CFI or 737/767 Rating?
08-19-2013, 06:27 PM
#1
New Hire
Thread Starter
Joined APC: Aug 2013
Position: PA-44 Commercial pilot
Posts: 3
CFI or 737/767 Rating?
Hey there guys, I was wondering what would be a better option, I just finished my commercial multi with instrument, and now i find myself in the position of having too little experience to work for an airline.
I really want to go to work asap. what makes me more marketable?
What is the better choice? should I become a cfi or get a rating for a large aircraft?
do airlines hire you faster if u have a rating that they dont have to pay for?
I have only 300 hours total time.
thanks for any answers given.
I really want to go to work asap. what makes me more marketable?
What is the better choice? should I become a cfi or get a rating for a large aircraft?
do airlines hire you faster if u have a rating that they dont have to pay for?
I have only 300 hours total time.
thanks for any answers given.
08-19-2013, 06:37 PM
#2
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Feb 2012
Position: PNF
Posts: 622
Originally Posted by iseunath
Hey there guys, I was wondering what would be a better option, I just finished my commercial multi with instrument, and now i find myself in the position of having too little experience to work for an airline.
I really want to go to work asap. what makes me more marketable?
What is the better choice? should I become a cfi or get a rating for a large aircraft?
do airlines hire you faster if u have a rating that they dont have to pay for?
I have only 300 hours total time.
thanks for any answers given.
I really want to go to work asap. what makes me more marketable?
What is the better choice? should I become a cfi or get a rating for a large aircraft?
do airlines hire you faster if u have a rating that they dont have to pay for?
I have only 300 hours total time.
thanks for any answers given.
08-19-2013, 06:42 PM
#3
Line Holder
Joined APC: Feb 2013
Position: EMB-175 Right seat.
Posts: 44
CFI. You're a ways from getting any job that's going to require a type. In my opinion, best first job is to instruct a few hundred hours while keeping an eye open for other options. I flight instructed full time for about 2.5 years and accumulated 1250 hours.
Also, look at part 91 and 135 jobs. Many small tour companies hire with very little time. Westwind, scenic, etc. It's almost impossible to get on with some of them without an inside recommendation. But it never hurts to apply at all of them and call and follow up every few months.
Also, look at part 91 and 135 jobs. Many small tour companies hire with very little time. Westwind, scenic, etc. It's almost impossible to get on with some of them without an inside recommendation. But it never hurts to apply at all of them and call and follow up every few months.
08-19-2013, 08:35 PM
#4
Da Hudge
Joined APC: Oct 2006
Position: Poodle Whisperer
Posts: 17,473
I'll third CFI. Get the II and MEI as well. That 1500 hours will come quicker than you know it and you'll learn so much getting there.
Don't hesitate networking with the various people you meet along the way. Youll get some great opportunities through that such as charter gigs, aircraft sales ferries, and various fun toys that rich people have.
Don't hesitate networking with the various people you meet along the way. Youll get some great opportunities through that such as charter gigs, aircraft sales ferries, and various fun toys that rich people have.
08-28-2013, 09:27 PM
#6
On Reserve
Joined APC: Jul 2013
Posts: 19
I wanted to jump right into jets right away too. But I decided to get my CFI/CFII instead and boy am I glad! I got so much experience teaching and being able to put myself in different decision making environments that I might never have been in if I went right to jets. Teaching allows you to control the flying environment to help you learn along the way too. Getting a type rating does not increase your experience and experience is key in flying. The reason some airlines have better safety records than other airlines is because of the experience of the pilots, not because of whats on their certificates.
Get the CFI...may not be as glamorous as flying a jet but it is well worth it!
Get the CFI...may not be as glamorous as flying a jet but it is well worth it!
08-29-2013, 08:08 AM
#8
Prime Minister/Moderator
Joined APC: Jan 2006
Position: Engines Turn Or People Swim
Posts: 39,224
Originally Posted by xjcrew1
Type is a waste, you won't touch a 737/767 in the next 8 years. Unless you are VERY VERY lucky. Save the money and get your CFII & MEI.
Originally Posted by morerightrudder
Unless you have an in at a foreign carrier that will hire low timers, get your CFI ratings.
Yes, a 737 will do you no good at all right now and by the time it might be useful you will have forgotten it all.
Also some US majors are leery of hiring pilots who have a 737 type without any operational experience.
If you absolutely must buy a jet type at this point, get a citation type. But even then I would wait until you have an actual job opportunity (very unlikely at 300 hours).
08-30-2013, 07:18 AM
#9
New Hire
Joined APC: Aug 2013
Posts: 5
CFI.
Most pilots pay their dues in one way or the other. Military, CFI or banner towing... it all builds time and character. On your resume some day it will tell a story about how you got where you are. If you have a transport jet type with 300tt it says you are trying to buy your way past the character and time building process.
If you have a 737 type with 1000 total next year (don't know how you'd get the 1000hrs) and you're trying to get on with a regional, they might skip you thinking that this guy won't be here 6 months before he'll be off to a 737 operator or the like.
It is tempting but there is nothing you can do with the type rating beside show your friends. Let the airlines give you the type. You'll appreciate it more and will actually be able to fly the plane.
Most pilots pay their dues in one way or the other. Military, CFI or banner towing... it all builds time and character. On your resume some day it will tell a story about how you got where you are. If you have a transport jet type with 300tt it says you are trying to buy your way past the character and time building process.
If you have a 737 type with 1000 total next year (don't know how you'd get the 1000hrs) and you're trying to get on with a regional, they might skip you thinking that this guy won't be here 6 months before he'll be off to a 737 operator or the like.
It is tempting but there is nothing you can do with the type rating beside show your friends. Let the airlines give you the type. You'll appreciate it more and will actually be able to fly the plane.
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