Pilatus PC-12 Time?

[BeechTwin]

Hey all,

I have been hearing mixed emotions regarding PC-12 time as FO. Some people say that if you want to move on to a more challenging Job on a bigger Aircraft, companies will not look at you because it is single engine time.
To me flying a PC-12 is Glass, IFR and Turbine time.

Thoughts?

[. .]

To me flying a PC-12 is Glass, IFR and Turbine time.

Thoughts?

Only silly contract requirement times would reflect the need for multi time over time in a PC-12. Ontario's MOH and Alberta's Contrail requirements both severely penalize those without multi command time. Pretty much everywhere else has seen the light though.

[Doc]

BUT....It's WAY WAY WAY better than working on a ramp....

[Chuck Yeagermister]

Me thinks this a troll, look at his/her/its handle.....,trying to spark up another beech vs PC-12 arguement? If you are for real, YES the PC-12 is good time in the book. All the folks i know that had the majority if not all PC-12 time, are at different private jet companys, Air Canada, Jazz, and other outfits flying (bigger) aircraft. And if your just starting out, who the frick cares its a airplane, and it will advance your career.

[anyways]

Can't really speak for the experience of anyone else, but my two years on the PC-12 were central to my time building. Was fortunate enough to get hired onto a 705 prop machine from the PC-12, before going to mainline six months later. Big red hired quite a few of us who had mostly PC-12 time (and less than 500 multi). From what I understand, it is regarded as well as any King Air in terms of experience.

Consider this:
Two crew
High level IFR, 236kias
Turbine
Efis

And I can assure you that the engine out procedure on a PC-12 takes as much stick and rudder skills/judgment/coordination as any V1 cut on a twin.

Have fun, it's a great plane - I'm kind of jealous!

[Dave T]

I learnt a lot on the PC-12. Aside from the standard IFR stuff I was introduced to EFIS, GPS, Autopilot/Flight Director. Some people will say the time has no value or certain contracts may not look favorable on it but I think those are few and far between. With only PC-12 FO time I was offered several jobs on twin tubines and I feel the transition to the one I'm flying now was made much easier by my time in the PC-12.

I just suggest that if it's the only thing you've ever flown and you have 4000 hours it might be time to get some kind of a multi job if you're planning on moving onto something bigger.

[polar one]

I have seen some companies where the FO on a PC 12 was a true crew member. No question the experience is valuable.

I have also seen some companies where the first officer basically was poorly trained, and the aircraft flown as a single pilot with radio tuner. There was even one 704 company a few years ago that was flying PC 12s around with no co-pilot instruments.

So the real answer is it depends on the company you go to work for.

With regard to govt and Contrail, they face a similar dilema. How do you diffentiate between good FO time on a PC-12 and logged right seat passanger time? You simply default and do not give any of it credit. A real shame.

The bottom line, is ask to do a couple of legs with a crew before you accept a job. Look at their SOP's and ask some of their current FO's what type of training they obtained and if SOP's are followed. You might not get the truth all the time , so dig deep. If their FO's are being continually hired by bigger operators (AS CAPTAINS), then they are probably good company.

PC-12 is a neat airplane. In the hands of a good pilot they can do amazing things.

[teacher]

Got lots of time in both seats on a PC12. It prepared me well for the much larger aircraft that I fly now. Only having FO time might hinder you a little however, most companies will upgrade you to the left seat and only having FO time on a small twin will give you the same issues. It's the same as any turbo prop minus 1 lever.

The aircraft I fly now is much larger but funny enough, not as well equipped and slower. It's a great airplane and you'll love it.

[lyncher]

Having time on the PC12 and a King Air, I find that the PC12 was closer to what I fly now (the king air had ol' steams). Regardless of what people say, the Pilatus is an excellent experience builder. After the PC12 you just need to get used to the increase in speed and the different characteristics of a jet.

[sky's the limit]

Please use the "Search" function, this topic has been beat to death about a hundred times.

stl

[BeechTwin]

Thanks Guys.

Cheers!

[ScudRunner]

There was even one 705 company a few years ago that was flying PC 12s around with no co-pilot instruments.

705 eh, interesting I'd really like to see that PC-12

[xlent]

By the sounds of it, this matter is settled...a mojority of Avcanada poster have spoken and the PC 12 is as good a time builder as a King Air or anything equivalent. Its about time, I saw one up close the other day and it's a pretty cool ship. As far as I can tell, it has more pro's than con's compared to a King Air. I guess it only has one engine but so does the King Air when it really counts.