Rogue

Hi all I don't get by much to keep up with all the latest happenings. I'm still training but was looking forward to maybe building SIC time with the starcheck deal instead of instructing. I was wondering if starcheck is rebounding or any other companies out there have SIC programs? I'm probably a few months away from being hireable as a SIC - 350 total time, limited multi limited instrument. i know no one has a crystal ball but i'd like to hear ya'lls thoughts anyhow

Laxrox43

I suggest the CFI, CFII, MEI route. (As others most likely will) It looks good on the resume, and you will build time relatively quick and put money in your pocket. That way, when the regionals are hiring again, you will be more competative. I don't suggest doing the "SIC programs" because you won't be compensated fairly, and you won't be logging PIC.

The hiring outlook on this next year isn't looking good for low-timers. Even if the regionals start hiring again, there are still thousands of pilots out there with thousands of hours of jet time that are still out on the street.

Good luck, keep your head in the books, and keep on flying.

Lax

Rogue

thanks i do understand the pay and the PIC downsides. i look at it as wanting to build experience under tutelage of a seasoned pro and "real world" experience. that's my viewpoint i'm coming from, right or wrong
i would also mention the reason for the question is because i have been paying cash as I go for the flight training and I'm contemplating taking a loan to finish up, i should also mention I have no SJS and don't care about regionals or majors. at least for a couple years a freight dog job is fine with me.

i121ADX

Another thing to think of is more people are using plastic than cheques anymore so the cheque flying business is down.....alot.

fjetter

I doubt you will see any of those SIC programs at freight companies in the next year. The reason they existed was to because those companies were having a hard time finding qualified people (135 mins) when all the regionals were hiring around 600TT and lower. I gotta echo what Laxrox said in getting CFI, II, MEI. Companies like Airnet value people that have that type of experience.

You mentioned you had limited multi and instrument experience, well thats all they do. So if you don't want to instruct you gotta find some way to get that type of experience, splitting multi-time with someone and wearing a hood so you both can log it.

Speed Of Heat

US Check/AirNet Systems SIC program was great for me. In 1990 they paid me $10.00 per hour to fly a Baron and Aerostar 100 hours per month. In Three Months I was a PIC on Aerostar, Baron, and C310. Made double what my friends made at the commuters. Worked for the company over 5 years, got the gold watch. 1000+ hrs a year. They paid for my Lear type at year number 4. So with 6500+ Hours and 1000+ Lear Jet time... Then a very nice man asked me to his Captain his Lear Jet.

Rumors back then are same rumors as today, paper checks are going away. UPS is buying them. FedEx is buyng them. Just ignore it all. Go have fun. Get valuable experience and the street cred. After you work for them the world is your Oyster.

I did it, and loved it.

Rogue

thanks for the positive reply and well thanks for all the other replies also I know ya'll are just giving the best advice you can from your viewpoint. I'm not adverse to getting my double I or instructing but I did want to do what I was talking about and just build some multi and instrument time in the real world - shoot I know ya'll hate it more then anything but I'd do that kind of flying for $10 an hour, money not an issue here sorry.

kodiakallstar

I doubt Airnet will be needing any sic's anytime soon but what do I know I only work here. If it does come back though I would go for it. Its not that bad of a deal, most sic deals require you to pay for the time, this one pays you about the same as a first year fo at most regionals and no reserve sitting. As a prop capn I made over 40k in 1yr not to mention learned more about flying than I ever thought possible. Working at Airnet is fun and there is a lot of good people to meet and you'll have plenty of options when you decide to leave. I wouldn't count on ever getting to a lear jet because of the above mentioned decline in checks. I'd say by summer you might find them looking towards high time sic's maybe 1000tt or so but who knows for sure. Until then goodluck and keep flying anything and everything.

ugflyer

money may not be an issue for you, but it sure is for others. When you are willing to work for peanuts then management tells everyone else to work for peanuts or get the steppin'. A lot of people will not appreciate that. DO NOT LABEL YOURSELF!

Rogue

I have to politely disagree.

Money is not an issue because I have been working my fingers to the bone for the past TWO years scrimping and saving every penny. I have diligently paid off all of my debt and paid cash for all of my flight training for the sole purpose of being able to try and work for a place like Airnet without having the huge debt of expensive schooling hanging over my head. I earned my right to work for experience if need be and I absolutely will not apologize for that and I do not feel sorry one bit for the person who chose of their own accord to take a huge loan out and thereby the risks that come with it. If I took a loan to finish up like I was talking about it would be a measley 15 thousand of which I could work at Mickey dee's to pay the note if I had to and if I had to I would. I'm sorry but the only people I've met that complain about what other people do are the ones who take huge loans to fasttrack their career. If that's the risk you are willing to take then live with the risk. If you don't want to have that over your head, do what I did and work your friggin arse off and pay cash. Thank you and goodnight.