That case I would have to instruct for an additional 700 hours which is another year and a half just to get an interview with some luck or some connections.
Sorry, but I just couldn't let this statement slide by.
You don't need DCA, ATP, GIA, TAB, ERAU, or any other acronym school to get an interview. You need 600/100.
I attended Comair Academy for my instrument rating with plans of staying there and finishing the whole program. I saw the school for the scam it was and left. You didn't see it that way and that is fine, you and I will agree to disagree.
But for the beginners out there who still have that "I want to be an airline pilot" glimmer in their eye, do your research. Yes these schools provide good training but you don't need them to get you to your goal.
I'm a non-academy grad (GASP!) and am flying a B100. I also interviewed with ExpressJet and turned the job down. No insider, no daddy, no nothing. Applied and got called.
I also turned down the Colgan interview (I still don't know who gave them my resume).
My buddy, PeterGibbons, a non-academy grad is flying the LR31 for AirNet.
My other buddy, a non-academy grad is flying a Hawker 800XP and Citation 7.
My other other buddy, a non-academy grad is flying the sweetest 421 for fifth year regional CAPT pay.
My other other other buddy, a non-academy grad is flying the B350.
My other other other other buddy, a non-academy grad is with Chautauqua.
My other other other other other buddy, a non-academy grad is a Mesa CRJ Capt.
All these guys and myself were PT 61 FBO instructors. Also, if you need a year and a half to get 700 hours you need to get up before noon.
For all you beginners there are two truths that will never change.
1. Everybody uses the same PTS.
2. Nobody at any level past flight training cares where you got your ratings.
Good luck.