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 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. Things are tightening up in the industry, you may not get an offer and if you do and happen to wash out of training you're hosed until you get your total time/experience up. CFI will allow you to gain more experience while waiting for the shot at a regional, you can make money, network, and it looks good on a resume when compared to others at your level without it. Instead of focusing on getting in at the extreme mins, prepare yourself for the future by getting your experience to a level where you can apply to all of the regionals, not just a few with a program you have to pay for...

 

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.

 

I think I have seen the light regarding this issue. Fortunately, it was before I dropped a load of money getting where I dont really need to be. Looks like my CFI/CFII is a much more practical alternative.

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

 

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.

 

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!!!

 

Yes I would agree, get your CFI and II and try to get your employer to pay for your MEI. Instruct for awhile then move on when you're tired.

 

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.

 

Can you clarify this. Specifically it is confusing that he says such and such are the competitive minimums when there currently is a hiring freeze. Or did he mean to give mins expected at other times maybe? Also, mins like 1000/100 don't square with mins we frequently saw in the regional market only a few months prior.

 

keep telling yourself that there is a pilot shortage.....