Just wanted to you guys to know...You DO make a difference.

[g-code]

I just wanted to thank you guys. I am currently at ERAU in SAT taking night classes. I will be done with the academic portion in March 07'. I WAS planning on going to RAA afterwords because I wanted to fasttrack to that right seat. However, after trolling these forums, I have a new respect for the industry and I refuse to contribute towards the "race to the bottom".

Instead, I have decided to do my training here at Wright Flyers and flight instruct until I have enough time because like many of you said it will make me a better pilot.

Anyway, thats enough ass-kissing, just wanted to let you all know that you do make a change (even if it is a small one).

BTW if any of you live in the SAT area I fully expect you to come fly with me and write a subsequent reccomendation making me look similar to Chuck Yeager, the Wright Brothers, and Charles Lindburg all rolled into one....

 

[YourPilotFriend]

Sadly doing it right will only put you behind those PFT's and you will take what they are getting paid, joining the military is the only way to ensure you won't contribute to the race to the bottom.

 

[Nindiri]

Not very familiar with RAA. Does it really put you into the right seat quickly or is it just a bunch of hype? If it really works, why subject yourself to flight instructing?

 

[BushwickBill]

Yeah but they didn't tell you that after 1000 hours of part 61 teaching, telling people how a rudder works and how you taxi with the rudder pedals, you wont be able to fly IFR to save your life. Not to mention pass a sim ride. Good luck guy.
Thats what I've been up to and I personally think my direct track buddys are way better off. They have one job and get a pay check. Sure it sucks but I have three jobs and it sucks too and the pay is worse. I try to study IFR stuff the 2 hours I have to myself everyday and I can feel it slipping away. My flying club has two broken sims. I can't afford to leave work to go to another clubs sims not to mention pay for the sim time. Just find yourself a good flight school with instrument students and fly a frasca as much as you can.

 

[SkyBoy1981]

Yeah but they didn't tell you that after 1000 hours of part 61 teaching, telling people how a rudder works and how you taxi with the rudder pedals, you wont be able to fly IFR to save your life. Not to mention pass a sim ride. Good luck guy.
Thats what I've been up to and I personally think my direct track buddys are way better off. They have one job and get a pay check. Sure it sucks but I have three jobs and it sucks too and the pay is worse. I try to study IFR stuff the 2 hours I have to myself everyday and I can feel it slipping away. My flying club has two broken sims. I can't afford to leave work to go to another clubs sims not to mention pay for the sim time. Just find yourself a good flight school with instrument students and fly a frasca as much as you can.

A little hard work isn't going to kill you. I did it the hard way just like yourself and I don't regret it at all. I was able to pay off what little debt that I had accumulated for flight training, so I am now able to live comfortably in one of the nicest parts of the country off of a not so great paycheck. Yeah, that direct track crap may get you an easy start into the industry, but good luck paying off those loans for the next 20+ years.

 

[Always deferred]

I just wanted to thank you guys. I am currently at ERAU in SAT taking night classes. I will be done with the academic portion in March 07'. I WAS planning on going to RAA afterwords because I wanted to fasttrack to that right seat. However, after trolling these forums, I have a new respect for the industry and I refuse to contribute towards the "race to the bottom".

Instead, I have decided to do my training here at Wright Flyers and flight instruct until I have enough time because like many of you said it will make me a better pilot.

Anyway, thats enough ass-kissing, just wanted to let you all know that you do make a change (even if it is a small one).

BTW if any of you live in the SAT area I fully expect you to come fly with me and write a subsequent reccomendation making me look similar to Chuck Yeager, the Wright Brothers, and Charles Lindburg all rolled into one....

Nice of you to be noble and all but save it. I grad'd ERAU in 01, did the bridge program to ACA and got on with relatively low time. I didn't take it for granted and I feel comfortable saying that those who knew me would not categorize me as a 700 hour wonder.

