RAA

AV8TOR · February 14th, 2005, 18:52

Afternoon

I was looking to see if anyone has heard anything bad or good about Regional Airline Academy regarding their First Officer Program?

To my understanding you pay your $25,000 and attend a 5 week course in Arizona or Florida to learn Part 121 flight training. Then if you don’t have the 500 hours or close to that, you will instruct with RAA (pay about $10.00/hr) until you get close to your 500, then you go to Denver for 5 weeks to get your Type Rating in a CRJ-200. And during this process your flight instructing phase or when you come back from Denver with your Type Rating you will have a job with one of their affiliated airlines…i.e. Air Whisky, Colgan Air, American Eagle, Express Jet. etc.

It’s not much on time bulding but you do get your type rating, I’m not sure how much that would help you when you do interview for an airline.

Has anyone heard about there flight school. Aircraft, or how they operate?
Thanks for the info

Captain_Bob · February 14th, 2005, 22:31

Hi there AV8TOR,

I've not heard many good things about RAA... If you do a search on here you will find many threads about them... I believe mostly in the General Topics Forum though.

Don't know if you realized it but, you posted this in the ATP Forum.

Good Luck,

Bob

montanapilot · February 14th, 2005, 22:42

they are a ripoff and a half. n'uff said.

why pay for something the airlines will give you for free during your new hire class.

SmitteyB · February 14th, 2005, 23:32

Forget you ever heard of Regional Airline Academy.

BobDDuck · February 15th, 2005, 00:31

Dunno what happened but there was an RAA plane stopped on 30R at Gateway this evening. It was surrounded by 2 Ops trucks and three police cars.

Ethan

blee256 · February 15th, 2005, 01:27

Everyone is looking for a shortcut. If there was one, dont you think everyone would sign up? But they dont, because they know its not worth it to pay 25k for a useless ground school and a type rating that you cant use.

Honestly the closest thing to a shortcut i know is ATP's crj course. Once you get 550 hours you can do the program for 2k. (if your a previous ACP student), but to drop 25k at raa, mesa, gulfstream, or tab is ridiculous. especially when you factor in all the money it took to get you where you are now. 20K-80k depending on where you didnt your training.

Instructing isnt that bad. you get great expeience, stay current, and build confidence. But instructing is only 1 way to build hours. You can do traffic watch, banner towing, crop dusting, pipeline patrol, and etc...Everyone says they love to fly, yet they are so eager to jump into an automated jet.

av8tor good luck on which ever route you take, just make sure you take a good look at the cost compared to what your gonna make. I know now that you dont get into aviation to be rich.

--------------------------------------
Bob, thats a great pic, your kid is adorable, hope your doing well.

smittyb, your avatar isnt bad either. amanda bynes sure is easy on the eyes.

minority_pilot · February 19th, 2005, 06:28

i am brand new in this forum, i am 25y/o, currently deciding if i should go to ATP or RAA. With RAA, they have a 98% rate of graduates hired after students have completed the program, the cost of the program is about $70k. With ATP, it's $78k for the new program.

Okay, basically.. I would like to go to a flight school where i can get a job at the regional airline after I graduate. I seen or heard too many people ending up being a flight instructor for at least a year or two making $1000-1500 a month.

my major concern is getting hired by the regional airline within a year and half from the time I started the program.

any suggestions??

EatSleepFly · February 19th, 2005, 10:20

[ QUOTE ]
my major concern is getting hired by the regional airline within a year and half from the time I started the program.

[/ QUOTE ]

What's the rush?

DE727UPS · February 19th, 2005, 12:00

A year working as a CFI is a valuable year. You won't make much money, but you'll learn a lot a make a better airline pilot in the end.

SmitteyB · February 19th, 2005, 12:54

[ QUOTE ]
i am brand new in this forum, i am 25y/o, currently deciding if i should go to ATP or RAA. With RAA, they have a 98% rate of graduates hired after students have completed the program, the cost of the program is about $70k. With ATP, it's $78k for the new program.

