Are flight schools worth the $$$

FlyBoyJones · June 7th, 2003, 20:09

Got about 3 semesters left with my 4-year degree (I'm cramming 4 years of school into 6) and I'm starting to narrow down my 'flight school' options. I'm currently a 170hr PPL, but will try to have the IR done before graduating next December.

My question is -- Are the flight schools really worth the extra $$$? I know they claim 'contracts' and 'agreements' with airlines for a certain number of hires from their schools, but is that really worth the extra 300% in costs? I am currently in a club that I can use to get my Instrument for about $3000 (based on 40 hrs w/ instructor) and my Commercial for about $2000 (based on 20 hrs complex w/ instructor). I'm not sure what the expense would be for the CFII and there is no option for a Multi in the club, so I would have to go elsewhere for that. So it's pretty obvious that I can get the ratings for quite a bit cheaper than at the flight schools.

My question is -- do the airlines prefer to see "XXXX Flight Academy" on your resume as opposed to "XXXX FBO"? I understand that the flight schools provide extra 'Crew Resource Mgmt' training, etc., but is it really worth the extra $30,000?

Thanks for the info...
-Chris

EatSleepFly · June 7th, 2003, 20:16

Those are pretty good prices. I'd go the FBO route if I were you, cause paying off almost six figures in loans on a flight instructor's salary royally sucks- take it from someone who knows. You can do the multi-ad somewhere for pretty reasonable, and theres no hour requirement for CFI/CFII.

CapnJim · June 7th, 2003, 20:27

Second that. Sounds like a flight school dosen't really have anything to offer you.

FlyBoyJones · June 7th, 2003, 20:40

So am I correct in saying that flight schools are basically there for you if you can't put together all the training for yourself??

Are they 'supposed' to be a 'cheaper' alternative to doing it at the FBO, or what!?

-Chris

EatSleepFly · June 7th, 2003, 20:43

Well, they provide (usually) more structure and discipline. They can be cheaper, but like I said...the prices you mentioned beat the hell out of most schools. This has been said a million times- find a good instructor and a good airplane, and an FBO is just as good as an academy most of the time.

JDMcFly · June 7th, 2003, 22:46

If you can get your ratings for that cost, I'd go for it..

I don't think airlines really care that much about academy over FBO- though you may have more oppurtunity for interview, that's about it.

FlyBoyJones · June 7th, 2003, 23:19

OK.. Well, that's what I was wondering about -- how much do the airlines care about it? I sure don't care -- I'd MUCH rather get it for as cheap as possible (as long as the training was good), but if the airlines really don't care too much about if you are from a 'flight academy' or not, then I sure don't care to pay that much for it! HA!

Thanks for all the info...

-Chris

flyboy04 · June 7th, 2003, 23:51

One thing i heard is that airlines care less where you do your training at, but they do like to see that youve had a pilot/ avitaion related job, thats where the CFI comes in, and now days most of the schools hiring instructors are big schoools that hire their graduates. Thats the big advantage of big flight schools in my opinion, being able to get you your hours and be a CFI getting paid faster than most FBOs.

EatSleepFly · June 8th, 2003, 07:27

[ QUOTE ]
Thats the big advantage of big flight schools in my opinion, being able to get you your hours and be a CFI getting paid faster than most FBOs.

[/ QUOTE ]

I don't necessarily agree with that. I went to FSI, after I finished, I interviewed, and they turned me down. I searched the country and found a job in Ohio at a small FBO. I fly more than most FSI instructors are right now, and I know for a fact that I make more...plus my salary is fixed, so I get paid whether I fly or not (the only part that sucks is that I have to sit around the office when I'm not flying). Not trying to sound high and mighty or anything, but theres good jobs out there instructing at FBO's.

[ QUOTE ]
and now days most of the schools hiring instructors are big schoools that hire their graduates.

[/ QUOTE ]

Sorry, don't agree with that either. If you're willing to move anywhere, you can find an instructing job.

