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5 Answers

Jet Hours

Asked by: 4556 views Commercial Pilot, General Aviation, Student Pilot

Hi im currently a student pilot right now one thing that confuses me a lot is all the airlines say in their requirements that you need the basic ATP and aircraft rating but then they say you need a certain amount of hours logged as a pilot in command of a jet aircraft and simulator time doesn't count. How can you get those hours when none of the airlines let you fly for them unless you have been in command of a jet aircraft? 

5 Answers



  1. Jim F. on Nov 06, 2012

    Ahh, the vicious circle. I can’t get a job because I don’t have experience because I can’t get a job because I don’t have experience… Right there with you.

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  2. Best Answer


    Sam Dawson on Nov 06, 2012

    Most of them will take jet or turboprop. Several ways of getting the time:
    1. Military pilot
    2. Regional pilot
    3. 135/125 cargo flying
    4. 135 charter flying
    5. Part 91 operation

    Each of the routes has advantages and disadvantages.

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  3. Bob Watson on Nov 06, 2012

    While I’m not an airline pilot, I’ve followed their hiring for a few decades and their hiring requirements are based on supply and demand. Some years, you need to have at least an ATP with turbine time, others you needed just a CPL and a pulse. But that’s just what you need to get them to look at your resume. You still need to pass muster with the interview, etc.

    All you can really do is keep flying and be ready for opportunity when it comes knocking.

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  4. Matthew Waugh on Nov 07, 2012

    To join the chorus – I think the questioner is looking at major airlines, but as others have pointed out there are intermediate steps, regional airlines, charter operators (typically freight) etc.

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  5. JB on Nov 16, 2012

    …and some are not giving much consideration to even C-130 pilots (large turbine) like they used to. You have to have REAL JET time to be competitive.

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