I do understand where you're coming from. And the financial aspect is why I offered up a lower cost alternative to ATP...by no means the only lower cost choice. However, answer number 1 worries me. Would you have to CFI for 5 years? Probably not. But what about a combo of CFI, to flying checks to flying a small twin Part 135? These are sacrifices that many before you have taken on. I remember flying a 172 and dying to fly a twin. Then flying a twin and dying to fly a turboprop, then a jet, etc. I KNEW it wasn't going to happen quickly but still took the plunge because I knew what I wanted to do and was willing to do what it took for as long as it took(no wife, no kids). Again, what are you going to do if the fast track doesn't happen for you? You mentioned financial sense. There is no financial sense to becoming a pilot these days. You are essentially buying a ~$50K lottery ticket. So I ask you this...Do you feel lucky punk? Well do ya?

 

The question "Do you feel lucky punk" is 100% accurate. That is why I am taking time making this decision. I dont want to be "unlucky". Just to let you know, before looking into ATP, I looked into local flight schools here in Chicago. ATP has a similar cost, if not better, than most of the schools here. Also, ATP's Commercial Pilot Program is almost all ME. I would have close to 200 ME hours after I finished their program. Also, I would have regional jet training. These local flight schools provided me with quotes with ME time, but they didnt even come close to the amount of time I would get at ATP for the cost. I know ATP is a flight academy, but their program is cost effective and worth it compared to the cost and training programs at local schools where I live.

I would be a pilot because I enjoy it, not for the money. However, I would like to make decent money doing it. It would also provide me with time to open a small business (another future goal). I guess the question I have to ask myself is: If I didnt become a pilot, would I still be able to enjoy my life? And is being a pilot something that I cant live without?

I understand that the aviation industry is unpredictable, but I want to make sure and put the odds in my favor. I am not afraid of taking a risk, but I want to make sure it is a calculated risk.

There are alot things that I need to take into consideration.

See what I am saying?

 

Hi!

U don't have to worry about being a CFI now.

If you go full bore and flight train full time, you should have your Commercial/Inst in 3 mos, and then you're hired at a regional. U can skip the CFI part.

Actually, the regionals are hiring guys WITHOUT their commercial, but with the time and qualificiations required (as low as 180 Total Time). When they pass their initial sim check, the FAA awards them their commercial.

Mesa suks, but they do have a program where they pay you back for your flight training costs, which is good if you have no money.

If you have money, or can get a loan, DON'T go to Mesa.

Good luck!

cliff
ABQ
PS-I had my ATP and about 2000 Total Time/750 MEJet, and Comair sent me a letter stating I didn't meet their minimum qualifications (1983?). I still have the letter.

 

Don't forget that there are still SJS sufferers through out the seniority scales. People who want to fly at majors because of the heavy iron still suffer from SJS, you might just call it SHJS (heavy!). Don't take that the wrong way!

There's nothing wrong with getting into aviation and wanting to make an excellent wage, and there's certainly NOTHING wrong with wanting to get into aviation because of the real potential of a comfortable living wage (after some dues-paying, of course!), but just make sure that if these things don't happen to your fullest dreams, you aren't completely disappointed. Judging from your answers, however, it seems like you're at least open to these possibilities.

 

You know, the most fun I ever had while flying was in a 172..............take your time, the airlines will always be here

 

I think most folks who jump up to major airlines have shiny-money syndrome, not shiny-jet syndrome. SJS is vastly more prevelant in 20-somethings who have no mortgage, or kids to put through college. Most RJ captains that I know are very hesitant about going to a major unless it's one of the big three.

 

LOL....the most fun I ever had flying was landing C-130's on 2 lane highways.....

 

Whats the big 3?

FedEx, UPS, SWA,

or


CAL, DAL, SWA,????????????????????

 

FDX, UPS, SWA...based on pay.

 

Duh!
.........