Looks like the 9 seat configuration has been listed as an aircraft configuration on Lakes' website.

GLA hiring FO's with 300 hours.

https://greatlakesairlines-openhire....r=992273&aid=1

Here's hoping the FAA doesn't let this through

So if they hire you, do you get a class date right away? You're looking two months of unpaid training followed by no job if the 135 ticket does not come through.

$16.24/FLIGHT HOUR and $1.35 Per Diem...simply disgusting. I can't believe they can belittle the profession this badly. Just when you think other regional's are bad this takes it to a whole new level.

Considering a CFI in certain areas charges $50 and more per hour why in the world would someone volunteer themselves up for that.

Very true, but when you consider some people (or some people's parents) are actually paying to sit in the right seat of a turbo prop, $16 an hour in the green looks like a better option.

With the new rules in place, new pilots need to find a way to build 1,500 hours. If you went to Lakes you wouldn't even have to get your CFI's saving a nice chunk of change.

If I were to start over again I would be tempted to skip the CFI ratings, go to Lakes until I have the time to apply to Ameriflight, get some turbine PIC and a semi respectable paycheck over there, and then put my resume out on airline apps.

I hope the feds reject it too, but if it gets approved it certainly gives a newly minted Commercial a pilot a different option to think about.

On what basis would the feds reject it? I'm not sure any rules are being broken, the feds have issued the 135 certificate right?

With that said, I only spent a few thousand or so if I remember right on my CFI and CFII years ago, so it's not like you saving all that much in the scheme of things. And if in fact you do bypass your CFI for a place like Great Lakes, you can't even come close to supporting yourself on $16.24...your gross on 75 hours is only $1218 plus say you are away from base getting per diem for 300 hours, that's another $405. Assuming you keep all $405 by packing food your take home is still $1623. Take away taxes and/or medical benefits, good luck getting an apartment, eating, and paying electric let alone paying back any student loans.

You can do much better for yourself by still getting the CFI making at a minimum $25/hour and not getting abused nearly as much by scheduling at a place like Great Lakes.

I'm not arguing with your point or opinion but what they're doing at Great Lakes is a total scam.

Yea I guess you could budget for around $5,000 for your CFI, MEI, & CFII. The way things are going now you could make a lot more money instructing and could get over a thousand hours in a year if you put the effort in. $25,000 a year at $25 an hour, v's the roughly $20,000 Lakes would pay with per diem. The $5,000 difference would cover your CFI tickets. No 6 weeks without a paycheck during training, and no training contract either.
I'm not sure what would look more competitive on a resume. 1,000 hours part 135 turbine SIC v's 1,000 instructing, but I guess once you meet ATP mins you could pretty much choose your regional regardless.