Elevation

Do your due diligence. Figure yourself out so you can defeat whatever was fouling you up on checkrides and in training. But don't worry or spend years talking about career progression on the intercom. It doesn't get you anything but old, in my experience.

Flyguy22

I also have 4 fails on my record: PVT, Comm Multi, CFI (initial), and MEI.

I understand pre-COVID I might have had some options for regionals, but post-COVID? I’m a bit worried..

TOGALOCK

Being completely blunt, your chances of going straight to a regional are slim to none for a long time to come. Not to say that you will never get there, but in the post-covid world you’ve likely lost the privilege of going straight from CFIing to regional jet.

Having said that, a good 91 or 135 job might be what you need as the next step to prove yourself to the airline recruiters. If there is a type rating involved that would be even better. Network your rear off to get the job and the study in training until your eyes bleed. Not to put pressure on you, but it will be the make or break event for you. Especially a type rating. You’ve already dug yourself a hole. This is your chance to climb out. Fail your first 135 ride or type ride and that hole will have likely collapsed on you. You may still have a great career as a professional pilot, but the airline doors will have likely closed.

Who knows. You never know what kind of happiness you will find in your next job, whatever it may be. I have two friends who were the “ride or die” for the airlines types. Both had clean records, but found their first jet jobs at 135 operators. They both ended up falling in unexpected love with the private jet lifestyle. One went on to a great 91 job; the other is now a chief pilot of a 135 operation. You never know what surprises your career will bring. Just keep and open mind and enjoy the ride as much as the destination. Good luck!

Flyguy22

Thanks Toga! Trying to keep a good head about it

flywithchris

Failed my check ride 5 times now
4 on private (yeah i know thats unheard of but it happened, 3 with same DPE and 4th with another)
passed instrument and commercial on first try
just failed my CFI-A on the flight portion

If I have a clean record from here on out including CFII, MEL and get myself to 135 operator and build my time, would I have a chance to make it to the regionals and major airlines?
I do have a bachelors degree in engineering and served in the Navy as an officer as well
I've been hearing from people that private check ride doesn't really matter and also CFI-A (because of the 80% fail rate)
but with that being said, I think 4 busts are a lot are a problem for private.
what do you guys think?
Any recruiters here would like to chime in?

nonononononono

no you are completely screwed and yes im serious. the market isnt coming back.

FlyingDad65

4 busts is a lot. That being said, if you are young and have time, I would go to CAE or Flight Safety in the “right seat program” where are you can make a lot of good connections and get a lot of experience and simulators/jet environment.

There are a lot of ^^^^^^douche bags ^^^^^^ out there who will try to be negative and just create a toxic environment no matter where they go. Don’t pay any attention to them and keep going for your goal. Just be realistic that it will take longer and you will have to keep your record perfectly clean from here on out, including driving record. Volunteer, join a flight club and fly pilots for paws; anything you can do the pad your resume helps. Pay to have someone review your resume and applications b4 submitting them. And when you go for any interview, pay for the prep. Many people do not need this; but you were going for a multi million dollar job and it’s worth the money.

flightlessbirds

Four is a lot. Three on one ride is a lot.

But folks are very negative here.

Learn from it. Get as many more ratings as you can with NO busts (II/MEI/glider/CFI-G/seaplane/balloon/helicopter/etc/etc).

Get into the 135 world if you can and get a couple years and a type or two and flawless 293/297 performance. Then work on your narrative on how you fixed the issues. No blame. It was a growth opportunity and you owned it.

Also look at what other opportunities 141/137/142/etc that you might be able to get into an FAA required role (with a FSDO ride). Might help show dedication and professional development. For instance, 141 ACI plus gold seal might help get into a 142 (SimCom/FlightSafety type role).

Best of luck!

rickair7777

Yes, extensive trouble-free experience, ratings, and types will help. But with that many busts you simply can't get any more... you'd always have that hanging over your head until you finish probation at a career-destination employer.

flightlessbirds

Agreed.

filler