I'm glad you took the time to instruct for a while, it will make you a better airline pilot.

 

There was a guy at Horizon Air who came from UND and only had 290 hours of total time. 50 of those hours were in a Frasca simulator. He was arrogant, fat, didn't study in ground school and slept in class.

He went on to ace the simulator and had no problems whatsoever on the line. Others came and had thousands of hours of flight time as CFI's and single pilot night cargo and stunk.

It might be best to have time as a CFI before going to a regional. It also would be best for the company if you came with a type rating in hand and a few thousand hours in type. However the only thing that matters really in the end is what is best for you.

Getting there as quick as you can is all that matters in the long run.

SkyHigh

 

CoryK, you're going on my buddy list! Just read your post on page 6 and liked it. Back in the day when an individual had to instruct for 2-3 years JUST to go to a place like Mesa, Great Lakes, etc. because SKW, ACA, ASA, COEX, etc. had mins in the 2500 to 3000 area, and that wasn't even competetive. Initially, when I started instructing 6 years ago, I had the same attitude as shanejj. But the experience, patience, and respect I earned in my 2 years "doing touch and go's" with PVT, INST, COMM and MULTI-COMM students has molded me into a pretty well rounded individual, and pilot. I still enjoy flying, whether it's at work or in a 172, I still find it fun.

It's not for everybody. I was afraid that I'd be like some of my instructors too. Ticked off at the world, and bitter. Your job is what you make it. If you are ticked off at your job, chances are, you won't like it. If you want to make a difference, have fun, and have a good attitude, then do that. Right now, I'm teaching those 300+ hour pilots in the 120, some are good, some not so good. Same with the guys with 1000+ hours. Some instructed, some didn't. But that doesn't determine the outcome. Attitude does.

Congrats on your timing in the industry for everybody who's been able to work for company's like SKW, XJET, RAH etc. Flying a Turbo prop or Jet at a young age is a feat not many people have the ability or chance to do. But how that individual reaches their goal is their own concern. We eventually end up where we want to, and when that happens, who cares what you did to get there.

 

I'd say this is a bit of an exaggeration.

 

I have been browsing around the regional section of this message board for quite some time now. I have posted a few times before but I will throw them out again. I started flying when I was 15 and am now 24. I am just now getting my multi and single commercial. I have 240 tt and 70 me.

A few months ago I wasnt even thinking about trying for a regional. Once my instructor started telling me the hiring times and I started doing some research I have found that I may have a chance at getting hired. To me this was a great opportunity. Why not try to get into the right seat of a regional?

I have done my share of research since then (even went to a job fair) and am learning quite a lot about the industry. I have a job that I can talk to several mainline and regional pilots about their thoughts on the low time guys. For the most part they have told me that I would be stupid not to try to get hired right now. But the other half of me says.... nah you should CFI first. Like most I think I am on the fence. I could go either way. I really really love the airlines. I have since I was a kid. I have been around airports and airplanes forever. I lost my medical my first year of college and I really didnt know what to do with myself or my life for that matter after that. It took me 4 years of constant calls to the FAA to no avail. I just waited it out with constant visits to the doctor and finally in 06 got my medical back with no restrictions. I currently hold a first class (plus all the rest of the crap that airlines require). So this situation right there makes me more eager to get in while the time is right.

I dont even know what I am trying to say here. But I do know that I love to fly. Yes, it has been my dream to fly an airliner. But I also will never give up 172 flying either.

It seems to me that alot of guys on here really like to complain about which airline does this and which airline does that and whether to commute or not yada yada yada. I cant fathom the fact of why they complain so much. You are getting paid to fly. Yes it may not be the best pay in the world, but its still a job, and not a 9 to 5 office job either. There are worse ways to make a living and trust me where I am from, first year FO pay would be more than enough for some people. (I know I will get ragged for this statement.)

I know alot of that really didnt make much sense, but mainly my point is that I am a low timer with a great attitude and I would love a chance to prove myself in RJ training or even tprops for that matter. I know in my head and my heart that I could do it.

Thats all. Thanks for listening to my rant.

 

If you spent some time as a CFI, and built up your experience level, you'd be a better pilot for it and you'd have more to offer your Capt when you get to the airlines.

Whether that's important or not is up to you.

 

Hey man, jump pilots know their stuff.

 

I wish it was an exaggeration. At the time I was teaching Basic Indoctrination at QX and I saw everyones records. The guy only had the bare minimum for a commercial license plus 50 hours of sim time during an internship. That was 7 years ago.



Skyhigh

 

That is the dumbest statement I have seen on here. Granted al lot of people can't use the rudder but tell anyone who has flown tailwheel stick and rudder and aerobatics that they don't know how to use the rudder and they are gonna laugh in your face, and the whole deal about the amount or hours and taking the airline job or being a CFI all have to with the person and their training. I agree being a CFI helps with expierence and feel everyone should do it but I have also seen the 300 hour pilot without a CFI that has been more quilified then a 1400 hour CFI. Like I said it is all come down to training and that persons ability.

 

I am one of those tailwheel, stick-and-rudder, aerobatic guys. Learn sarcasm when you see it... It is true thesedays, most people don't know what the rudder is for.