Okay, basically.. I would like to go to a flight school where i can get a job at the regional airline after I graduate. I seen or heard too many people ending up being a flight instructor for at least a year or two making $1000-1500 a month.

my major concern is getting hired by the regional airline within a year and half from the time I started the program.

any suggestions??

[/ QUOTE ]

Forget you ever heard of Regional Airline Academy.

That 70,000 is without living expenses....they have housing for students....it's $700 month. GO TO ATP or ARI-BEN.

blee256 · February 19th, 2005, 15:53

[ QUOTE ]

I seen or heard too many people ending up being a flight instructor for at least a year or two making $1000-1500 a month.

[/ QUOTE ]

I must say I am kind of offended. I am instructor who's instructed over a year, making about the salary you stated above. You make it sound like I am doing something wrong.

[ QUOTE ]

Okay, basically.. I would like to go to a flight school where i can get a job at the regional airline after I graduate.

[/ QUOTE ]

I know i am gonna catch crap for this but...............if thats your thinking/attitude I would suggest gulfstream. after all they are the only beech1900 operator with 20 paying pax.

montanapilot · February 19th, 2005, 16:02

[ QUOTE ]
i am brand new in this forum, i am 25y/o, currently deciding if i should go to ATP or RAA. With RAA, they have a 98% rate of graduates hired after students have completed the program, the cost of the program is about $70k. With ATP, it's $78k for the new program.

Okay, basically.. I would like to go to a flight school where i can get a job at the regional airline after I graduate. I seen or heard too many people ending up being a flight instructor for at least a year or two making $1000-1500 a month.

my major concern is getting hired by the regional airline within a year and half from the time I started the program.

any suggestions??

[/ QUOTE ]

if you think its gonna be as easy as you make it out you are gonna have one hell of a rude awakeing once you get done plopping down a huge load of money.

hahaha thats a good one blee, it took me awhile to get it.

project7 · February 19th, 2005, 17:42

Sounds like another person who wants to be a pilot, not become a pilot (I forget exactly how Doug said it).

AV8TOR · February 20th, 2005, 22:35

I think that it's really sad the way people are knocking other schools, the ultimate goal for most people in here is to get to the airlines. No matter what route you take, 'tradional instructor' or want to take the direct route...so what!!!?!??! I think the reason people are knocking it is A. they don't have the money B. If by some strange reason that they do get picked up by the airlines, that they will have more senority then those taking the tradional route. If you have the money then why not go for it? If you have done your research, and if they have a proven track record and they can provide proof ..then go for it. Granted it's a lot of money, but I think in the end if they can get you to the airlines within a year from your start date, then do it.

There is nothing wrong at all with going the tradional route, and I bet you gain a ton of experience, meet a lot of really cool and knowlegdable people, and you can learn from others. But show me one study where it shows that people taking the direct track route skipping the tradional route, are not capable of flying a ERJ or CRJ. There isn't, at least to my knowledge.

If it is so bad, to take the direct track route, then why are the regionals even hiring pilots that go this way and get hired with only 400 - 500 hours?? So if can't be that bad. ATP is going the same route, they have an agreement with EXPRESS JET,

I say if you have your heart set on it GO FOR IT!! People might be mad, but hey it's all based on Senority as I have seen from these other posts, the faster you get in, the faster you will get a job, and the faster you will move up in senority.

I am looking at both routes, They both have their own pro's and con's. So far I am leaning to one of these direct track route. I think it is based on everyone's own personal situation. Everyone knows that they airline community is changing constantly so why not accept the changing ways to get to the airlines.

SmitteyB · February 20th, 2005, 23:06

[ QUOTE ]
I think that it's really sad the way people are knocking other schools, the ultimate goal for most people in here is to get to the airlines. No matter what route you take, 'tradional instructor' or want to take the direct route...so what!!!?!??! I think the reason people are knocking it is A. they don't have the money B. If by some strange reason that they do get picked up by the airlines, that they will have more senority then those taking the tradional route. If you have the money then why not go for it? If you have done your research, and if they have a proven track record and they can provide proof ..then go for it. Granted it's a lot of money, but I think in the end if they can get you to the airlines within a year from your start date, then do it.

