Hey all, I'm 23 and I just graduated from university with a bachelors in information systems, but I'm currently looking to become a commercial pilot. I saw there are some flight schools that claim it is easier to get an airline pilot job through them, but I am not sure the exact extent of those claims.

What are some good schools I can attend that'll ensure that I get a job with a good regional airline? I saw Republic Airways just opened up one. I live in Washington DC, but I'm willing to travel. Also, I saw some airlines say they are doing reimbursement like past 500 hours or something like that.

My end goal is to eventually get with United, Delta, or American. So a regional airline that has a pipeline program would be ideal.

No one really cares where you went to flight school. ERAU, UND, and a few others may have a good alumni network, but for the most part employers don't care.


The trick is to get your ratings as fast as possible and get to 1500 hours as fast as possible.

I’m gonna leave out the university programs because I think those are overpriced, especially since I already have a bachelors. I’m just having trouble deciding if I should go for a local flight school around me or one of those ones that really market themselves as commercial pilot ready programs. I saw a post on this forum that said flight schools around DC are only good for a private license.

All that fancy advertising costs money. That cost is passed on to you. With motivation you can get your ratings just as quickly and for far less money with a local flight school.

It really depends on your situation..... if you can afford to buy a 172 or equivalent and hire an instructor to teach you, then do it. You can sell the plane back at the end and come out ahead financially.

You might be able to save money if you go to a local flight school instead, but it will very likely take a long time to get your ratings.


ATP flight school on the other hand is expensive but they are quick. The depth of knowledge you'll lean there isn't as good because you're rushing through it, but they can do all of your ratings in 6-8 months. The other advantage to ATP is that they do have financing available through Sallie Mae and Wells Fargo.


There is also of course always the military or ANG.

So it just depends on your life circumstance.

I'm the guy that said DC flight schools are not the best idea. I said that because the DC SFRA wastes time. If you want to stay in DC, I would recommend two schools: either NAFC in Edgewater, MD or American Aviation in Manassas, VA. American Aviation would be my first choice, it's technically right on the edge of the SFRA and therefore minimizes the time wasting. They have a very good reputation. If you want to do all your ratings and want to stay in DC, I would go to American Aviation so I don't waste money and time flying in and out of the SFRA to practice maneuvers. https://www.americanaviationllc.com/...-pilot-program

In 1969, the Navy established an elite school for its top fighter pilots. The point of the school? To teach the "lost art" of aerial combat. The Navy calls it Fighter Weapons School, but the pilots know it as Top Gun.