Actually, I'd say you probably would have a good shot at instructing for the FBO that you're training at. And less people to compete with for it.

BlueStreak · June 8th, 2003, 10:20

I agree with EatSleepFly. There are alot of flight schools out there that hire their graduates, but the competition can be very high. My current CFI (at an FBO) was a FSI grad, interviewed for a CFI job with them and was put on a waiting list. I have heard the waiting list can be longer than 1 year....especially now with not alot of movement up the ladder. I don't see any reason why an FBO wouldn't like to hire its "graduates". That's how most of the CFIs I knew got their jobs, they trained at the local FBO where the people knew who they were by name and were offered positions after the checkride. There are alot of FBOs out there that will hire you, as long as you are willing to relocate you shouldn't have a problem.

cointyro · June 8th, 2003, 14:31

FlyBoyJones...

With your time, I'd say go PACE at MAPD in FMN. Expensive... but the only school that can hook you up with a very high probability of actually obtaining a right seat job in a regional. You might have to wait a year to 18 months or more after finishing the program to get a ground school date, but that sure beats any other path to regionals I've read of lately.

Sure, Mesa is not the greatest place to work, but turbine time is golden. Beats single pistons, unless you really are looking forward to instructing for 5 plus years.

Anyone disagree?

MissedApproach · June 8th, 2003, 15:07

The problem with MAPD is that you will probably have to repeat everything. In fact, they prefer that you haven't had any previous training in which you might develop "bad habits." Mesa insists that they mold every aspect of your flying to fit exactly what they want.

This is how it works in the ASU program, I'm not positive about Farmington, but I would assume it's the same.

MissedApproach · June 8th, 2003, 15:30

Nevermind... didn't notice the PACE

flyboy04 · June 8th, 2003, 16:57

Well i hope that you guys are right, yoursure have me alot less worried about what will happen if i dont get hired as a CFI here at DCA. The only basis i had to form that opinion is reading about CFIs having hard time finding work and gettting hours, but im not a CFI yet and havent really surfed the market for jobs, so im not the most credible person to have an opinion
.

EatSleepFly · June 8th, 2003, 17:16

[ QUOTE ]
Anyone disagree?

[/ QUOTE ]

Yes. Strongly. Instructing is the way to go. I rather enjoy seeing a student that started with me from the very beginning go on to do his first solo, for example, and knowing that I got him to that point. And not only is instructing fun (most of the time), but you learn so much.

[ QUOTE ]
With your time, I'd say go PACE at MAPD in FMN. Expensive... but the only school that can hook you up with a very high probability of actually obtaining a right seat job in a regional. You might have to wait a year to 18 months or more after finishing the program to get a ground school date, but that sure beats any other path to regionals I've read of lately.

Sure, Mesa is not the greatest place to work, but turbine time is golden. Beats single pistons, unless you really are looking forward to instructing for 5 plus years.

[/ QUOTE ]

So, get your ratings, then sit around for 18 months and do what? Give me a break. If you tried hard enough, you could EASILY get 1000 hrs. in 18 months of instructing...probably more! People who buy into this PFT crap (or whatever PACE is) are missing out. I have little to no respect for anyone who goes that route, sorry. Why shortchange yourself? Its a proven fact that instructing makes you a better pilot, and airlines would rather hire someone who paid their dues and got great experience as an instructor. My opinion, your choice. Good luck.

MissedApproach · June 8th, 2003, 17:48

[ QUOTE ]
Its a proven fact that instructing makes you a better pilot, and airlines would rather hire someone who paid their dues as an instructor.

[/ QUOTE ]

That's a cool thing about the four year MAPD program; during your 3rd and 4th years you can instruct the freshman and sophmore students through their ratings.

saviboy · June 8th, 2003, 18:19

Eatsleepfly, even though i agree with you about the instructor path, i think your statements are very extreme, leaving no room to any other point of view. I think it exists several paths for sevral types of students.
nobody should be judged on the way they choose. don't forget that those guys probably have the same passion you have for flying.
moreover, for your information, you should know that in europe, all the airline sponsored cadets programs train their first officers in about 300 hours.after this training, they fly right seat in 737, a320, etc..
and it has been like this for ever, without any problems.
take it easy

EatSleepFly · June 8th, 2003, 18:26

We're not in Europe. Aviation is not quite the same in the U.S. as it is in Europe.

