Info on Direct Track Programs

[CLR4ILS]

" It ain't worth it if you're stuck as a FSA CFI for two years. "


Who said two years? My friend has been instructing there for 6 months and just got hired with Trans States in the ERJ.

Besides, I'd rather instruct at FSA for two years and rack up 600+ multi time (assuming approx. 1200 TT) than instruct at one of your lovely FBO's and have no multi time.

Point being.....If it took two years at FSA to get the hours to leave, I'll put 100 large that it would take longer at your beloved FBO and you wouldn't have half the qualifications you would have from FSA.

Oh yeah big guy, don't forget that all of the instructors get free SAAB Level D intro to glass training, Glass ground school, a free CFII and MEI, not to mention a butt load of multi instrument time.

Should I duck now?

ILS

[badco99]

Originally Posted by CLR4ILS

IMO....I think you (BADCO99) should do your CFII and interveiw again. I know alot of people that did not make the cut the first time but did the second time after CFII. Besides, you will hone those instrument skills when you do the CFII which will only help you if you do go the direct track program.

Give it a shot... You are FSA trained and I am sure you did well through your training. You can also ask Mr Wakefield and Mr Lawler for help in preparing for the second interview. they will respect your effort and you may earn some points before the interview.

ILS

I was going to do the CFII after the internship, but now that I got into the direct track I'm going to stick with it. After I finished my CFI and interviewed I was just burned out. I had been in training for over a year, with no real vacation. Sure, I'd had a few breaks here and there, but I needed a change.

I think the biggest problem was just deciding what to do, which path to take. Do I go here first or get that rating first? This program or that program? Right now I'm just happy to be going in one direction and not sitting at the crossroads trying to decide. At least I have my CFI to fall back on, and I could probably get into the internship again. Is direct track the right path? Time will tell. But I've made my decision and I'm sticking to it. I do appreciate your input though.

[CLR4ILS]

You'll have a good time in the direct track. Which airline?

Enjoy it, it goes fast...

ILS

[badco99]

Down boys! Come on, we were doing so well...no one was having to duck

Right now the time as a CFI is unknown. A bunch of guys just got hired and they are currently looking at the CFI to student ratio. They actually cut the contract hours to 600 to get rid of some instructors because most had like one or two students.

I think the training at FSA has been great. I think it would be a great place to build time and have them pick up the tab for a few ratings, and get all the other little perks CLR4ILS mentioned. But right now I also get the impression CFI morale is low, and most are really to get out ASAP.

Like I said, for better or worse, I chose Direct Track.

[badco99]

Originally Posted by CLR4ILS

You'll have a good time in the direct track. Which airline?

Enjoy it, it goes fast...

ILS

ASA.

Start Oct 24 and I'm really looking forward to it. Heard good things from the guys that are doing it now.

[DE727UPS]

"Point being.....If it took two years at FSA to get the hours to leave, I'll put 100 large that it would take longer at your beloved FBO and you wouldn't have half the qualifications you would have from FSA."

My two year statement was from one of Badco's post. I didn't make it up. Now, what's your bet exactly? I got 100 large in my checking accout that's supposed to be a strike fund. I got a buddy that went from CFI to Beech 99 checkairman in two years via my prefered method of pilot education. Any of your FSA buddies can match that? Turbine PIC as a checkairman in two years? I didn't think so. What airline do you work for again?

[DE727UPS]

"Start Oct 24 and I'm really looking forward to it"

Like I said, good luck. The biggest problem you're gonna face is if something weird happens with the Skywest buyout. As you should know, they aren't union and ASA has been in contract talks for a couple of years. All kinds of ugly things can happen in mergers and Skywest bought ASA, not the other way around. All kinds of crazy stuff could happen with ASA: a strike, Skywest merger, Delta being in bankruptcy, ect. As long as your going into it understanding all that, I feel like my job is done.

[badco99]

Originally Posted by DE727UPS

"Start Oct 24 and I'm really looking forward to it"

Like I said, good luck. The biggest problem you're gonna face is if something weird happens with the Skywest buyout. As you should know, they aren't union and ASA has been in contract talks for a couple of years. All kinds of ugly things can happen in mergers and Skywest bought ASA, not the other way around. All kinds of crazy stuff could happen with ASA: a strike, Skywest merger, Delta being in bankruptcy, ect. As long as your going into it understanding all that, I feel like my job is done.

Yes, I am aware of all of that...things can change at any moment. I know it doesn't mean much, but I got my interview call after the sale of ASA to Skywest. I'm hoping that is a good sign, and we were told the sale shouldn't affect anything at either company. We shall see......

