pilot79

I would like some information about flying for the regionals. First off, I have been flying for about 8 years. I only have my private with about 820 hours. I dropped out of medical school in May to pursue this obsession I have with aviation. Maybe obsession is a strong word, but never the less... I left medical school at the end of my second year. So, im going back to college to get another degree. This time, in aviation. Dreaming that one day I will fly a wide body for FedEx. Anyway... I know I have to pay my dues in the regionals. I have heard many stories about the regionals ripping you off on pay. As in, not paying you for all the hours you have worked. How true have you found this to be? Also, what is the typical upgrade time to the left seat?

Any info would be great!

MikeB525

Wow. Dropped out of med school? Thats pretty heavy. If you've been flying for 820 hours it sounds like you really do like it. Was med school that bad? How hard would it be for you to go back if aviation didn't work out? Also, what is your undergrad degree in?

Aside from that if you have the mental capacity to handle med school you'll have not the slightest trouble learning IFR, commercial, CFI, etc. And with 800 hours you'll be close to being able to apply for any regional...just need to get your 100 multi engine and some hours of dual given.

Just be prepared for the possibility that it might not work out. Do you have any friends/relatives working for major airlines? Those are basically required to get a job with them. In any case look for a good regional like SkyWest and Air Wisconsin. Avoid Mesa and GoJets at all costs. You'll find out why soon enough.

I'm still on the fence about airline flying. I'm working on a degree in meteorology right now. If I did become an airline pilot and it did not work out, my plan would be to go back for the MS, or coincidentally, go to grad school to be a physicians assistant.

saab2000

I am thinking of leaving aviation to go to med school.

The pay and work hours at the so-called 'regional' airlines are poor. And there are no guarantees for bigger planes or better jobs. But if it is in your blood there is not much you can do about it.

Still, I would stick to med school.

Pilotpip

Why would you get an aviation degree? You already should have a 4 year degree if you were in med school. Save the money, just get your ratings. By the time you get your Commercial and multi ratings you'll likely be competative at the regionals. There is nothing in the hiring minimums that says your degree must be in aviation.

pilot79

Med school was not hard, just alot of work. Honestly, I loved it. But I love to fly more. Could I go back? Most likely no. I don't think any school would take me back after dropping out after the 2 year mark. I gave this thought for an entire year. I just hope this was not a bad decision, because it is final. But, if worse came to worse, I could go to Europe and go back to medical school, or even mexico, and come back here. But I dont want to think about that. My undergrad degree is in Chemistry & Biology. Now that I dropped out, the parents cut me off, and my dad wont speak to me. Oh well... I am working 2 jobs, in the medical field, and saving some money. Im going back to school in January. It sucks in a way. I see my friends in the hospital, and I am an outsider now. But, someday it wont matter. Back to the topic, I dont think "What if aviation does not work out..." I am keeping a positive attitude about it. I have worked really hard to get where I am, and I can do it again.

pilot79

No, I would not have to get an aviation degree. BUT, I would rather take former schooling in a classroom setting. I don't want to go to Flight Safety or some small airport. I would much rather spend the money and go to Purdue. I learn better in a structured environment.

MikeB525

Wow. that is really heavy. Well, as mentioned before there is NO NEED FOR A NEW DEGREE. Just get your ratings and start instructing. You still have ALOT going for you with that degree. But the parents thing, that is really heavy.

The instructors at your local flight school are perfectly fine. If you already have 820 hours, your skill will probably be greater than theirs. Just pick up IFR, commercial, and CFI. Then, perhaps using some of your own money, get multi time.

pilot79

Think long and hard and REALLY know why you want to become a doctor. Wanting to change the world, help people, and/or because something in your life made you want to do this will never get you in. Shadow a doctor for 3 or 4 months or at the least work in an ER. You might change your mind! Talk to a doctor also.

Then again, I know 100 pilots who say run from aviation!

pilot79

I have the instrument written done, and with a little brushing up would pass the checkride. I need to retake the written. Its been over a year since I passed it. My Dad was my instructor. He wants me to stay FAR away from the airlines, but its my dream. He is an MD-80 captain retiring in 6 months

MikeB525

Ahhh, ok I see where the aviation part of you comes from. Also, I think FAA writtens are good for TWO years, but I may be wrong.

Let me guess, your dad is at either Amercian or Delta? Is fo I can see why he'd want you to stay away.