Pipeline Pilot Position Available

[dcramer16]

Our company is looking for a pipeline pilot and we needed him/her yesterday! We are located at 7T7, Skywest Airport in Midland Texas. You need to have 500PIC, or at least close. The pay is $17 an hour, and you must be willing to sign a year contract. You will get plenty of single engine solo time in a 172. I have been here since the middle of May, started with about 500TT and already have 1200TT. If you are ready to fly a lot, and can move to Midland !SOON! then pm me with your contact info. If you have any questions I will do my best to answer them when I have time.

[akaFlyboy 4]

I am not close to 500 but, could I have the contact number for future reference?

[88MPH]

Originally Posted by akaFlyboy 4

I am not close to 500 but, could I have the contact number for future reference?

$17/hr for that much flying? Sheewwt, I'll do it sherrf!

(I'm pretty good at this pilet'n stuff!)

(This may be a bad time, but, you owe me $32,000 in pilet'n fees)

[dcramer16]

I had a question PM'd to me so I thought I would address it to everyone. The reason we ask that you sign a 1 year contract is because it takes a lot to train someone to fly their route. This is flying over oil fields checking for leaks at an altitude usually below 500 ft (and we do have a waiver allowing us to do this). Because all oil fields are different shapes and sizes, and you will fly 100's of oilfields in the course of a week it takes a long time to train someone on their route. In some fields some of the pumps are ours and some aren't. This company had problems with people coming for a month or so (which is about how long it takes to train you), and as soon as we got them trained they would have plenty of hours to move on to something better. So when we started loosing people because of this the company (American Patrols) started having people sign a 1 year contract. Hope this makes sense.

[Andrew_VT]

Originally Posted by dcramer16

So when we started loosing people because of this the company (American Patrols) started having people sign a 1 year contract.

Did they increase the pay at the same time? ...if they didn't they have no right to complain when they find it alot harder to find pilots.

[dcramer16]

Originally Posted by Andrew_VT

Did they increase the pay at the same time? ...if they didn't they have no right to complain when they find it alot harder to find pilots.

So let me get this straight. What you're saying is it's the company's fault the pilots leave because they didn't increase the pay? So basically it's the company's fault for being stingy and so they don't have the right to complain? Let me fill you in if I am correct in assuming that that is what you mean. I just got out of school in November. It is hard to find a job for low time pilots, so already this is a gem. Add to that that I make a little over 30K a year FRESH out of school. Then add the fact I get to add about 150 hours a month to my logbook. THEN, think about this. Unlike most pilot gigs, I am home EVERY AFTERNOON, in fact I am back by 3pm most days to pick my daughter up from school. I'm not finished yet. If the weather is bad, they don't force us out to fly. They take the whole crew out to a restaurant and buy us breakfast while we are waiting for the weather to clear, and on top of that we get paid $9.50/hr (half time) just for sitting on our butts eating breakfast. So I don't think the company isn't being fair. Again, if I am correct in interpreting what you said. If I am wrong and I missed the point I appologize.

[RPJ]

dcramer16, thanks for posting the job. It is much appreciated man! Were you able to read my PM?

[FlySmiley]

I think people are just not comfortable signing a contract with the possibility of missing out on the big regional hiring wave. If you are really flying 150hrs per month, that is 1800hrs per year. I am assuming it is a C172 or similar. If it's not turbine and/or multiengine there will not be many chomping at the bit when you really only need 500TT plus or minus to get hired at a regional. Let's just say the average person with 500PIC (yes, you probably had to instruct to get this much) has approximately 600TT, they will have 2400TT at the end of the contract and probably 2350 of that will be light single engine piston time. If you're not flying in the WX, no actual either. Honestly, I would be hesitant to sign on for a year if I were sitting at 500PIC right now. Maybe if the contract was reducible to maybe 6months or 600Hrs flown with the company etc, you may have more takers. Just a thought.

[Berkut]

Originally Posted by FlySmiley

I think people are just not comfortable signing a contract with the possibility of missing out on the big regional hiring wave.

I think they are seeking people who aren't interested in the big regional hiring wave.

[dcramer16]

Originally Posted by Berkut

I think they are seeking people who aren't interested in the big regional hiring wave.

That's about it. This job is for the people who don't want to really do the airline thing. I had always dreamed of being a big ol' capt of a 747 jetsetting around the world. Then I had kids. So most of the guys that come here aren't really into the airline thing being away from home days at a time, and it's a good job in that respect. It's not a bad stepping stone for 135 work either. But not being the type of person who is looking to do the regional thing, I do see the point now. Thanks for bringing that up.

