Multi Engine experience question
10-13-2008, 01:28 PM
#1
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Multi Engine experience question
Hey guys.
I recently met with my flight instructor, who owns the flight school i go to, and came up with the total cost of my flight training. I'm halfway through PPL and am trying to decide if I should stick with him all the way. (He has over 30,000 hours flying time, has been flying for about 40 years, and has every rating imaginable.. even a DC-3 instructors rating)
So, heres my situation. Total cost will not exceed $50,000 which, in todays world, i think is pretty cheap for flight school. When i'm done, ill have my private single, multi engine rating, instrument, commercial multi, commercial single, CFI, CFI multi, and CFI instrument. Not too bad for $50 grand in my opinion, plus it will always be with the same instructor since he owns and operates his school. However i have a few concerns.
During this entire process I will only be flying on two types of aircraft: a C172 and a Piper Twin Comanche. It certainly keeps this simple and inexpensive; however, wouldnt the various employers out there like to see numerous aircraft types?
Another question: exactly how valuable is multi engine PIC time in a piston-driven aircraft? Sure everyone gets their multi rating in a piston driven twin, however my flight instructor isnt able to offer the "transition to jet" courses offered in places like Delta Connection and Embry Riddle. Would this be a problem or do most carriers hiring new pilots not care about multi piston vs. multi turbine or a "jet training" program?
I think I made the right decision to go with my current instructor as opposed to Embry Riddle or Delta Connection.. I will attend UCF where my scholarships should pay for pretty much all my college tuition. That way, a 4-year degree and all my ratings shoudnt cost more than $60,000 total. Much better than ERAU's cost.. Hopefully i'm headed in the right direction. What do you all think?
I recently met with my flight instructor, who owns the flight school i go to, and came up with the total cost of my flight training. I'm halfway through PPL and am trying to decide if I should stick with him all the way. (He has over 30,000 hours flying time, has been flying for about 40 years, and has every rating imaginable.. even a DC-3 instructors rating)
So, heres my situation. Total cost will not exceed $50,000 which, in todays world, i think is pretty cheap for flight school. When i'm done, ill have my private single, multi engine rating, instrument, commercial multi, commercial single, CFI, CFI multi, and CFI instrument. Not too bad for $50 grand in my opinion, plus it will always be with the same instructor since he owns and operates his school. However i have a few concerns.
During this entire process I will only be flying on two types of aircraft: a C172 and a Piper Twin Comanche. It certainly keeps this simple and inexpensive; however, wouldnt the various employers out there like to see numerous aircraft types?
Another question: exactly how valuable is multi engine PIC time in a piston-driven aircraft? Sure everyone gets their multi rating in a piston driven twin, however my flight instructor isnt able to offer the "transition to jet" courses offered in places like Delta Connection and Embry Riddle. Would this be a problem or do most carriers hiring new pilots not care about multi piston vs. multi turbine or a "jet training" program?
I think I made the right decision to go with my current instructor as opposed to Embry Riddle or Delta Connection.. I will attend UCF where my scholarships should pay for pretty much all my college tuition. That way, a 4-year degree and all my ratings shoudnt cost more than $60,000 total. Much better than ERAU's cost.. Hopefully i'm headed in the right direction. What do you all think?
10-13-2008, 01:39 PM
#2
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Aug 2008
Posts: 999
Hey guys.
So, heres my situation. Total cost will not exceed $50,000 which, in todays world, i think is pretty cheap for flight school. When i'm done, ill have my private single, multi engine rating, instrument, commercial multi, commercial single, CFI, CFI multi, and CFI instrument do not pay out of pocket for the add on ratings. use your CFI to pay for them. Not too bad for $50 grand in my opinion, plus it will always be with the same instructor since he owns and operates his school. However i have a few concerns.
During this entire process I will only be flying on two types of aircraft: a C172 and a Piper Twin Comanche. It certainly keeps this simple and inexpensive; however, wouldnt the various employers out there like to see numerous aircraft types? As far as regionals are concerned, they don't care. You'll only be flying one type of aircraft with them, so why would they care? I only flew 3 types prior to my regional job.
Another question: exactly how valuable is multi engine PIC time in a piston-driven aircraft? VERY! The majors could care less about this time, but to a regional, multi PIC is multi PIC (with the exception of safety pilot time at some regionals) Sure everyone gets their multi rating in a piston driven twin, however my flight instructor isnt able to offer the "transition to jet" courses offered in places like Delta Connection and Embry Riddle. Would this be a problem or do most carriers hiring new pilots not care about multi piston vs. multi turbine or a "jet training" program? (in my experience in airline ground school, it was the guys that took the jet program that struggled the most because they couldn't get CRJ out of their head when learning the ERJ) I think there are people that will back me up on that one.
