Ralyn Wheeler’s Post

TODAY There Are A Growing Number Of Professional Pilots Who Want To Become A Contract Pilot. Many also want to make it their full-time job. Professional pilots are ready to take more control of their career in aviation that better reflects their level of expertise in aviation and to finally get the compensation and financial stability that their hard work and dedication deserve that requires less of their time. Today, pilots also want to benefit more from their hard work and not just their employer. To Reach Your Potential As A Successful Contract Pilot, You Want To Answer The Following Questions: How Will You Stand Out From Other Contract Pilots? How Will Potential Employers Get To Know You Beyond Your CV/Resume That Will Result In An Interview/Phone Call? What Will Help You To Build Customer Loyalty So That Your Phone Will Never Stop Ringing For New Opportunities? The Importance of a Professional Website for Contract Pilots A professional website is a crucial asset for contract pilots aiming to stand out and secure new job opportunities. It enhances your visibility, credibility, and accessibility, while also providing a platform to showcase your expertise and engage with potential clients. Investing in a professional website is investing in your ongoing career for success that can lead to paths and opportunities unknown and multiple income streams. JUST THINK, someone sees a collection of the flight missions that you have been a part of in the recent past and asks you to be a consultant to the actors and directors of an upcoming blockbuster Hollywood film just from “Googling” and reading about your work on your website and they contact you to discuss. This is an opportunity that you could have never imagined. What would this new opportunity then lead to?....... The possibilities are endless. 🤔 🤔 🤔 🤔 🤔 Tomorrow, we will look at the SPECIFICS of why a website for professional pilots who want to become successful as Contract Pilots is so very important and what it should encompass. Learn More About The Professional Pilot Forums [PPF] and also learn more about working as a CONTRACT PILOT for the specific aircraft that you fly, 👉 https://lnkd.in/eeDSrnaJ #contractpilot #corporatepilot #pilotjobs #aviation #aerospace #theprofessionalpilotforums #theprofessionalpilotnetwork #Gulfstream

Starting as a Class 1 driver in the temp sector? 🚛 Here's some advice! First and foremost, embrace flexibility. The temporary sector can be unpredictable, but this also means you'll gain a wealth of experience across different companies and routes. Each job is an opportunity to learn something new and expand your skill set. Make sure you're always prepared for varied schedules and be ready to adapt quickly. Networking is key. Build strong relationships with your recruitment agency and fellow drivers. At T.T.S 24-7, we pride ourselves on creating a supportive community for our drivers. Don't hesitate to reach out if you need advice or support. Engaging with others in the industry can open doors to more opportunities and provide valuable insights. Lastly, always prioritise safety and compliance. Familiarise yourself with the regulations and ensure your vehicle is in top condition before hitting the road. Your professionalism and attention to detail will not only keep you safe but also make you a standout candidate for future assignments. #DrivingTips #LogisticsScotland #TTSTeam

Recurrents for Type-Rated Pilots... This has come up a few times in the last few days so I thought I would write a post! 😎 Even if you are current in your type rating, you’ll need to go through a recurrent training again with any new Part 135 operator you join. Recurrent courses are often booked out a few weeks or months depending on the type rating. I've had pilots offer to fly contract for us until we are able to get a recurrent class for them, however that does not work on 135 charter flights...anymore... A little over a decade ago, the FAA decided that a recurrent course had to be completed for EVERY 135 operator. You could attend a recurrent course this week, change employers next week, and still be required to take a recurrent course with the new employer. This is a regulatory requirement and applies to all Part 135 operations, regardless of your experience or how recently you've completed training. Additionally, each operator must ensure their pilots meet company-specific standards and are fully qualified under their training program, which includes systems, procedures, and operational differences (typically referred to as "indoc"). Being "current" in your type rating is only one piece of the currency puzzle when transferring to a new company. So, if you're making a career move, be prepared for requalification—even if you’re up to date on your type rating! (This is not applicable to flying Part 91.) Your friendly 135 Director of Training 😎

Starting as a Class 1 driver in the temp sector? 🚛 Here's some advice! First and foremost, embrace flexibility. The temporary sector can be unpredictable, but this also means you'll gain a wealth of experience across different companies and routes. Each job is an opportunity to learn something new and expand your skill set. Make sure you're always prepared for varied schedules and be ready to adapt quickly. Networking is key. Build strong relationships with your recruitment agency and fellow drivers. At T.T.S 24-7, we pride ourselves on creating a supportive community for our drivers. Don't hesitate to reach out if you need advice or support. Engaging with others in the industry can open doors to more opportunities and provide valuable insights. Lastly, always prioritise safety and compliance. Familiarise yourself with the regulations and ensure your vehicle is in top condition before hitting the road. Your professionalism and attention to detail will not only keep you safe but also make you a standout candidate for future assignments. #DrivingTips #LogisticsScotland #TTSTeam

We frequently receive applications from experienced captains who are not "current" in the specific type rating we require for direct entry captains. In these cases, the captain would need to take a new initial type rating course for that aircraft, rather than only completing a recurrent training program. For us, "current" is having attended a recurrent course (in that type rating) in the past 60 months. This is often a disqualifying factor when an operator needs a "current/type-rated" Captain to immediately fill the left seat. Operators seeking a type-rated and current captain are typically looking for someone who has maintained their currency in type (generally within the last 60 months, as per the training manual) and has recent flying experience to meet the expectations of vendors, Wyvern, and Argus. If you're considering applying for a PIC role for an aircraft you haven't flown in a while, I suggest contacting the operator to understand their specific training requirements. It's been my experience that some veteran captains become frustrated upon learning they need to start with an initial type rating if they haven't completed a recurrent course in over five years. I appreciate when pilots inquire about qualifications rather than dispute their eligibility without meeting our standards. I understand many pilots don't feel recruiters fully understand the pilot world...as an experienced pilot recruiter, I am happy to explain our currency requirements which are closely aligned to many other 135 operators.

