Your life long dream has been to be a pilot. You have worked hard to complete the necessary steps for obtaining a license. You are ready for a successful career and a life of adventure. Now what?
Understanding the different opportunities offered to pilots is key in determining the type of pilot you would like to be and the most logical pathway to get there. Careers in the piloting industry essentially fall under 4 categories and, depending on one’s personal goals, each has its own advantages. For many, options two and three are a means to get to number one more quickly.
- Major airline pilots work for an airline and fly larger aircraft. Schedules are predictable and set in advance. A crew addresses passenger needs like luggage and catering.
- Regional airline pilots fly smaller planes to and from small to mid-sized airports where connecting flights are located.
- Cargo pilots work for companies like FedEx, UPS, and DHL. They can fly small or large planes and they carry packages, mail, and perishable items. Their trips are most often in the early morning or late at night.
- The corporate pilot category is one with a few different types of jobs.
- Corporate pilots work for a company that owns and manages their own fleet of aircraft.
- Managed aircraft pilots work for a company that manages aircraft and fly planes based on his or her type rating.
- Fractional pilots work for a company that offers fractional shares or Jet Cards.
At Airshare we hire fractional and managed pilots, either a Pilot in Command (PIC) or Second in Command (SIC). The PIC sits in the left seat and is Captain of the aircraft. PICs are required to have 3,500 fixed-wing flight hours, an FCC license, an airline transport certificate, and a First-Class medical certificate. Turbine PIC is not required with turbine SIC experience.
For a SIC position, there are two options for hiring requirements. The first is 1,200 hours of total fixed-wing time, a 4-year degree or equivalent experience, a commercial multi-engine rating, an FCC license, and a first-class medical certificate. A Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) certificate is preferred. The second option requires the same commercial multi-engine rating, first-class medical certificate, and an FCC license, but with only 900 hours total fixed-wing time. With this option, the pilot must also have a 4-year degree and have active employment as a CFI.
Working as a fractional pilot with Airshare has many benefits. As a pilot for a big airline, it can take quite some time to earn the Pilot In Command title. At Airshare, with the right experience, it is possible to be hired right away as a PIC but if not, our upgrade time averages only 18 months. If your ultimate goal is to work for a major carrier, the fast track at a fractional operation can help you land that position sooner.
Airshare’s fractional business is regional in nature, which allows pilots more time at home; they are on the road approximately 10 nights per month. For PICs, the schedule is 8 days on and 6 days off. SICs are 10 days on with 5 days off.
Additionally, fractional flying experience is a lot of fun. Flights are into FBOs instead of terminals and operations are often to interesting locations like mountain airports, tropical hot spots, exciting international destinations, and remote locations. Fractional pilots with companies like Airshare, also find themselves developing more personal relationships with their fellow crewmembers and customers.
To find out more about becoming a pilot with Airshare, please visit careers.FlyAIRSHARE.com/pilots.