Originally Posted by
RmTrice
Hey guys.
So, heres my situation. Total cost will not exceed $50,000 which, in todays world, i think is pretty cheap for flight school. When i'm done, ill have my private single, multi engine rating, instrument, commercial multi, commercial single, CFI, CFI multi, and CFI instrument do not pay out of pocket for the add on ratings. use your CFI to pay for them. Not too bad for $50 grand in my opinion, plus it will always be with the same instructor since he owns and operates his school. However i have a few concerns.
During this entire process I will only be flying on two types of aircraft: a C172 and a Piper Twin Comanche. It certainly keeps this simple and inexpensive; however, wouldnt the various employers out there like to see numerous aircraft types? As far as regionals are concerned, they don't care. You'll only be flying one type of aircraft with them, so why would they care? I only flew 3 types prior to my regional job.
Another question: exactly how valuable is multi engine PIC time in a piston-driven aircraft? VERY! The majors could care less about this time, but to a regional, multi PIC is multi PIC (with the exception of safety pilot time at some regionals) Sure everyone gets their multi rating in a piston driven twin, however my flight instructor isnt able to offer the "transition to jet" courses offered in places like Delta Connection and Embry Riddle. Would this be a problem or do most carriers hiring new pilots not care about multi piston vs. multi turbine or a "jet training" program? (in my experience in airline ground school, it was the guys that took the jet program that struggled the most because they couldn't get CRJ out of their head when learning the ERJ) I think there are people that will back me up on that one.
I think I made the right decision to go with my current instructor as opposed to Embry Riddle or Delta Connection.. I will attend UCF where my scholarships should pay for pretty much all my college tuition. That way, a 4-year degree and all my ratings shoudnt cost more than $60,000 total. Much better than ERAU's cost.. Hopefully i'm headed in the right direction. What do you all think? (I think that this sounds like the best plan for you. the most important thing about doing training at an FBO is that you have a good instructor....sounds like you found him!)