I recently attended the AE job fair in Chicago and was told to get about 25 hours of multi time and I would be flown down to DFW for an interview. I am a low time pilot with just short of 300 mark and 25 hours of multi. Im not sure what to do. I can build the 25 hours which would cost me about 5K. However, I am nervous that when I get my 50 hours of multi, as they asked, I will not hear anything from them or they will stop hiring. I can fly the 25 hours within prob. the next 2 weeks. I dont want to be left with a total of 50 multi hours, down 5K without a job as not many regionals hiring right now. Any suggestions?

 

You'll probably hear this a lot but perhaps put that $$ to better use and get your CFI. In fact, that's probably the best idea. Then if you're stuck without a job you will be able to get a CFI gig almost anywhere. Plus you can get some more time instructing and more opportunities will be open to you later on. These days there really is no reason to buy time to get a regional job even if things are slowing down a bit.

 

get your CFI. You never know when you'll be furloughed.

 

I was working on my CFI and found an aerial survey job. I've flown all over the US. I've been in NYC bravo, all the way to Houston TX in their bravo, DC in the FRZ. It's been a great experience. Being a flight instructor isn't the only way to build time, but I'll say finding a CFI job is easier than finding misc time building jobs. I was a diver driver also, but that didn't pay any bills it was just for fun/time.

check climbto350.com for misc jobs. I've seen stuff there. If you're looking for a guarantee get your CFI.

 

Pilot84,
It's funny you are worried about spending 5K to get an additional 25 hours of multi so you can interview at Eagle. Just 6 months ago, I was stuck at 62 hours of multi and Eagle was telling me to go get an additional 38 hours of multi so I could meet their 100 hour multi requirement. When I was at that point, I considered myself very fortunate to even be considered at another regional with those hours. It shocks me when now others might consider themselves competitive (yet alone) ready for the airlines with a third of what I had. I'm sure others said the same thing of me 6 months ago, but I made it. I'm not saying you can't do it (because I don't know you), but I'm just making a point about how stubborn Eagle was with me and now it seems they'll take anything with a pulse whether its good for them, their applicants, or not. Frankly, I'm glad they were stubborn because I wouldn't be where I'm at now.

I feel your concern for wanting to get in while the "getting in" is good, but you should be honest with yourself...you need to get those hours up. We're all in debt up to our eyeballs, so if you can get the 5K to get your hours up, do it. You'll be more competitive and the experience will go a long ways. Others have suggested CFI'ing and that's probably a good idea.

 

network, find a 'friend' on line that can share the expense, safety pilot/flying pilot for eachother....there's got to be a $150/hr apache out there to rent...right??

 

Eagle is so desparate for pilots that I would ask them if it was possible to interview prior to getting the time with the caviat of getting the additional hours if offered the job. Make them invest in you before you invest in them. Good luck.

 

careerpilot, i am thinking about telling the exact thing. I just hope they atleast give me an interview so i can explain myself to them

 

Dont spend the 5K buying time, whatever you do. Go to your local FBO, suck up the pride, hang out and meet someone with a twin that will let you ride. Even if they arent returning to your airport that day and you have to rent a car or hotel. It is still a better deal! If you have to spend the 5k, cuz its burning a hole in your pocket, get your MEI. But, my honest suggestion is to email Karen F. at Eagle and explain that you are very interested in Eagle and its the one place you want to be, you understand that you are just below the requirements, however, you have excelled in school and training and will make an excellent eagle pilot blah blah blah... if you need her email addy, PM me. I wouldnt worry about us stopping hiring anytime soon because we are reaaallly short. We need 123 FOs in ORD on the EMB alone!

 

I know its been tossed around on another thread a bit, but how tough would it be to get LAX on the jet or the Saab, if you take the jet out of ORD first?