Alot of people are bent on this 1200-1500 hour sum to actually start flying jets. I guess that sounds right, only if you have not networked yourself and have been poking around the skies as a CFI for 4 to 5 years to build up that much time, most of which is Single engine.
I hope this sounds motivating instead of bragging, so bare with me.
I have been working at a very nice country club here in Scottsdale,
AZ for the past 3 years. Alot of very rich members for sure! Well, just recently as I became very motivated to gain my commerical license this summer, I realized I dont have the money to do it by myself.
I began networking with other pilots to split costs so I dont have to spend $12000 just to build hours for my commerical.
After discovering that the little networking I had done introduced me into flying a members, late 1990's Bonanza for $15 dollars an hour, more and more options came into sight. There are several wealthy members here at the club that like to fly as well as let me fly for free. To add to that, one member in particular has his own Glassair as well as a Falcon 10 jet. He has always been fond of me and enthuiastic about my flying. Tomorrow, I am going to his hanger to discuss what needs to be done to get my type rating in his jet.
3 months ago I was very frustarted at how on earth I would ever get ahead in such a difficult industry. Now that I have explored many of my options in deepth, I could possibly be flying as a first officer on a Falcon 10 within the year all, at age 22.
Until then, I constantly offer flights to people who want to go to
SAN,
SNA,
LAS or anywhere else in the local south west. I am surprized at how many people are interested when you show a high level of motivation!
I know that my situation is unique. however... I can assure you, there are thousands of oppurtunites out there like what I am persuing! My point... be creative and most of all NETWORK NETWORK NETWORK! That is the sure fire way of getting ahead in this wicked industry am I right?
Good luck to all of us!