Originally Posted by
Swapapotamoose
I’ve had a few FA’s ask me this recently. The fastest way is by far ATP. You’ll get every single rating in less than a year. Instructing is not for everyone but my opinion is that you’ll learn a lot instructing. I did everything to no instruct but wasn’t able to find a time building gig with a wet commercial ticket. Now that I can look back, I’m glad I instructed because I think it made me a better pilot. Go get it, there’s no better time than now!
If you had the funds to spend $60-70k to time build to get 800 hours (R-ATP @ 1,000) Would you do that instead of instructing? I'm heavily debating going this route over instructing.
I'd get to regionals about 10 months faster than instructing, and I feel like those 10 months are going to be crucial to the rest of my career.
As for OP: I was heavily interested in the MESA Development Program as well. I started doing research, and it just doesn't seem like it would be worth the 3 year contract to be stuck at a regional (unless your plan is to upgrade and build Turbine PIC) MESA also doesn't have AQP for their training program. I've never done a type-rating but I heard that type of training is a god-send for someone that hasn't done a type-rating before.
ATP is the fastest way to get your ratings. It's expensive, and you'll need to devote 100% effort and time into it, but it's very do-able.