Looking for opinions...
12-15-2007, 07:21 AM
#1
New Hire
Thread Starter
Joined APC: Jul 2007
Posts: 6
Looking for opinions...
I have 500 TT w/ Instrument, Comm, and soon ME rating. I am working as a DOD contractor and have an opportunity to go over seas and make around 100k for a year or so working as an aircraft electrician. I'm just wondering if I should put off flying for one more year? I'm hoping to fly over there (Germany) but I don't know how easy that will be.?
Any opinions?? It seems hiring is good at the airlines right now and I don't want to screw up an opportunity there either.
Thanks!
Any opinions?? It seems hiring is good at the airlines right now and I don't want to screw up an opportunity there either.
Thanks!
12-15-2007, 08:11 AM
#2
Prime Minister/Moderator
Joined APC: Jan 2006
Position: Engines Turn Or People Swim
Posts: 40,057
1000 TT / 100 ME will make you competetive for the better regionals. If you can save money AND build flight time I'd probably do it.
If you're working at or near any of the large US military airfields in Germany you should have access to a military flying club, which will be a lot cheaper than European general aviation. Check into that, and also find out if contractors can use the flying club. Military and DoD civilians can, and I think most MWR privileges are extended to contractors serving overseas.
Also, CFI's at military clubs do not need MWR privileges...they automatically get the privilege because they are considered a DoD civilian employee of sorts. If you have or can get a CFI, you can probably do that part time at the club. They are usually short staffed, at least in the states.
If you're working at or near any of the large US military airfields in Germany you should have access to a military flying club, which will be a lot cheaper than European general aviation. Check into that, and also find out if contractors can use the flying club. Military and DoD civilians can, and I think most MWR privileges are extended to contractors serving overseas.
Also, CFI's at military clubs do not need MWR privileges...they automatically get the privilege because they are considered a DoD civilian employee of sorts. If you have or can get a CFI, you can probably do that part time at the club. They are usually short staffed, at least in the states.
12-15-2007, 08:26 AM
#3
New Hire
Thread Starter
Joined APC: Jul 2007
Posts: 6
I am also ANG, so joining the club isn't a problem, but from what I have found the closest Aero Club will be at Coleman Barracks about 2 hours away from where I'll be. I will be at Spangdahlem AB. It sounds like I will be able to do some flight instructing if I get that finished up. The problem is the distance since I could probably only fly on the weekends. I was curious if there will be any N registered airplanes that are closer that I could flight intruct in? It's hard to find info since most of the airport info is in Germany. I did read that about half of the 90,000 GA aircraft in europe are us registered...
Thanks for your help. I think I know what I should do, just good to hear it from someone else too! I worry about the hiring slowing down by the time I get back.
Thanks for your help. I think I know what I should do, just good to hear it from someone else too! I worry about the hiring slowing down by the time I get back.