There is nothing wrong at all with going the tradional route, and I bet you gain a ton of experience, meet a lot of really cool and knowlegdable people, and you can learn from others. But show me one study where it shows that people taking the direct track route skipping the tradional route, are not capable of flying a ERJ or CRJ. There isn't, at least to my knowledge.

If it is so bad, to take the direct track route, then why are the regionals even hiring pilots that go this way and get hired with only 400 - 500 hours?? So if can't be that bad. ATP is going the same route, they have an agreement with EXPRESS JET,

I say if you have your heart set on it GO FOR IT!! People might be mad, but hey it's all based on Senority as I have seen from these other posts, the faster you get in, the faster you will get a job, and the faster you will move up in senority.

I am looking at both routes, They both have their own pro's and con's. So far I am leaning to one of these direct track route. I think it is based on everyone's own personal situation. Everyone knows that they airline community is changing constantly so why not accept the changing ways to get to the airlines.

[/ QUOTE ]

You've got 4 posts, I wouldn't be lecturing us quite yet.

project7 · February 20th, 2005, 23:50

[ QUOTE ]
I think that it's really sad the way people are knocking other schools, the ultimate goal for most people in here is to get to the airlines. No matter what route you take, 'tradional instructor' or want to take the direct route...so what!!!?!??! I think the reason people are knocking it is A. they don't have the money B. If by some strange reason that they do get picked up by the airlines, that they will have more senority then those taking the tradional route. If you have the money then why not go for it? If you have done your research, and if they have a proven track record and they can provide proof ..then go for it. Granted it's a lot of money, but I think in the end if they can get you to the airlines within a year from your start date, then do it.

There is nothing wrong at all with going the tradional route, and I bet you gain a ton of experience, meet a lot of really cool and knowlegdable people, and you can learn from others. But show me one study where it shows that people taking the direct track route skipping the tradional route, are not capable of flying a ERJ or CRJ. There isn't, at least to my knowledge.

If it is so bad, to take the direct track route, then why are the regionals even hiring pilots that go this way and get hired with only 400 - 500 hours?? So if can't be that bad. ATP is going the same route, they have an agreement with EXPRESS JET,

I say if you have your heart set on it GO FOR IT!! People might be mad, but hey it's all based on Senority as I have seen from these other posts, the faster you get in, the faster you will get a job, and the faster you will move up in senority.

I am looking at both routes, They both have their own pro's and con's. So far I am leaning to one of these direct track route. I think it is based on everyone's own personal situation. Everyone knows that they airline community is changing constantly so why not accept the changing ways to get to the airlines.

[/ QUOTE ]

1. There is no such thing as a 'direct track' route.
2. Go ahead and spend daddy's money on all this BS. Let us know how it works out for you.
3. Your name wouldn't happen to be R. Porties Jr. would it?

montanapilot · February 21st, 2005, 00:52

1. I think your a troll
2. if not, your a moron, but i ll save rippin your argument a new one till i sober up tommorrow ok bud.

GaTechKid · February 21st, 2005, 01:20

Kelly - You really should switch your avatar to this:

project7 · February 21st, 2005, 02:06

[ QUOTE ]
Kelly - You really should switch your avatar to this:

[/ QUOTE ]
That's awesome. Do you have one of Dangle?

pscraig · February 21st, 2005, 02:08

[ QUOTE ]
I seen or heard too many people ending up being a flight instructor for at least a year or two making $1000-1500 a month.

[/ QUOTE ]

And just what is wrong with that? The things you will learn and the judgement you will develop as an instructor are what will help you succeed! There's a certain body of knowledge you need, and it's the kind of stuff you figure out teaching approaches and maneuvers.

The more I look back on my aviation career, the more I appreciate that I WAS an instructor. These days, it's easy for me to spot someone who never instructed-there's just something missing in how they relate to people and airplanes.

