Originally Posted by
Mason32
The current generation really needs to grow up, and stop whining. Historically, most at 121 airlines had well over 2,500 hours TT with their ATP before they ever stepped foot on the flight deck of a regional turboprop... They instructed, flew night charter, traffic reporting, banner towing, jumpers... anything to build time...
Recently we have seen part 121 arline hiring dip as low as 260 hours total time, going right into the right seat of a jet aircraft... These folks were very very very lucky, and they really need to catch up, get with the program, and stop whining.
Oh, since you asked. 2,000/500 ATP-CFI-CFII-MEI before I went to a regional. First flying job... flying traffic reporting. Did CFI stuff part time, mostly for people willing to pay what I charged.... (meaning, I have never ever been the type to give it away for nothing just to log time)... I didn't have anywhere near as many students as the kids flying at the FBO... but I certainly made the same money they did, if not more... and I was teaching in much nicer equipment.
I'm not sure ANYONE is whining here. This thread was created for informational purposes only ... but way to bring it down with that comment, lol.
I started instructing in college in Aug of 2005, and did that for a year and a half until I graduated in Dec of 2006 ... did CFI, CFII, MEI (keep them all current as well!!) After I graduated I was fully planning on instructing more, but got hired with Colgan and haven't looked back since ... I had right at 1000TT and 100Multi
Instructing was by far the most beneficial thing I could have done. It gives you so much experience with handling adverse situations, dealing with people who don't know what they're doing, making quick decisions when something goes wrong, etc. I would recommend instructing before going to a bigger and better gig to anyone interested in this industry. The learning experience is invaluable!