Originally Posted by
PearlPilot
I am closing in on that 250 hour mark. Have about 3-4 months prior to getting the CPL. The Aztec I was to rent at a nearby FBO is down. It was $290 dual, ouch yes I cringed too. Another Aztec about an hour's away is $337 dual... The question is where to go. I know it's not cheap, but is there anything less than what I mentioned, or do I have to just bite the bullet at go with $337 and hope to be done within 10 hours?
We've exchanged PMs before, so you already have some of my thoughts on this. These rates are way too high for Aztec time. I know two local guys who beat those prices. Both own and teach in Piper twins and both of them are way less. Prairie Air Service (google) is charging about 225.00 an hour dual and Jeff Enochs is getting about 240. Enoch's plane looks better but PAS has the better reputation.
...I am paying for flying through my full time job, and here is what I am thinking. If I got... my multiengine rating now without borrowing any money, that would be a big relief. My fear is that if I do get my CFI and started working, I might be in a jam...
You absolutely will be in a jam buying ME time if all you do is flight instruct. Career track pilots work around this by only accepting a position at a multiengine facility like IASCO, TransPac or AllATPs. Even that rarely works quickly, but if you must do the CFI thing then choose a school with a bunch of twins on hand, ie. dozens of them. Also, think twice about getting your CFIs if you can avoid it because domestic airlines are turning away applicants with checkride busts as if they have leprosy. The bust rate is high on CFI certs. Only do it if your career is not going to continue without one. I hate to have to say this but the facts are what they are.
...I am also thinking about applying for the cadet pilot program of my native Sri Lanka (prior to getting my CFI) and if I got in I will be one of those 250 Airbus A320 trainee pilots. For that I will need to add on my multi engine rating...Of course the other question is, should I stay here and try an aviation career in the U.S. or go back...That is a decision I have yet to make. But like most of us, the thought of flying an Airbus on international routes looks so much better, although I will be living in a 3rd world country. Shiny Jet Syndrome?
Applying to a domestic airline versus applying to a foreign is a seriously different proposition. You must target who you want to work for and mold yourself to fit their criteria. Therefore you need to decide who you want to work for now in order to start working toward your goal.