Return to industry? Need advice.
06-16-2006, 06:47 PM
#1
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Joined APC: May 2006
Posts: 4
Return to industry? Need advice.
I am a 37, married (with a newborn), former flight instructor (UND grad) with 920TT/50 multi, and I am considering returning to a flying career after 3 years of no flying whatsoever (I did renew my instructor license online "just in case").
I originally left an instructing job a little over 3 years ago discouraged because the east coast flight school was very slow, the industry was bad at the time, my debt level was high, and I was literally going broke.
Despite all that since I left I have missed flying tremedously and have found the grass is not always greener outside the industry except for a select handful of professions (like medical). I am currently working as a web designer which pays OK but is extremely hard on the eyes.
My questions are geared mostly to active regional guys and instructors.
1) Supposing I got current and returned to flying, how do you think I would be received considering some large breaks from flying (I also had a break while in school after running low on funds)? Is it even realistic to attempt this with the hope of making it to the regionals in few years?
2) What is the industry like now for instructors? I would likely want to instruct in a college program with a steady flow of students.
Any specific advice anyone can offer would be very greatly appreciated.
I originally left an instructing job a little over 3 years ago discouraged because the east coast flight school was very slow, the industry was bad at the time, my debt level was high, and I was literally going broke.
Despite all that since I left I have missed flying tremedously and have found the grass is not always greener outside the industry except for a select handful of professions (like medical). I am currently working as a web designer which pays OK but is extremely hard on the eyes.
My questions are geared mostly to active regional guys and instructors.
1) Supposing I got current and returned to flying, how do you think I would be received considering some large breaks from flying (I also had a break while in school after running low on funds)? Is it even realistic to attempt this with the hope of making it to the regionals in few years?
2) What is the industry like now for instructors? I would likely want to instruct in a college program with a steady flow of students.
Any specific advice anyone can offer would be very greatly appreciated.
06-16-2006, 07:55 PM
#3
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jan 2006
Position: Student Pilot
Posts: 2,277
pilotdilemma:
First of all, my user name speaks for itself.
With that said, I would suggest that if you are looking for an instructor position, check out AllsATP. Their website is www.atpflightschool.com. They have a CFI program that I'm sure they would probably run you through or give you some sort of checkride.
In addition, I would check into Part 135 cargo operations. There are a number of outfits that are hiring and with your TT, you shouldn't have a problem. The ME time that you have may slow you abit, however, I'm sure they would be willing to help you get the 100ME that most require. You never know. JMO.
Btw, I'm 44 and will be starting my training this summer!
At any rate...best wishes & blue skies.
atp
First of all, my user name speaks for itself.
With that said, I would suggest that if you are looking for an instructor position, check out AllsATP. Their website is www.atpflightschool.com. They have a CFI program that I'm sure they would probably run you through or give you some sort of checkride.In addition, I would check into Part 135 cargo operations. There are a number of outfits that are hiring and with your TT, you shouldn't have a problem. The ME time that you have may slow you abit, however, I'm sure they would be willing to help you get the 100ME that most require. You never know. JMO.
Btw, I'm 44 and will be starting my training this summer!
At any rate...best wishes & blue skies.
atp
Last edited by atpwannabe; 06-16-2006 at 08:15 PM.
06-16-2006, 09:17 PM
#4
Self Employed.
Joined APC: May 2005
Position: Corporate Pilot
Posts: 7,119
Atp
Originally Posted by atpwannabe
pilotdilemma:
First of all, my user name speaks for itself. With that said, I would suggest that if you are looking for an instructor position, check out AllsATP. Their website is www.atpflightschool.com. They have a CFI program that I'm sure they would probably run you through or give you some sort of checkride.
In addition, I would check into Part 135 cargo operations. There are a number of outfits that are hiring and with your TT, you shouldn't have a problem. The ME time that you have may slow you abit, however, I'm sure they would be willing to help you get the 100ME that most require. You never know. JMO.
Btw, I'm 44 and will be starting my training this summer!
At any rate...best wishes & blue skies.
atp
First of all, my user name speaks for itself.
