Originally Posted by
McKeeC
I'm currently an Army helicopter pilot with about 18 months left until I get out to begin an airline career. I figured it is about time to start researching a path to obtaining the hours required for the R-ATP. I have my private pilot fixed wing and instrument but am short on the PIC total time and crosscountry time as well as requiring my multi-engine rating. I applied for SkyWest's RTP program and heard back yesterday saying I was "accepted." I'm assuming there will be an interview at some point but they didn't offer me a lot of information yet about the process.
Has anyone dealt with SkyWest's RTP program? Just curious about how it was. Are there certain flight schools they accept? I know it's going to vary for everyone but is it worth a 2 year commitment? That honestly doesn't seem all that terrible for $25k in flight training costs covered but I'm curious about others' opinions. I've taken a look through some of the other threads here to learn more about SkyWest but any other opinions are welcome here. Is DTW still fairly junior? I'm honestly not 100% sure yet where I'll be living after the Army but my wife would really like to move back home which is ROC. What's the viability of commuting from ROC to DTW?
I may add more questions here as I think of them or may answer my own questions as I continue to do research but I appreciate any insight ya'll might have!
No replies in 2 months? This is the info I came here looking for. Skywest also "accepted" me into their pilot pathway program. I'm hesitant to sign anything and accept money until I learn more. I retired from the Army with 2,300 hours and just finished my PPL add-on. At this rate, I will continue to chip away at my ratings on the side but stay employed in my current profession. I'd like to hear from someone that has our similar background and did the Skywest Pilot Pathway program.
You should plan to take the CSP early out and attend Infinity flight training while using the GI Bill. Let Uncle Sam pay your salary, GI Bill pay the flight training, and have the airlines come to you for interviews. In 18 months it could all stop and you could just look for a helicopter job or CFII job in the meantime. My 2 cents.