I stand by what I said. Extreme? Maybe, maybe not. My opinion? Yes- I made that clear in my post. Take it for what you think its worth.

cointyro · June 8th, 2003, 22:00

Eatsleepfly... you could instruct for the 18 months after MAPD PACE if you're interested in that. Pick up the 1,000 hours you state.

Then you'd have 1,300 hours... and have a ground school date lined up.

I don't think there are many other CFIs out there with 1,300 hours that are currently set up for a ground school date, are there? I know Chataqua and a few others are hiring but I thought competitive mins are well above 1,300...

MAPD PACE can be the best of both worlds if you're interested in instructing. If not, or you can't find a CFI spot (I thought it was a bit harder to find CFI employment than eatsleepfly suggests), then you're still set. Right seat Mighty Beech, or very good chance at "the fastest plane in the fleet".

Instructing agree would be an ideal way to start an aviation career. But with the situation as it is now, MAPD PACE looks like a great opportunity. They just dropped the mins of 300 TT with commercial-multi; now you only need 250TT and you don't need your commercial-multi.

stuckingfk · June 9th, 2003, 11:22

I just found out my new roommate (good friend of mine for a couple years) has an uncle that is an Executive Officer for Mesa Air Group. I am not sure how it would be to work for Mesa, but I am going to use this new contact to its fullest potential.

SkyKingRon · June 9th, 2003, 15:59

Hey Cointryo, just what is PACE MAPD at FMN? Can you give me a web address? Connected w/Mesa?

SkyKingRon · June 9th, 2003, 16:04

Delay that request. I found it myself. Thanks anyway.

cointyro · June 9th, 2003, 16:04

Mesa owns the flight school at Farmington.

You get a guaranteed interview for a FO position with Mesa on completion of the program; they hire about 95% of those they interview.

http://www.flightcareers.com/paceweb.htm

Very sparse website but if you give them your contact info they'll get in touch. Call their number too... they're hurting for students so they'll be especially nice to you.

Mavmb · June 10th, 2003, 09:22

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Anyone disagree?

[/ QUOTE ]

Yes. Strongly. Instructing is the way to go. I rather enjoy seeing a student that started with me from the very beginning go on to do his first solo, for example, and knowing that I got him to that point. And not only is instructing fun (most of the time), but you learn so much.

[ QUOTE ]
With your time, I'd say go PACE at MAPD in FMN. Expensive... but the only school that can hook you up with a very high probability of actually obtaining a right seat job in a regional. You might have to wait a year to 18 months or more after finishing the program to get a ground school date, but that sure beats any other path to regionals I've read of lately.

Sure, Mesa is not the greatest place to work, but turbine time is golden. Beats single pistons, unless you really are looking forward to instructing for 5 plus years.

[/ QUOTE ]

So, get your ratings, then sit around for 18 months and do what? Give me a break. If you tried hard enough, you could EASILY get 1000 hrs. in 18 months of instructing...probably more! People who buy into this PFT crap (or whatever PACE is) are missing out. I have little to no respect for anyone who goes that route, sorry. Why shortchange yourself? Its a proven fact that instructing makes you a better pilot, and airlines would rather hire someone who paid their dues and got great experience as an instructor. My opinion, your choice. Good luck.

[/ QUOTE ]

I agree. Couldn't have said it any better myself. Basically, there's a lot of money handed around with flight training. So be very careful about any school that promises you anything. Also, this career is way too competative to be able to buy anything. Besides, if you really were able to buy your way through something, would you really feel as good about this as they guy who earned his hours and got a lot of learning experiences in the meantime?

