From Instructor to the Gulf

muppetdog · November 13, 2007

All you guys that started out a a civilian flight instructor and now work in the gulf, I have a few questions.

I have about 1150 hours and have been trying to get on in the Gulf.

It seems that they want more hours. Really I don't know what they want (sarcastically). What kind of hours did some of you other civilian flight instructors go to the Gulf with? I would really like to go work for ERA or PHI so if anyone has any advice that would be great. I don't really know anyone down there so I don't have the "This guy I knew got me it" option. I think I am about to go broke as a flight instructor:(

MD

Sparker · November 13, 2007

All you guys that started out a a civilian flight instructor and now work in the gulf, I have a few questions.

I have about 1150 hours and have been trying to get on in the Gulf.

It seems that they want more hours. Really I don't know what they want (sarcastically). What kind of hours did some of you other civilian flight instructors go to the Gulf with? I would really like to go work for ERA or PHI so if anyone has any advice that would be great. I don't really know anyone down there so I don't have the "This guy I knew got me it" option. I think I am about to go broke as a flight instructor:(

MD

I have heard of people getting snatched out of schools at 700 hours, and freak stories of less, although that could be "who they knew" type of deal...

Did they tell you how many hours you need? Regardless at 1150 there are more options open to you than FI.

Anything you can do to beef up your resume in the mean time?

PhotoFlyer · November 13, 2007

All you guys that started out a a civilian flight instructor and now work in the gulf, I have a few questions.

I have about 1150 hours and have been trying to get on in the Gulf.

It seems that they want more hours. Really I don't know what they want (sarcastically). What kind of hours did some of you other civilian flight instructors go to the Gulf with? I would really like to go work for ERA or PHI so if anyone has any advice that would be great. I don't really know anyone down there so I don't have the "This guy I knew got me it" option. I think I am about to go broke as a flight instructor:(

MD

PHI says 1000 PIC on their website. Have you tried calling them, and speaking to HR? Perhaps they lost your resume, or just didn't like it, at least if you call them you can find out. If you left a message and they didn't return your call, keep on calling.

Why are you set on PHI or ERA? Why not Air Log, Rotorcraft Leasing, or any of the other Gulf operators. Why not tours in the grand canyon, or alaska in the spring. There are some utility companies that will hire at 1000 hours, you just need to look for them. It's true that it helps to know somebody, but if you meet their requirements and have a decent resume you shouldn't have trouble getting hired.

Mixmaster · November 13, 2007

Its not so much that they want more hours now, but that they most likely have an over supply of pilots. It doesn't get really busy until the spring so thats when they will pull in more pilots. If you are really wanting to get moving now, plan a week or so off and go down there and sit at each company until you can meet the CP and ask him for a job and had deliver him your resume. It shows them you are willing to be there and want to work. Dont wait for it to come to you. Get off your butt and go get it. Dont plan on flying much at either ERA or PHI. PHI you will most likely be in the pilot pool to start and may be lucky to get 10 hrs a month. ERA is weird I have friends there who only fly 15-20 hours a hitch. If you want to fly and build hours to get else were go to the Dog or Rotorcrash. Good luck. BEN

captkirkyota · November 13, 2007

If you want to fly and build hours to get else were go to the Dog or Rotorcrash. Good luck. BEN

Dog or Rotorcrash?

muppetdog · November 13, 2007

I actually did go down there an meet with all the companies. I liked ERA and PHI, but did not care for Air Log that much. I don't know who said it, but I also think that they are kind of full up on pilots right now and it will get better early this year and in the spring.

Thanks again,

Mark

helonorth · November 14, 2007

Have your resume professionally done. It only costs a hundred bucks. Send a resume to all

the big operators, including Rotorcraft Leasing and Air Logistics. I don't think driving down

there is such a good idea. It makes you look a little desperate. Definitely get to talking to

the Chief Pilots, though. Look at tours if you don't have any luck. You may have to wait

until spring.

76driver · December 29, 2007

Instrument rating? For the big three operators, having that instrument rating is a very important asset.

PHI was on a mad hiring spree over the course of the last year, but this has almost come to a halt. But like others have said, you might see things pick up again in a couple months once things settle down a bit.

Keep trying as persistence usually pays off.

Fly for food · December 31, 2007

Instrument rating? For the big three operators, having that instrument rating is a very important asset.

PHI was on a mad hiring spree over the course of the last year, but this has almost come to a halt. But like others have said, you might see things pick up again in a couple months once things settle down a bit.

Keep trying as persistence usually pays off.

Stick with PHI or ERA or Air Log - avoid RCL unless you are desperate. At PHI call and ask for Jim Palmer at 1-800-235-2452 and tell him you would love to work for PHI can he see you. He's a really nice guy and bound to give you the chance to see him. At the interview say all the right things and the jobs yours.

Best of Luck.

fff

captkirkyota · December 31, 2007

Again, what or who does dude mean when he said Dog or Rotorcrash???

Mixmaster · December 31, 2007

Again, what or who does dude mean when he said Dog or Rotorcrash???

The Dog, Airdog= airlog

Rotorcrash= Rotorcraft Leasing Company =RLC, they fall out of the sky a lot hence Rotorcrash

The gulf is what you make of it, dont worry about what others say

Good Luck

captkirkyota · December 31, 2007

Aaahhh, ok thanks.

Paisley · December 31, 2007

Muppetdog,

Where did you recieve training?

Oil Pilot · January 14, 2008

Muppetdog,

Where did you recieve training?

That is the question, isn't it! The answer to this could tell us why you have recieved zero replies to your resume.

Hawk Driver · January 18, 2008

I actually fly for Rotorcraft and its a great company. I have a buddy that went to work for PHI and fly's a 206 like me and only gets maybe 20 hrs per 14 day hitch, I average about 50 and I'm on a low flying contract. Most guys I fly with get 70-80 per month. Be open minded and check out all the companys. I have friends that fly in just about every outfit down here and they(companys) are pretty much all the same. As for the "rotorcrash" nickname Air Log and the others put one in the drink just as much as we do which is not very often. The GOM as a whole has a great safety record. Anyway, good luck.

muppetdog · February 8, 2008

Muppetdog,

Where did you recieve training?

I got my training at HAI (Bristow)

Oil Pilot · February 10, 2008

I got my training at HAI (Bristow)

You shouldn't have a problem unless there is something we don't know. Apply at Air Log again and call a few days later and confirm that they got it. Katie Coutee is the recruiter and that's who you should talk to.

Best of luck.

BOATFIXERGUY · February 11, 2008

You'd think since you trained at Bristol, you'd have a good shot there. From the story in Vertical Magazine, it would seem that they would prefer to hire their own graduates.

Crusty Old Dude · March 18, 2008

I got my training at HAI (Bristow)

This is a good "pulse" thread...thanks for posting. You went to Bristow but are having difficulty getting picked up by...Bristow? How does THAT work????! You'd think that in itself might be an inroad.

(oops...just read your post BOATFIXERGUY... NO KIDDING.)

Edited March 18, 2008 by Crusty Old Dude

Hawk Driver · March 19, 2008

Stick with PHI or ERA or Air Log - avoid RCL unless you are desperate. At PHI call and ask for Jim Palmer at 1-800-235-2452 and tell him you would love to work for PHI can he see you. He's a really nice guy and bound to give you the chance to see him. At the interview say all the right things and the jobs yours.
Best of Luck.
fff

What's wrong with RLC? Have you ever worked for RLC? If you haven't then you don't know what a great company RLC really is.