I'm gonna be real honest here-if you want a new career and want it quick, please look elsewhere. Want to be an airline pilot? Throw away all the glossy brochures, get some realistic expectations, do your time as a CFI. Learn what you are supposed to learn-it's a tradition. All of this "I want to fly a jet in a year" stuff is what keeps the PFT scams like Gulfstream and RAA in business.

project7 · February 21st, 2005, 02:20

That was a good post from pscraig. I also really like this one from Ophir in the changing careers forum:
[ QUOTE ]
It was not so long ago that I was in your shoes thinking of the best way to build time. Luckily I had some extra cash from other things going on in my previous life so buying time was an option. I looked and listened to the folks on this site and low and behold I took the advice of many, I became a CFI. I didn't know what I was looking for in being a CFI other than time building but now that I am cresting the 1000hr mark I can tell you it was experience.

There is virtually no way for a person to come from a Commercial rating and have enough knowledge about avation that will make them hireable or safe. The CFI route is certainly a long route with many hardships but it is one that is tried and true.

I highly recommend not looking for a way to build time other than becoming a teach of the thing you love. A mentor in my previous life told me that no one learns a thing in a presentation except for the presenter. I believe him now more than ever. If you become a CFI you won't regret it. It is highly rewarding and it is an incredible experience. You will learn all you need to know to be hireable by a Regional too, if you apply yourself.

From my perspective now, if I had towed banners or patrolled pipelines, I would have robbed myself of the best aviation experience i have had yet, and that is to really learn what it is I am talking about.

Good luck

[/ QUOTE ]

It seems to me that people who want to hurry up and get their butt in the right seat of a jet are usually getting into the aviation field for the wrong reasons. Take your time. Have fun. Learn.

AV8TOR · February 21st, 2005, 05:08

Nobody can answer why the airlines are still picking up pilots with just only 500 hours....?? Why do te airlines even have a 'bridge program' Some of these schools must be doing something right....enough for ATP to jump on the band wagon....look at their website...

As I stated before, if you don't have the money that's fine...I'm not knocking one thing about becoming an instructor. It's a good route, I'm not knocking the 'direct route', that also sounds like a good route. But some of us DON'T have daddies money ...some of us are making career changes that paid damn well..

Once the airlines start to say that we ARE NOT GOING TO BE ACCEPTING PILOTS with LESS THAN 1000 HOURS, then yeah maybe think about the going the instructor route....unti then 'to each his own'

RPM · February 21st, 2005, 09:58

So umm, what happens when the "direct track" doesn't work out for you?? I promise you it doesn't work for everyone, there is still a lot of guys that don't get picked up (don't believe everything those places tell you), you still have to pass the interview where you will be competing with people that have a LOT more experiance than you. Now when it doesn't work out and you don't get hired right off, with less than 500 hrs you are now 80-90K in debt an SOL! You have no CFI ratings to fall back on, and your chances of getting ANY other flying job with that little time is nearly impossible!

I sure wasn't willing to take a risk like that just for a guaranteed "interview"

SmitteyB · February 21st, 2005, 12:53

DE727UPS · February 21st, 2005, 14:03

People are giving you good advice. You seem upset we aren't telling you what you want to hear.

I'm sure you'll like what a Gulfstream or TAB express recruiter has to say...maybe you should talk to them.

February 14th, 2005, 18:52	#1
AV8TOR Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 140	RAA Afternoon I was looking to see if anyone has heard anything bad or good about Regional Airline Academy regarding their First Officer Program? To my understanding you pay your $25,000 and attend a 5 week course in Arizona or Florida to learn Part 121 flight training. Then if you don’t have the 500 hours or close to that, you will instruct with RAA (pay about $10.00/hr) until you get close to your 500, then you go to Denver for 5 weeks to get your Type Rating in a CRJ-200. And during this process your flight instructing phase or when you come back from Denver with your Type Rating you will have a job with one of their affiliated airlines…i.e. Air Whisky, Colgan Air, American Eagle, Express Jet. etc. It’s not much on time bulding but you do get your type rating, I’m not sure how much that would help you when you do interview for an airline. Has anyone heard about there flight school. Aircraft, or how they operate? Thanks for the info

