CJ-

Hang in there - if this industry is a passion of yours then don't give up. I agree with what several have already said...instruct. Your goal shouldn't be an airline job right now. your goal should be 1200 hours. Then an airline job. Take it step by step, get your CFI (and don't EVER let it expire) and start instructing. Look for VFR freight jobs - usually their mins are lower for VFR only. That should set you up nicely for when this industry swings back into the positive (always the optimist )

As far as the FE - don't bother. Especially right now. Engineers are quickly becoming a distant memory unless you target the big freighters. Most 121 carriers don't require, nor give any credence for it. So... don't waste your money, or time, until you KNOW you need it. Yes, it must be renewed as well - something else to consider. It just plane wont' make you more marketable...unfortunately.

You mentioned something about a jet program. I just want to give my 2-cents (or maybe it's only worth 1 1/2 cents...)

Is this a type rating course of some sort? Most airlines don't put a lot of stock into an empty type. Simply put - it doesn't mean anything unless you've logged time in type. What it does give you is an edge in ground school - you've already been there, done that. That is, of course, after the interview where it really doesn't help you at all.

You also mentioned that you want to get a ramp job or something to get your foot in the door at an airline. Word of warning...
Most airlines do not give you any advantages over other applicants simply because you work there. Pilot hiring is in a different realm than other areas in the company. You might luck out, but then again you might not. So if you don’t like the work (ramp or whatever) then I would NOT recommend you go that route. Instead, concentrate on building time – that is much more valuable to a pilot recruiter. If you are hooked on working for an airline in another capacity then I would have to say you’ve got it backwards. Instead of instructing “on the side”, you should make that primary and work the ramp on the side.


Rather than taking your ATP written this early, I would recommend finishing your degree. You will be thankful you did in the end. Nobody knows what is going to happen in the industry over the next several years, but my hunch is that competitiveness is going to skyrocket. Many airlines require a four-year degree now…most likely even more will require it in the future. Get your ATP when you are closer to either landing a job or able to take the practical portion.


I hope this helps give you another perspective. I wish you the best – and don’t give up.

Lori