What happens when all that auto "gee whiz" stuff fails? Guess what, your flying a DC-9!

 

The man speaks truth. And you'll definitely need your core of experience then. Boeing builds airplanes, Douglas builds character.

 

Sounds like you're barking up the wrong tree here my friend...These guys don't fly Airplanes anymore - they let George do all the work

CFI'ing (even for the short two weeks I did) was a fantastic experience...I think it has the potential to help you become an better Airline Pilot just because you are out there busting your tail in what is most likely your first and only pilot job prior to going to the Airlines. It gives you a bit of time to learn to understand things like the ATC system better, since you're in it every day...other than that, if you've got good people skills, you're right - CFI'ing and 121 are two different animals - they are different skill-sets. The benefits of CFI'ing that relate directly to the 121 environment are really limited to the fact that you're really just flying every day. Don't let anybody tell you different...

Best of luck when you make the jump over, my friend!

 

That's a scary thought. These RJ guys having to fly an Airplane! Eek...I thought that wasn't safe?!

 

Th you. Yes, I have that Turbine Pilots handbook with the CD. Its ok, but I still have questions.

ASAS wont even let me interview unless I have had some kind of jet transition course. They told me that. Plus I think it'd be good to give me a leg up.

I am one that believes in pre planning. I want to be ready when I get to the jet training, so any thing I do to prepare mysefl for that would be helpful. If I get to class and have already flown a CRJ sim wouldnt that be more helpful than getting to class and never touched the thing?

Anyway, I really appreciate the advice. Pilts are a good group of folks.

 

You're right, its not safe to have a 500 hour pilot in a jet

 

Ok, I will do everyone a favor and sum up what is about to be posted real quick...

Do Not pay for CRJ training. It is a waste of about 7,500 big ones, when you could get the training for free when you get to class. Don't buy a CRJ manual, because you may learn something the wrong way its meant to be portrayed, and then have to unscrew your head, and start over fresh. Plus, don't have your heart set on the CRJ. You may wind up in an ERJ/EMB, ATR, J3100, Saab, BE1900?!

We all suggest some sort of PIC role before you get to the regionals. It will not only make you more compitent, but it will also build your confidence in your ability. Whether it is Instructing, Cargo, Banner Towing, whatever. You need to develoup the ability to make important decisions such as a "go-no go" type decisions. A job like one of the above, indirectly, is training you to be a Captain - think of it that way.

Good luck in whatever you decide to do. Just BE SAFE!

 

Even if you take the transition course, ASA is going to train you to fly the way ASA flies. They won't care what you did before, just that you do things their way. Same is true of Pinnacle, PSA, Skywest, Republic, and anyone else. They will train you to fly their way. I don't believe a jet course is worth the money when I can get hired, study, train, and always have some contacts who can give good advice.

This brings up a question. What will happen when all the new FO's who skipped instructing become captains and have to train the new hires?

 

This is a good point. Other then being sharp on instrument procedures, steep turns, chandelles, etc., instructing teaches you something that you don't get anywhere else. It teaches you about the psychology of people. I feel, though I'm not a captain yet, that having the instructing experience and seeing all walks of life, it will make that portion of the transition from the left to the right seat, that much easier.

...my 2 cents

 

Laxrox you've got that right.

The time I've spent instructing has not done a great deal to build physical stick-and-rudder skills BUT I have picked up a great deal of confidenence wrt PIC judgement and procedural knowledge. Not only that but what is instructing other than CRM on a slightly different scale?