I tried to give back by volunteering for the union and helping the pilot group out. If you have an opportunity, take it. You have to look out for yourself. No one is going to give you a medal for being noble. I learned that at FlyI. Your skills are not going to benefit by flying another 1000 hours in a pattern in a 150. Seize the opportunity now. Seniority is EVERYTHING.

Goodluck

 

[jpeace02]

g-code,
you will get a lot of different responses for what you're deciding to do. just know someone who earns their job rather than taking the easy way gets a lot more respect on line. other people on this forum will take issue with that but it's the truth. good luck.

 

[IHateMgmt]

Who the f*ck are you people? We've got someone finally doing it the right way and you all put him down. Nice.

Why subject yourself to flight instructing? Because that's where you learn how to fly! Or doesn't anybody care about that anymore...

 

[Berry McCockner]

g-code,
you will get a lot of different responses for what you're deciding to do. just know someone who earns their job rather than taking the easy way gets a lot more respect on line. other people on this forum will take issue with that but it's the truth. good luck.

that is so much bullsh*t. If you are able to make it through training then you will get the respect you deserve online. G-code, you might think it's noble to do it the hard way, but in the end the seniority number is all that matters. The sooner you get one the better off you'll be. All you CFI's out there will argue this point to the day you die,,,....THERE IS NO CORRELATION BETWEEN FLYING A 172 OR A SEMINOLE AROUND THE PATTERN OR ON CROSS COUNTRIES FOR A FEW 1000 HOURS IN THE RIGHT SEAT AND FLYING AN RJ AT THE REGIONALS.

 

[Vladimir Lenin]

if i could do it again, i'd pft

 

[NEDude]

You all have it wrong. Instruct until you get 1000 hours, then go spend four or five years hand flying a Beech 1900 around the northeast. You'll be one of the sharpest instrument guys out there - with maybe the exception of those guys flying for Airnet and similar single pilot type operations. And NOBODY can ever accuse you of taking a short cut or not paying your dues.

 

[Always deferred]

Also keep in mind that anyone who gives you crap for taking "the easy way" would have done the same thing had they had the opportunity...

 

[Berry McCockner]

Also keep in mind that anyone who gives you crap for taking "the easy way" would have done the same thing had they had the opportunity...

Couldn't be more right on. Just ask those die hard CFIers if another 2 year of seniority would have been worth taking "the easy way"

 

[Guitar Guy]

You all have it wrong. Instruct until you get 1000 hours, then go spend four or five years hand flying a Beech 1900 around the northeast. You'll be one of the sharpest instrument guys out there - with maybe the exception of those guys flying for Airnet and similar single pilot type operations. And NOBODY can ever accuse you of taking a short cut or not paying your dues.

I'd agree with your post with the exception of "...around the northeast". Flying the ol' 1900 in instrument conditions anywhere or in high density altitude areas sharpens the basic flying skills tremendously. I've had a lot of friends and others say that you are the sharpest pilot you'll ever be when you're constantly hand-flying planes like the 1900, Sa-227, or other regional (or is that "commuter"?) turboprops.

 

[gkrangers]

Wait, so now PFT is being encouraged?

 

[Crossky]

that is so much bullsh*t. If you are able to make it through training then you will get the respect you deserve online. G-code, you might think it's noble to do it the hard way, but in the end the seniority number is all that matters. The sooner you get one the better off you'll be. All you CFI's out there will argue this point to the day you die,,,....THERE IS NO CORRELATION BETWEEN FLYING A 172 OR A SEMINOLE AROUND THE PATTERN OR ON CROSS COUNTRIES FOR A FEW 1000 HOURS IN THE RIGHT SEAT AND FLYING AN RJ AT THE REGIONALS.

Berry you are clueless. G-code you get a gold star all day long.

The CORRELATION between instructing and the airlines is that after instructing for a while you become much more professional and prepared to work in a crew (two pilot) environment: by instructing you learn to communicate better, learn to teach, delegate responsibility, demonstrate PIC authority, use CRM, learn "CYA" (when needed), practice a code of ethics as a pilot, learn better self awareness, learn to be patient (hopefully) and many other things. All of which is excellent preparation to increase your professionalism and qualifications to proceed to the next level.

