Originally Posted by
Sliceback
You don't need your CFII (instrument instructor) to start working. Just comm/inst and CFI. The next most common rating is your multi engine license.
Yes, top end pay and retirement is $30,000. You only get that if your near the top of the seniority list. But n/b CA's can pull down close to $25,000 a month.
That, and the time off, is why the job is so attractive.
The #540 and #850? We have about 14,700 pilots. It doesn't matter how smart, intelligent, good looking, or stupid dumb and lazy the next pilot hired is, he becomes #14,701. You can't choose other jobs, like 777 FO, or A320 CA, until your seniority improves. Asguys retireyour number improves. A 37 yo hired today would retire around #540. A 40 yo hired today would retire around #850. The longer you spend in the lower numbers the more options and pay you'll have throughout your career.
You'll end up with 209.5 hrs?? This isn't a laser defined path. You'll end up with 210-250 hrs. Weather, in-completes, inefficenient scheduling, busts, redo's, etc, etc.
It's straight forward but a grind - fly a lot, learn, study, be curious. Take opportunities but don't be stupid. Shortcuts are typically a bad idea. You can lose more by doing something stupid then you'll typically gain from the wonderful(!) idea.
Thanks for telling me the ratings to focus on! I did find a place just outside of Annapolis that is cheaper than the prices that I initially quoted, so I will look there. Is the multi engine required, or does it make one more competitive?
Does that mean that the $30,000 is your monthly pay while you're active and what you get in retirement, or only your monthly pay while your active?
So #540 and #850 are seniority numbers then? That makes sense now. I am guessing that as long as you pass medical you can keep working up to 65?
Good to know that I would end up with more than 209.5 hours!
You are right on when you said "you can lose more by doing something stupid then you'll typically gain from the wonderful(!) idea!" That is very accurate! Thanks again Sliceback.