jetcareers - View Single Post

Beechlover · July 12th, 2007, 09:00

Hi,

I'm a retired USAF guy myself (43) training in Florida. Do you have the MGIB? If so, then you'll want to find a school that has a part 141 (VA approved) training program. That is the only way you will be reimbursed at 60 percent of your training costs. I looked at ATP a year ago, and they DID NOT have 141 training. They were 61 only. May have changed

Where I started in my process was to get a first class medical done so I knew one way or the other if I would even be able to medically qualify for the job. Although you only need a class 2 as a commercial pilot, you'll need a class one to upgrade to Capt at least in the 121 environment as that is the requirement for an ATP certificate, and most operators want an ATP card carrier in the left seat.

Oh, and don't sweat your age, like I said above, I'm 43 currently working on my MEI, hope to be done today as a matter of fact. The plan is to instruct for several months until I get up to the 500 to 600 hr point. Then I'll take a look around and see what's out there. I've seen ALOT of guys my age and older getting jobs at jet regionals like Express jet, Skywest, Eagle and so on, so here me when I say don't worry about it.

The biggest factor (in terms of training) is multi engine time. Now adays, 100 hrs of multi will meet every regional's hiring minimum requirment. Many will still look at you with only 50 even.

Some will go even lower, but I would look at them VERY carefully and ask alot of questions. There is a huge pool of wisdom here and I'm sure folks will be happy to answer any questions you might have concerning specific airlines.

This link, will break down hiring minimums by airline..,

http://airlinepilotcentral.com/resou...070412222.html

When looking for a flight school, my search focused on

1) A Part 141 VA approved training program
2) A training program where I could log as much multi time as I could get my hands on. (I currently have 293 Total time with 170 Multi)
3) Cost that I could afford (Yes the retirement check does help)

Everybody's situation is different. I am very blessed to have a supportive wife who encouraged me to pursue my life's dream and has been supporting my no job rear for the past 10 months.

It's been quite and adventure and I've enjoyed every minute of it! The industry needs pilots and things are looking really good for guys like us.

Best of luck, drop me a line if you have anymore questions.

July 12th, 2007, 09:00	#2
Beechlover Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Flyin with my Sweetie!!! Posts: 261	Re: Which path? Hi, I'm a retired USAF guy myself (43) training in Florida. Do you have the MGIB? If so, then you'll want to find a school that has a part 141 (VA approved) training program. That is the only way you will be reimbursed at 60 percent of your training costs. I looked at ATP a year ago, and they DID NOT have 141 training. They were 61 only. May have changed Where I started in my process was to get a first class medical done so I knew one way or the other if I would even be able to medically qualify for the job. Although you only need a class 2 as a commercial pilot, you'll need a class one to upgrade to Capt at least in the 121 environment as that is the requirement for an ATP certificate, and most operators want an ATP card carrier in the left seat. Oh, and don't sweat your age, like I said above, I'm 43 currently working on my MEI, hope to be done today as a matter of fact. The plan is to instruct for several months until I get up to the 500 to 600 hr point. Then I'll take a look around and see what's out there. I've seen ALOT of guys my age and older getting jobs at jet regionals like Express jet, Skywest, Eagle and so on, so here me when I say don't worry about it. The biggest factor (in terms of training) is multi engine time. Now adays, 100 hrs of multi will meet every regional's hiring minimum requirment. Many will still look at you with only 50 even. Some will go even lower, but I would look at them VERY carefully and ask alot of questions. There is a huge pool of wisdom here and I'm sure folks will be happy to answer any questions you might have concerning specific airlines. This link, will break down hiring minimums by airline.., http://airlinepilotcentral.com/resou...070412222.html When looking for a flight school, my search focused on 1) A Part 141 VA approved training program 2) A training program where I could log as much multi time as I could get my hands on. (I currently have 293 Total time with 170 Multi) 3) Cost that I could afford (Yes the retirement check does help) Everybody's situation is different. I am very blessed to have a supportive wife who encouraged me to pursue my life's dream and has been supporting my no job rear for the past 10 months. It's been quite and adventure and I've enjoyed every minute of it! The industry needs pilots and things are looking really good for guys like us. Best of luck, drop me a line if you have anymore questions. __________________ Life is Good! Do what you love, love what you do!