tomgoodman

IMHO, this thread is loaded with good information and helpful advice.
That’s one of the main reasons APC was started.

headcase

4 Failed Primary training Checkrides.....

TiredSoul

I could have failed every check ride I’ve ever taken but i didn’t.
What I’m trying to say is that sometimes....and only sometimes....things just simply work against you.
With your history I wouldn’t have done the MEI as an initial.
I’m thinking somebody talked you into that and they didn’t do you a favor.
In any case work diligently on your future. Many won’t make it to the Fedex/UPS/UA/DL’s of this world for various reasons. Not many athletes make it to the Olympics either.
Gold seal/ asst Chief Flight instructor/ Check instructor 141 are all the immediate goals.
You may want to consider a sidestep to 135 next. Stick around till upgrade time then start looking at 121.
You’ve now proven that can you pass professional proficiency checks and you’ve measured up for upgrade.
I’ve managed to bypass the Regionals altogether as I couldn’t afford them at the time as is bought a house as a CFI
To stay in GoT terminology, the Regionals are the Pit of Hopefuls, you may be picked up or you may not.
“Flows” can be cancelled at any time by the Lords of Darkness and they’re by no means a guarantee.
Any idea where that money for your sign on bonus comes from?
5 years at a Regional before flow to a Major will safe them 5 years seniority at the other end. And that’s a whole lot more then $50k.
Enjoy your career, don’t get stressed out. On paper it may look bad but that doesn’t mean that you are bad.
Be the best you can be in every career step.
I’ll be the first one to tell you I didn’t even grow a brain till 28.
I was voted least likely to succeed in HS.
Carry on son.
This guy had every reason to fail in life and he didn’t:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJn_p9bJYXA

JTwift

I’ve been teaching people going to 135s that are coming from Cessna 152/172s going straight to Learjets. Corporate is hurting for people. Mostly because their pay and work rules still kinda suck. I don’t know a lot of people who want to do 14 on/7 off for $45k.

TiredSoul

There are much better schedules then that.
In any case I went from $45k instructing working 24/7/365 to $45k working 14 on / 14 off flying a jet 135.
Felt like I was on permanent vacation.
It’s not always about the money and a lot of these jobs are temporary as in 1-3 years.
Don’t treat 135 as a second rate choice.
In two years I flew to every state except Alaska and Hawaii, every Class B and pretty much every Class C and all high altitude airports ( Aspen, Telluride etc). I dare say that was a whole lot more exciting and varied then a Regional could have offered.
I went from 135> 121(s) > 121 ACMI

bryris

Seems like the only way to find 135 jobs is to "know a guy". Where do you find them?

dera

climbto350.com

JohnBurke

You don't need to know anybody to get a 135 job.

I've never had a job in my life that I got because I knew someone.

Just apply.

sflpilot

One thing not mentioned so far is that in your situation you definitely want a back up plan with your college degree just in case things don’t work out. And seriously reconsider your study preparation habits and your mindset when operating the aircraft.

sflpilot

One more thing about this whole situation. Anyone who fails that many upfront in the pilot training should not even be attempting the CFI. At that point if you are at three you would still be OK for the career. There are ways to build time with just a commercial. Banner towing and sightseeing tours come to mind.