No you don't. The people who were hired ahead of you would not be happy about that. Apparently cadets get the highest seniority in the new hire class, on the day they actually start class. You do not get a seniority number prior to starting new-hire class. That would be a huge deal if true, but its not true (because it would be a huge deal...).

 

Thanks! Things that seem too good to be true usually are.


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Extending my initial question a bit but does anyone know if your 141 flight training needs to be at or with the school approved for the R-ATP minimums?

I've seen schools like Utah Valley University that work with your local flight training but do the minimums drop for you or do you need to train with Utah Valley?

http://www.faa.gov/pilots/training/a...ority_List.pdf

 

You should pick your school based on the cost of the training program. If they estimate any cost higher than $50K I would seriously reconsider. 141 Programs are notorious for running their students from $75-125K and the fact that they advertise a "connection" with a regional is meaningless. Especially if you spent more time and more money just to get it. A good part 61 can save you a ton of time and money. If you're dedicated you can hit all of your ratings in 6-12 months and be at an instructing job only having spent 40K to get there. Be wise.

 

To be eligible for the RATP your flight training needs to be 141, not just the college. Avoid the university training altogether, you will spend 4 years getting to cfi and 2 more instructing. If you want your bachelors go through UVU's online program and get your training done at a local fbo. If you want an aviation degree don't spend time getting a Professional Pilot degree, instead do the admin/business degree. You may lose your medical someday and you'd have a tough time finding a use for a pilot degree. Your flying can be credited towards electives.

Back to the RATP conversation: A 141 University program really does take 4 years; they will make sure of it. If you spend even 18 months getting to cfi at a part 61 you will have saved over two years of your time. The difference between the 1000hrs RATP and 1500HR ATP is only about 8 months more of instructing. You will still be done in less time that the guy who will be eligible for the RATP.

 

Thanks a ton for your response. Seems like the cheapest route would mean sticking with my current instructor (Delta Pilot) whom I really like training with. I did confirm that the UVU Online Aviation Degree would not qualify me for the R-ATP even if I did train locally through 141. That being said, it wouldn't hurt getting that degree along with something else unrelated to aviation.

Still debating and researching as much as I can.