The Best Choice

[stmltt]

I'm considering how to start my career in aviation. It seems the best choice is to go through an academy program, get all the ratings, and then attend a college/university to get a degree in something other than aviation. This way while you attend college you can flight instruct and (1) build hours and (2) earn a little cash. What do you all think? Also, which academy seems to have the best program (DCA, Flight Safety, ATP, etc...)?

 

[Joshrk22]

Don't go to an academy, they want you for your money. Your best bet is to go to a college, get a degree is something other than aviation. While at college, get all your ratings at a local FBO, it will cost much less doing it this way. Instruct as a CFI to build that time.

 

[UndauntedFlyer]

Joshrk22 is right, but get your ratings full time at the FBO before you even start college. Fly 3 or 4 hours per day. It's possible to get all your ratings up through CFI in less than one year if the FBO is understanding of your objectives and you are not in school. No need to mix college with learning to fly. Try to fly with the same instructor most of the time but if he/she is not available use other CFI's too. It's more important to keep with the aggressive schedule than to try to fly by the instructor's schedule. You will have to be proactive in your own schedule.

The following is a basic plan of training:

1. Private
2. Then VFR Multi
3. Then multi FTD for 50 hours of instrument
4. Then single engine PIC XC combined with,
5. 50 hours of multi engine instrument training.
6. Then try to find someplace to get about 25 hours of tailwheel and acrobatic training. If not available locally, travel and stay a week to get it. Best airplane for this is the a Super Decathlon
7. Get more multi engine training for the instrument rating.
8. Take your test for initial Commercial in the twin
9. Then get a single engine add-on
10. Then finish up the CFI ratings, Single, Multi, and CFI I.
11. Then if the FBO has come to like you you’ll probably get a job
12. Teach everything including multi and go to the college school.

After all this get a job with the regionals.

Good luck.

Check (search) for other posts and threads I have made on this subject.