Lastly, if you've found a way to save thousands of dollars to do flight training than do so! Especially, since the bottom line is that employers don't care where you've done your training at. They just want to see that you've got the certificates and the hours. They might ask how you got the hours, but they really don't care where you took those checkrides 2000 hours ago to enable yourself to get those hours.

So save your money! Anybody that is telling you to pay more for any reason is full of it!!!

cointyro · June 10th, 2003, 11:09

It'll be cheaper to go MAPD PACE and wait 18 months then go instructing for 5 years and MAYBE get the ME time you need for an interview... when you have an awesome chance at RJ time with the Mesa MAPD interview.

I typed a much longer post / response but it got deleted, do'h!

Basically... I think it is crazy to say "if you didn't work for XXX years doing XXX job, then you're not a respectable pilot; you must not have learned enough and no one will hire you otherwise."

Instructing is highly laudable. But that doesn't mean no other possible route is valid.

In the MAPD program you'll pay a lot for training, but you'll pay it back over time. At least you'll be working from an RJ or 1900 front seat. Instructing will prove just as expensive (long time of low wages and no multi time) but without turbine experience.

I do respect both your opinions a great deal though!! Thanks for contributing your ongoing viewpoints.

June 7th, 2003, 20:09	#1
FlyBoyJones Newbie Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Iowa Posts: 3	Are flight schools worth the $$$ Got about 3 semesters left with my 4-year degree (I'm cramming 4 years of school into 6) and I'm starting to narrow down my 'flight school' options. I'm currently a 170hr PPL, but will try to have the IR done before graduating next December. My question is -- Are the flight schools really worth the extra $$$? I know they claim 'contracts' and 'agreements' with airlines for a certain number of hires from their schools, but is that really worth the extra 300% in costs? I am currently in a club that I can use to get my Instrument for about $3000 (based on 40 hrs w/ instructor) and my Commercial for about $2000 (based on 20 hrs complex w/ instructor). I'm not sure what the expense would be for the CFII and there is no option for a Multi in the club, so I would have to go elsewhere for that. So it's pretty obvious that I can get the ratings for quite a bit cheaper than at the flight schools. My question is -- do the airlines prefer to see "XXXX Flight Academy" on your resume as opposed to "XXXX FBO"? I understand that the flight schools provide extra 'Crew Resource Mgmt' training, etc., but is it really worth the extra $30,000? Thanks for the info... -Chris

June 7th, 2003, 20:16	#2
EatSleepFly Old Skool Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: ?? Posts: 4,600	Re: Are flight schools worth the $$$ Those are pretty good prices. I'd go the FBO route if I were you, cause paying off almost six figures in loans on a flight instructor's salary royally sucks- take it from someone who knows. You can do the multi-ad somewhere for pretty reasonable, and theres no hour requirement for CFI/CFII.

June 7th, 2003, 20:27	#3
CapnJim Old Skool Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: G-town, Near D-town. In T-state... er... whatever Posts: 4,499	Re: Are flight schools worth the $$$ Second that. Sounds like a flight school dosen't really have anything to offer you.

June 7th, 2003, 20:40	#4
FlyBoyJones Newbie Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Iowa Posts: 3	Re: Are flight schools worth the $$$ So am I correct in saying that flight schools are basically there for you if you can't put together all the training for yourself?? Are they 'supposed' to be a 'cheaper' alternative to doing it at the FBO, or what!? -Chris

June 7th, 2003, 20:43	#5
EatSleepFly Old Skool Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: ?? Posts: 4,600	Re: Are flight schools worth the $$$ Well, they provide (usually) more structure and discipline. They can be cheaper, but like I said...the prices you mentioned beat the hell out of most schools. This has been said a million times- find a good instructor and a good airplane, and an FBO is just as good as an academy most of the time.

June 7th, 2003, 22:46	#6
JDMcFly Old Skool Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: New York Posts: 1,694	Re: Are flight schools worth the $$$ If you can get your ratings for that cost, I'd go for it.. I don't think airlines really care that much about academy over FBO- though you may have more oppurtunity for interview, that's about it.

