It seems like you understand my goal perfectly and TW endorsement, aerobatics/upset recovery, glider time (it’s cheap, too), Mooney time and PCATD use are great ideas.
Many, many thanks - again, you seemed to perfectly smell what I was stepping in when I asked this question. The goal isn’t to weasel my way into positions or equipment or other similar careerist goals before I should, but instead it’s to be well-prepared for as much as possible.
Originally Posted by
Blackhawk
Yeah, the noisy posters are correct. You can just check the block and make it at a regional by just breathing. But if you want to actually be a good pilot who can adjust to different environments this is a good start.
I would also add, get a variety of aviation experience. Get a TW endorsement. Get some aerobatics and upset recovery training, even if it's in a Super Decathlon. Nothing like doing a loop to teach you about angle-of-attack.
Learn to land on the centerline, where you want the airplane to land every time. Not just somewhere on the runway.
Get some glider training.
Learn to fly a Mooney, preferably one with speed brakes, from a Mooney instructor who teaches you to land on speed, not 90 knots.
Find a PCATD. Yeah, it's kind of clunky, but they force you to fly instruments with a light control touch.
Can you be a successful airline pilot without doing these things? Of course you can. 99.999% of the time airline flights are kind of routine. But try to add to that backpack of knowledge so if the day does come when the .001% occurs you can handle it.