[DE727UPS]

Well...that's what management has to say to keep the classes filled. I think, for now, they are saying they will run the companies seperate, which is good for you. The danger is the whipsaw potential between Skywest and ASA for future flying and the potential for a strike at ASA. The ASA guys have been putting up with a lot of crap for years and this buyout really throws things for a loop. Time will tell....

[Cherokee_Cruiser]

Question for the gentlemen in the ASA direct track program:

What is the total cost of that program?

Assume that you already have a Comm/Inst/ME ratings. For phases I-IV, how much do they charge for this ASA Direct Track program?


Just curious, thanks.

[bLizZuE]

I think it's around 26. Could be wrong, probably am.

[badco99]

Originally Posted by Cherokee_Cruiser

Question for the gentlemen in the ASA direct track program:

What is the total cost of that program?

Assume that you already have a Comm/Inst/ME ratings. For phases I-IV, how much do they charge for this ASA Direct Track program?


Just curious, thanks.

Program costs $22,500, and thats for all airlines. Not sure exact cost if you are coming from outside FSA. The good news is that it's a fixed price, even if you go over and need a few more flights or something. And yes, I have asked several times and not just marketing.

[Cav]

Originally Posted by CLR4ILS

"Point being.....If it took two years at FSA to get the hours to leave, I'll put 100 large that it would take longer at your beloved FBO and you wouldn't have half the qualifications you would have from FSA.ILS

Simply not true. I went to FSA, decided to do my CFI elsewhere and instructed in what you call a "beloved FBO." I acquired over 1200TT/300ME
instructing part 61 (spent less than 12 mos. as a CFICFII/MEI actually), spent less $ than you did and guess what...I beat my former FSA instructors to a regional by 8 months or more. Not knocking them or FSA just stating facts (I have nothing but respect for FSA and it's instructors). Having FSA on my resume had nothing to do with me getting my current job, working my a$$ off did. How many FSA CFI's fly over 100 hrs/month? I did every month as a CFI minus one. Moreover, FSA never came up in the interview.

For those getting started my advice is, get the time, work hard, enjoy what you are doing, follow your gut rather than some stupid marketer, and you'll achieve what you want without spending more than you already must. You survive on your own merritt and hard work not the reputation of the school on your resume. When you do get the job, no one cares where you went. In fact, if you bring a my academy is the best attitude to the flight deck that makes you a loser in the eyes of most of us (in fact you'll probably never get past the interview board). WHO CARES!!!!!

[Cav]

Originally Posted by CLR4ILS

"My friend has been instructing there for 6 months and just got hired with Trans States in the ERJ.ILS

Last I heard TSA was telling their newhires that TSA classes were cancelled and if they wanted to accept the class it would be with GoJet. Not exactly a good opportunity. What info does your friend have?

[DE727UPS]

Isn't Go Jet an alter-ego airline designed to screw the TSA pilot group. Kinda like Freedom/Mesa, except the Mesa group was able to keep it from happening. What's the story on this one?

[Cav]

Originally Posted by DE727UPS

Isn't Go Jet an alter-ego airline designed to screw the TSA pilot group. Kinda like Freedom/Mesa, except the Mesa group was able to keep it from happening. What's the story on this one?

Basically yes. GoJet was formed as a TSA alter-ego to circumvent TSA's collective bargaining agreement (and somehow American's scope I believe but not sure). They will be flying 70 seaters as United Express using the call sign "Gateway" not to be confused with USA 3000's "Getaway." There was a recent vote by the TSA pilots not to allow concessions in order to bring the Gojet pilots under the same seniority list with DOH merging...I believe this to be correct perhaps someone else can clarify (I know Chicaga might know more since some ex Chicago Exp. guys have gone there). Not a good situation. The future at TSA is not that bright from what I understand. Please tell me FSA is not encouraging its instructors to go to GoJet!

[launchpad]

Originally Posted by Cav

Please tell me FSA is not encouraging its instructors to go to GoJet!

Actually, when I left there about 5 months ago, the marketing team was getting all riled up about "the new airline" and how many opportunities it would bring and a maybe a direct track program and on and on and on...they were really excited about goshmucks starting up....I'm pretty sure no one has gone there from FSI, but I'm sure the marketing team is pushing it because they don't know any better.....

[CLR4ILS]

" What airline do you work for again? "


I have the time and experience to pretty much hit any regional I wish. I don't wish right now. I do wish the pay was at least a little better in the beginning so I could provide for my family at least half of what I provide now.

On a peaceful note.......DE727, If I wanted to fly for a regional right now I could. Currently my wife and I are doing exceptionally well with an income this year that will exceed a senior captains pay at UPS or FED EX by at least $200K.

