Best Route into the Majors from Zero?
07-26-2023, 07:41 AM
#11
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jan 2021
Posts: 562
Originally Posted by mjt2147
Love your name! I grew up in Wisconsin and remember Midwest Express. For those that don't, it was really something. Actually I was spoiled because my first experiences flying were on Midwest Express so I thought that is just how flying was with every carrier.
A question for this thread: I see a lot of threads in the forums about not having enough PIC time in type, not having the right type ratings, not enough turbine time, etc. Those who are close to me who are pilots (I have close friends and family who are wide body Capts at Fedex, A320 FO at Jetblue, a PIC at Cirrus Aviation, a 717 FO at Delta) say that if you get to 1500, you'll be able to get hired at a regional, maybe a longshot to go straight to a major. This seems conflicting? I don't know exactly how it is going to play out for me, not sure where I'm going to want to be in a year or two when I am consistently racking up hours. Definitely not ruling out regional/major though, if they are a possibility. Can anyone shed any light on this apparent conflict of information?
A question for this thread: I see a lot of threads in the forums about not having enough PIC time in type, not having the right type ratings, not enough turbine time, etc. Those who are close to me who are pilots (I have close friends and family who are wide body Capts at Fedex, A320 FO at Jetblue, a PIC at Cirrus Aviation, a 717 FO at Delta) say that if you get to 1500, you'll be able to get hired at a regional, maybe a longshot to go straight to a major. This seems conflicting? I don't know exactly how it is going to play out for me, not sure where I'm going to want to be in a year or two when I am consistently racking up hours. Definitely not ruling out regional/major though, if they are a possibility. Can anyone shed any light on this apparent conflict of information?
It appears you are looking to begin your flight training. For now, concentrate on how you will work to obtain your Private Pilot License, Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot License. Along the way, you'll slowly learn more information about which route you might be looking to take. Most choose to become a Flight Instructor and use that to build the required hours to meet minimums for a Part 135 job or a regional airline. "Entry" jobs will not require turbine time or a type rating. However, more established ones will and that's where you'll hear those things about not having enough time in type or PIC time.
07-26-2023, 08:32 AM
#12
On Reserve
Joined APC: Jul 2023
Posts: 11
Originally Posted by QRH Bingo
It's not conflicting, it just applies to different positions/careers. When it comes to "not enough PIC" or "more time in type" "need specific type rating" this is usually geared toward some form of Part 91 or 135 jobs (charter, corporate, fractional, cargo). If looking at a regional airline, the goal is 1500 hrs and you're pretty much qualified to start there. (there are other requirements that need to be met, tho). Going straight to a major is not going to happen at 1500hrs. If you are part of a program, or maybe pay to complete your ATP Written, then getting to a place like Spirit or Sun Country is a possibility but certainly not Southwest, Alaska, or Legacy.
It appears you are looking to begin your flight training. For now, concentrate on how you will work to obtain your Private Pilot License, Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot License. Along the way, you'll slowly learn more information about which route you might be looking to take. Most choose to become a Flight Instructor and use that to build the required hours to meet minimums for a Part 135 job or a regional airline. "Entry" jobs will not require turbine time or a type rating. However, more established ones will and that's where you'll hear those things about not having enough time in type or PIC time.
It appears you are looking to begin your flight training. For now, concentrate on how you will work to obtain your Private Pilot License, Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot License. Along the way, you'll slowly learn more information about which route you might be looking to take. Most choose to become a Flight Instructor and use that to build the required hours to meet minimums for a Part 135 job or a regional airline. "Entry" jobs will not require turbine time or a type rating. However, more established ones will and that's where you'll hear those things about not having enough time in type or PIC time.
07-26-2023, 04:34 PM
#13
On Reserve
Joined APC: Jan 2023
Posts: 17
At the risk of being curmudgeonly…
Nobody know what the best route to the majors…”quickly”…will be. This never used to be a thing (the quickly part) and at some point, will cease to be again. It’s the cyclical nature of the business. Majors used to happen after 8-10 years at a regional, and 5,000 hours + TT.
People can tell you what they did at the time they came through (which has some value),but there’s no definitive roadmap.
Some constants exist. They are, at present (barring rule changes):
-Getting all of your ratings, through at least CAMEL / IR (which is no small task)
-Getting at least 1,500 hours (which is a freaking -grind-)
While I’m a fan of future orientation, plotting out which major you’ll go to at pre-private level, is like a JROTC kid jumping on SOCNET and asking operators whether he’d be better off being a SEAL, CAG, or a PJ.
Saddle up, enjoy the ride, and bring bags of money and hard work.
Nobody know what the best route to the majors…”quickly”…will be. This never used to be a thing (the quickly part) and at some point, will cease to be again. It’s the cyclical nature of the business. Majors used to happen after 8-10 years at a regional, and 5,000 hours + TT.
