Originally Posted by
Shootah
-I understand that this thread does not completely fit within this subforum, and for that I apologize. However, if not here, I don't know where else.-
I'm fifteen, and in two days I will begin flight lessons that will reportedly be as frequent as "three to four times per week until you finish high school".
I'm not completely clear on how licenses/certifications/ratings work, but I have a general picture. That general picture tells me that I could have my PPL, CFL, IR, CFI/I and have 500+ hours by eighteen. I don't know how the MEI fits into the picture, but I do know that I'm not eligible for the ATP until 23.
(two to emphasize my disappointment)
Does having all of that for five years make a difference in my eligibility at twenty three to be picked up by a regional carrier?
How many years could I expect to wait from my ATP at twenty three to being picked up by a major airline?
How far would a good reference (say, a dad's friends or contacts or a dad of a good friend) go?
Will this career path even be worth taking in seven years?
I remember being where you are. You can't sit for the PPL until your 17 for the checkride, so as far as having all those by 18, I wouldn't count on it. I was at one point just trying to rush through all of the training too, but it is far better to ensure good quality instruction and that you understand what is being taught rather than completing it quickly. If you dont, standards only increase as you continue and it will make evrything much harder. I am 20, have my CFI, CPL, MEL, IRA, and IGI and am sitting for my CFII and MEI next week. I am also in process of being hired as a flight instructor at my 141 school. Wiht that, I have about 320 hours, and am ahead of many other people in my school for where I am hours wise.
Don't worry at all about the ATP. Before you start applying for the regionals, you will need to do your written, but your probobly wont even have the minimum hours until after a while in the airlines. .
Internal rec's always help in the industry. They are helping me now with this CFI position.
My advice to you is don't rush it. The most fun I flying was with my PPL and my IRA. Enjoy it now!