Airline Pilot Central Forums - LIFT: RPA commitment for training?

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- - LIFT: RPA commitment for training? (https://www.airlinepilotforums.com/republic-airways/114869-lift-rpa-commitment-training.html)

Quote:

Originally Posted by GoJuice (Post 2641372)

The reason i am enrolling in this program is the access to (Reasonable) financing. Unfortunately i've tried the pay as you go method and it just wasn't working due to money constraints. I looked at other fast track programs and almost enrolled in ATP until I realized the true cost of it and what the loan repayment would look like. I also would like to stay close to home and luckily for me, Indy is only a four hour drive.

Same here except Indy is almost half way across the country from me! How far is Indy from West Lafayette? I have a friend who lives there.

Quote:

Originally Posted by deftone (Post 2641525)

I would assume the biggest draw for most would be the fact that the financing is backed by republic, so a co-signer is not required. I know that seems to be a big issue for most when trying to get into ATP style schools. Otherwise there is not too many differences over other schools that I can see. The guaranteed FO class at Republic will no doubt draw in some of those who have not been tuned into the industry and realize that getting into a regional is not as difficult as it has been in the past.

I’m drawn to LIFT Academy because of the financing being backed by Republic. I’ve been paying attention to the industry for a few years now and had my choice of regionals narrowed down to Republic and PSA.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4V14T0R (Post 2641022)

This isn’t a Part 61 local flight school for non-career minded folks. They seem like they want to operate it like ATP. Churn out pilots and keep a schedule. ATP seems to do it at a high level and doesn’t seem to make a lot of exceptions.

Edit: To Add, all the testing is probably to determine aptitude so the candidates can reasonably be assure of passing an accelerated program and in effect it is a job interview as they are offering guaranteed jobs as a CFI and FO at YX.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Look I attended one of the major collegiate 141 programs in the country. You are not getting anything special. The CFI's will be brand new like everywhere else. You will get the same certificate in the end no matter where you train. I feel like I am repeating others, but these days you can get trained anywhere and go to almost any regional without much trouble. So I know they are acting like this is something special, but it's not.

Quote:

Originally Posted by fenix1 (Post 2641319)

RPA is no worse than the 2nd best regional airline from a pilot’s perspective right now, with Endeavor being the other contender. (I’m certainly open to dissenting opinions on this, but my point is that RPA has a great thing going currently.)

That being said, given the dynamic nature of regional airlines and their inherent instability, is it wise to lock into a single airline so far in advance? Other than $85K (LIFT’s marketing number??) of training for $65K, what TRUE BENEFIT/ADVANTAGE does this LIFT/RPA program provide to pilots in today’s industry?

I have no agenda here. I will likely apply to RPA when I reach ATP mins. But I’m truly not sure what I’m missing about the upside of this LIFT/RPA program... Can anyone throw me a bone here?

The reasons for me are that it is an accelerated program in Indy (appears to be similar to ATP) which is where I currently live and the quick transition to RPA when finished. RPA is my number one choice based on their current base locations.

There are a few other smaller things but the above are the main two draws for me.

I know with the current hiring environment you pretty much have a choice anywhere but I've also noticed that's not exactly accurate. For example: Envoy is mainly only hiring those in their cadet program and those in the cadet program get other benefits above OTS'. Like first pick on aircraft and bases. No matter how you slice this it will also make it more competitive for OTS' hires since there will be less openings. With RPA starting their own flight school I imagine we will see similar constraints to OTS' at RPA.

Anyone get their packet in the mail yet? I’m working out of state so haven’t been able to check my mail. Curious to what’s in the packet.

Quote:

Originally Posted by deftone (Post 2643359)

Anyone get their packet in the mail yet? I’m working out of state so haven’t been able to check my mail. Curious to what’s in the packet.

Nope; but it hasn't even been a week for me. Also, I haven't gotten the email even saying they want me :D

So just to update, I have managed to get home and check my mail but nothing yet, however I did get an email with all of the web links to apply for the financing etc.

Guess what, despite earlier information directly from LIFT, Republic is NOT guaranteeing the finance and I was rejected by the finance company. This is despite having a 6 figure salary and decent credit. So at this point I guess I will be looking elsewhere. I will have my commercial mins in a few weeks so will most likely go get my comm and multi and find a pt 91 or 135 gig.

Quote:

Originally Posted by deftone (Post 2643359)

Anyone get their packet in the mail yet? I’m working out of state so haven’t been able to check my mail. Curious to what’s in the packet.

I haven't gotten my packet yet but i did get an email last night with more information on the loan. Im pretty disappointed to be honest. The maximum term is 10 years and it looks like repayment begins while you are an instructor.

Quote:

Originally Posted by deftone (Post 2643983)

Does the loan application allow for a co-signer? Im really sorry to hear that after doing all his work! I wonder if you could reach out to LIFT and see if there is anything they can do? Im not sure how anyone will be able to get approved for the loan if you cant with a 6 figure salary.

Quote:

Originally Posted by GoJuice (Post 2643986)

Nope, it didn’t give me an option for a co-signer. I wouldn’t read too much into the salary, I would be giving it up anyway to move to Indy, so was surprised that they even asked. When I was in Indy they informed me it was a formality as Republic was backing it.

I wasn’t even looking for the full $65 as I am already Instrument Rated and would have my commercial prior to starting. Oh well, onwards onto the next option. Just irritating to travel from Louisiana to Indy on my own dime for no reason.