Delta Connection Academy
10-16-2006, 11:07 AM
#1
Gets Weekends Off
Thread Starter
Joined APC: Oct 2006
Position: ERJ
Posts: 211
Delta Connection Academy
Can anyone who has been there give me their opinions on this?
My situation is different from most, and I'm looking to go back to work after staying home with the kiddos for awhile. I have low time, and just wanted to immerse myself in training and get it done. On average, how much does DCA or an academy like this cost? I really don't need the money after I get a job so it's more just because I love flying....
And, is it any better than the FBO flying I have been doing? The website makes it sound so great and I'm not buying it....or am I?
Thanks
My situation is different from most, and I'm looking to go back to work after staying home with the kiddos for awhile. I have low time, and just wanted to immerse myself in training and get it done. On average, how much does DCA or an academy like this cost? I really don't need the money after I get a job so it's more just because I love flying....
And, is it any better than the FBO flying I have been doing? The website makes it sound so great and I'm not buying it....or am I?
Thanks
10-16-2006, 11:19 AM
#2
Line Holder
Joined APC: Mar 2006
Posts: 91
Out of all the academies I have heard of DCA is consistently voted the worst by most people. Do some more research on other alternatives. ATP seems like one of the few academies that has a solid rep if money isn't too much of a concern and you just want to get things done quickly. Do a search on here and I am sure that you will get an abundance of people's info, opinions, and experiences with the different academies. I would stay away from DCA.
10-16-2006, 11:35 AM
#3
Prime Minister/Moderator
Joined APC: Jan 2006
Position: Engines Turn Or People Swim
Posts: 39,281
Oh, boy where should I start...
Search this forum about DCA, you won't find a lot of positive comments.
If you chose carefully, an FBO can provide everything you need at about 1/3 the cost of most of the glossy-brochure academies. ATP seems to have a reasonable program, but my experience with them is limited.
Realistically, you will need a COMM SE & ME, IR, CFI, CFII, and MEI (sounds like you have some ratings already).
You will NOT need training on airline operations, turbine aircraft systems, or RJ sim training or a type rating. Somebody will try to sell you this stuff because it will make them a lot of money (your money actually).
If you feel uncomfortable with turbine aircraft systems, read the Turbine Pilot's Flight Manual or maybe take a class, but wait until you are approaching regional airline hiring minimums.
Also, be aware that many folks are trying to feed/support their families on regional airline pay, and the last thing they want to hear is a newbie say is "I don't need money, I just like to fly"...every person who arrives in the industry with that attitude lowers the compensation bar for the rest of us. I'm more or less in the same boat as you, but if I'm going to go to work, I might as well get paid as much as I can! Your financial situation will allow you to comfortably pursue your training, but PLEASE do not acquire a job simply because you are willing to work for less money than anyone else. Stay away from mesa, freedom, and gojets, etc. The pilots who jump on the real bottom-feeder opportunities are not highly regarded by their peers in the industry.
Good Luck
Search this forum about DCA, you won't find a lot of positive comments.
If you chose carefully, an FBO can provide everything you need at about 1/3 the cost of most of the glossy-brochure academies. ATP seems to have a reasonable program, but my experience with them is limited.
Realistically, you will need a COMM SE & ME, IR, CFI, CFII, and MEI (sounds like you have some ratings already).
You will NOT need training on airline operations, turbine aircraft systems, or RJ sim training or a type rating. Somebody will try to sell you this stuff because it will make them a lot of money (your money actually).
If you feel uncomfortable with turbine aircraft systems, read the Turbine Pilot's Flight Manual or maybe take a class, but wait until you are approaching regional airline hiring minimums.
Also, be aware that many folks are trying to feed/support their families on regional airline pay, and the last thing they want to hear is a newbie say is "I don't need money, I just like to fly"...every person who arrives in the industry with that attitude lowers the compensation bar for the rest of us. I'm more or less in the same boat as you, but if I'm going to go to work, I might as well get paid as much as I can! Your financial situation will allow you to comfortably pursue your training, but PLEASE do not acquire a job simply because you are willing to work for less money than anyone else. Stay away from mesa, freedom, and gojets, etc. The pilots who jump on the real bottom-feeder opportunities are not highly regarded by their peers in the industry.
Good Luck
10-16-2006, 11:48 AM
#4
Gets Weekends Off
Thread Starter
Joined APC: Oct 2006
Position: ERJ
Posts: 211
Thanks for the great info guys!
Honestly, FBO does sound the way to go - and even though I am not in it for the money, why spend $50k when I don't have to.
I definitely want to get paid as much as I can. The only reason that it isn't a big deal is because I'm a stay at home mom now and my hubby makes plenty to support us blah blah you get the picture. If I'm going to work though, you better be sure I get paid!
