Return to aviation

mcdavi02 · June 5th, 2007, 17:25

I have been out of the cockpit for around two years, but recently learned that the site where I work as a chemist is being closed within the next year. I am 37 years old, have apx 280 hours tt, having received my comm, multi, and IR at Ari-Ben in 2003. Since then I have only flown a few times due to lack of cash. After some soul searching, I realized that my decision to come back to chemistry after my commercial was a mistake; now, the time looks right, or at least it should be within the next 6 months. However, I have some serious hurdles to overcome financially, but fortunately I have real estate that has appreciable equity. I am in the process of deciding what path to take; I would love to fly for the regionals, but to be frank any paying flying job would be better than lab work. After having been a chemist for 6 years, I can honestly say that I have never been excited to go to work. As a pilot, I know I would be more satisfied inside, even after it becomes "just another job". I am in the info gathering stage right now, but am thinking about my options. I could go back to Ari-ben, where I had a great experience in 2003. I could go to ATP, and look at the experience positively and as something new. I have looked at other schools, those mentioned on posts here and on airlinepilotcentral.com. Lately, while at larger airports, I have been asking pilots about the state of the industry, and for the most part it seems like now is the time to move. I even had one the other day tell me to start applying now, which I see as completely unrealistic, but it got me motivated to get home and start studying. I would go back to flight school right now, but I'm waiting to see what if any "separation package" my company will offer - and I need the money to pay for training. Any suggestions or motivational comments would be appreciated. I would especially appreciate comments on how I can get back up the curve quickly in terms of proficiency....

t-cart · June 5th, 2007, 23:02

Might think about getting the cfi/mei and start instructing. I would think that you need to build more time and gain more experience.If you have the desire to see it through, you will make it. Good luck and fly safe. T.C.

mcdavi02 · June 11th, 2007, 12:03

Right now I'm looking at the months ahead and waiting for the "separation package" details from my current job to pan out, and I wonder what the pros and cons of flying aerial photography to build hours fast versus flight instructing? I think this gig might be fun:

http://forums.jetcareers.com/jobs-av...tml#post614796 (Great Low Time Job!)

propsync · June 11th, 2007, 15:27

Well, you can always go back to chemistry. That's one thing a lot of pilots cannot do is have something to fall back on.

I left flying years back and that is what I tell myself, that I can always go back to flying.

mcdavi02 · June 11th, 2007, 17:50

Any thoughts on applying for jobs at regional airlines with low minimums? I keep noticing really negative posts in regard to regionals with low mins (http://forums.jetcareers.com/jobs-av...es-hiring.html (Transtates hiring)), but I don't get it. What are the cons to going for the airlines with low mins? I understand the safety thing, but if you can get right seat time with low hours, why not?

3green · June 13th, 2007, 22:51

Hi MC,

You could apply, no-harm no-foul as they say. But the regionals are probably going to be looking at how much flying you've done in the last 3 months and the last 6 months. I heard the min they want to see in the last 3 months is 45hrs. But maybe someone else knows for sure??? They probably will want to know if you IFR and ME current if you have your ME. Hope that helps. But the best of luck whatever you decide.

3green

June 5th, 2007, 17:25	#1
mcdavi02 Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Posts: 66	Return to aviation I have been out of the cockpit for around two years, but recently learned that the site where I work as a chemist is being closed within the next year. I am 37 years old, have apx 280 hours tt, having received my comm, multi, and IR at Ari-Ben in 2003. Since then I have only flown a few times due to lack of cash. After some soul searching, I realized that my decision to come back to chemistry after my commercial was a mistake; now, the time looks right, or at least it should be within the next 6 months. However, I have some serious hurdles to overcome financially, but fortunately I have real estate that has appreciable equity. I am in the process of deciding what path to take; I would love to fly for the regionals, but to be frank any paying flying job would be better than lab work. After having been a chemist for 6 years, I can honestly say that I have never been excited to go to work. As a pilot, I know I would be more satisfied inside, even after it becomes "just another job". I am in the info gathering stage right now, but am thinking about my options. I could go back to Ari-ben, where I had a great experience in 2003. I could go to ATP, and look at the experience positively and as something new. I have looked at other schools, those mentioned on posts here and on airlinepilotcentral.com. Lately, while at larger airports, I have been asking pilots about the state of the industry, and for the most part it seems like now is the time to move. I even had one the other day tell me to start applying now, which I see as completely unrealistic, but it got me motivated to get home and start studying. I would go back to flight school right now, but I'm waiting to see what if any "separation package" my company will offer - and I need the money to pay for training. Any suggestions or motivational comments would be appreciated. I would especially appreciate comments on how I can get back up the curve quickly in terms of proficiency....

June 5th, 2007, 23:02	#2
t-cart Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: In the sticks Posts: 596	Re: Return to aviation Might think about getting the cfi/mei and start instructing. I would think that you need to build more time and gain more experience.If you have the desire to see it through, you will make it. Good luck and fly safe. T.C.

June 11th, 2007, 12:03	#3
mcdavi02 Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Posts: 66	Re: Return to aviation Right now I'm looking at the months ahead and waiting for the "separation package" details from my current job to pan out, and I wonder what the pros and cons of flying aerial photography to build hours fast versus flight instructing? I think this gig might be fun: http://forums.jetcareers.com/jobs-av...tml#post614796 (Great Low Time Job!)

June 11th, 2007, 15:27	#4
propsync Newbie Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 5	Re: Return to aviation Well, you can always go back to chemistry. That's one thing a lot of pilots cannot do is have something to fall back on. I left flying years back and that is what I tell myself, that I can always go back to flying.

June 11th, 2007, 17:50	#5
mcdavi02 Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Posts: 66	Re: Return to aviation Any thoughts on applying for jobs at regional airlines with low minimums? I keep noticing really negative posts in regard to regionals with low mins (http://forums.jetcareers.com/jobs-av...es-hiring.html (Transtates hiring)), but I don't get it. What are the cons to going for the airlines with low mins? I understand the safety thing, but if you can get right seat time with low hours, why not?

June 13th, 2007, 22:51	#6
3green Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: wish it was Oz, unfortunately its the airport Posts: 142	Re: Return to aviation Hi MC, You could apply, no-harm no-foul as they say. But the regionals are probably going to be looking at how much flying you've done in the last 3 months and the last 6 months. I heard the min they want to see in the last 3 months is 45hrs. But maybe someone else knows for sure??? They probably will want to know if you IFR and ME current if you have your ME. Hope that helps. But the best of luck whatever you decide. 3green

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