February 14th, 2005, 22:31	#2
Captain_Bob Old Skool Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: DFW, based in ONT, wishing I was in Maine Posts: 3,897	Re: RAA Hi there AV8TOR, I've not heard many good things about RAA... If you do a search on here you will find many threads about them... I believe mostly in the General Topics Forum though. Don't know if you realized it but, you posted this in the ATP Forum. Good Luck, Bob

February 14th, 2005, 22:42	#3
montanapilot Old Skool Join Date: May 2003 Location: Portland, Orygun Posts: 1,641	Re: RAA they are a ripoff and a half. n'uff said. why pay for something the airlines will give you for free during your new hire class.

February 14th, 2005, 23:32	#4
SmitteyB Old Skool Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Ithaca, NY Posts: 1,957	Re: RAA Forget you ever heard of Regional Airline Academy.

February 15th, 2005, 00:31	#5
BobDDuck Old Skool Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Left Seat Posts: 5,712	Re: RAA Dunno what happened but there was an RAA plane stopped on 30R at Gateway this evening. It was surrounded by 2 Ops trucks and three police cars. Ethan

February 15th, 2005, 01:27	#6
blee256 Old Skool Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: lower canada Posts: 1,648	Re: RAA Everyone is looking for a shortcut. If there was one, dont you think everyone would sign up? But they dont, because they know its not worth it to pay 25k for a useless ground school and a type rating that you cant use. Honestly the closest thing to a shortcut i know is ATP's crj course. Once you get 550 hours you can do the program for 2k. (if your a previous ACP student), but to drop 25k at raa, mesa, gulfstream, or tab is ridiculous. especially when you factor in all the money it took to get you where you are now. 20K-80k depending on where you didnt your training. Instructing isnt that bad. you get great expeience, stay current, and build confidence. But instructing is only 1 way to build hours. You can do traffic watch, banner towing, crop dusting, pipeline patrol, and etc...Everyone says they love to fly, yet they are so eager to jump into an automated jet. av8tor good luck on which ever route you take, just make sure you take a good look at the cost compared to what your gonna make. I know now that you dont get into aviation to be rich. -------------------------------------- Bob, thats a great pic, your kid is adorable, hope your doing well. smittyb, your avatar isnt bad either. amanda bynes sure is easy on the eyes.

February 19th, 2005, 06:28	#7
minority_pilot Newbie Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Los Angeles ANGELS Posts: 11	Re: RAA i am brand new in this forum, i am 25y/o, currently deciding if i should go to ATP or RAA. With RAA, they have a 98% rate of graduates hired after students have completed the program, the cost of the program is about $70k. With ATP, it's $78k for the new program. Okay, basically.. I would like to go to a flight school where i can get a job at the regional airline after I graduate. I seen or heard too many people ending up being a flight instructor for at least a year or two making $1000-1500 a month. my major concern is getting hired by the regional airline within a year and half from the time I started the program. any suggestions??

February 19th, 2005, 10:20	#8
EatSleepFly Old Skool Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: ?? Posts: 4,600	Re: RAA [ QUOTE ] my major concern is getting hired by the regional airline within a year and half from the time I started the program. [/ QUOTE ] What's the rush?

February 19th, 2005, 12:00	#9
DE727UPS Old Skool Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Spokane, WA Posts: 6,545	Re: RAA A year working as a CFI is a valuable year. You won't make much money, but you'll learn a lot a make a better airline pilot in the end.

February 19th, 2005, 12:54	#10
SmitteyB Old Skool Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Ithaca, NY Posts: 1,957	Re: RAA [ QUOTE ] i am brand new in this forum, i am 25y/o, currently deciding if i should go to ATP or RAA. With RAA, they have a 98% rate of graduates hired after students have completed the program, the cost of the program is about $70k. With ATP, it's $78k for the new program. Okay, basically.. I would like to go to a flight school where i can get a job at the regional airline after I graduate. I seen or heard too many people ending up being a flight instructor for at least a year or two making $1000-1500 a month. my major concern is getting hired by the regional airline within a year and half from the time I started the program. any suggestions?? [/ QUOTE ] Forget you ever heard of Regional Airline Academy. That 70,000 is without living expenses....they have housing for students....it's $700 month. GO TO ATP or ARI-BEN.

