Originally Posted by
Dash8Guy
Greetings,
I am 20 years old and a freshman in college with my commercial me/se with instrument on both. I currently have 280/60 hours. My original plan when i started my training was to get my certificates and ratings, then go to school and build time. After school was over, I would begin CFI'ing to gain the necessary hours to apply to the regionals. Well I have accomplished all my training except for the CFI. However, seeing all of these airlines minimums dropping, I get the sense that if I don't act now and begin applying to them, I may make a horrible career mistake. Meaning that I will miss this great chance to become hired and gain seniority and hours compared to waiting five years in college and only gaining about 80 hours in the process. I'm afraid if I wait to start applying until after I get my 4 year degree that the hiring may become a lot more strict with high minimums like the past. I know that there are people right now flying for the regionals doing the online degree courses.
So I guess I just need some input from you pilots out there flying for the regionals. What would you do or suggest?
Any and all suggestions, advice or whatever is welcome! Hit me with it!
Stay in School!! I was in the same position you are in when I was a freshman. I wanted to leave school and go to the regionals and stat flying the jets. But I stayed in school and have gained alot of experience in the past 3 1/2 years. Get your CFI because you learn alot about flying and yourself while in the aircraft. The regionals will still be hiring like this three years from now and you will get there. I know the feeling of seeing no light at the end of the tunnel and having to take stupid ass gen ed classes. But when the time comes to gradguate, and you have interviews lined up. Its the best feeling in the world.