Late Career Change Question

Schinpop · January 6th, 2006, 15:44

I'm 41, have 500+ hours, CP-ASEL, IA. I'm trying to hang on to my job in the computer industry until it goes to China. When it does go to China, I'd like to be in a reasonable position to apply for a part 121 regional.

I'm trying to decide between the CFI and the multi rating. Since I live in Fort Collins, CO, I've been looking at Great Lakes' minimums as a bare minimum goal (750/50). On the gouges, it looks like almost all of their new hires are low time, in their 20s, and have a CFI. Is the CFI an unwritten lockout qualification? Do they like to see the right seat flying/dedication required to get the rating? I know that multi time is golden. Am I better off with more multi-time and no CFI, or should I get the CFI and then work on the multi?

Thanks for the input.
Jim

meritflyer · January 6th, 2006, 18:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by Schinpop

I'm 41, have 500+ hours, CP-ASEL, IA. I'm trying to hang on to my job in the computer industry until it goes to China. When it does go to China, I'd like to be in a reasonable position to apply for a part 121 regional.

I'm trying to decide between the CFI and the multi rating. Since I live in Fort Collins, CO, I've been looking at Great Lakes' minimums as a bare minimum goal (750/50). On the gouges, it looks like almost all of their new hires are low time, in their 20s, and have a CFI. Is the CFI an unwritten lockout qualification? Do they like to see the right seat flying/dedication required to get the rating? I know that multi time is golden. Am I better off with more multi-time and no CFI, or should I get the CFI and then work on the multi?

Thanks for the input.
Jim

Great lakes may be a good option but you must consider, if they dont hire you what will you do since most regional min. times are 1000/100. You need a way to build up your time if you are dead set on being a regional pilot. I would consider the fact that you need about 200-300 more TT and atleast 50 more multi. I would consider getting your CFI and instructing for 6-12 months. This way you are getting paid to fly and can build the necessary flight times to become competitive. Also consider that a CFI w/out the MEI will not provide you with the necessary multi time. And no, it is not an unspoken law about getting hired and being a CFI. While the CFI may be viewed as one of the most diffucult ratings and HR depts. do like it, if you can get an interview, ace the sim, and answer their technical questions I cant see why you wouldnt be a competitive applicant.

E_Dawg · January 7th, 2006, 12:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by meritflyer

if you can get an interview, ace the sim, and answer their technical questions I cant see why you wouldnt be a competitive applicant.

And a cfi rating makes all of those things easier... I think regionals like to see recency of experience, and I doubt they want to be the first company to trust you with an airplane (that you're not just renting). Not that it can't be done another way, I just think it would be difficult being that your aviation employment experience is zero.

flyTotheSky · January 9th, 2006, 20:12

I think E Dawg has it right...recency of experience is key, be current...especially with that multi-time. As regards to the question about getting your CFI or ME, I would start building that multi time as soon as possible. The regionals due tend to hire a lot of CFIs, so they say instructing makes you a better pilot...who knows. There really is no shortcut here. I would look at programs like ATP (allatps.com) if you choose to excelerate your flying and you think you can cut it. I'm sure they have some sort of program that can get you your multi and then go ahead and get your three instructor tickets (CFI, II, MEI).

January 6th, 2006, 15:44	#1
Schinpop Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Fort Collins, CO Posts: 62	Late Career Change Question I'm 41, have 500+ hours, CP-ASEL, IA. I'm trying to hang on to my job in the computer industry until it goes to China. When it does go to China, I'd like to be in a reasonable position to apply for a part 121 regional. I'm trying to decide between the CFI and the multi rating. Since I live in Fort Collins, CO, I've been looking at Great Lakes' minimums as a bare minimum goal (750/50). On the gouges, it looks like almost all of their new hires are low time, in their 20s, and have a CFI. Is the CFI an unwritten lockout qualification? Do they like to see the right seat flying/dedication required to get the rating? I know that multi time is golden. Am I better off with more multi-time and no CFI, or should I get the CFI and then work on the multi? Thanks for the input. Jim

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January 9th, 2006, 20:12	#4
flyTotheSky Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: LUK Posts: 381	I think E Dawg has it right...recency of experience is key, be current...especially with that multi-time. As regards to the question about getting your CFI or ME, I would start building that multi time as soon as possible. The regionals due tend to hire a lot of CFIs, so they say instructing makes you a better pilot...who knows. There really is no shortcut here. I would look at programs like ATP (allatps.com) if you choose to excelerate your flying and you think you can cut it. I'm sure they have some sort of program that can get you your multi and then go ahead and get your three instructor tickets (CFI, II, MEI).