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So I'm a private instrument pilot with 20 hours until being eligible for CPL. I'm also in college working on my Bachelors. I'm just not totally convinced I can survive with a descent QOL on 20-25K at a regional. I'm considering getting my Texas Teacher's license and teaching Aviation or Science and flying on the weekends, possibly as a CFI or 135 gig.....

The701Express

Who says you have to go to a regional?

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Where else? Regionals are more of the "sure" way to get a flying job beyond CFI. Case in point, you don't see many people getting a corporate pilot job off ads,no?

Yoda2

Most Corporate gigs are not obtained from ads, but by word of mouth, networking, knowing the "right" person, Etc. And you gotta be good for someone to stick their neck out. You will also need at least 500 Hrs for the VFR 135

eman

KF5OP; I am of the opinion that making the money you require to live on and be happy because you're able to pay rent, food, expenses and plan for fun and the future is more important than living a poor/stressful life and hoping to one day end up at a decent gig or major airline. Nothing is ever guaranteed and even if you are the coolest guy to talk with or have a clean record, you may not get far without the right people.

If I were in your shoes, I'd be much happier making a decent living or just a living PERIOD, and getting my flying fix as a CFI or charter pilot. Plan ahead, set career/job goals, and NETWORK your butt off! You can do it all if you work hard, but you can't make up for lost income over the years, not having savings, not having started your retirement, not having been able to find a partner and start a family or just date, not being financially independent, and relying on every penny. Ask me how I know and you'll know why it's my opinion. I didn't plan it all very well and needless to say I was shocked when I experienced the truth of this industry.

You can do it now that you know the facts, don't stress the time it will take. In the end it will have been so fun to fly and meet people, experience all that you will and you'll have enjoyed it and paid the bills as a bonus. You might start as CFI or charter pilot and find it's what you like, you don't want to go farther or that aviation is a b!tch and you can make a living elsewhere. Keep an open mind, a positive outlook, do your best, make as many friends as possible and contacts, get better at every aspect of piloting as well as networking and good luck!

In the meantime, learn to live below your means, avoid debts and future financial obligations of all kind so that if you do go to a regional, that measly paycheck to you will be enough to get by on and you may still be happy because you planned ahead and prepared.

The701Express

There's more flying jobs out there besides regionals and charter. You can get a pretty "sure" job flying pt135 passengers or cargo after CFIing. You don't even have to CFI, I know guys who flew skydivers, towed banners, did aerial survey. You have to look a little harder for these jobs, but they can offer better QOL and starting pay than the regionals.

I'd recommend you look into the 135 forum here and look at job listings to get an idea of what types of jobs are available, their pros and cons how they may affect your career progression.

No one but you knows what type of career you want to have, but to think regionals are your only option after CFIing is like thinking McIntosh is the only apple you can get. There are many jobs out there that can lead to a rewarding and enjoyable career, and there is definitely no shortage of information on this site and other places.

OceanicPilot

If you have this many hours and so close to your CPL shouldn't you know how to land a Cessna 152?

PerfInit

^^^^ This, and do a search of the OP's previous threads. Possibly Already has an Oops on the record related to landings..

My $.02 is to get a second opinion from a seasoned instructor and then decide. The data that exists suggests some things you have been taught in your primary training (landings) may need to be further evaluated for efficacy. Live to fly... Don't fly to live.

Timbo

With the new FAR requiring 1,500 hrs. and an ATP, you have a few years to go before you need to worry about working for a Regional.

Better get that Texas Teaching license.

Those damned 152's are going to kill you if you try to instruct in one!

galaxy flyer

If can't think of anything else but being a pilot, keep going. If that ain't true, become something else, please. As Satchemo said, "if you have to ask, you ain't never gonna know".

GF