I retire in a year (non aviation) and plan on attending US Aviation/Liberty University in Texas. I have finished my PPL and was thinking of getting my instrument rating while still active. However, if I get my instrument, I no longer qualify for the R-ATP from Liberty.

What are some things to consider while making the decision to get instrument rated now or wait for school?

With the current hiring, would it even be realistic thinking I could get hired at R-ATP minimum hours?

Just looking for some opinions from people more experienced than I am.

 

The answer is specific to individual circumstances, I trained and taught at both 61 and 141 schools but that was all before R-ATP was a thing.

From observations over the years, I would not pursue a specific path solely BECAUSE of R-ATP eligibility... in the grand scheme the 500 or 250 hour shortcut isn't necessarily worth jumping through the hoops (and 141 university programs obviously take longer).

I'd pursue the fastest path that works best for your situation and finances. If R-ATP lines up with that, possibly due to GI Bill requirements, then great.

For planning purposes, with a tiny bit of luck and some hustle you can easily get 500 hours in six months as a CFI. Assuming that six months isn't over the winter in snow country.

Also are you doing a full 4-year degree? Normally that's highly recommended for airline-bound folks but at this moment there is still some good retirement movement at the big three through the end of the decade. Might be worth just knocking out ratings and getting on with a regional to build time... you might be able to get hired by a major without a degree, if not you could chip away at it via distance learning while building time at the regionals.

 

I honestly don’t have a “path”. My original plan was to try and get my PPL in between my EU rotation and before I retire. My PPL went faster than I thought, so I figured I would start working on my instrument rating. After talking to the school, they said it’s an option, but I would no longer qualify for the R-ATP. This isn’t a deal breaker for me, just something I would like to hear other opinions on so I can make a more educated decision.

I do plan on going for the degree, simply because it maximizes the GI Bill. However, I was under the impression that I could front load the aviation courses and finish my degree online while building hours. I am waiting for a reply from the school to verify this.

If there’s anything I’m missing or something doesn’t add up, I’m open to suggestions

 

A big question to try and figure out is which path gets you fully qualified and getting a paid flying job fastest? Chipping away at building time and your ratings or waiting to do a 'zero to hero' (actually PPL to hero) course when you retire? Part of that equation is how to pay for it and the ins and outs of using the GI bill for that purpose. Good luck.