I think I made the right decision to go with my current instructor as opposed to Embry Riddle or Delta Connection.. I will attend UCF where my scholarships should pay for pretty much all my college tuition. That way, a 4-year degree and all my ratings shoudnt cost more than $60,000 total. Much better than ERAU's cost.. Hopefully i'm headed in the right direction. What do you all think? (I think that this sounds like the best plan for you. the most important thing about doing training at an FBO is that you have a good instructor....sounds like you found him!)
So, heres my situation. Total cost will not exceed $50,000 which, in todays world, i think is pretty cheap for flight school. When i'm done, ill have my private single, multi engine rating, instrument, commercial multi, commercial single, CFI, CFI multi, and CFI instrument do not pay out of pocket for the add on ratings. use your CFI to pay for them. Not too bad for $50 grand in my opinion, plus it will always be with the same instructor since he owns and operates his school. However i have a few concerns.
During this entire process I will only be flying on two types of aircraft: a C172 and a Piper Twin Comanche. It certainly keeps this simple and inexpensive; however, wouldnt the various employers out there like to see numerous aircraft types? As far as regionals are concerned, they don't care. You'll only be flying one type of aircraft with them, so why would they care? I only flew 3 types prior to my regional job.
Another question: exactly how valuable is multi engine PIC time in a piston-driven aircraft? VERY! The majors could care less about this time, but to a regional, multi PIC is multi PIC (with the exception of safety pilot time at some regionals) Sure everyone gets their multi rating in a piston driven twin, however my flight instructor isnt able to offer the "transition to jet" courses offered in places like Delta Connection and Embry Riddle. Would this be a problem or do most carriers hiring new pilots not care about multi piston vs. multi turbine or a "jet training" program? (in my experience in airline ground school, it was the guys that took the jet program that struggled the most because they couldn't get CRJ out of their head when learning the ERJ) I think there are people that will back me up on that one.
I think I made the right decision to go with my current instructor as opposed to Embry Riddle or Delta Connection.. I will attend UCF where my scholarships should pay for pretty much all my college tuition. That way, a 4-year degree and all my ratings shoudnt cost more than $60,000 total. Much better than ERAU's cost.. Hopefully i'm headed in the right direction. What do you all think? (I think that this sounds like the best plan for you. the most important thing about doing training at an FBO is that you have a good instructor....sounds like you found him!)
10-13-2008, 02:53 PM
#3
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Joined APC: Oct 2008
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I think you are going about it they right way. I went to ERAU and I think my total bill ended up being around $140K with everything. Although it was a good experience and you will miss out on things like interships and fellowships through the school, you will still have multi-time which is highly looked upon by most commuters. Just depends on what you what to do in the future, but I would say if you can get your ratings for that price do it.
-Moose
-Moose
10-13-2008, 06:14 PM
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It includes 30 hours multi time, plus whatever hours I pick up from flying with him on some of his Orlando-Nassau flights he does from time to time. It definitely isn't a lot of multi engine time, but I'll end up with at least 310TT when all is said and done. I'll probably have to spend a bit more money on multi time, but at $250 an hour it's not very easy. The cost should actually be less than the $50,000 loan im going to try ang get. That should leave me with some money to play with for extra multi hours.
250 or point 65, good points. I was origionally just going to get my CFI-A rating, but I was told that i'd need to have it on a complex aircraft. The only complex aircraft my instructor has is his twin, hence the need to get my CFIME then add on CFI and CFII. It would cost a bit more to go find someone with a complex aircraft, fly a bit in order to get used to it, and deal with the higher prices. Plus, this way I get a bit more multi time which is well worth its weight in gold.
MOOSEDRVR, it breaks my heart not to go to ERAU. I've had my sights set on that place before I even moved to Florida 3 years ago. But in this day-and-age i have to go where I save the most money. I cant possibly hope to enjoy flying when i'm trying to pay off a $100k+ loan with a $20k per year salary. I'd wind up leaving the field just to pay for it. I was counting on internships, too! I'm looking into one Northwest er... Delta Airlines, the company I work for, is offering that i'll be eligable for next year.
250 or point 65, good points. I was origionally just going to get my CFI-A rating, but I was told that i'd need to have it on a complex aircraft. The only complex aircraft my instructor has is his twin, hence the need to get my CFIME then add on CFI and CFII. It would cost a bit more to go find someone with a complex aircraft, fly a bit in order to get used to it, and deal with the higher prices. Plus, this way I get a bit more multi time which is well worth its weight in gold.