So Mesa, Freedom and Gojets are absolute no's.....I was hoping for SkyWest (I was an FA for them for 5 yrs).
Honestly, FBO does sound the way to go - and even though I am not in it for the money, why spend $50k when I don't have to.
I definitely want to get paid as much as I can. The only reason that it isn't a big deal is because I'm a stay at home mom now and my hubby makes plenty to support us blah blah you get the picture. If I'm going to work though, you better be sure I get paid!
So Mesa, Freedom and Gojets are absolute no's.....I was hoping for SkyWest (I was an FA for them for 5 yrs).
10-16-2006, 03:45 PM
#5
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,242
Try www.allatps.com
You'll find their package is the best if you already have a PPL you can take the 90 day or 10 month self paced program and start CFI work to build hours.
You won't find much (less than 2% at best) negativity about them.
-LAFF
You'll find their package is the best if you already have a PPL you can take the 90 day or 10 month self paced program and start CFI work to build hours.
You won't find much (less than 2% at best) negativity about them.
-LAFF
10-16-2006, 11:12 PM
#6
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Nov 2005
Position: MD80
Posts: 1,111
SEARCH!!
DCA will get you the ratings for a total of 100K with a "chance" to get a cfi spot when the stars align, and the best part is you will have guarantee interviews with airlines that are not hiring.
DCA will get you the ratings for a total of 100K with a "chance" to get a cfi spot when the stars align, and the best part is you will have guarantee interviews with airlines that are not hiring.
10-17-2006, 07:34 AM
#7
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Oct 2006
Position: NU Guy
Posts: 437
If you chose carefully, an FBO can provide everything you need at about 1/3 the cost of most of the glossy-brochure academies. ATP seems to have a reasonable program, but my experience with them is limited.
I did PVT thru CFII, MEI for less than 30K in the year 2000.
10-17-2006, 09:30 AM
#8
Gets Weekends Off
Thread Starter
Joined APC: Oct 2006
Position: ERJ
Posts: 211
Thanks ~
I think I am gonna just stick it out the FBO way. Even so, I might just stay CFI - so I can be home every night. The kids are pretty mad that I want to be gone 4 days a week again. Can't help it.
I think I am gonna just stick it out the FBO way. Even so, I might just stay CFI - so I can be home every night. The kids are pretty mad that I want to be gone 4 days a week again. Can't help it.
10-18-2006, 09:08 AM
#9
Need More Flight Time!
Joined APC: Jan 2006
Position: Flight Simulator X
Posts: 400
Find a good FBO locally to do your training. If you must go to a flight academy or a fast track program, feel free to skip yourself the grief and premium price tag and avoid FTSI-CAPT. They're simply not worth looking into. I'd say Delta Connection Academy at least has a better success rate and placed more pilots than FTSI-CAPT. An airplane is an airplane is an airplane. You don't need to pay premium to train in a Cirrus and the airlines certainly won't care what airplane you trained in. Save your money and be smart about your flight training. At the end of the day, it's the hours on your logbook that matters to airlines. Not where you got your flight training.
10-20-2006, 10:01 AM
#10
Guest
Posts: n/a
Originally Posted by MileHighMama
Can anyone who has been there give me their opinions on this?
Thanks
Thanks
Originally Posted by fludy12
No, do NOT do the Delta Connection Academy in Sanford, FL (just north of Orlando). They are WAAAAY over priced and their fleet is old and beat up. Add on hurricanes and summer thunderstorms and you'd find youself flying a whole LOT less than what they'll throw at you on the "free" tour, if you do it. Trust me, I did my CFI/II there and made it through the Standz class and was hired as an instructor. I did it for a couple of months, but at $10/hr, I just couldn't make it and, thankfully, soon after a much, much better (lucrative) opportunity arose. At DCA, you'd have no fun in spending a 10 hour day having flights cancelled for weather/maintenance and doing paper work and not making a friggin' dime. $10/hr is only for flight, sim, and limited ground work (that may have changed a little since I was there last year as they were pushing for their first raise in something like 15 years). Plus, the management/bean counters are complete buffoons. And that's not just from me. Ask any other instructor that been there at least a few months. They are all treated like complete crap and DCA constantly holds "the B/S guaranteed interview" over their heads. Basically, if you stand up for anything that's right or would improve quality of life/operations, be prepared to have your head shot off... Also, you do NOT need the "guaranteed interview"...just put your time in and apply when you reach the required mins...you'll get the interview just fine. You are severely mistaken if you think DCA guarantees or would promise you a spot at a regional--read their propaganda again closely. Not the case at all...only the interview is "somewhat" guaranteed and that sometimes comes a LONG time after you've already met their flight instructing minimums (600 single and 200 multi dual given--some guys weren't getting interviews until 1200+ hours). You'll get the interview, but it's up to YOU to get hired and make it through FO taining.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
