A question for those who know best...
05-05-2008, 01:27 PM
#1
On Reserve
Thread Starter
Joined APC: Mar 2008
Position: new hire
Posts: 18
A question for those who know best...
I have a bit of a dilemna, and I am in need of some help from those who know best.
I am 30 years old and hoping to leave my good paying, stable career of 11 years to pursue a job with a regional airlines making low wages and working long hours. I currently have a Comm Multi Rating with >325 hours PIC and 20 Multi.
As of now, the ASA rebsite requires 500TT with 50 multi and American Eagle requires 400TT with 100 multi.
Until recently speaking with another pilot in the industry: My plan of action was to purchase 100 hours of Multiengine time in a Seneca, and hopefully attend a Jet Transition training course from a misc flight training center. This will come to a cost of appx $11000 + $4000= $15000.
The advise I recieved today was that I should instead spend the money on obtaining my CFI, CFII, and/or MEI ratings. I was told that the airlines would prefer to see time built while instructing as opposed to purchasing block time for cross-country flight. In addition, I was told that 60-80% of a airline new hires wash out of the flight training program. If I have my CFI rating, I would at least have a backup plan just in case. However, we all know that flight instruction can take a while to build the nessessary hours.
Obviously, if I had the money to do both...I would. I work as a Firefighter/Paramedic making appx $52k/yr. The money is good, but not bottomless. So, I must choose one over the other. Buy the multi time, or get my CFII/MEI rating?
PLEASE HELP!!!!
Wd
I am 30 years old and hoping to leave my good paying, stable career of 11 years to pursue a job with a regional airlines making low wages and working long hours. I currently have a Comm Multi Rating with >325 hours PIC and 20 Multi.
As of now, the ASA rebsite requires 500TT with 50 multi and American Eagle requires 400TT with 100 multi.
Until recently speaking with another pilot in the industry: My plan of action was to purchase 100 hours of Multiengine time in a Seneca, and hopefully attend a Jet Transition training course from a misc flight training center. This will come to a cost of appx $11000 + $4000= $15000.
The advise I recieved today was that I should instead spend the money on obtaining my CFI, CFII, and/or MEI ratings. I was told that the airlines would prefer to see time built while instructing as opposed to purchasing block time for cross-country flight. In addition, I was told that 60-80% of a airline new hires wash out of the flight training program. If I have my CFI rating, I would at least have a backup plan just in case. However, we all know that flight instruction can take a while to build the nessessary hours.
Obviously, if I had the money to do both...I would. I work as a Firefighter/Paramedic making appx $52k/yr. The money is good, but not bottomless. So, I must choose one over the other. Buy the multi time, or get my CFII/MEI rating?
PLEASE HELP!!!!
Wd
05-05-2008, 03:11 PM
#2
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jan 2006
Position: Spartan
Posts: 3,652
Originally Posted by Vector2Final
I have a bit of a dilemna, and I am in need of some help from those who know best.
I am 30 years old and hoping to leave my good paying, stable career of 11 years to pursue a job with a regional airlines making low wages and working long hours. I currently have a Comm Multi Rating with >325 hours PIC and 20 Multi.
As of now, the ASA rebsite requires 500TT with 50 multi and American Eagle requires 400TT with 100 multi.
Until recently speaking with another pilot in the industry: My plan of action was to purchase 100 hours of Multiengine time in a Seneca, and hopefully attend a Jet Transition training course from a misc flight training center. This will come to a cost of appx $11000 + $4000= $15000.
The advise I recieved today was that I should instead spend the money on obtaining my CFI, CFII, and/or MEI ratings. I was told that the airlines would prefer to see time built while instructing as opposed to purchasing block time for cross-country flight. In addition, I was told that 60-80% of a airline new hires wash out of the flight training program. If I have my CFI rating, I would at least have a backup plan just in case. However, we all know that flight instruction can take a while to build the nessessary hours.
Obviously, if I had the money to do both...I would. I work as a Firefighter/Paramedic making appx $52k/yr. The money is good, but not bottomless. So, I must choose one over the other. Buy the multi time, or get my CFII/MEI rating?
PLEASE HELP!!!!
Wd
I am 30 years old and hoping to leave my good paying, stable career of 11 years to pursue a job with a regional airlines making low wages and working long hours. I currently have a Comm Multi Rating with >325 hours PIC and 20 Multi.
As of now, the ASA rebsite requires 500TT with 50 multi and American Eagle requires 400TT with 100 multi.
Until recently speaking with another pilot in the industry: My plan of action was to purchase 100 hours of Multiengine time in a Seneca, and hopefully attend a Jet Transition training course from a misc flight training center. This will come to a cost of appx $11000 + $4000= $15000.
The advise I recieved today was that I should instead spend the money on obtaining my CFI, CFII, and/or MEI ratings. I was told that the airlines would prefer to see time built while instructing as opposed to purchasing block time for cross-country flight. In addition, I was told that 60-80% of a airline new hires wash out of the flight training program. If I have my CFI rating, I would at least have a backup plan just in case. However, we all know that flight instruction can take a while to build the nessessary hours.
Obviously, if I had the money to do both...I would. I work as a Firefighter/Paramedic making appx $52k/yr. The money is good, but not bottomless. So, I must choose one over the other. Buy the multi time, or get my CFII/MEI rating?
PLEASE HELP!!!!
Wd
05-05-2008, 03:30 PM
#3
APC co-founder
Joined APC: Feb 2005
Position: B777
Posts: 5,853
I'd urge you to get a CFII and conserve cash as much as possible. If you end up with a student who needs multi training cross that bridge when you get to it.