June 7th, 2003, 23:19	#7
FlyBoyJones Newbie Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Iowa Posts: 3	Re: Are flight schools worth the $$$ OK.. Well, that's what I was wondering about -- how much do the airlines care about it? I sure don't care -- I'd MUCH rather get it for as cheap as possible (as long as the training was good), but if the airlines really don't care too much about if you are from a 'flight academy' or not, then I sure don't care to pay that much for it! HA! Thanks for all the info... -Chris

June 7th, 2003, 23:51	#8
flyboy04 Junior Member Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 290	Re: Are flight schools worth the $$$ One thing i heard is that airlines care less where you do your training at, but they do like to see that youve had a pilot/ avitaion related job, thats where the CFI comes in, and now days most of the schools hiring instructors are big schoools that hire their graduates. Thats the big advantage of big flight schools in my opinion, being able to get you your hours and be a CFI getting paid faster than most FBOs.

June 8th, 2003, 07:27	#9
EatSleepFly Old Skool Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: ?? Posts: 4,600	Re: Are flight schools worth the $$$ [ QUOTE ] Thats the big advantage of big flight schools in my opinion, being able to get you your hours and be a CFI getting paid faster than most FBOs. [/ QUOTE ] I don't necessarily agree with that. I went to FSI, after I finished, I interviewed, and they turned me down. I searched the country and found a job in Ohio at a small FBO. I fly more than most FSI instructors are right now, and I know for a fact that I make more...plus my salary is fixed, so I get paid whether I fly or not (the only part that sucks is that I have to sit around the office when I'm not flying). Not trying to sound high and mighty or anything, but theres good jobs out there instructing at FBO's. [ QUOTE ] and now days most of the schools hiring instructors are big schoools that hire their graduates. [/ QUOTE ] Sorry, don't agree with that either. If you're willing to move anywhere, you can find an instructing job. Actually, I'd say you probably would have a good shot at instructing for the FBO that you're training at. And less people to compete with for it.

June 8th, 2003, 10:20	#10
BlueStreak Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: MI Posts: 197	Re: Are flight schools worth the $$$ I agree with EatSleepFly. There are alot of flight schools out there that hire their graduates, but the competition can be very high. My current CFI (at an FBO) was a FSI grad, interviewed for a CFI job with them and was put on a waiting list. I have heard the waiting list can be longer than 1 year....especially now with not alot of movement up the ladder. I don't see any reason why an FBO wouldn't like to hire its "graduates". That's how most of the CFIs I knew got their jobs, they trained at the local FBO where the people knew who they were by name and were offered positions after the checkride. There are alot of FBOs out there that will hire you, as long as you are willing to relocate you shouldn't have a problem.

June 8th, 2003, 14:31	#11
cointyro Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: East Palo Alto, CA Posts: 306	Re: Are flight schools worth the $$$ FlyBoyJones... With your time, I'd say go PACE at MAPD in FMN. Expensive... but the only school that can hook you up with a very high probability of actually obtaining a right seat job in a regional. You might have to wait a year to 18 months or more after finishing the program to get a ground school date, but that sure beats any other path to regionals I've read of lately. Sure, Mesa is not the greatest place to work, but turbine time is golden. Beats single pistons, unless you really are looking forward to instructing for 5 plus years. Anyone disagree?

June 8th, 2003, 15:07	#12
MissedApproach Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Washington, DC Posts: 540	Re: Are flight schools worth the $$$ The problem with MAPD is that you will probably have to repeat everything. In fact, they prefer that you haven't had any previous training in which you might develop "bad habits." Mesa insists that they mold every aspect of your flying to fit exactly what they want. This is how it works in the ASU program, I'm not positive about Farmington, but I would assume it's the same.

