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!
Will go against the prevailing winds on this one. If you are a sharp and have grit, go get a regional job as soon as possible. Many of the education folks recommend you stay to get the social aspects of life in college. Awfully expensive social life. You do need the degree. It is absolutely required long term. Online with Embry worked for some Navy Officers years ago when they took folks with Associate degrees but were required to get bachelors. The Navy considered them valid ( I proctored some for the tests) Also, when I was in college, (not ERAU) there were a few pilots like you who started school, got a flying job, and worked it out with existing credits to come back on days off and finish a degree. Very creative, demanding, but worked. Will your school work that out with you?
The few that did this were mature, resolute, and had a good social life from the school and job end. They were all single. You know the saying: Get a degree in basketweaving to satisfy the requirment. I got one in Aerospace engineering as my backup in 3 years going full time (my goal was military commision though).
If you mix it between residence and non residence, you will only be joining the expanding world of corporate professionals who do this because they already are on the corporate ladder. You get get your MBA and other Master degrees with very little residence at reputable institutions.
In any case, Good luck, there are alot of good considerations given in this thread, just threw in my penny for you.