Aviation Employment Agreements/Contracts: A Consideration for Low-Time Pilots Seeking Time-Building Opportunities If you are considering working for a small Part 135 operator or a Part 91 operation, you will want to find out approximately how many hours per year you can anticipate before you sign a contract. If you sign a one-year contract and end up flying fewer than 25 hours per month, it could delay your progress and hinder your ability to advance to the next level quickly. 1) Make sure the agreement/contract is pro-rated. If you decide you simply need to move on to obtain more hours, paying out a pro-rated agreement will be less painful. 2) Ask, in advance, if there is an option to be released from the contract if the flying time is low. For instance, if you are flying less than 25 hours per month and they had told you the flying time would be higher, you might be able to negotiate a release if you end up flying less than anticipated. It is best to negotiate this upfront. Explaining that you are at a point in your career where time building is very important to you, is a good way to show you are eager to fly and work hard. (#2 is less likely with a larger operator; oftentimes small operations can make exceptions / be flexible.) #PilotJobs #AviationJobs

Have You Submitted Your 'Contract Pilot Profile' so that potential employers can reach out to you? The Contract Pilot X Change is a groundbreaking platform designed specifically for professional pilots in general aviation. This exclusive database allows potential employers and aircraft owners to search for qualified pilots like you, matching their needs with your expertise. Whether you're seeking a permanent position or looking to fill a contract opportunity, this tool puts you directly in front of those who are hiring. With The Contract Pilot X Change, your skills and experience are showcased to a growing list of employers who are actively searching for pilots to fulfill available roles. No more waiting for job postings to appear or endlessly applying to various positions. This platform lets employers reach out to you directly, streamlining the process and giving you more control over your career trajectory. Being A Part Of The Contract Pilot X Change is a powerful step toward securing your next opportunity in aviation. As our database continues to grow, so do your chances of being contacted for new and exciting flying opportunities. Maximize your visibility, let employers find you, and be ready to step into your next cockpit with confidence! Learn More About The Professional Pilot Forums [PPF] and also learn more about working as a CONTRACT PILOT for the specific aircraft that you fly, 👉 https://lnkd.in/eeDSrnaJ #contractpilot #corporatepilot #pilotjobs #aviation #aerospace #pilotsafety #theprofessionalpilotforums #theprofessionalpilotnetwork #thecontractpilotxchange

While I was scrolling through LinkedIn yesterday, I came across a comment that immediately grabbed my attention. The article highlighted the concerning lack of technicians in aviation and how MROs are slowly losing technicians. The comment discussed the difficulty in keeping technicians when another airline offers them a slightly higher hourly wage for the same shift. Based on my experience, it seems that technicians are more inclined to remain with a company that demonstrates a commitment of investing in their employees. Appreciating the long-term financial benefits is important, but I personally find great value in tangible items that technicians utilize daily, such as a reliable toolset. Imagine starting your career and being able to work at a place without the burden of spending over $5k just to enter. It's hard to fathom going through all the necessary training for these positions only to encounter another obstacle to overcome. What are your thoughts?

I’ve seen a lot of posts about the Aviation Industry in need of a butt load of Aircraft Technicians due to an increased shortage. But the companies needing them ‘so badly’ throw your application away because you don’t have 4+ yrs experience but you’re willing to learn… Interesting. I have an A&P, tools, some experience, want to learn and accel more but I’m not trying to relocate my whole family for employment. So in the grand scheme of things, I get overlooked and on to the next person who may be in the same situation and the sequence continues. How does someone accrue the ‘required/preferred’ experience if they are never given a chance and stay at the bottom? Is there something wrong with wanting to learn so I have the experience employers are wanting just to ‘qualify’ as a candidate?

Pilots/A&P Mechanics: If you qualify for a 119 position for a 121 or 135 operator, consider adding that detail to your LinkedIn profile and resume. I've noticed some pilots include "119" somewhere in their LinkedIn profile (usually in the title) and resume, specifying that they meet the qualifications for Director of Operations, Chief Pilot or Director of Maintenance roles under FAA 119.69(a). This small detail on your profile helps recruiters to quickly zone in on qualified 119 post holders in a LinkedIn candidate search. Many companies give the title "Chief Pilot” for positions that do not require a 119-qualified pilot. Searching this title alone leads to a large amount of unqualified profiles when searching for 119 qualified candidates. Jobseekers: Add "119" or "119 qualified" to your profile if you meet the qualifications (see attached link for the specific qualifications for 119 DO’s or CP’s). Recruiters: Consider using phrases such as “119 Director of Operations,” "119 Chief Pilot," or “119 Director of Maintenance” in your job postings if you are searching for experienced 119’s for 121 or 135 operations.  Example: "Must meet FAA 119.69(a) qualifications to perform the [insert title] role on a 135 certificate."  This specificity helps attract suitable candidates. If you are curious if you would qualify as a Director of Operations, Chief Pilot or Director of Maintenance for a 121 or 135 operation, see attached link which outlines detailed qualifications. https://lnkd.in/gJQtWzMi