February 19th, 2005, 15:53	#11
blee256 Old Skool Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: lower canada Posts: 1,648	Re: RAA [ QUOTE ] I seen or heard too many people ending up being a flight instructor for at least a year or two making $1000-1500 a month. [/ QUOTE ] I must say I am kind of offended. I am instructor who's instructed over a year, making about the salary you stated above. You make it sound like I am doing something wrong. [ QUOTE ] Okay, basically.. I would like to go to a flight school where i can get a job at the regional airline after I graduate. [/ QUOTE ] I know i am gonna catch crap for this but...............if thats your thinking/attitude I would suggest gulfstream. after all they are the only beech1900 operator with 20 paying pax.

February 19th, 2005, 16:02	#12
montanapilot Old Skool Join Date: May 2003 Location: Portland, Orygun Posts: 1,641	Re: RAA [ QUOTE ] i am brand new in this forum, i am 25y/o, currently deciding if i should go to ATP or RAA. With RAA, they have a 98% rate of graduates hired after students have completed the program, the cost of the program is about $70k. With ATP, it's $78k for the new program. Okay, basically.. I would like to go to a flight school where i can get a job at the regional airline after I graduate. I seen or heard too many people ending up being a flight instructor for at least a year or two making $1000-1500 a month. my major concern is getting hired by the regional airline within a year and half from the time I started the program. any suggestions?? [/ QUOTE ] if you think its gonna be as easy as you make it out you are gonna have one hell of a rude awakeing once you get done plopping down a huge load of money. hahaha thats a good one blee, it took me awhile to get it.

February 19th, 2005, 17:42	#13
project7 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Posts: 430	Re: RAA Sounds like another person who wants to be a pilot, not become a pilot (I forget exactly how Doug said it).

February 20th, 2005, 22:35	#14
AV8TOR Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 140	Re: RAA I think that it's really sad the way people are knocking other schools, the ultimate goal for most people in here is to get to the airlines. No matter what route you take, 'tradional instructor' or want to take the direct route...so what!!!?!??! I think the reason people are knocking it is A. they don't have the money B. If by some strange reason that they do get picked up by the airlines, that they will have more senority then those taking the tradional route. If you have the money then why not go for it? If you have done your research, and if they have a proven track record and they can provide proof ..then go for it. Granted it's a lot of money, but I think in the end if they can get you to the airlines within a year from your start date, then do it. There is nothing wrong at all with going the tradional route, and I bet you gain a ton of experience, meet a lot of really cool and knowlegdable people, and you can learn from others. But show me one study where it shows that people taking the direct track route skipping the tradional route, are not capable of flying a ERJ or CRJ. There isn't, at least to my knowledge. If it is so bad, to take the direct track route, then why are the regionals even hiring pilots that go this way and get hired with only 400 - 500 hours?? So if can't be that bad. ATP is going the same route, they have an agreement with EXPRESS JET, I say if you have your heart set on it GO FOR IT!! People might be mad, but hey it's all based on Senority as I have seen from these other posts, the faster you get in, the faster you will get a job, and the faster you will move up in senority. I am looking at both routes, They both have their own pro's and con's. So far I am leaning to one of these direct track route. I think it is based on everyone's own personal situation. Everyone knows that they airline community is changing constantly so why not accept the changing ways to get to the airlines.

