Originally Posted by
BoFlyer25
-Due to my time I feel like 24-36months is a reasonable amount of time to accumulate the additional time needed. My concern is as I continue to run my families business I won't have much time to get a CFI/II and that most of my time will be flying around for my own business as well as personal. Do airlines look down on this?
Doesn't matter what the majors think, because you need to get some regional time first (or alternatively 91/135 tubojet).
Historically regionals (and 91/135) would prefer CFI time or some other professional piston time (traffic watch, etc) but nobody can be picky right now. PPL time will be just fine for the indefinite future. However... the interviews (and written tests at some regionals) will cover some things that a CFI would have down cold due to regular use. You'll need to make sure you get the gouge and study thoroughly when the time comes.
Originally Posted by
BoFlyer25
Should I be looking for a gig flying a few days a week at a certain amount of hours as an FO? I want my resume and my experience to be the best it can be by the time I get to 1500hrs. Currently I am working on an ME followed by the CME so that maybe I can fly some SIC time with a few friends that work part 91/135 once I can qualify hours wise on their insurance.
That would be good experience, I'd do it if it's convenient. But ONLY if the operation in question is safe and in full regulatory compliance... a few hours of slowtation SIC will not help your career nearly as much as a violation will hurt it.
Originally Posted by
BoFlyer25
-I have amblyopia in my left eye. It wasn't enough to stop me from getting a 3rd Class Medical and I currently have no vision restrictions on my medical but I know for an absolute fact I cannot see 20/20 in that eye with corrected vision. My family friend who is a 757 pilot seems to thing that I should have no issue getting a SODA for this especially due to my 3rd class situation but I was wondering if anyone had FIRST HAND accounts of how this went down or has someone they worked with that is in this situation.
Yes you can get a SODA, the flight test is easy. The condition will need to be stable, otherwise it's more compliacted. Might want to pay AMAS or another consulting company to help with that, although if you have a good 1C AME you can start there.
Originally Posted by
BoFlyer25
-In 2010 I got a DUI. No tickets since. Medical was fully cleared by FAA. Based on what I have read in other threads I need to apply for Canada's Rehabilitation for those unable to enter the country. I don't see this being an issue other than that mega huge mistake I have been a model citizen which should be shown through my record since 2010 being clean as a whistle. That being said, I know there are many regionals who will hire people who have had DUI's but I've also heard that trying to make a career past regionals can prove difficult. I can survive the 5+ year grind to get back to a decent salary and I don't have to fly for a legacy but I would like to be able to move into a position at a decent carrier or cargo company at some point.
In the current climate a *single* DUI with an otherwise clean record will not be much of an issue, even for legacies. It helps that you were pretty young when it happened. You'll definitely need professional interview prep for the majors. For regionals, tell them succinctly what happened, take full responsibility, tell them what you learned and then shut the hell up (and interview is NOT confessional, do not drag the discussion out in hopes of absolution).
Originally Posted by
BoFlyer25
- I understand this is a monumental undertaking and I want people to understand that I am serious and committed to the cause. I know some will say with a family you're crazy to leave what you are doing but my passion is to do this and frankly my wife is my biggest fan. She understands the sacrifice as once again one of our family friends/her friend is the wife of a pilot. Within 24 months I will have us in the financial position to undertake a regional's pay and make up for where it doesn't from other funds.
The peak retirements are occurring now through about 2027. I'd get on with it asap if you can.
Originally Posted by
BoFlyer25
My biggest concern is with the two things above that I may have a harder time than others moving past the regional level.
Won't be a problem due to the retirements. Don't wait for the retirements to taper off later this decade. The medical thing will not be a problem as long as it's stable and you have a SODA, airlines no longer hold applicants to higher standards than the FAA. Most just want see your 1C, a few will do their own exam to verify your eligibility for the 1C.