June 8th, 2003, 15:30	#13
MissedApproach Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Washington, DC Posts: 540	Re: Are flight schools worth the $$$ Nevermind... didn't notice the PACE

June 8th, 2003, 16:57	#14
flyboy04 Junior Member Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 290	Re: Are flight schools worth the $$$ Well i hope that you guys are right, yoursure have me alot less worried about what will happen if i dont get hired as a CFI here at DCA. The only basis i had to form that opinion is reading about CFIs having hard time finding work and gettting hours, but im not a CFI yet and havent really surfed the market for jobs, so im not the most credible person to have an opinion .

June 8th, 2003, 17:16	#15
EatSleepFly Old Skool Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: ?? Posts: 4,600	Re: Are flight schools worth the $$$ [ QUOTE ] Anyone disagree? [/ QUOTE ] Yes. Strongly. Instructing is the way to go. I rather enjoy seeing a student that started with me from the very beginning go on to do his first solo, for example, and knowing that I got him to that point. And not only is instructing fun (most of the time), but you learn so much. [ QUOTE ] With your time, I'd say go PACE at MAPD in FMN. Expensive... but the only school that can hook you up with a very high probability of actually obtaining a right seat job in a regional. You might have to wait a year to 18 months or more after finishing the program to get a ground school date, but that sure beats any other path to regionals I've read of lately. Sure, Mesa is not the greatest place to work, but turbine time is golden. Beats single pistons, unless you really are looking forward to instructing for 5 plus years. [/ QUOTE ] So, get your ratings, then sit around for 18 months and do what? Give me a break. If you tried hard enough, you could EASILY get 1000 hrs. in 18 months of instructing...probably more! People who buy into this PFT crap (or whatever PACE is) are missing out. I have little to no respect for anyone who goes that route, sorry. Why shortchange yourself? Its a proven fact that instructing makes you a better pilot, and airlines would rather hire someone who paid their dues and got great experience as an instructor. My opinion, your choice. Good luck.

June 8th, 2003, 17:48	#16
MissedApproach Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Washington, DC Posts: 540	Re: Are flight schools worth the $$$ [ QUOTE ] Its a proven fact that instructing makes you a better pilot, and airlines would rather hire someone who paid their dues as an instructor. [/ QUOTE ] That's a cool thing about the four year MAPD program; during your 3rd and 4th years you can instruct the freshman and sophmore students through their ratings.

June 8th, 2003, 18:19	#17
saviboy Junior Member Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 37	Re: Are flight schools worth the $$$ Eatsleepfly, even though i agree with you about the instructor path, i think your statements are very extreme, leaving no room to any other point of view. I think it exists several paths for sevral types of students. nobody should be judged on the way they choose. don't forget that those guys probably have the same passion you have for flying. moreover, for your information, you should know that in europe, all the airline sponsored cadets programs train their first officers in about 300 hours.after this training, they fly right seat in 737, a320, etc.. and it has been like this for ever, without any problems. take it easy

June 8th, 2003, 18:26	#18
EatSleepFly Old Skool Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: ?? Posts: 4,600	Re: Are flight schools worth the $$$ We're not in Europe. Aviation is not quite the same in the U.S. as it is in Europe. I stand by what I said. Extreme? Maybe, maybe not. My opinion? Yes- I made that clear in my post. Take it for what you think its worth.

June 8th, 2003, 22:00	#19
cointyro Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: East Palo Alto, CA Posts: 306	Re: Are flight schools worth the $$$ Eatsleepfly... you could instruct for the 18 months after MAPD PACE if you're interested in that. Pick up the 1,000 hours you state. Then you'd have 1,300 hours... and have a ground school date lined up. I don't think there are many other CFIs out there with 1,300 hours that are currently set up for a ground school date, are there? I know Chataqua and a few others are hiring but I thought competitive mins are well above 1,300... MAPD PACE can be the best of both worlds if you're interested in instructing. If not, or you can't find a CFI spot (I thought it was a bit harder to find CFI employment than eatsleepfly suggests), then you're still set. Right seat Mighty Beech, or very good chance at "the fastest plane in the fleet". Instructing agree would be an ideal way to start an aviation career. But with the situation as it is now, MAPD PACE looks like a great opportunity. They just dropped the mins of 300 TT with commercial-multi; now you only need 250TT and you don't need your commercial-multi.

