Originally Posted by Diver Driver

I don't know if you would consider me having "made it", but I am a regional captain who never got my CFI.

At the time, I was a newly minted Commercial SEL working an internship at a cargo carrier in the training department when an opportunity was handed to me from an instructor there to fly skydivers for a drop zone. I did that for two years and went to the airlines.

In retrospect, I wish I had gotten my CFI. It certainly would have helped during my two furloughs. Also would have helped my transition to the left seat. If you have the opportunity to get your CFI, my advice is to do it.