F15AvionicsTech

Hi folks -

I've gotten so much help from this forum, I thought I'd ask a quick question. (Or two)

I just turned 22 in December, and I should be done my PPL by this May. However, I signed up for aviationinterviews.com and from reading the gouges, it seems that at 21-23 most people are already applying to Regionals and have upwards of 1000hr TT. Should I be concerned that I'm getting into the game late? I don't plan on doing PFT so what should I expect? How did most people go about getting their ratings in order to instruct?
What route should I go? PPL - Instrument - CFI? ?

I'm assuming that I'll have to take out loans to pay for all my ratings up to ATP, is this correct?

I've reserved myself to take everything one step at a time and really learn everything I can rather then rush through it all - however there's an ever present voice in the back of my head saying that I dont have much time!

Generally, from PPL to 1000TT (Ready for regionals) how long does that take most people who go the "slow" route.

Willi364

22 is a good age to get started. I was 22 when I got my ppl. Find a college or academy to continue your training or take your time and go to the local fbo on your own time. I'm not one to say one school is better than another or that you will get a FO position faster if you go here. Do some research and find whats right for you. Keep in mind its your money and that there are a lot of good programs out there. There are a lot of people on this forum that think they know what's best for pilots and only believe there is one way to do it because they only did it one way. There are many ways to suceed. Good Luck

Slice

I got my ppl when I was 20. You are not even close to being behind the power curve in this industry. I went to a small flight school just outside of Wichita for my IFR thru MEI. Great prices, people, and flying. www.prairieairservice.com, worked for me, but to each his own...

I only had to instruct for 200 hrs before I was able to find some single pilot IFR jobs, mostly through networking. As far as the ATP, if you go to a regional and upgrade to Capt, the ATP will be awarded concurrently with your type rating if you don't already have it. I wouldn't even worry about that until you have the hours for it.

The best advice I was ever given was to be willing to move anywhere it takes to accomplish your goals(NY to KS for me!) Oh, and to go Guard! Hopefully at 22 you still have that flexibility.

Rama

You still have 37+ years to fly 121. Don't rush it, enjoy the ride. Consider other jobs (135, corporate, etc.) It seems many regional pilots hate it or just whine a lot.

F15AvionicsTech

Good to hear. That relaxes me a little bit.

F15AvionicsTech

Oh - one more thing. Is it important that I use only FAR 141 Schools for my ratings past PPL?

Punkpilot48

Not really. 141 backround shows that you came from a structured training environment but that is it. I highly doubt an interviewer would look you over beacuse you came from a 61 school. But the 141 will be quicker and might save you money.

Oh and youll probably be at an airline by the time you have your atp so I wouldnt worry about trying to take out loan money to get up to that 1500 total time. And about a quarter of the guys at the school I teach at are 30+ dont worry man you are still sitting pretty. Good luck!

F15AvionicsTech

So your saying I should pay for training as I have the money, and not with loans Punkpilot?

It seems like that would take years and years to get my other ratings (Instrument, CFI, MEI, CFII etc...very expensive) as well as the TT. Any recommendation on which rating to get after PPL? And after that?

Willi364

Just a few words about loans. If you decide to take out a loan to speed things up a bit, which I support. Make sure you have a back up plan to repay the loan. Better yet, make sure you research all options before taking out a loan. After you take that loan and spend it. It is yours to pay back regardless of your employment status.

As far as part 61 or 141, I would agree that it doesn't matter which you go to. I also agree that you may save a buck or two by going 141. They are usually designed to achieve your ratings in less hours than part 61.

I would recommend you get your Instrument rating after PPL. I believe instrument training really dials in your aircraft control and multi tasking ability among many other valuable skills.

Good Luck

SkyHigh

Heavy debt can snuff out an aviation dream faster than a flunked medical. Pay for the first five years or so will be very low. Even after that it isn't that great. A 800 loan payment would make survival impossible.

SkyHigh