Pylot

Hey all,
I'm planning on attending an aviation college and begin my flight training with the goal of becoming a commercial airline pilot. (Goal to be with Alaska Airlines) Even though the industry is going through some rough times right now it hasn't stopped me from wanting to complete my goal. I was wondering if some of you could fill me in on different ways of attaining one of the most crucial parts of the whole process of becoming a pilot, and thats the multi engine time/turbine time.
Also, Lets take Alaska for instance, right now their set minimums are at about 750 PIC multi engine/turbine time. Is it realistic for an individual starting out at my age(19) to be able to be picked up by an airline such as Alaska with the time that they require in his twenties or no? What do you think?

Any feedback would be appreciated. Thank you

B767

Yes it is possible for it to happen in your twenties. In response to getting ME time there are many different ways, some faster than others. For instance, I am planning on attending ERAU and getting my ratings as fast as possible and hopefull instructing by my junior year and then hopefully instructing ME in my senior year (and since ERAU is now 142 there are a lot more students flying the seminoles which means there is a need for more MEIs). Hopefully with this I will have enough ME and TT to get on with a regional. I imagine that if you want to go directly to Alaska it would take some time. Have you thought about getting on with Horizon and building time with them? Their requirements are lower and you could build hours faster that way.

Taylor

SWAjet

Pylot,

First of all congrats for starting so young and having a strong internal compass. That will get you far, I promise!

The What right now is more important than the How. What = you realize you'll need a min amount of multi time to get hired on at a major. How = there are too many ways that you can reach that magic multi time.

Don't get wrapped up worrying about exactly what points a through z will be in your trek towards a major. What's important is that you stay focused on the very next step on your career ladder, and network network network.

Everyone in aviation knows and agrees with the saying that it's a small world here. It definitely is, and by staying dedicated to your career and making good contacts you'll get your multi time and desired dream job no problem..... by the time you're in your mid to late 20's, too!

otter

Pylot, Keep in mind that there are many ways to get flight time. As a CFI, and a new hire to a airline, I've seen all sorts of ways to get the time. I've seen everything from buying a old 172, to doing a F/O program. One thing to keep in mind about large aviation schools, they come with a huge price tag. You could plan on spending about 80K at a big name flight school. I did all of my flight trianing at a local FBO, and spent 1/3 that amount. The same day I got my CFI, I got a job and a couple of students. I was able to build my time as a CFI. While at this same FBO, there were three CFI's that came to us from the Pan Am flight school. There were not enough students at Pan Am, and all new CFI's were told to wait for like 6 months. They told me that their loan payment was going to be for around 800.00 a month! The first three years suck for pay at most airlines. It's hard to live on 25K a year and make a 800.00 a month payment. Good luck to you.