Do You Have What It Takes?

In recent times, as an instructor I have been analysing pilots for aircraft hire. It is interesting to note their ambitions and qualifications. The pilots in the main are low time commercial licence holders seeking that first job and eager to build hours. Keen as they may be to work as a CPL in the GA charter field, some of them don’t have what it takes to get that first GA flying job. 

Attitude, drive, aircraft types flown, hours logged, general aviation knowledge or lack thereof are all factors for those looking to kick-start their career on their returns. 

Those who are considerably good, studious candidates who are actively seeking a career as a GA pilot should assumedly display these characteristics and should be arriving in droves. 

Yet, I have heard more than one comment that with many interviewees there is almost an attitude of ‘you owe me a job’. One would only expect this to shift as we return to a sense of normality. One clear observation is that the prospective employer does not want to waste time and money retraining, yes retraining, the prospective new-start to be able to quickly fly the aircraft in their fleet based on this display from their applicants. 

In short, a candidate needs to have time in the type of aircraft that the operator has. Makes sense, right? If it is a Cessna 206 or 210 fleet then just having time in an advanced RA aircraft will not cut the mustard. 

From an employer’s perspective, in an ideal world you need time in the aircraft type that the organisation operates or close to it, in addition to displaying a sound understanding of the aircraft’s machinery and the ins-and-outs of its operation. For example, is it 12 or 24 volt? What is the max takeoff weight? Where is the battery located? What quirks does it have, and do they all have them? Where are the fuel drains? How many? Have you got charts for the area? Charts are still needed in a GPS world. Do you have a dangerous goods awareness certificate? 

The operator is looking to put the candidate into the left seat with the least amount of time and effort, in a safe manner of course. 

‘To get that first flying job you need time in commercial aircraft, to have as many flight hours as possible equalling experience’ 

ATTITUDE, TYPES FLOWN AND HOURS ALL COUNT FOR THAT FIRST JOB

Learning to fly in very light aircraft is great to get the basics under your belt but from there on it is a case of getting time in heavier, faster, more complex aircraft, aircraft that can carry passengers or freight for pay. Now, it is good to have twin time, but in the real world you are unlikely to get into a twin slot until you have done your time in the single. 

It is possible to get a commercial licence at 150 hours. But when an employer is given a choice of a 150- hour pilot and a 250-hour pilot, the choice is obvious. Some flight schools will sell the idea that a 150-hour CPL is all that is required to get that first job. Perhaps not. More flight hours equals more experience and hopefully more aircraft types, including commercial aircraft types. Better still, more hours logged on long cross-country flights in more complex aircraft in a variety of weather is looked on as real experience. 

It is disappointing to say that that the average flight school can get you a commercial pilot’s licence but that is as far as it goes. Few have real commercial aircraft that one can get real experience in. The budding first jobbers need to look elsewhere to get time in those commercial types. 

It is possible to get Cessna 206 and 210 time as well as Beechcraft 36, GA-8 and PA32 series time, but usually not with your flight school. 

To get that first flying job you need time in commercial aircraft, to have as many flight hours as possible equalling experience. A NVFR ticket will also help. Drop the pax off late and fly home in the dark. 

The things that will get you that first GA flying job are the correct attitude, perseverance, hours, the right aircraft types flown, aviation knowledge, the right tickets and overall experience. Life experience and people handling skills are also good value. 

Go for it. If others can get that first flying job so can you. 

Instructor tip of the month 

If flying in the outback a pilot needs sturdy footwear. City-type leather soles under shoes wear out quickly on uneven surfaces. What you need is footwear that can take walking on rough ground. Elastic sided ankle boots with a composite sole are a better choice. Cut the rear pull tag off and the cuff of your pants will drop down to give a better look.