Which path?

[Duksrule]

OK I have been in the Navy for 19 years and have a few more years left till I retire. My long term goal is to fly for NETJETS or an airline. I don't need to make a million dollars a year but don't want to work for scraps either. I know the first years are tight and the money isn't a huge deal as I will have my Navy retirement to help out.

I currently have my PPL. I was thinking that I could keep pounding out my ratings at the FBO while I am in but I also thought that instead maybe once I retire I could go to someplace like ATP. I will be pushing 40 soon and think that maybe ATP or one of the other schools that fast track you to the right seat. I know this is a more expensive way to go but I just don't think at 40 I have the time to grind out a couple of years of instructing. It would be great if I could instruct part time while I am in but my schedule just doesn't allow for that. So what are your opinions on the best path?

Thanks
Rob

[Beechlover]

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.

[Duksrule]

I was an IDIOT 19 years ago and didn't get the MGIB so my training is out of pocket. I think in the big picture spending $50K to get into the airline business fast is probably the way to go for me.