So I'm a single guy in my late twenties with a first-class medical certificate and enough money in the bank to complete a professional pilot training program.
I've seen all there is to see in my current job which I do thoroughly enjoy, but becoming a pilot has always been my ultimate dream. And I've logged enough time in airplanes and helicopters to know this is what I want to do. With that being said, I'm going to commence full-time fixed wing flight training by the end of the year. (I don't see an attractive career path to flying helicopters plus the idea of flying in and around the same places all of the time is a slight negative to me.)
As of now, my ultimate goal is to fly aircraft such as the 777 or 747 internationally. What I would like to know is, if you were in my shoes, what path would you take to achieve this goal?
After much research, I've narrowed it down to the two following options:
1. Ameriflight route:
-Advantages: faster to gaining valuable PIC turbine time, challenging flying, possible interview with UPS one day, maybe...
-Disadvantages/concerns: No flow throughs with partner airlines.
2. Regional route:
-Advantages: Flow through agreements= guaranteed spot at a major.
-Disadvantages/concerns: I'm still at least two to three years out of even meeting the regional minimums. Even now Envoy, for example, seems more interested in hiring direct entry captains than new FOs. Have I already missed out on their hiring boom? And do regionals give preferential hiring to those who've attended certain flight schools, such as ATP?
Now, I'm not in such a rush where I all I care about is flying the big jets but I'd prefer to take the route that increases my options and chances at achieving that goal.
Please note, I don't have a college degree YET.
Your advice is very much appreciated!
