Originally Posted by
ArmyFW
I’m currently an army fixed wing guy flying MC-12’s (King air 350). I have 5 years left on my ADSO and then will be free to apply at the airlines, it looks like I’ll have about 1500-1700 hours by then. I know that’s probably no where near enough to get hired directly at a major so I was wondering if it was smart to get my CFI from my local FBO and instruct. They have job openings and are looking for part time instructors. That would probably push me over the 2,000 hour mark when I’m leaving the service. I get out in 2023-2024 when retirements will be at their peak, so if it takes me extra years at a regional I’ll miss the big portion of the hiring wave. My only hesitation is wondering if those extra 300 hours will not be worth the effort because it isn’t turbine time. I’ve made some other posts already and always appreciate the quick feedback from this group. I’m trying to get on top of things early.
I’d get the CFI. Don’t let a fear of failure hold you back. You’ll learn a lot in the 300hrs. Not hard to fly 100hrs a year giving part time instruction. I have no clue how the Mil does it, since the 350 is single pilot, CFI could help with CRM, if you fly it single pilot. Point being, give some 61 instruction, but also find a 141 college program that pretends to be an airline. You’ll pickup some stuff that will help with training down the road.