! The pretty Cirrus are nice, but a cold day makes you long for the slower Seneca/Seminole with it's instantly hot combustion heater.

detpilot

Just for clarification, when you say lateral, do you mean from:

One C208 run to another C208 run in, say, DTW?

Or;

One C208 run to one Navajo run in DTW?

Thanks again.

Chickenwolf

The first one. you get unlimitted laterals within base with the same equipment type. I you switch airplanes during your first year then you may have to sign a new 1 year contract. This may have changed its been a few years since I've been in the props.