Mokulele Airlines runs itself in a very similar fashion to much larger Part 121 Airlines. After training, First Officers or Captains are assigned a training pilot to complete a few days of IOE, or “initial operating experience.” It’s the first time you fly the line as a new pilot at the airline and really begin to learn how day to day operations work. Here’s an overview of my experience… Our route took us from Waimea, to Maui, to Molokai, to Honolulu, and then back the same direction. Starting IOE as a first time airline pilot can feel a bit like drinking from a firehose at first. People like to say that everything you learn during training is thrown out the window once you get on the line. While that’s not entirely accurate, there’s a hint of truth to it. On time operations, quick turns, and passenger relations become your focus. At Mokulele, SICs (Second in Command pilots) – that’s me – are usually the ones to file flight plans. We’re required to file IFR plans for each leg, although we’re not required to fly IFR unless certain criteria are met. Flight service has a series of these pre-filed plans ready to go, so when I call to file, it only take a few minutes to rattle off 6 or 8 legs for my daily schedule. Captains, even in Part 135 airlines, have specific criteria to meet during their IOE. They have hour requirements and landing requirements. If you don’t perform satisfactorily, the airline has the option of bumping you back down to a First Officer. While IOE is not requires for First Officers, Mokulele pairs new pilots with training captains to make sure they have good, knowledgable ‘teachers’ for their first few legs. I was paired with Rod. You guys have seen me fly with Rod and Haley for years, so it was incredible to finally start working with him. I couldn’t have asked for a better friend to be my IOE Captain. Now that I’m on the line and flying as a First Officer at Mokulele, things have gotten busy – FAST! I’ve built over 50 hours in just over half a month. And yes, I do get asked how old I am by passengers on nearly every flight…. Stay tuned for more to come soon! -Swayne Share this:ShareTwitterLinkedInEmailPrint 13 Responses Jackie Jackson June 11, 2017 Congrats Swayne. That looked awesome. Beautiful scenery too. X Reply Sebastian June 12, 2017 Congrats on your 1st day, Swayne! I want to come fly for Mokulele! Reply Jose Rojas Jr June 12, 2017 Congratulations Swayne! You have inspired me to go for my Instrument/commercial ratings! Good luck… Reply David Wong June 24, 2017 This is so awesome. I’ve been closely following your adventures as I’m starting my journey in aviation to becoming a commercial pilot. Swayne, you posted that Mokulele is hiring FOs with as few as 300 hours. Their website says 350 minimum. What were your hours at hiring? Reply Swayne Martin July 1, 2017 I was at 500 hours when I was hired! Reply mudasir July 11, 2017 congrats swayne thanks for post this article Reply Lynn August 14, 2017 How exciting! Congratulations on your first day 🙂 Really enjoying your blog, keep up the great work! Reply Patrick Fennemore August 20, 2017 Awesome pictures there Swayne! I see you have the Bose A20’s, I’m currently trying to decide between those and the Lightspeed Zulu 3’s. Any particular reason you chose Bose over Lightspeed? Reply Bryan Kelley November 2, 2017 Totally awesome! On average, how many hours do you fly with Mokulele a day and what would an average week look like for you as a pilot? Reply Lowell Adams November 13, 2017 I have watched all your videos. The one’s I like best are with you, Rod Kellog and Haley Howard. Your are three old souls who get together from time to time to share flying and other adventures. I wish you success in all your adventures. Reply Ric January 22, 2018 Takes me back, appreciate your sharing.. Well done, Young Eagle! Capt Ric, ret. Reply Captain Carlos Emir Bentancor June 2, 2018 You remaid me of my beginning on my carrer as an irline pilot, trust yourself and give credits to your pilots instructor pay attention to all the things that they want to transmit to you, obviously you improve your own criteria in flight operations that can be different of them ! I wish you the best in this facinated profession. Reply Jonathan June 26, 2018 Hi Swayne, Enjoy your flying in Hawaii it is some of the best flying you will ever do as you a down low and get to enjoy the view. I was with Mokulele years ago when they first started out flying Chieftains and really had a great time in my life. Reply Leave a Reply to Sebastian Cancel ReplyYour email address will not be published.CommentName Email Website Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Notify me of new posts by email.
Jose Rojas Jr June 12, 2017 Congratulations Swayne! You have inspired me to go for my Instrument/commercial ratings! Good luck… Reply
David Wong June 24, 2017 This is so awesome. I’ve been closely following your adventures as I’m starting my journey in aviation to becoming a commercial pilot. Swayne, you posted that Mokulele is hiring FOs with as few as 300 hours. Their website says 350 minimum. What were your hours at hiring? Reply
Lynn August 14, 2017 How exciting! Congratulations on your first day 🙂 Really enjoying your blog, keep up the great work! Reply
Patrick Fennemore August 20, 2017 Awesome pictures there Swayne! I see you have the Bose A20’s, I’m currently trying to decide between those and the Lightspeed Zulu 3’s. Any particular reason you chose Bose over Lightspeed? Reply
Bryan Kelley November 2, 2017 Totally awesome! On average, how many hours do you fly with Mokulele a day and what would an average week look like for you as a pilot? Reply
Lowell Adams November 13, 2017 I have watched all your videos. The one’s I like best are with you, Rod Kellog and Haley Howard. Your are three old souls who get together from time to time to share flying and other adventures. I wish you success in all your adventures. Reply
Ric January 22, 2018 Takes me back, appreciate your sharing.. Well done, Young Eagle! Capt Ric, ret. Reply
Captain Carlos Emir Bentancor June 2, 2018 You remaid me of my beginning on my carrer as an irline pilot, trust yourself and give credits to your pilots instructor pay attention to all the things that they want to transmit to you, obviously you improve your own criteria in flight operations that can be different of them ! I wish you the best in this facinated profession. Reply
Jonathan June 26, 2018 Hi Swayne, Enjoy your flying in Hawaii it is some of the best flying you will ever do as you a down low and get to enjoy the view. I was with Mokulele years ago when they first started out flying Chieftains and really had a great time in my life. Reply