I am not one to know because I never really aimed for the airlines, but I would venture a guess some pilot mills are better than others at putting people there. Such a network might be worth buying into if it were strong enough. The problem of course is that all schools say they are the best at airline placement, have the best network, and may even claim to have the best placement statistics when you know it is not true. So, back to what Rick was saying I think it is better to just take what comes along and go through the cheaper, lesser known schools in an effort to save money. That is without a doubt going to make a difference later on when you are working for entry level wages.

I appreciate all of the comments so far and let me bring assurance to some of these earlier comments. I am not one of those kids who is looking for a big school and shiney uniforms. I put great value on Higher Education and my research into DCA is simply because I want the best quality training wherever it is I go. Like all of you, I want to be the best and most well trained pilot I can be. That is why I look into a lot of places (including DCA) to make sure I find the best education offered. My only appeal to a 141 flight school is the classroom instruction (I perfer that opposed to being thrown a book and learn it on my own)

Second, I am not stubborn and your comments are heard. I do not write off anyone's suggestion even if it is "not what I want to hear" as you put it. I take everything into consideration regarding your comments.

I will admit I am 24 and so the sooner I can begin my career in Aviation the better but I understand too that it is financially smart to keep a career while pursuing aviation.

Thanks for the comments and help. If you have any personal suggestions of places to get commercial, multi-engine, etc. ratings please let me know!!

Thanks again,

I gave DCA serious consideration before I chose a flight school. After asking around, I realized that I could get everything DCA offered at schools closer to home. Glossy brochures, part 141, industry connections, they're available many places. DCA doesn't offer a 4-year degree, which was an obvious point of inflexibility. Plus, moving to Florida doesn't have many advantages.

Whatever you do, be sure to train at least 3X per week. There is something called the law of recency. If you don't practice it often enough, you will spend more time and resources just getting it done. My students who flew at least 3X per week or more averaged 20 hours LESS total time before their check rides.

Going to DCI is lighting 100K on fire and watching it burn... Since Delta cut ties you could also go in to fly one day and see chains on door and watch your money burn.
If you want a 141 school, Flight Safety Academy is an option... or just stick with your local flight school.
You want to find a school that does not require all the $ up front.. when you see that bells should start ringing in your head.

Good luck with your search.

Whats the point. isn't the great shortage about to begin? in 08 anyone with certificate was hired. what makes the round any different?

Hired by whom? Bottom-feeder regionals? I wouldn't consider that a career-destination job...especially since they may not be around for your entire career.

I honestly believe that 07-08 was a fluke and that we will probably not see that kind of feeding frenzy again in the foreseeable future. That was caused by combined major hiring, which drove regional attrition, and regional growth.

Regional growth is pretty much over with, unless our industry has a major paradigm shift. In fact there may be a paradigm change if mainline pilots finally hold the line on scope, but that will result in regional contraction, and possibly the elimination of many.

The vast majority of turbojet pilots (airline and corporate) have college degrees...without one you are handicapping yourself in the best of times, and taking yourself out of the running when things are not so hot.

If you're already here I'm not telling you to go get a degree, that depends on your situation. But if you are just starting out, don't even think about until you have a plan for college.

what's your definition of respected, and why do you believe that you will receive better training at a large flight school? It's the time, effort, and patience YOU put into your training regardless where you enroll, and that's what will get you(some) respect when it comes to interviewing for your first job!!!

Don't fall for fancy brochures and uniform requirements when making your decision, research! DO NOT PAY FOR YOUR TRAINING IN FULL!!!!!