I'm still waiting to hear from Lakes. I am leaving for Orlando in the morning for the Flight Express class. I really don't want to give up a great opportunity like Flight Express just to not hear from Lakes. I think FLX will an awesome experience and I will put all I can into the training there. I plan to upgrade to the Baron and get some multi time built up then see if i can get on with Empire or Mountain Air Cargo or Ameriflight to build some turbine time.

thanks for everyone's advice!!

Sounds like a good plan Pirate.

Do not ditch FLX within six months or a year if you can help it. It's a good outfit and flying there is experience that is very well-respected in the industry. Ernst, the DO is a GREAT guy to work for and he will give you glowing recommendations if you a) give him at least six months and b) don't be a problem child. As he says, "just stay out of the news." He's a very fair boss who doesn not play favorites.

The chief pilot, a guy named Austin, is a good guy who knows his stuff. But he's really serious, almost never smiles and is what I would call, an odd character. He'll do your ground school and training.

You're going to get a LOT if actual IFR time there, lots of weather! Stay put, get into the Baron, build a bunch of Multi-time and then find a turbine job. Forget about the Majors for the next 5-10 years. Like I said before, you'll have thousands of highly experienced regional captains and f/o's, corporate guys and military pilots ahead of you there.

Good luck.

I think it may actually two other words....rich parents.

Edit: delete...not worth the argument...original poster got his questions answered, and has made a decision....thread is dead

Your right. Questions have been answered and OP has made his decision. He even thanked everyone for the advice. Nice job APC. Btw - interesting discussion though on whether single engine piston PIC is better than multi-engine turbine SIC.

USMCFLYR