Benefits of Delta Conection Academy

[Pilot7700]

I am recently training at a small FBO, and have the chance to go to the Delta Conection Academy in Orlando. I hear mixed things about what I should do. Some people say to stay where I am and get my training as cheap as possible because now a days it doesnt matter where you train when it comes to getting a job, all that matters is your hours. Other people say that the school is a good idea because it is owned by delta and there for will help me get a job.

 

[flynryan15]

Big waste of money, stay at your fbo it will be cheaper also I hear a lot of horror stories about Comair Academy

 

[bobbysamd]

Comair Aviation Academy - sorry, I keep forgetting - DELTA CONNECTION Academy

Bear in mind that the program works. Comair does take people from zero time all the way to a Comair interview while learning that airline's line procedures along the way. The other thing to bear in mind - and something you will not hear from the school's so-called career counselors - is that few people really do get to "the interview." You have to jump through myriad hoops and bite your tongue hard to even have a chance. But, if you can, it might be worth it.

Having said all that, I interviewed for a CFI job at CAA in 1991. My rule of thumb has been that a company's interview process provides a valuable glimpse into the company's culture - and I was not impressed in the least with the culture of Comair Aviation Academy. The place struck me as being oppressive - for instructors and students.

Now, having said all of that, I like 141 flight schools. I have instructed at three. Comair was not one of them. They are, well, school, and all that school implies, i.e. preparing for class and instructional activity, interacting with teachers, doing assignments, taking tests, and meeting set standards. It is discipline which fosters learning. You are held to a schedule in a Part 141 school, and, I feel, you learn more, better, and faster. You also acquire a standardization and learning mind-set that will help you as your progress in your career.

Hope this helps a little more. Good luck with whatever you decide.

 

[172driver]

Let me lay it out for you from an insider's perspective. It is somewhat true that all that matters is your hours. Of course, you will need at least 3000 of them in today's economy with 1000 multi to land an interview with a quality regional. Or...you could attend DCA and land an interview with 1000 hrs and 100 multi. That's at least three extra years of your life you will spend looking for time and building it if you choose the FBO route, not that there's anything wrong with that, depends on your situation.

However, both of the above posts are true.

1. It is much cheaper to get your ratings elsewhere.

2. You will have to deal with a lot of crap at the academy:
a) Spend more than you expect, although their quotes are pretty accurate for an intelligent, motivated student.
b) Syllabus not tailored to your needs.
c) Put up with TERRIBLE management with a few exceptions.
d) No control over your schedule and you won't know what you're doing the next day until the evening before.
e) Low pay as a CFI, $10/hr for flight, sim, billed ground time. No pay for paperwork, cancelled flights, etc.

So, that's the crap everyone talks about. As Bobby said, many students tire of the BS and leave. However, it is my opinion that if you are reasonably intelligent, motivated, easy to get along with, and can afford it or choose to incur the debt, the system definitely works. I am now at Comair and hundreds of my peers from the academy are either here or at other regionals. I love my job and my life at the airline and am extremely happy about my choice to attend the academy despite the frustrations I had to endure at times.

I have many friends who left the academy for the FBO world who are now sitting at 2000 hrs, trying their best to land a job flying Navajos, Barons, etc. A few are hopeful of a regional job ONLY because of connections they made at the academy.

This could all be different in the next couple of years. If there is a turnaround in the market and another hiring frenzy begins, 1000 hrs of FBO time will be just as valuable as 1000 hrs of academy time. Right now, that is just not the case. Anybody who disputes that is full of it. So...as it stands today, DCA is a better choice than any other school if you have the money and the patience.

 

[whosyodaddy]

One benefit of Conair (excuse me... "Delta Connection" Academy) is that the owners get to rape you for all that you're worth! I never realized it could take $70K to get an instructor rating.

 

[huncowboy]

I never realized it could take $70K to get an instructor rating.

It can, however for most students it costs anywhere between 45 to 55.

 

[duksrule]

172 Driver...... If you don't mind me asking what did you end up paying total and how long did it take? I will retire from the Navy in 4 years and will be 37. I can afford to pay for one of the academys so I was thinking of going that direction so that it will offset my late start into the system.

Feel free to E-mail or PM me if you don't want to post here.

Thanks

 

[bobbysamd]

Academy choices

I will retire from the Navy in 4 years and will be 37. I can afford to pay for one of the academys so I was thinking of going that direction so that it will offset my late start into the system.

May I suggest that you put MAPD on your list? I bring it up because Mesa Airlines does seem to hire ex-military who weren't necessarily pilots.

 

[duksrule]

I thought that even mentioning "Mesa" earned you a fireside seat in hell.

 

[bobbysamd]

Mesa

I thought that even mentioning "Mesa" earned you a fireside seat in hell.

My brief employment with Mesa convinced me that it is not the best employer in the world, but MAPD is certainly an excellent stepping-stone. I would view it in that context.

If you do what you're supposed to do in the program and keep your yap shut, you will get "the interview" and will have an excellent chance of being hired. After you go through class and go to the line, you will build time, upgrade, and will be well positioned to move on. Mesa might not have the best reputation in terms of employer-employee-union relations, but experience gained there is recognized and is absolutely marketable in the industry. In other words, look at it pragmatically.

Good luck with whatever you do and wherever you choose to do it.