Advise on re-entering the flight arena

[jetstar1]

Hi,

I am looking for some advise from some guys on the most efficient way to get back in the saddle with flying. I have 350hrs single engine all east coast airspace with about 150 complex c177rg with some good time under my belt 100hrs or so night and 55-60 hrs actual time and completed my long x-country. I have not flown since the end of 1993 and am now 35 yrs old and not married. I really would like to get some ideas on a multi commercial or just a single comm with instrument which i currently have. I live in the Chicago area and was wondering if there are any recommendations for schools. Ultimatley i would like to fufill my dream to fly which is what i am best at i just got sidetracked with a computer job and ran out of money back in the day.

Thanks
DG

 

[Vladimir Lenin]

How much in savings you got? Enough to help you live for a couple of years, while working as a CFI?
If so, get a loan and go to AllATPs, I think they may have an outlet in Chitown. Get on their fast track program, finish up by fall/winter of this year, instruct until next fall/winter. By that time you should have enough for most regionals, which you'll be entering at the ripe age of 37. Do the regional thing for 6 to 7 years, and then, maybe the majors (nationals) may come calling...

(Your mileage may vary, consult your physician)

 

[mayday1]

where in Chicago are you living... i can offer some advice on some flight schools in the area (I've been to a few). The mention of ATPs is a good one.. just depends on how "fast" you're looking to get back into flying... i.e. keeping your current job, and flying on nights/weekends or quitting, and going after your ratings full time.

 

[jetstar1]

I live up in the north end of the city (Edgewater). I would not mind ATp but ARR is a bit far for me. I am looking to get started soon i am just trying to get some of the book work caught up. I have a pretty good salary and do have a car.

 

[flyer172r]

Go to Windy City Flyers at PWK. They don't have a fast track program per se, but they will work with you to get you done as fast as you want.

 

[jetstar1]

thanks for the reply i was headed in that direction (PWK). just one other question are people using FS2004 to practice approaches thesae days of is there something more structured out there i can pickup that someone reccomends?

DG

 

[mayday1]

I've also heard good things about Windy City Flyers, although I think they're a bit pricey. Avoid Palwaukee Flyers at all costs... do a board search on that school and you'll understand why.

I flew out of PWK with Airway Flight Services for a while... they've had some problems with their airplanes getting pulled off of lease back arrangements, so I think they just have a few Skyhawks now.. but I did really like my instructor there. If you're interested in Airways, PM me and I'll send you that instructors name.

 

[mayday1]

thanks for the reply i was headed in that direction (PWK). just one other question are people using FS2004 to practice approaches thesae days of is there something more structured out there i can pickup that someone reccomends?

DG

for the price ($49) I think FS is a great learning tool to practice different types of approaches, holds, etc. Heck, I think there's even a guided curriculum for instrument training.

 

[sqwkvfr]

are people using FS2004 to practice approaches these days

Yup....it's pretty good for that...I sing it's praises whenever I get a chance...when I started my INST training, my instructor pilot could tell that I had practiced on a SIM and I breezed through pretty quickly.

The only problem that I've had with it is that some of the navaid freqs have changed and have yet to be updated in FS2004. But, you can use the AC's GPS unit to find out what the SIM thinks is the correct freq.

 

[jetstar1]

Any feedback on Windy City Flyers? how are there instructers and aircraft?