Originally Posted by
dbdevkc
OK, so we decided to cancel the in-person interview at LIFT for now (and the flight to get there) and get cost estimates again from some other training centers. We'll try American Flyers, ATP, and some others.
The note that kind of was an "ah ha" moment was the possibility of a signing bonus if she goes to a regional after getting the ratings on her own. Essentially taking $10K-$20K off of any existing flight training debt.
So even if the training comes in at the same cost of LIFT, it is a better deal to do it alone.
To be clear, she needs to finish up instrument (close), then get commercial, ME/ME instrument, CFI, CFII, CFME. The 400TT that she has in power is quality stick and rudder skills time but mostly not XC time (a lot of glider towing in L-19 Birddog, Piper Pawnee, and SuperCub).
I am hoping to find a way for her to get through the ratings *relatively* affordably. Under $40k would be nice, but maybe a pipedream.
Should be achievable. Much as I hate to say it, she probably doesn't *need* the MEI in this hiring climate if pennies are tight. She needs just 25 hours of ME time for most regionals.
Odds are that she won't need the MEI, plus you REALLY have no business teaching in a twin with less than about 100 hours ME time... frankly a bit dangerous. The MEI would however be one more box you can check for extra credit on major airline apps. Probably best to just spend the MEI on time building (safety pilot time to split the cost).
It's good that she started in stick and rudder planes, those habits will stick with her for life. Plenty of time to learn glass & XC in the commercial training.