MOOSEDRVR, it breaks my heart not to go to ERAU. I've had my sights set on that place before I even moved to Florida 3 years ago. But in this day-and-age i have to go where I save the most money. I cant possibly hope to enjoy flying when i'm trying to pay off a $100k+ loan with a $20k per year salary. I'd wind up leaving the field just to pay for it. I was counting on internships, too! I'm looking into one Northwest er... Delta Airlines, the company I work for, is offering that i'll be eligable for next year.
10-13-2008, 07:02 PM
#6
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Joined APC: Jun 2008
Position: USAF
Posts: 1,398
If you don't go to ERAU you may just look back on your life and see that may have been one of the best decisions you ever made, especially financially. It is not the be all end all of the flying world. If you really want more flight time around FL... there is several places that rent Duchesses for fairly cheap ($190/hr) and a few senecas ($190/hr) you can build plenty of good multi-time.
I think I've heard of the guy you're talking about... someone said he was an interesting racist type of guy.
I think I've heard of the guy you're talking about... someone said he was an interesting racist type of guy.
10-13-2008, 07:32 PM
#8
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Joined APC: Aug 2008
Posts: 999
250 or point 65, good points. I was origionally just going to get my CFI-A rating, but I was told that i'd need to have it on a complex aircraft. The only complex aircraft my instructor has is his twin, hence the need to get my CFIME then add on CFI and CFII. It would cost a bit more to go find someone with a complex aircraft, fly a bit in order to get used to it, and deal with the higher prices. Plus, this way I get a bit more multi time which is well worth its weight in gold.
And, sorry, but I have to tweak what you said a little bit. You mentioned before what multi-time is worth...$250. Getting paid to fly a multi is worth its weight in gold. Beyond your MEI (if that's your only option to get your original CFI) you should not pay for multi time. I'm sorry, but I don't understand paying for something that you could get paid for.
Yes its satisfying to run to the ATM and put that multi in your logbook, but its a whole lot more satisfying to also put it in the dual column and then swing by the ATM to deposit your check.
10-13-2008, 07:32 PM
#9
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Joined APC: Mar 2008
Position: FAA 'Flight Check'
Posts: 13,839
ryan1234 -
"I think I've heard of the guy you're talking about... someone said he was an interesting racist type of guy."
Whether he is or not - let's keep it off the threads please.
USMCFLYR
"I think I've heard of the guy you're talking about... someone said he was an interesting racist type of guy."
Whether he is or not - let's keep it off the threads please.
USMCFLYR
10-13-2008, 08:24 PM
#10
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"It shouldn't. Don't buy into the hype. I should know, I'm a Riddle alumnus."
And it was the thread about ERAU i looked up in here with about 1,000 comments like that that helped me reach my decision. Theres no better and more accurate source to consult about that than a Ruddle grad.
"Whether he is or not - let's keep it off the threads please."
I agree with that. I dont know what he's like outside the cockpit. I just know he's a very talented and hard working pilot. Business is seperate from pleasure. lol BTW, ryan1234, are you from Orlando?
"And, sorry, but I have to tweak what you said a little bit. You mentioned before what multi-time is worth...$250. Getting paid to fly a multi is worth its weight in gold. Beyond your MEI (if that's your only option to get your original CFI) you should not pay for multi time. I'm sorry, but I don't understand paying for something that you could get paid for."
Point very well taken. For some reason finding a job that lets me teach people how to fly multi engine aircraft slipped my mind. Foolish of me. I guess i just figured those were harder-to-get CFI slots saved for instructors with many more hours that i'll have. You're absolutly right that getting paid to build up multi time is much better than paying for it with money I barely even have. I'd rather make $12 an hour instructing than pay $250 an hour.
And it was the thread about ERAU i looked up in here with about 1,000 comments like that that helped me reach my decision. Theres no better and more accurate source to consult about that than a Ruddle grad.
"Whether he is or not - let's keep it off the threads please."
I agree with that. I dont know what he's like outside the cockpit. I just know he's a very talented and hard working pilot. Business is seperate from pleasure. lol BTW, ryan1234, are you from Orlando?
"And, sorry, but I have to tweak what you said a little bit. You mentioned before what multi-time is worth...$250. Getting paid to fly a multi is worth its weight in gold. Beyond your MEI (if that's your only option to get your original CFI) you should not pay for multi time. I'm sorry, but I don't understand paying for something that you could get paid for."
Point very well taken. For some reason finding a job that lets me teach people how to fly multi engine aircraft slipped my mind. Foolish of me. I guess i just figured those were harder-to-get CFI slots saved for instructors with many more hours that i'll have. You're absolutly right that getting paid to build up multi time is much better than paying for it with money I barely even have. I'd rather make $12 an hour instructing than pay $250 an hour.
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