Pilot Shortage

[bobbysamd]

It's NOT always who you know

I tried to get on with SkyWest for six years. In 1988, they had low mins of 1000 total, 100 multi and 100 instrument. I was way below their multi and instrument mins in 1988, but I started sending in stuff anyway and continued to update. No response, except for their polite rejection postcards. That was fine and I understood, because I was below mins - although I would hear stories about people being hired below mins.

A year later, I had my ATP and exceeded those mins. I updated, completed an app, updated and filed a fresh application, and just got back postcards. Finally, in 1994, I heard from a former student who got on with SkyWest. She offered to walk in an app. I worked it up; I recall even including another $15 app fee to ensure I hadn't fallen through the cracks. No response. I updated once or twice more before throwing in the towel.

Point is, even knowing someone doesn't always work.

 

[TWC]

If flying is what you really want to do regardless of the so called " pilot shortage" go for it. I recommend not going to an over priced pilot factory. I think you get the same quality if not better training from a small FBO. All the little bells and whistles and the large schools is marketing, an instructor is an instructor regardless on where they teach. Good luck!

 

[Flightjock30]

Not trying to get another debate started, just agreeing with TWC on going to a good FBO that is not overpriced. I learned at Mazzei Flying Service in Fresno, Ca. Great school and not that expensive! Got me to a regional by age 24! Earned a 4 year degree from a state college and always have that diverse educational background to back me up in case flying does not work out for me.