That the industry is not presently poised for growth is an understatement and it has the potential to get real ugly, real fast.
That the industry is not presently poised for growth is an understatement and it has the potential to get real ugly, real fast.
05-05-2008, 07:12 PM
#4
On Reserve
Thread Starter
Joined APC: Mar 2008
Position: new hire
Posts: 18
Originally Posted by Slice
I think you are insane considering taking on debt or spending $15K in savings to bring your times to 425/120...which in the grand scheme of things is still extremely low time. ...
I plan to place a call tomorrow to ASA recruitment regarding this issue. Hopefully they can also provide some insight on the issue. I will post their response....
Wd
05-05-2008, 08:00 PM
#5
Line Holder
Joined APC: Mar 2008
Position: Soon2B
Posts: 54
Good luck Vector. Don't let the negativety get you down. There is a pilot shortage and will be for some time, the only problem playing havoc is the gas price. Hopefully things will get better. CFII is a good backup, but work on those multi hours too.
05-06-2008, 05:00 AM
#6
Flying Farmer
Joined APC: Jul 2006
Position: Turbo-props' and John Deere's
Posts: 3,160
Get the CFI/MEI-I and you'll be better off. Just burning circles in the sky to put those magic Multi-numbers in your logbook isn't as good as dual-given, plus you'll really be challenging yourself to teach another how to fly!!!
05-06-2008, 07:30 AM
#8
On Reserve
Thread Starter
Joined APC: Mar 2008
Position: new hire
Posts: 18
Thanks to everyone for the advise....
I spoke with a recruiter from ASA this morning. He was very cordial and offered alot of great advise:
1) As the industry goes...there are highs and lows in hiring and it all comes down to having the right timing. Unfortunately, the industry has swing back into a lull and ASA is no longer scheduling interviews. Those that have already been interviewed are being placed in a hiring pool awaiting the next wave of hiring.
2) Purchasing 100 hours of multiengine flight time alone will not make me competitive. Although the minimums are 500tt and 50 multi. I was told that realistic competitive numbers are more in the ballpark of 1000tt and 100 multi.
3) Glass cockpit training/ Advanced Jet Training- He highly recommends receiving glass cockpit and as much Advanced Jet Training as possible. During the interview process, a simulator evaluation in a CRJ may determine more than anything whether or not you have a job. Be proficient with Glass and Jets!! *Note- I even threw out the idea of getting typed in a CRJ. He didnt seem to think it would be worth the money invested, but did say it would be a very strong consideration when they weed through the apps.
4) He didnt really say much about getting the CFI/CFII/MEI ratings except that in order the be competitive with time...Flight instruction is the only practical way to build time.
This call was extremely helpful as were the other post from everyone. I think I know what needs to be done...I've got to start studying for my Fundamentals of Flight Instruction and Certified Flight Instructor exam.
I spoke with a recruiter from ASA this morning. He was very cordial and offered alot of great advise:
1) As the industry goes...there are highs and lows in hiring and it all comes down to having the right timing. Unfortunately, the industry has swing back into a lull and ASA is no longer scheduling interviews. Those that have already been interviewed are being placed in a hiring pool awaiting the next wave of hiring.
2) Purchasing 100 hours of multiengine flight time alone will not make me competitive. Although the minimums are 500tt and 50 multi. I was told that realistic competitive numbers are more in the ballpark of 1000tt and 100 multi.
3) Glass cockpit training/ Advanced Jet Training- He highly recommends receiving glass cockpit and as much Advanced Jet Training as possible. During the interview process, a simulator evaluation in a CRJ may determine more than anything whether or not you have a job. Be proficient with Glass and Jets!! *Note- I even threw out the idea of getting typed in a CRJ. He didnt seem to think it would be worth the money invested, but did say it would be a very strong consideration when they weed through the apps.
4) He didnt really say much about getting the CFI/CFII/MEI ratings except that in order the be competitive with time...Flight instruction is the only practical way to build time.
This call was extremely helpful as were the other post from everyone. I think I know what needs to be done...I've got to start studying for my Fundamentals of Flight Instruction and Certified Flight Instructor exam.
05-06-2008, 08:35 AM
#9
Moderator
Joined APC: May 2006
Position: ATP, CFI etc.
Posts: 6,056
Originally Posted by Vector2Final
Thanks to everyone for the advise....
I spoke with a recruiter from ASA this morning. He was very cordial and offered alot of great advise:
1) As the industry goes...there are highs and lows in hiring and it all comes down to having the right timing. Unfortunately, the industry has swing back into a lull and ASA is no longer scheduling interviews...
2) Purchasing 100 hours of multiengine flight time alone will not make me competitive. Although the minimums are 500tt and 50 multi. I was told that realistic competitive numbers are more in the ballpark of 1000tt and 100 multi...
I spoke with a recruiter from ASA this morning. He was very cordial and offered alot of great advise:
1) As the industry goes...there are highs and lows in hiring and it all comes down to having the right timing. Unfortunately, the industry has swing back into a lull and ASA is no longer scheduling interviews...
2) Purchasing 100 hours of multiengine flight time alone will not make me competitive. Although the minimums are 500tt and 50 multi. I was told that realistic competitive numbers are more in the ballpark of 1000tt and 100 multi...
05-06-2008, 08:47 AM
#10
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,383
Originally Posted by flyboyshell
Good luck Vector. Don't let the negativety get you down. There is a pilot shortage and will be for some time, the only problem playing havoc is the gas price. Hopefully things will get better. CFII is a good backup, but work on those multi hours too.
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