February 20th, 2005, 23:06	#15
SmitteyB Old Skool Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Ithaca, NY Posts: 1,957	Re: RAA [ QUOTE ] I think that it's really sad the way people are knocking other schools, the ultimate goal for most people in here is to get to the airlines. No matter what route you take, 'tradional instructor' or want to take the direct route...so what!!!?!??! I think the reason people are knocking it is A. they don't have the money B. If by some strange reason that they do get picked up by the airlines, that they will have more senority then those taking the tradional route. If you have the money then why not go for it? If you have done your research, and if they have a proven track record and they can provide proof ..then go for it. Granted it's a lot of money, but I think in the end if they can get you to the airlines within a year from your start date, then do it. There is nothing wrong at all with going the tradional route, and I bet you gain a ton of experience, meet a lot of really cool and knowlegdable people, and you can learn from others. But show me one study where it shows that people taking the direct track route skipping the tradional route, are not capable of flying a ERJ or CRJ. There isn't, at least to my knowledge. If it is so bad, to take the direct track route, then why are the regionals even hiring pilots that go this way and get hired with only 400 - 500 hours?? So if can't be that bad. ATP is going the same route, they have an agreement with EXPRESS JET, I say if you have your heart set on it GO FOR IT!! People might be mad, but hey it's all based on Senority as I have seen from these other posts, the faster you get in, the faster you will get a job, and the faster you will move up in senority. I am looking at both routes, They both have their own pro's and con's. So far I am leaning to one of these direct track route. I think it is based on everyone's own personal situation. Everyone knows that they airline community is changing constantly so why not accept the changing ways to get to the airlines. [/ QUOTE ] You've got 4 posts, I wouldn't be lecturing us quite yet.

February 20th, 2005, 23:50	#16
project7 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Posts: 430	Re: RAA [ QUOTE ] I think that it's really sad the way people are knocking other schools, the ultimate goal for most people in here is to get to the airlines. No matter what route you take, 'tradional instructor' or want to take the direct route...so what!!!?!??! I think the reason people are knocking it is A. they don't have the money B. If by some strange reason that they do get picked up by the airlines, that they will have more senority then those taking the tradional route. If you have the money then why not go for it? If you have done your research, and if they have a proven track record and they can provide proof ..then go for it. Granted it's a lot of money, but I think in the end if they can get you to the airlines within a year from your start date, then do it. There is nothing wrong at all with going the tradional route, and I bet you gain a ton of experience, meet a lot of really cool and knowlegdable people, and you can learn from others. But show me one study where it shows that people taking the direct track route skipping the tradional route, are not capable of flying a ERJ or CRJ. There isn't, at least to my knowledge. If it is so bad, to take the direct track route, then why are the regionals even hiring pilots that go this way and get hired with only 400 - 500 hours?? So if can't be that bad. ATP is going the same route, they have an agreement with EXPRESS JET, I say if you have your heart set on it GO FOR IT!! People might be mad, but hey it's all based on Senority as I have seen from these other posts, the faster you get in, the faster you will get a job, and the faster you will move up in senority. I am looking at both routes, They both have their own pro's and con's. So far I am leaning to one of these direct track route. I think it is based on everyone's own personal situation. Everyone knows that they airline community is changing constantly so why not accept the changing ways to get to the airlines. [/ QUOTE ] 1. There is no such thing as a 'direct track' route. 2. Go ahead and spend daddy's money on all this BS. Let us know how it works out for you. 3. Your name wouldn't happen to be R. Porties Jr. would it?

February 21st, 2005, 00:52	#17
montanapilot Old Skool Join Date: May 2003 Location: Portland, Orygun Posts: 1,641	Re: RAA 1. I think your a troll 2. if not, your a moron, but i ll save rippin your argument a new one till i sober up tommorrow ok bud.

February 21st, 2005, 01:20	#18
GaTechKid Old Skool Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Frigid NWA Hub Posts: 1,885	Re: RAA Kelly - You really should switch your avatar to this:

February 21st, 2005, 02:06	#19
project7 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Posts: 430	Re: RAA [ QUOTE ] Kelly - You really should switch your avatar to this: [/ QUOTE ] That's awesome. Do you have one of Dangle?

