Originally Posted by
A321
I went to an aviation university (similar to ERAU) then flight instructed at ATP and made it through the regionals to the majors in 6 years.
If I had to do it over again, I would:
-Attend a "regular" college and major in something besides aviation (like business). I missed out on the "regular" college experience (socially, partying, etc) because typically aviation college/universities are lame and mostly male.
-Fly on the side, and/or attain your ratings with ATP. Best, most efficient flight school out there in my opinion.
-Build your hours flight instructing at ATP. Again, I think this is the best and most efficient way to build time. ATP has the largest multi-engine fleet in the world so you will gain that much needed twin time.
-Apply to all the regionals, but try to choose the best quality airline to work for (ExpressJet, Compass, Skywest, etc) and avoid Mesa, Republic, GoJet etc.
-The majors are going to be hiring like crazy for years, as long as there isn't another 9/11. Hundreds of age 65 retirements per month.
Good luck! Persevere and don't give up. It's a lot of blood, sweat and tears but once you get to a major airline it will all be worth it $$$.
This really is the best advice. I would also add that there are some 135 operators out there (Seaport off the top of my head) that hire people with fresh commercial certificates (250 hours). A benefit of working at a place like this would be learning (somewhat) how airlines operate and working in an enviorment similar to 121. Also, a crew enviorment will be familar to you and make training much easier. With that said: flight instructing was an extremely valuable expierence (you see how not to fly an airplane everyday) and would not trade my time flight instructing for an equal amount of 135 time.
Good Luck! It really is a fun job...most of the time.
GHL