College in 2.5, trying for major by age 27
 

Okay guys/gals I need some help from you guys in the industry right now.


So here's my situation.


I'm 19 attending University Of North Dakota (commercial Fixed wing/UAS) and i'm planning on finishing college in 2 1/2 years. I know it's a lot of work but I'm currently in 21 credits per semester and it's not too difficult for me, other than how much time it takes for homework/flight training. I know how that sound arrogent, but It's a north Dakota state school....


The reason I want to do this is because of the retirements that will be happening starting in 2021. My thought process is that if I get done in fall of 2019, work at the school being a CFI for 9 months finishing up my 1,000 hours I'll get to a regional by the time i'm 22/23 years old. I work there building up my hours to the point where I look somewhat attractive to a major carrier. i'm guessing 3/4 years looking at how the movement is projected to go with all of the retirements.

Another thing that might make a big difference is my neighbor just retired from being one man under the COO of Delta. I already have a great relationship with him and is more than willing to write me a letter of recommendation.

If nothing happens in terrorism/massive recession, does this sound reasonable?



My main questions for you. (I know i'm asking you to look inside your crystal ball, but if you could I would appreciate it)


- How much time will I have to spend a regional carrier before getting the call from Delta? (I don't know how critical the letter of recommendation will be...)

- I want to enter the industry right when the flood gates open regarding hiring, and try to beat other people to a higher seniority. Am I totally off in my thinking?

- For you guys at the majors, how young are some of the FO's you fly with? Do you think if I follow my plan I could make it to a legacy between the ages of 27-29?


If you have any other comments please feel free to tell me!


Thanks, John

First off, good for you. I wish I had your foresight when I was your age. You're killing it and if you keep it up 27-29 is absolutely reasonable.

That said, if you want to go to Delta, I recommend Endeavor. I know SO MANY guys (myself included) who have been trying for years (I'm in my mid thirties) to get hired by Delta and nothing is happening. If you go to Endeavor you are guaranteed an interview at Delta after completing certain requirements.

I would definitely choose a regional that has flow/guaranteed interview somewhere. If you want to get to American, you almost HAVE to go to either Envoy, PSA, or Piedmont. They do very little street hiring.

Also, start going to job fairs as soon as you can. Volunteer within the community and above all that, take any leadership roles you can (i.e.: Chief Pilot, Check Airman, etc).

Good luck!

*arrogant not arrogent

But, it is possible. Be a go getter, leave every door open, don't burn bridges, connect with everyone and be humble enough to ask for help...I started at a major at 29

Just relax man and let the pieces fall where they may. Anyone starting now at 18-22 will do pretty good considering the movement/retirement coming up in the 2020 decade and onwards. Try to pick a regional carrier based on where you are, what base you are looking for, personal/family situation, and then the regional's growth rate and/or flow programs (which aren't guaranteed things in the future). Enjoy the journey, and try to enjoy the regional while you get your time.

If you treat this like a checkbox right now, be out of college by 20 (check), CFI til 23 (check), regional for 3-4 yrs (check), and then legacy by 27-28 (check), you will be sorely disappointed if you don't hit your own personal metrics. And don't think of it as a game for beating people to seniority. Most of aviation and career outcomes depend on timing and luck, and those are two things you really have no control over.

Everything you are doing currently, especially your commitment to being a CFI, is great. Don't place any emphasis on the letter of recommendation, it may (probably will) help, but don't count on it. You are ahead of the pack already based solely on your foresight of how you want to influence the direction of your career. Having a plan is paramount. Good luck, hope to see you soon

Enjoy your life and have fun being a kid man. It’s easy to get swept up in this field. You’ll get here eventually, but for now enjoy your time being young. You have the rest of your life to work.

Good for you for being very goal-oriented at 19, but Enjoy being in college! You’re going to have 40+ years in this career. There is no rush for you right now. Follow the program and graduate when its time.. you’re only going to have this experience once and once you’re out it’s not coming back.
Do an internship as well. Even if it slows you down in your graduation track it will pay dividends in the future.

I did it in the dark ages. 2 years 11 months at Auburn, 21 at ASA for 6 years, hired at CAL at 27, and Delta by 28 in 2007. I do wish I had more fun in my earlier years, but then again I might still be at a regional right now. Keep at it and good luck.

You might never get called by DL. Nothing is guaranteed.
Getting to a regional ASAP, and upgrading ASAP will help. Will it get you hired faster than others? Not necessarily - nothing is guaranteed.

The avg DL new hire has approx 7500 TT and 4000 hrs TT. Expecting to get hired before then might leave you disappointed.

Using the timing you provided 7500/4000 might take until you're 29-31. That's the median guy, half get hired later than that.

Supply and demand issues might reduce the avg experience/age numbers by the time you're in the market to get hired.

You should be fine. The dinosaurs (I'm just about there) will be moving on to other pastures at a rapid rate. Any major will be a great job, don't limit yourself. It's a crapshoot getting to one. Just ask anyone 55 or older that's flying for nonsched or regional airlines. Not everyone gets the right breaks to make it. I consider myself fortunate to be where I am, although I worked very hard to put myself into position.

Take a flying job that you will enjoy. CFI for 1500 hours is boring. Go fly freight, aerial photography, charter, anything to give you real world, outside the pattern experience. Once you get your 1500 hours look at something other than a regional. Pic for Ameriflight at 1600 hours is better than f/o for a regional without a guaranteed flow.

And flying for an ACMI carrier like Atlas or Kalitta will give you some great experience and cool stories. I just flew with a F/O who was a captain at North American while he was on furlough. He had a blast. The job can be fun if you go to the right places and enjoy your time.

Just don't marry the first f/a you shack up with. You need to be able to move without family or spouse obligations for a while while you get started in the business. I didn't do that and it cost me two marriages until I got settled. There is a huge time obligation that goes along with this job, many spouses don't get it. Those that do are like gold.