June 9th, 2003, 11:22	#20
stuckingfk Old Skool Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: El Forko Grande Posts: 2,630	Re: Are flight schools worth the $$$ I just found out my new roommate (good friend of mine for a couple years) has an uncle that is an Executive Officer for Mesa Air Group. I am not sure how it would be to work for Mesa, but I am going to use this new contact to its fullest potential.

June 9th, 2003, 15:59	#21
SkyKingRon Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Portland Oregon Posts: 121	Re: Are flight schools worth the $$$ Hey Cointryo, just what is PACE MAPD at FMN? Can you give me a web address? Connected w/Mesa?

June 9th, 2003, 16:04	#22
SkyKingRon Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Portland Oregon Posts: 121	Re: Are flight schools worth the $$$ Delay that request. I found it myself. Thanks anyway.

June 10th, 2003, 09:22	#24
Mavmb Old Skool Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 2,169	Re: Are flight schools worth the $$$ [ QUOTE ] [ QUOTE ] Anyone disagree? [/ QUOTE ] Yes. Strongly. Instructing is the way to go. I rather enjoy seeing a student that started with me from the very beginning go on to do his first solo, for example, and knowing that I got him to that point. And not only is instructing fun (most of the time), but you learn so much. [ QUOTE ] With your time, I'd say go PACE at MAPD in FMN. Expensive... but the only school that can hook you up with a very high probability of actually obtaining a right seat job in a regional. You might have to wait a year to 18 months or more after finishing the program to get a ground school date, but that sure beats any other path to regionals I've read of lately. Sure, Mesa is not the greatest place to work, but turbine time is golden. Beats single pistons, unless you really are looking forward to instructing for 5 plus years. [/ QUOTE ] So, get your ratings, then sit around for 18 months and do what? Give me a break. If you tried hard enough, you could EASILY get 1000 hrs. in 18 months of instructing...probably more! People who buy into this PFT crap (or whatever PACE is) are missing out. I have little to no respect for anyone who goes that route, sorry. Why shortchange yourself? Its a proven fact that instructing makes you a better pilot, and airlines would rather hire someone who paid their dues and got great experience as an instructor. My opinion, your choice. Good luck. [/ QUOTE ] I agree. Couldn't have said it any better myself. Basically, there's a lot of money handed around with flight training. So be very careful about any school that promises you anything. Also, this career is way too competative to be able to buy anything. Besides, if you really were able to buy your way through something, would you really feel as good about this as they guy who earned his hours and got a lot of learning experiences in the meantime? Lastly, if you've found a way to save thousands of dollars to do flight training than do so! Especially, since the bottom line is that employers don't care where you've done your training at. They just want to see that you've got the certificates and the hours. They might ask how you got the hours, but they really don't care where you took those checkrides 2000 hours ago to enable yourself to get those hours. So save your money! Anybody that is telling you to pay more for any reason is full of it!!!

June 10th, 2003, 11:09	#25
cointyro Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: East Palo Alto, CA Posts: 306	Re: Are flight schools worth the $$$ It'll be cheaper to go MAPD PACE and wait 18 months then go instructing for 5 years and MAYBE get the ME time you need for an interview... when you have an awesome chance at RJ time with the Mesa MAPD interview. I typed a much longer post / response but it got deleted, do'h! Basically... I think it is crazy to say "if you didn't work for XXX years doing XXX job, then you're not a respectable pilot; you must not have learned enough and no one will hire you otherwise." Instructing is highly laudable. But that doesn't mean no other possible route is valid. In the MAPD program you'll pay a lot for training, but you'll pay it back over time. At least you'll be working from an RJ or 1900 front seat. Instructing will prove just as expensive (long time of low wages and no multi time) but without turbine experience. I do respect both your opinions a great deal though!! Thanks for contributing your ongoing viewpoints.

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