February 21st, 2005, 02:08	#20
pscraig Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 1,021	Re: RAA [ QUOTE ] I seen or heard too many people ending up being a flight instructor for at least a year or two making $1000-1500 a month. [/ QUOTE ] And just what is wrong with that? The things you will learn and the judgement you will develop as an instructor are what will help you succeed! There's a certain body of knowledge you need, and it's the kind of stuff you figure out teaching approaches and maneuvers. The more I look back on my aviation career, the more I appreciate that I WAS an instructor. These days, it's easy for me to spot someone who never instructed-there's just something missing in how they relate to people and airplanes. I'm gonna be real honest here-if you want a new career and want it quick, please look elsewhere. Want to be an airline pilot? Throw away all the glossy brochures, get some realistic expectations, do your time as a CFI. Learn what you are supposed to learn-it's a tradition. All of this "I want to fly a jet in a year" stuff is what keeps the PFT scams like Gulfstream and RAA in business.

February 21st, 2005, 02:20	#21
project7 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Posts: 430	Re: RAA That was a good post from pscraig. I also really like this one from Ophir in the changing careers forum: [ QUOTE ] It was not so long ago that I was in your shoes thinking of the best way to build time. Luckily I had some extra cash from other things going on in my previous life so buying time was an option. I looked and listened to the folks on this site and low and behold I took the advice of many, I became a CFI. I didn't know what I was looking for in being a CFI other than time building but now that I am cresting the 1000hr mark I can tell you it was experience. There is virtually no way for a person to come from a Commercial rating and have enough knowledge about avation that will make them hireable or safe. The CFI route is certainly a long route with many hardships but it is one that is tried and true. I highly recommend not looking for a way to build time other than becoming a teach of the thing you love. A mentor in my previous life told me that no one learns a thing in a presentation except for the presenter. I believe him now more than ever. If you become a CFI you won't regret it. It is highly rewarding and it is an incredible experience. You will learn all you need to know to be hireable by a Regional too, if you apply yourself. From my perspective now, if I had towed banners or patrolled pipelines, I would have robbed myself of the best aviation experience i have had yet, and that is to really learn what it is I am talking about. Good luck [/ QUOTE ] It seems to me that people who want to hurry up and get their butt in the right seat of a jet are usually getting into the aviation field for the wrong reasons. Take your time. Have fun. Learn.

February 21st, 2005, 05:08	#22
AV8TOR Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 140	Re: RAA Nobody can answer why the airlines are still picking up pilots with just only 500 hours....?? Why do te airlines even have a 'bridge program' Some of these schools must be doing something right....enough for ATP to jump on the band wagon....look at their website... As I stated before, if you don't have the money that's fine...I'm not knocking one thing about becoming an instructor. It's a good route, I'm not knocking the 'direct route', that also sounds like a good route. But some of us DON'T have daddies money ...some of us are making career changes that paid damn well.. Once the airlines start to say that we ARE NOT GOING TO BE ACCEPTING PILOTS with LESS THAN 1000 HOURS, then yeah maybe think about the going the instructor route....unti then 'to each his own'

February 21st, 2005, 09:58	#23
RPM Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: LAX Posts: 658	Re: RAA So umm, what happens when the "direct track" doesn't work out for you?? I promise you it doesn't work for everyone, there is still a lot of guys that don't get picked up (don't believe everything those places tell you), you still have to pass the interview where you will be competing with people that have a LOT more experiance than you. Now when it doesn't work out and you don't get hired right off, with less than 500 hrs you are now 80-90K in debt an SOL! You have no CFI ratings to fall back on, and your chances of getting ANY other flying job with that little time is nearly impossible! I sure wasn't willing to take a risk like that just for a guaranteed "interview"

February 21st, 2005, 12:53	#24
SmitteyB Old Skool Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Ithaca, NY Posts: 1,957	Re: RAA

February 21st, 2005, 14:03	#25
DE727UPS Old Skool Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Spokane, WA Posts: 6,545	Re: RAA People are giving you good advice. You seem upset we aren't telling you what you want to hear. I'm sure you'll like what a Gulfstream or TAB express recruiter has to say...maybe you should talk to them.

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