[Mr.Maximus]

Originally Posted by Berkut

I think they are seeking people who aren't interested in the big regional hiring wave.

Ya, those not infected with SJS.



Max

[moxiepilot]

Pipeline is not an easy job at first. I did something similar in the oil areas of the midwest. After a bit it can be kinda fun & I would recommend the job as a timebuilding one. A year passes quickly

[MikeOH58]

Originally Posted by FlySmiley

I think people are just not comfortable signing a contract with the possibility of missing out on the big regional hiring wave. If you are really flying 150hrs per month, that is 1800hrs per year. I am assuming it is a C172 or similar. If it's not turbine and/or multiengine there will not be many chomping at the bit when you really only need 500TT plus or minus to get hired at a regional. Let's just say the average person with 500PIC (yes, you probably had to instruct to get this much) has approximately 600TT, they will have 2400TT at the end of the contract and probably 2350 of that will be light single engine piston time. If you're not flying in the WX, no actual either. Honestly, I would be hesitant to sign on for a year if I were sitting at 500PIC right now. Maybe if the contract was reducible to maybe 6months or 600Hrs flown with the company etc, you may have more takers. Just a thought.

Absolutely insane...It really amazes me that there are people who think like this...You do realize there is a flying world outside of Jetcareers and it is very different right? In one year (not a lot of time), you will have the times for your ATP, have made more money than you would at 2 or 3 years at a regional, and you have gained 1800 important hours in the cockpit.

Ya know not everyone gives a crap about the regional airlines, and I know its hard to believe, but most people getting hired Part 91, do so because who you know, and having this time in your logbook, sure makes you a lot more marketable to who you know...

pathetic. I'm sorry you believe that there are only very specific types of flying that are worthwhile, and all the rest are pointless...Have you already lost your love of flying man?

[mooneyguy]

Thank You for posting, Im not there yet...(4 days from IR check ride and then another month for the com) But I like to see what low time jobs are available!
Sounds like a great gig! (except for living in midland tx)

[moxiepilot]

yeah - sorry you live in TX :P

[Clocks]

Originally Posted by MikeOH58

Absolutely insane...It really amazes me that there are people who think like this...You do realize there is a flying world outside of Jetcareers and it is very different right? In one year (not a lot of time), you will have the times for your ATP, have made more money than you would at 2 or 3 years at a regional, and you have gained 1800 important hours in the cockpit.

Ya know not everyone gives a crap about the regional airlines, and I know its hard to believe, but most people getting hired Part 91, do so because who you know, and having this time in your logbook, sure makes you a lot more marketable to who you know...

pathetic. I'm sorry you believe that there are only very specific types of flying that are worthwhile, and all the rest are pointless...Have you already lost your love of flying man?

For someone who loves their decision to avoid the airlines you sure are sensitive when anyone even hints at another route.

[MikeOH58]

Originally Posted by Clocks

For someone who loves their decision to avoid the airlines you sure are sensitive when anyone even hints at another route.

I just think its completely moronic for someone to say that only certain times in an airplane are well spent...Whether its gliders, single or multi engine, every minute in the airplane should be a learning experience, hopefully making you a better pilot...

Maybe its the academy pilots, and I dont know because I have never gone through an academy, but the low time guys on here have a very different view on aviation than anyone else i have met in RL...I think the people you meet on here low time who preach the airlines, and say single engine time isn't worth while, just isn't representive of the rest of the non JC pilot population in the US.

For anyone interested in this, don't let anyone tell you that this time wouldn't be worth while...You will be gaining awesome in cockpit experience, and you will have a lot of time applicable to many jobs.

[MFT1Air]

Originally Posted by MikeOH58

I just think its completely moronic for someone to say that only certain times in an airplane are well spent...Whether its gliders, single or multi engine, every minute in the airplane should be a learning experience, hopefully making you a better pilot...

Agree with you wholeheartedly.

Originally Posted by MikeOH58

Maybe its the academy pilots, and I dont know because I have never gone through an academy, but the low time guys on here have a very different view on aviation than anyone else i have met in RL...I think the people you meet on here low time who preach the airlines, and say single engine time isn't worth while, just isn't representive of the rest of the non JC pilot population in the US.