People can tell you what they did at the time they came through (which has some value),but there’s no definitive roadmap.
Some constants exist. They are, at present (barring rule changes):
-Getting all of your ratings, through at least CAMEL / IR (which is no small task)
-Getting at least 1,500 hours (which is a freaking -grind-)
While I’m a fan of future orientation, plotting out which major you’ll go to at pre-private level, is like a JROTC kid jumping on SOCNET and asking operators whether he’d be better off being a SEAL, CAG, or a PJ.
Saddle up, enjoy the ride, and bring bags of money and hard work.
07-30-2023, 08:34 AM
#14
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jan 2021
Posts: 562
Originally Posted by Azpilot06
. . . .While I’m a fan of future orientation, plotting out which major you’ll go to at pre-private level, is like a JROTC kid jumping on SOCNET and asking operators whether he’d be better off being a SEAL, CAG, or a PJ.
Saddle up, enjoy the ride, and bring bags of money and hard work.
Saddle up, enjoy the ride, and bring bags of money and hard work.
07-31-2023, 02:10 AM
#15
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Sep 2013
Position: Left
Posts: 636
Gotta agree with above, there’s a lot to digest, with plenty of work ahead, though it is attainable.
Sounds like you have a degree of sorts, change of direction? We can assume your record is fairly clean, Mom didn’t put you on Prozac when she visited that quack doctor when you were 12?
Agreed, there are upper steps on the ladder one could be content for life working at. We’ve all read ‘The Millionaire Next Door’, offense isn’t everything.
Some faith & perseverance is required, put more people in your circle that have a positive influence toward your goals.
The longer term outlook for piloting jobs is good, I’d lean faster track, opposed to the 8 year plan. Yes, for most $$ for training is a serious issue.
Sounds like you have a degree of sorts, change of direction? We can assume your record is fairly clean, Mom didn’t put you on Prozac when she visited that quack doctor when you were 12?
Agreed, there are upper steps on the ladder one could be content for life working at. We’ve all read ‘The Millionaire Next Door’, offense isn’t everything.
Some faith & perseverance is required, put more people in your circle that have a positive influence toward your goals.
The longer term outlook for piloting jobs is good, I’d lean faster track, opposed to the 8 year plan. Yes, for most $$ for training is a serious issue.
07-31-2023, 02:43 AM
#16
All is fine at .79
Joined APC: Sep 2016
Position: Paahlot
Posts: 4,088
Fastest way to the Majors?
Keep your nose clean, no speeding tickets, no nothing. Be responsible.
Be polite to anyone and everyone you meet around the airport, that’s how networking starts.
The person you’ve just parked next to might be an airplane owner looking for someone to fly their plane once in a while.
The person pumping your gas might be the shift supervisor or ramp lead.
Your first opportunity of employment are the airport and the flight school you’re training at.
Keep your nose clean, no speeding tickets, no nothing. Be responsible.
Be polite to anyone and everyone you meet around the airport, that’s how networking starts.
The person you’ve just parked next to might be an airplane owner looking for someone to fly their plane once in a while.
The person pumping your gas might be the shift supervisor or ramp lead.
Your first opportunity of employment are the airport and the flight school you’re training at.
07-31-2023, 07:52 AM
#17
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jan 2021
Posts: 562
Originally Posted by TiredSoul
Fastest way to the Majors?
Keep your nose clean, no speeding tickets, no nothing. Be responsible.
Be polite to anyone and everyone you meet around the airport, that’s how networking starts.
The person you’ve just parked next to might be an airplane owner looking for someone to fly their plane once in a while.
The person pumping your gas might be the shift supervisor or ramp lead.
Your first opportunity of employment are the airport and the flight school you’re training at.
Keep your nose clean, no speeding tickets, no nothing. Be responsible.
Be polite to anyone and everyone you meet around the airport, that’s how networking starts.
The person you’ve just parked next to might be an airplane owner looking for someone to fly their plane once in a while.
The person pumping your gas might be the shift supervisor or ramp lead.
Your first opportunity of employment are the airport and the flight school you’re training at.
07-31-2023, 10:57 PM
#18
Gets Everyday Off
Joined APC: Aug 2016
Position: Relaxed
Posts: 6,948
Originally Posted by QRH Bingo
Reminds me of Robert, the owner at Barker Ground Services in Laredo, TX. During any visit, he could be the one marshalling you in and chocking your aircraft, on the forklift loading cargo, on a ladder fueling the plane (even if it's 100 degrees) or behind the desk taking credit cards. Great guy to chat with and he seems to know everyone in the business.
08-02-2023, 04:09 PM
#20
Line Holder
Joined APC: Nov 2022
Position: Time building
Posts: 37
Originally Posted by vaa2290
Anybody know if Sallie Mae offers loans for any part 141 school of the student's choosing, or are they just offering loans to schools they are partnered with?
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