UIUC-Aviation

I noticed PSA, Piedmont, and TSA all have very low minimum times. I know these companies are nothing like Republic or Eagle but as far as working for them is it an OK job? Also would it make more sense to flight instruct to build up time and try to start out at Eagle or Republic as opposed to starting at one of the forementioned and then moving on to another airline?

ehaeckercfi

Use the search function.
Yes flight instructing is better. Ask any captain that has to fly with 300 hour clowns.

Lone Palm

Play nice.....

s10an

Unless you instruct in a busy airspace, they will never learn to talk on radio until they step into the regional world.

SkyHigh

Why not also wait till you have 2000 hours and a type rating as well?

Captains make the bigger bucks in part to the fact that they are also mentors and instructors of their FOs.

I am sure that it is much nicer to have fully trained and highly experienced FO's so they can fall asleep in the seat however times as they are assure that captains will have to work a little harder.

My advise is to go for it if there is a job being offered no matter how much time you have. Low timers might have to face a few frowns and short tempers from their captains but in short time they will be up to speed.

It is much better for the low timer than wasting time as a CFI to go strait to a regional if it is being offered, and a pain for the captain. In the end you will only be cheating yourself if you choose the long road.

SkyHigh

ehaeckercfi

I don't know how many times I have said this.....
Flying (airline or GA) is not all about getting there as fast as possible. Flying is about being a good, confident, but mostly a SAFE pilot. People who are constantly trying to "get there" will never be happy in what they do. Get a private, fly for a while as a private pilot. When you feel that you have fulfilled that calling, move on to instrument, etc, etc, etc... I value every second I spent in a c150 in the hot, humid Memphis summers. I got some very good experience as a CFI. I had my first engine failure as a CFI. I am glad I had my first emergency when all I had was a student's life, and my own in my hands, not 70 other peoples'. Somebody who is constantly wanting to take shortcuts (not building time) to "get to the next level" has no business in the cockpit, regardless of the current state of the industry.
Become a CFI, build some time, get some experience. Do this for the safety of others, do it for future captains, and if nothing else, do it for self-fulfillment. You will then make you next career move knowing that you have the skillset and the experience to do it to your greatest potential.

ehaeckercfi

BTW, building some time doesn't mean 1500 hours, but it is surly more then 300, or even 500. My personal minimum was 1000/100 before I applied anywhere. Turned out I has 1200/200 before I sent out any applications. Set a personal minimum. If after only 400 hours you are feeling burnt out on flying small planes, perhaps a career in aviation isn't for you.

flyguyniner11

i'd say get on as soon as u can, 121 turbine time is more valuable than 91time in a 152

chignutsak

Huh? CFI time is wasted time? You've GOT to be frickin kidding me. Oh yeah, I forgot. This is the age of ADHD, of instant gratification. Don't earn your knowledge, which incidentally may save your life some day. Just take the quickest shortcut you can. Go upgrade as soon as possible at the bottom feeder of the month.

ehaeckercfi

I truly feel sorry for you if this is how you really feel.
Do you have any pride whatsoever? Flying is not all about crudentials and turbine time. People like you are what bring this industry down. This profession should be reserved for true aviators, not guys with turbine time in a logbook and an internal reccomendation a major.