Those senior guys here I see say the same thing as you, so I sorta disagree with your perspective about a majority of JC pilots leaning towards a specific type of flying that you mentioned. I hear many favor CFI as a means of increased experiences. I hear many favor academies for speed with none being better or worse. . .just a preference for what they wish to achieve and how they wish to achieve. You're right, there is nothing wrong with signing a year long contract unless you wish to transition somewhere else in six months.

Originally Posted by MikeOH58

For anyone interested in this, don't let anyone tell you that this time wouldn't be worth while...You will be gaining awesome in cockpit experience, and you will have a lot of time applicable to many jobs.

You're right. Now, who is going to argue with you? I'm curious who would. . .and why?

[Clocks]

Well Mike was arguing against increased wages for pilots who have to sign a contract...so that might be a worthy discussion

[dcramer16]

Well, it looks like the position is probably filled. One of the guys who PM'd me is driving out from California and will be here today. We're gonna have him do a ride-along tomorrow and he said he's packed and ready to move if he likes it. The next contract that will be up will be mine in May, so when that happens, and if I decide to leave, I'll post the job again.

[dcramer16]

Originally Posted by Clocks

Well Mike was arguing against increased wages for pilots who have to sign a contract...so that might be a worthy discussion

If $17/hr isn't enough for you then go to the regionals and make $23. I bet I'll still make more than those guys in the regionals. I am making about 32K/Year here, plus some part-time work that pays $150/hr. So all in all, I'm home every afternoon, off weekends, and will have made about 55K by next may.

[t-cart]

32K/yr,home by 3pm.,home every day , low time OK,lots of PIC time fast,and just a one year commitment. I think this is a great oppurtunity for someone. Like one guy said, ATP qualifications after the one year commitment. Looks pretty good to me. But what do i know,I,m just an old fart. FLY SAFE T.C.

[MikeOH58]

Originally Posted by Clocks

Well Mike was arguing against increased wages for pilots who have to sign a contract...so that might be a worthy discussion

huh?

[dcramer16]

position Still Open, Need Pilot Asap, Pm For Details

[FlySmiley]

Originally Posted by MikeOH58

Absolutely insane...It really amazes me that there are people who think like this...You do realize there is a flying world outside of Jetcareers and it is very different right? In one year (not a lot of time), you will have the times for your ATP, have made more money than you would at 2 or 3 years at a regional, and you have gained 1800 important hours in the cockpit.

Ya know not everyone gives a crap about the regional airlines, and I know its hard to believe, but most people getting hired Part 91, do so because who you know, and having this time in your logbook, sure makes you a lot more marketable to who you know...

pathetic. I'm sorry you believe that there are only very specific types of flying that are worthwhile, and all the rest are pointless...Have you already lost your love of flying man?

Just take it easy and try and keep a little tact alright?


1) I am not one of these low-timer starry eyed pilots. I have over 2000TT and I've been flying freight for the last year. By many standards I am still very low time.

2) I am not discounting the importance of gaining time and experience. Regardless of the type of time, any experience will improve your pilot skills and airmanship.

3) Honestly, until very recently I never gave a crap about the regionals myself. You may have noticed that I just took a job with Pinnacle, but this is for personal reasons including living at home, more schedule flexibility (kinda), and faster upgrade opportunities translating into a larger paycheck in the semi-long term.

4) Thanks for calling me and/or my perspectives pathetic. That is really professional.

5) I simply made an observation on the type of time that would be acquired with said job. Time is time, yes, but it may be a bit short sighted to say that all time is equal. The horse is already very dead and very beaten, but the fact is that certain types of experiences are more desirable to specific employers.

6) No, I love flying very much. Why would you even ask that question? I think it is safe to say that the vast majority of the folks on this site love what they do.

7) Please do not make the assumption that I believe only certain types of time are worthwhile and all the rest are pointless as you put it.

Can we please try and build an environment on this web site that is professional and respectful. That is what separates this one from the others. When you come down on someone who may have a difference in opinion, it may deter some of the newer members from posting legitimate thoughts or questions.

That being said, this seems like a great opportunity for a low time pilot. My view was that long contracts (and one year is not a super long time) can be a deterrent for job seekers especially in such a ripe hiring environment as we have today. Whether your goals are to fly for a regional, major, freight, fractional, or part 91 charters, lots of folks are hiring now. For those looking to make a career out of flying, contracts are a factor that should be part of the decision making process. As someone else pointed out, perhaps they are trying to limit applicants to those who are not interested in simply building time.