If you can pass the training you can pass the training. A certain level of respect is deserved if you can, but I hold a higher level of respect for my flying partners until after the fourth leg. Give me a good reason why I shouldn't?

 

[Nindiri]

All that is nice, but I'd still take the extra few years of seniority. Every year you wait costs you big money off the end of your career, not to mention the fact that a few seniority numbers can be the difference for getting the equipment and domicile you want for years to come.

 

[TNPILOT]

Well apparently every friggin PFT'er and fast track program regional pilot that's registered on this site is coming out of the wood work to defend themeselves. What a crock of #$&!. I commend this kid for doing it right. Don't listen to all the BS. Go instruct, enjoy it and learn a lot. You will. Find a good outfit that will get you flying A LOT. Find one that will allow you to do some instrument training and perhaps some multi training once you've been there a while. They are out there they just taking a little digging and a lot of hard work. I did it and instructed for about a year. So can you. Your airline job isn't going anywhere. And to those who say that bridge program guys get the same respect from Captains that guys with real TT get. BSSSS!!!!! That's not what I hear from guys on the line everyday bitching about the new hire wonder who tried to kill them the day before. Go ahead guys I've got my flame retardant suit on now.

 

[Berry McCockner]

Berry you are clueless. G-code you get a gold star all day long.

The CORRELATION between instructing and the airlines is that after instructing for a while you become much more professional and prepared to work in a crew (two pilot) environment: by instructing you learn to communicate better, learn to teach, delegate responsibility, demonstrate PIC authority, use CRM, learn "CYA" (when needed), practice a code of ethics as a pilot, learn better self awareness, learn to be patient (hopefully) and many other things. All of which is excellent preparation to increase your professionalism and qualifications to proceed to the next level.

If you can pass the training you can pass the training. A certain level of respect is deserved if you can, but I hold a higher level of respect for my flying partners until after the fourth leg. Give me a good reason why I shouldn't?

Oh please, communicat better? Go back to pre-school if you can't communicate. Learn to teach? You don't do much teaching from the right seat. Delegate responsibility? Your responsibilities will be delegated to you. Read your SP's. Demonstrate PIC?? Not from the right seat bud.
My point is, doing chandelles, lazy eights, and hanging out in the pattern all day watching someone else manipulate the controls does not help you when you get into a RJ. Are you telling me you wouldn't do it differnently for a few extra years of seniority? If your dream is to fly for a major, your time sitting in the right seat of a 172 doesn't amount to much on a resume. Nobodies hiring minumums include CFI time.

 

[Flapjack]

"The CORRELATION between instructing and the airlines is that after instructing for a while you become much more professional and prepared to work in a crew (two pilot) environment: by instructing you learn to communicate better, learn to teach, delegate responsibility, demonstrate PIC authority, use CRM, learn "CYA" (when needed), practice a code of ethics as a pilot, learn better self awareness, learn to be patient (hopefully) and many other things. All of which is excellent preparation to increase your professionalism and qualifications to proceed to the next level. "

Right on the money, Crossky! Great post. Communication, and the biggie, decision making, that comes with being PIC. Being an instructor is so much more than cruising the pattern saying "Right Rudder"!

G-Code, fly your butt off as a CFI, sleep well at night knowing you are building time in a way that is going to serve you well for the rest of your career. You got it right.

 

[Berry McCockner]

Go instruct G-code and sleep well at night knowing that hundreds of other direct track, fast track, bridge program guys are getting hired. With all that CFI time you can sit right seat for them and "demonstrate PIC, communicate, delegate authority, practice a code of ethics, learn better self awareness blah blah blah.
Its all about the seniority number and building turbojet PIC

 

[gkrangers]

Oh please, communicat better? Go back to pre-school if you can't communicate. Learn to teach? You don't do much teaching from the right seat. Delegate responsibility? Your responsibilities will be delegated to you. Read your SP's. Demonstrate PIC?? Not from the right seat bud.
My point is, doing chandelles, lazy eights, and hanging out in the pattern all day watching someone else manipulate the controls does not help you when you get into a RJ. Are you telling me you wouldn't do it differnently for a few extra years of seniority? If your dream is to fly for a major, your time sitting in the right seat of a 172 doesn't amount to much on a resume. Nobodies hiring minumums include CFI time.