The problem I face if you care to hear is........ My passion is up at 30,000 feet but, the paycheck is currently on the ground. It does suck, but at least I can afford to buy a plane (next month) to satify my taste for speed at a whopping 120 knots.

I do envy those of you who have your office up there. When the time is right, I will join you...

ILS

[CLR4ILS]

" I acquired over 1200TT/300ME "

That is great....you usually do not see that kind of multi time in an FBO operation.


" spent less $ than you did "

Uh...NO, unless you finished everything including FSA through MEI for under approx. $42K (included some living exp). If you did then great.

" Having FSA on my resume had nothing to do with me getting my current job "


Just curious..... So why did you attend FSA?


" For those getting started my advice is, get the time, work hard, enjoy what you are doing, follow your gut rather than some stupid marketer "

Agree......


" In fact, if you bring a my academy is the best attitude to the flight deck that makes you a loser in the eyes of most of us (in fact you'll probably never get past the interview board). "

Agree again.....I never said FSA was the only one, only simply stating they train their pilots extremely well...


" Last I heard TSA was telling their newhires that TSA classes were cancelled and if they wanted to accept the class it would be with GoJet. Not exactly a good opportunity. What info does your friend have "


My friends class was bumped to NOV but he is still in the ERJ with TSA....



" Please tell me FSA is not encouraging its instructors to go to GoJet! "


I hope not if it is a "freedom" type situation...


ILS

[bLizZuE]

ah the age old 'MY FBO IS BETTER THAN YOUR ACADEMY' arguement.

If it makes you feel better that you spent less money, that's awesome. If it makes you feel better that you did it the 'hard way' as some call it, awesome as well.

I chose FlightSafety because It's easy. Everything here that I need, for everything I want. I don't have to jump from place to place, because they don't offer certain ratings.

I also chose FlightSafety because they offer additional training that other schools don't.

FlightSafety will probably not get me a job because it's on my resume. I don't really care. I feel I'm getting the best training I can get. That's all that matters to me.

[Baronman]

Blizzue,

Cool blog....Man I actually miss instructing there, just reading about your pre-solo lessons makes me miss it. It's much more fun flying than riding around in the Flight levels, enjoy it.

[bLizZuE]

Originally Posted by Baronman

Blizzue,

Cool blog....Man I actually miss instructing there, just reading about your pre-solo lessons makes me miss it. It's much more fun flying than riding around in the Flight levels, enjoy it.

That's an exciting thing to hear though!

I think it's funny, how both of us sort of wish our places were reversed, if only for a little while. Life is funny like that, 'grass is always greener' concept I guess.

I hope to instruct here when I finish my ratings, that is what my sights are set on right now, and I can't wait to get there.

If you ever have some words of wisdom, or insight on FlightSafety you feel like sharing, I fully welcome it

[launchpad]

Originally Posted by bLizZuE

If you ever have some words of wisdom, or insight on FlightSafety you feel like sharing, I fully welcome it

The best advice I can give is to enjoy what you're doing. Don't get caught up in the "I've got to get outta here" mentality that everyone seems to catch after a few months in Vero Beach.....if you just ride the waves, take what comes at you and just relax, not only will you enjoy Florida, but your entire career as a pilot......

[MCP]

Originally Posted by CLR4ILS

" What airline do you work for again? "


I have the time and experience to pretty much hit any regional I wish. I don't wish right now. I do wish the pay was at least a little better in the beginning so I could provide for my family at least half of what I provide now.

On a peaceful note.......DE727, If I wanted to fly for a regional right now I could. Currently my wife and I are doing exceptionally well with an income this year that will exceed a senior captains pay at UPS or FED EX by at least $200K.

The problem I face if you care to hear is........ My passion is up at 30,000 feet but, the paycheck is currently on the ground. It does suck, but at least I can afford to buy a plane (next month) to satify my taste for speed at a whopping 120 knots.

I do envy those of you who have your office up there. When the time is right, I will join you...

ILS

It must suck for you and your wife to only have enough money to buy an airplane.

Oh the horror.

lol

[CLR4ILS]

Originally Posted by launchpad

The best advice I can give is to enjoy what you're doing. Don't get caught up in the "I've got to get outta here" mentality that everyone seems to catch after a few months in Vero Beach.....if you just ride the waves, take what comes at you and just relax, not only will you enjoy Florida, but your entire career as a pilot......

True that..... I can remeber when my wife and I pulled in to Vero........ she said, wheres the exit.

I too was always in a hurry to get finished and get the heck out of dodge. I wish I would have taken the time to absorb just a little more of FSA and enjoy the ride.

As Launch said, enjoy the ride. It ends fast.

ILS