I'd like to be a pilot, advice needed!!

[bobbysamd]

Mesa PACE

Get PPL locally, then go to airman and do the pilot upgrade course, then do the PACE program at Mesa. Going this route vs. the ab-initio program at Mesa would probably save me in the neighborhood of 30k, would give me my CFI ratings, and theorhetically, take less time. What do you think??

The thing that concerns me greatly about the Mesa PACE program and similar, airline-sponsered upgrade programs is you could spend a lot of money and leave empty-handed. Meaning you could receive a bunch of training, but no tangible credential, i.e. an FAA rating, and not receive the expected benefit, e.g. a regional airline interview and regional airline job.

An airline interview is usually promised, if not guaranteed, at the end of the course in these programs. That does not mean, in any way, that you will be hired. People sign up for these programs with the objective of getting hired sooner than the traditional aviation ladder-climb. Once they have your money you are at their mercy. These programs might be designed to get you to the regionals sooner, but, they're also designed to make money for the sponsering regional. No altruism. Meaning, for whatever reason, the place could wash you out, and you'd be out a lot of money with nothing tangible to show for it.

I don't feel that you know for sure whose interests are being served, yours, as the customer-student, or the airline's, as business enterprise. In fact, I feel there is a clear conflict of interest in this regard.

You can save even more money if you get your Private locally, and then go to Airman for your advanced ratings, if you want. At that point you will have all the credentials you need to find work. As always, that's only my $0.02 opinion.

We have a poster with the screen name of Stillaboo. He's an MAPD grad and knows the PACE program. I'd suggest you drop him a PM and get his opinion.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

 

[wannabepilot]

yeah, what you say is all true, there is definitely a big risk involved. I would have to do a HUGE amount of research before I ever decided to enter a program like that.

Well, PPL locally and Airman (or something like that) for the other ratings sounds kind of appealing to me. For some reason I feel like a very structured, accelerated program would be best for me. It would keep me motivated and I wouldn't forget a lot of stuff. I know it's more expensive (25k vs. 15-20k or so doing it at a FBO) but I would be finished in five months with all those ratings instead of a couple of years. Like they say, time is money. Do you know of any other places like Airman? (i.e. a no-frills, no-promises place that gives you your ratings fast for a "reasonable" price)

Yeah, I talked with Stillaboo a little, he had some good info. I guess it worked out really well for him...

 

[Buda6868]

Wannabe, I signed up with AllAtp for my ratings, probably paid to much, but it is a fast track program.

I do not think this is PFT, but I will have my ratings and can go from there.

 

[jergar999]

Be carfeful about doing your ratings at Centennial. You'll find yourself more often than not going upstairs to the Perfect Landing restaurant, and spending so much money you won't have enough left to fly. It's not BBQ, but man it's good food.

 

[bobbysamd]

APA Food

Be carfeful about doing your ratings at Centennial. You'll find yourself more often than not going upstairs to the Perfect Landing restaurant, and spending so much money you won't have enough left to fly. It's not BBQ, but man it's good food.

It is good, but driving the few blocks to Bennett's is worth the time.

Don't forget about Gunther Toody's, at I-25 and Arapahoe Road.

 

[wannabepilot]

haha, ok, I'll remember that. I doubt I'll do my training at Centennial, but I'm sure I'll fly in there a few times. I haven't heard of those other two places, but I've seen those ads on TV for Gunther Toody's, there was something about some waitress. It's not often a restaurant advertises one particular waitress, she must be good...

 

[crashpad]

Wannabe, I'm glad you brought up MAPD. I didn't go through their program, but I did fly for Mesa +5 years and got to see their operations up close. Yes, it's true...they hire you with 300 hrs. if you are a good fit for the company...and most are. I will also say that most of the MAPD grads I flew with were good pilots for having 300 hours. Understandably, they all lacked decision making skills based on experience....300 hrs. is a fraction of the time and experience you'll build if you devote your career to flying.
That said, their program is the only one of its' kind in the country that can legitimately deliver what they're selling. They'll train you in Bonanzas and Barons (won't find nicer planes than that)
and the rest of the info you can get from them. Ask If they might be able to put you to work in their operation while attending training, I remember them doing that and it's a good way to get experience, earn a little money, and for them to get to know you.

One more thing, if you read the message board for regionals, don't be fooled by the "trashing" Mesa takes from some contributors. They may have valid arguements, but mostly it's petty animosity towards a company that plays hardball with the competition, and sometimes its' own employees. In my opinion, it was a great place to work, I made a lot of friends and have only good memories.

 

[wannabepilot]

thanks crashpad, thats good to hear. I'm pretty sure the ab-initio program isn't for me, but the PACE program still sounds very interesting (I sent off for some info, specifiying that I wanted PACE info, and I got a huge packet today, but alas, no PACE info, just stuff about the ab-initio, I'll try again) From what you say, and another person I've talked to who is a pilot there and a MAPD graduate, it's a good program. I'll definitely look into it when the time comes. Later

 

[Draginass]

Get your private license and fly for fun. Use the ten of thousands of dollars you'll save to get a real college degree, do something you'll like, and make a lot more money at it than you'll ever make in aviation. And you can have a family life as well.

Aviation is great fun but a lousy job.