Uhh....last time I checked, all the regional airlines and feeder cargo operations hire lots and lots and lots of CFIs.

 

[Berry McCockner]

They also hire a ton of low time guys. And major airlines (read my post again) don't hire CFI's

 

[Always deferred]

Respect online does not come from your background but rather your airmanship and most importantly, your attitude. When I started flying the FRJ at less than 1000 TT, I worked hard but recognized that I didn't know much. I told all my captains to please critique or offer me any advice along the way. They appreciated that and not one over my 3 years at ACA ever treated me anything less than a professional pilot and many even became friends.

Be humble, fly within SOPs, fly well, ask questions, and don't scare the guy next to you. That will earn you more respect than another 1000 hours doing turns around a point.

 

[Berry McCockner]

Respect online does not come from your background but rather your airmanship and most importantly, your attitude. When I started flying the FRJ at less than 1000 TT, I worked hard but recognized that I didn't know much. I told all my captains to please critique or offer me any advice along the way. They appreciated that and not one over my 3 years at ACA ever treated me anything less than a professional pilot and many even became friends.

Be humble, fly within SOPs, fly well, ask questions, and don't scare the guy next to you. That will earn you more respect than another 1000 hours doing turns around a point.

Thats exactly right. Its your attitude and professionalism when you step in the cockpit that gets you respect. You don't need CFI time to learn that

 

[gkrangers]

They also hire a ton of low time guys. And major airlines (read my post again) don't hire CFI's

How do you expect to get to a major without a significant amount of 121 or 135, or military time?

You will need to CFI, tow banners, fly jumpers, traffic, pipeline, surveying, etc... in order to get that regional job and get some 121 and 135 time. CFI guys are low timers!

 

[gkrangers]

Go instruct G-code and sleep well at night knowing that hundreds of other direct track, fast track, bridge program guys are getting hired. With all that CFI time you can sit right seat for them and "demonstrate PIC, communicate, delegate authority, practice a code of ethics, learn better self awareness blah blah blah.
Its all about the seniority number and building turbojet PIC

Yeah, well not everyone wants to plunk down another huge chunk of money to buy some SIC time in a 1900.

Its nice getting paid to fly instead.

 

[Berry McCockner]

How do you expect to get to a major without a significant amount of 121 or 135, or military time?

You will need to CFI, tow banners, fly jumpers, traffic, pipeline, surveying, etc... in order to get that regional job and get some 121 and 135 time.

Dude, stay with the class. We are not talking about getting on with a major. This thread is talking about the best way to start off at a regional. Of course you need 121 time for the majors. The point is YOU DON'T NEED THE CFI TIME to excell at a regional.

 

[gkrangers]

Dude, stay with the class. We are not talking about getting on with a major. This thread is talking about the best way to start off at a regional. Of course you need 121 time for the majors. The point is YOU DON'T NEED THE CFI TIME to excell at a regional.

No crap you don't. But you could A) CFI and get paid to build time. or B) spend a bunch of money on a fast track program which doesn't guarantee you anything (neither does CFIng, but atleast you get paid for it).

Its a personal decision on which one is "best".

 

[Berry McCockner]

Yeah, well not everyone wants to plunk down another huge chunk of money to buy some SIC time in a 1900.

Its nice getting paid to fly instead.

Do the math. If you had an extra two years to add to your airline career, at todays pay scale, at a major you would earn about an extra 300K before you retire. I think thats a pretty conservative estamate. Even so, I think that far outways the 50K or so you put down to fast track your career. Get a loan G-code.