If you have quantity, you don't need quality.

It's really that simple. A low time guy will never be given the opportunity to log 'quality' time, so go for quantity. One you have quantity, then you'll be competitive for jobs that offer quality.

Quality is:

1. multi
2. turbine
3. PIC

Try to get as much of each of those 3 words as you can as you build quantity. All three of them at the same time are, of course, best.

I didn't bother to read anyone elses posts so bear with me if this has been repeated (I have a tri tip cooking). My advice is to see if they will let you get the MEI in their 310 first. Then you can do the CFI/II in any airplane, or take the CFI ride in the Bonanza if they will let you.

Thanks for the replies and advice.

I'm leaning towards still going to ATPs in February - getting away from the Wisconsin weather is even more appealing now that the winter has officially set in lol. The 152 was in an incident in the snow a week ago and is now going to be in mx probably until after the holidays. (No I wasn't flying it hehe) So I'm off of the hook for now and can still change my mind if I decide to stay at the FBO. Their insurance and/or plane owners won't let me fly the Cirrus or bonanza. And the 310 is completely out of my budget at $400/hour. If the damage on the 152 is bad enough they might just have to let me take that leave of absence to go to ATP lol! For now I'll work at studying and lesson plans, so I'll be ready for the next step when I decide what that is.

You may want to define that a little better. Quality is as described. But, 5,000 hrs in a 150 (quantity), going for an interview, the interviewers will laugh you right out of there, if they even let you in in the first place. Sounds extreme, I know. Just trying to make a point. Try to have a well rounded experience, with a fair amount of hours, in lots of makes and models. I have a fair amount of hours after 38 years. The last time I checked, that was in 46 make and model variations. So I feel very comfortable getting into a variety of planes. Again, just my .02! Good luck!

Some things to consider...

You described the FBO you work for as being "too broke to have us work full time." I wouldn't put any stock in the promises your employer makes. If they are that broke, they could be gone at any time. I would DEFINITELY not put any money up front for training.

Second, the minimums at most regionals is at or near 1500 hours. My guess is they will be asking for ATPs before the deadline is reached. So, you might as well figure you will need an ATP or be darn close before you get on with the regionals.

You mentioned losing money and working hard to dig your way out. I would have all the money in the bank for a CFI BEFORE you start so you don't need to go into debt again. It sure is easier to live on first year FO pay when you don't need to carry a loan payment.



Good luck

$400/hr for a 310 is a really, really bad deal - totally not worth it. If they wanted to charge you that much they deserved to be laughed at all the way down the street.

Cirrus and/or Bonanza are not a wonder planes that only few have the skills to fly. Even at relatively strict insurance requirements you should be able to get on the insurance with minimal effort. Owner trust - well that's another story... but if you're a good pilot I don't see why they wouldn't if you were on the insurance.

SIC time in a King Air, 310, or whatever isn't exactly 'quality' time... in regards to logging it. Sitting in the the right seat is valuable, but it is what it is. The right seats in both aircraft are basically passenger seats. They are both easy airplanes to fly.

Uhh, you might want to check current rates on 310's. The place I teach at currently rents one at (I think) $375/hr wet. Ho, ho, ho!

Even if that is the price, that seems like overkill for just using it as a training/time-building that's crazy and silly tp pay that much to carry just two people. Now if you are actually using it for transportation purposes, yes that's a fair price IMO.

An airport near me, you can rent a Cessna 400 for.........$400/hr plus instructor!

Wow! I guess we had better up the price on the B55! It's going for $275/hr wet right now

You are comparing a single engine to a twin engine. Plus, our 310 has Colemill engines at 300HP apiece. Insurance is the controlling factor on most twins, as everybody knows. We also have a Duchess for those not wanting to use the 310.