Low Hours/HighTime

[Geoff Huppe]

I need help again. I have 450 hours, 100 dual given. Been away from home for so long I've forgotten what my kids look like. I need to know how to get going faster towards getting hired. I know of ARI-BEN aviators and ATP should I go to thier fast paced schools? I am 48 years old a cfi and soon will have cfii. Time is now critical, I need a job!

Thanks to all

 

[BoilerUP]

Not to dash your hopes, but consider your current & future career expectations.

At 48, you'll only have 12 years for a 121 career (17 if Age 60 is extended to 65). With such low time, your options in charter & corporate will be extremely limited unless you are well connected. If you keep building experience, you could potentially be a 10 year 121 regional pilot, retiring as a captain at age 60 after being a captain for only 4-7 years. Where would that put you and your family financially for a retirement?

ATP has a good reputation, but getting an interview will cost you $$$ in their program, so will Mesa Airlines Pilot Development.

Avoid Gulfstream/Tab/Jet University or any other PFT operator like the plague. At your age it'd be the fastest way where you want to go, but the potential financial implications of it could be staggering.

Good luck with your decision!

 

[dogismycopilot]

I would highly recommend Gulfstream.

Actually, I would agree with BoilerUP in regards to TAB and JetU. Gulfstream is a whole different story.
1) Unlike TAB, Gulfstream is still in business
2) Unlike JetU, has an established airline, and like it or not, has delivered what was promised to many low-time pilots for 5+ years

Don't get me wrong, It's still PFT, but you'll get the 121 experience you'll need to get an interview at some regional.

No matter what your choice, good luck, and have fun!

 

[RSixer]

I second that,,, if you shell out 30 grand for a job, you my never see a profit from your new career. If your looking to build time fast, once you get 1200 hours instructing find a outfit that hauls checks, they are usually hiring anybody that shows up, your time will skyrocket and before you know you'll have a chance at some good charter/corporate jobs that pay much better than a regional will in your first fews years, or ever will for that matter. Im not saying that your old by any means, but considering the retirement age and time for upgrade at the 121 regionals, your best bet is to make the private sector your ultimate goal. Just my opinion though.

 

[Geoff Huppe]

Thanks!

Thanks to all of you. Your input is great. I have been at this awhile. I am a retired high school teacher. My retirement home is built and paid for. I will have enough to live on and I will support my family as well as I can with a regional salary. I am not worried about making it till I'm 60 or 65. I am worried about making it...period. I have set this to be my goal and I will do it. I am going to be a professional (not flight instructor) pilot, I need to be hired sooner than later. At 80 to 100 hours a week it will be 6 months or more. I am currently living away from home to acheive this goal because I could only get 20 hours per month at home in Western NY. So I am in FLA. Away from my family. 6 months seems too long.

There is a place where you "buy" multiengine hours for time building. The school is called ARI-BEN. They fly Duchesses. I have asked everyone I know where I could get the majik 100 hours multi without paying but insurance trumps me with such low me time. This is why I'm asking for help.

If anyone knows someone who went to the school I would like to know. I do not want to spend alot of needless money at ATP or Gulfstream. I have my CFI and I am instructing.

Again...thanks,

Geoff

 

[SPilot]

I've been considering asking ARI BEN for a deal where I'd work as instructor while also buying hours in their hour building program. Could easily pay for 100 hours but end up with an extra 400 ME dual given. If ARI BEN would play it that way, that is.

 

[Photoflight]

are you really flying 80+ hours a WEEK?

 

[avbug]

Away from my family. 6 months seems too long.

a v i a t i o n

Wecome.

 

[Geoff Huppe]

80 a week...brain malfunction...at best 80 per MONTH!

Again thanks

Geoff

 

[imacdog]

If you want to get on with the regionals faster (just like everyone does), you will have to pay for it. Otherwise, you can pay your dues like everyone else. If you can get your MEI at the school you are instructing for, you should be able to get some multi students and build time that way. If the school doesn't allow this, then you are at the wrong school. Otherwise, be prepared to shell out some good cash to get your multi time. Also, there is no "magic 100 hours" of multi. You will be interviewing against people with much more time than that, unless you go to a turboprop operator with very low hiring minimums.