woolyone

Howdy ya'll,

I'm a 24y/o young professional who's heart is telling me to pull out all the stops and begin my journey as a pilot. Currently in the analysis paralysis phase as it's quite the life-altering decision to make. However with no mortgage, wife, or kids, I feel like it is now or never to jump into the career.

From what I can see lurking on the forums, airlines are recruiting practically anyone with ATP mins and a pulse. My game plan is to get there ASAP.

My original plan is to attend a Part 141 flight school (ATP is the top of my list). From then on, is it worth the time/money to go all the way to become a CFII and time build as an instructor? Would it be faster to get my Commercial Pilot Certificate and explore Part 135 opportunities? Ideally, I'd like to meet the minimums for the Mesa Pilot Development Program since that seems the surefire (and cheapest) way to 1500h.

What was your path like? What would you do differently? I'm open to hearing everyone's story and advice. Thank you!

Swapapotamoose

I’ve had a few FA’s ask me this recently. The fastest way is by far ATP. You’ll get every single rating in less than a year. Instructing is not for everyone but my opinion is that you’ll learn a lot instructing. I did everything to no instruct but wasn’t able to find a time building gig with a wet commercial ticket. Now that I can look back, I’m glad I instructed because I think it made me a better pilot. Go get it, there’s no better time than now!

Evol2Evil

If you had the funds to spend $60-70k to time build to get 800 hours (R-ATP @ 1,000) Would you do that instead of instructing? I'm heavily debating going this route over instructing.
I'd get to regionals about 10 months faster than instructing, and I feel like those 10 months are going to be crucial to the rest of my career.

As for OP: I was heavily interested in the MESA Development Program as well. I started doing research, and it just doesn't seem like it would be worth the 3 year contract to be stuck at a regional (unless your plan is to upgrade and build Turbine PIC) MESA also doesn't have AQP for their training program. I've never done a type-rating but I heard that type of training is a god-send for someone that hasn't done a type-rating before.
ATP is the fastest way to get your ratings. It's expensive, and you'll need to devote 100% effort and time into it, but it's very do-able.

rickair7777

You'll learn a lot as a CFI, and you won't have to pay for your hours (other than opportunity cost of whatever job you could be doing if you weren't flying).

I think the absolute fastest path to 1500 right now would be to simply buy a plane and burn holes in the sky as your full-time job, or alternatively lease one for X hours and Y months. I'm sure somebody would lease you a plane, having one dude/dudette doing wholesale XC time-building would generate far more revenue for a lot less wear on the plane than FBO rentals. You could split the cost if you can find a like-minded partner.

Might make sense for an older career-changer with more money than years left to fly.

Back in the day PPL time was not as competitive for the regionals, but they cannot be remotely that picky today. So it would do the trick for sure.

TiredSoul

You don’t need ATP to do things fast.
Flightschool where I used to work, we did 0-CPL SE/ME in 6 months or 0-CFI/CFII/MEI in 9 months. Flight instruct to 600-700hrs.
Then head to Alaska in the spring to try and get a summer flying job. Put in 100% and try and get hired through the winter on a turbo prop.
Then go anywhere with your ATP and 5-600 hrs of hardcore IFR.

woolyone

Thanks, I've tried looking for other flight schools but none are as robust as ATP. Instructing seems to be the way to go after reevaluating the pros/cons. Seems that a lot of personal development occurs as an instructor along with becoming a more well-rounded pilot, despite it being a 2-year gig to get to the magic number.

woolyone

I think I'll get my CFII with ATP and start off instructing, but shoot my shot with the Development Program if I deem it necessary. I don't have an idea how short the timetable is for regional to legacy, but 3 years seemed reasonable to me. Plus my ultimate goal would be to fly for Delta, and flying for a competitor seems to be a guaranteed way of getting your foot in the door at a desired airline.

I am still a little fuzzy on what the AQP part entails, could you elaborate on what it is, where it comes into play? Thank you!

woolyone

If I could I honestly would - unfortunately I won't have the disposable income/funds to go that route. I'll definitely keep the lease option in mind even if I could only use it during some sort of downtime or with a buddy. Thank you!

AKFlyer1

What flightschool was it that did 0-CPL in roughly 6 months? I'm in the market for a flight school anywhere in the country and would check it out.

Swapapotamoose

That’s ATP’s business model, they’ll get you done quickly but it comes a a higher cost. With damn near every regional and LCC paying close to 100k first year it’s a worth while investment. I personally would not commit to any cadet program that requires a contract, specially not MESA. You’ll probably hit 1500 and go straight to a LCC or possibly even a legacy. The regionals likely won’t be around much longer. Instructing will scare the crap out of you sometimes and it’ll get you out of your comfort zone, that will mature your flying much more than buzzing around watching paint dry. Now if you can get a Pilatus or caravan gig I’d do that.