With that said, I would suggest that if you are looking for an instructor position, check out AllsATP. Their website is www.atpflightschool.com. They have a CFI program that I'm sure they would probably run you through or give you some sort of checkride.In addition, I would check into Part 135 cargo operations. There are a number of outfits that are hiring and with your TT, you shouldn't have a problem. The ME time that you have may slow you abit, however, I'm sure they would be willing to help you get the 100ME that most require. You never know. JMO.
Btw, I'm 44 and will be starting my training this summer!
At any rate...best wishes & blue skies.
atp
I hope you start some kind of blog when you start training. It would be nice to follow your progress.
SKyHigh
06-17-2006, 09:27 AM
#5
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jan 2006
Position: Student Pilot
Posts: 2,277
Originally Posted by SkyHigh
ATP,
I hope you start some kind of blog when you start training. It would be nice to follow your progress.
SKyHigh
I hope you start some kind of blog when you start training. It would be nice to follow your progress.
SKyHigh
You know, SKyHigh, my attention has turned more toward Part 135 frieght for initial employment after I complete all of my training. The information you and others have posted about the volitility of the industry prompted me to reconsider my decision to try for the regionals either while at or right after ATP's ACP Program and instructing. IMHO, the 135 route will be the litmus test.
atp
06-17-2006, 04:27 PM
#6
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Oct 2005
Position: CR7 Capt
Posts: 1,621
Originally Posted by pilotdilemma
I am a 37, married (with a newborn), former flight instructor (UND grad) with 920TT/50 multi, and I am considering returning to a flying career after 3 years of no flying whatsoever (I did renew my instructor license online "just in case").
I originally left an instructing job a little over 3 years ago discouraged because the east coast flight school was very slow, the industry was bad at the time, my debt level was high, and I was literally going broke.
Despite all that since I left I have missed flying tremedously and have found the grass is not always greener outside the industry except for a select handful of professions (like medical). I am currently working as a web designer which pays OK but is extremely hard on the eyes.
My questions are geared mostly to active regional guys and instructors.
1) Supposing I got current and returned to flying, how do you think I would be received considering some large breaks from flying (I also had a break while in school after running low on funds)? Is it even realistic to attempt this with the hope of making it to the regionals in few years?
2) What is the industry like now for instructors? I would likely want to instruct in a college program with a steady flow of students.
Any specific advice anyone can offer would be very greatly appreciated.
I originally left an instructing job a little over 3 years ago discouraged because the east coast flight school was very slow, the industry was bad at the time, my debt level was high, and I was literally going broke.
Despite all that since I left I have missed flying tremedously and have found the grass is not always greener outside the industry except for a select handful of professions (like medical). I am currently working as a web designer which pays OK but is extremely hard on the eyes.
My questions are geared mostly to active regional guys and instructors.
1) Supposing I got current and returned to flying, how do you think I would be received considering some large breaks from flying (I also had a break while in school after running low on funds)? Is it even realistic to attempt this with the hope of making it to the regionals in few years?
2) What is the industry like now for instructors? I would likely want to instruct in a college program with a steady flow of students.
Any specific advice anyone can offer would be very greatly appreciated.
1) It is definitly realistic. I think if you can explain the gap in time for not flying to an airline then I am sure they will understand. It is a fact that it does cost a lot of money to fly but, the fact that you kept going after taking a break could show an airline that your determined to make it. You seem to have had a legit reason to get out. Though I might leave out the part of being discouraged. It might be seen to an airline like if you get bored or upgrade is longer than expected then they might be afraid you'll get discouraged and quit.
2) I am very busy right now.
06-17-2006, 04:46 PM
#7
New Hire
Thread Starter
Joined APC: May 2006
Posts: 4
Thanks for your kind comments!
It is very inspiring to hear some of the comments so far. It brings back fond memories of the type of people I encountered almost daily in the professional pilot community.
I think most flyers know how challenging the industry has been recently and can understand both my reasons for leaving and my reluctance to just dive back in.
Please keep the advise coming because I find it both inspiring and helpful!
I think most flyers know how challenging the industry has been recently and can understand both my reasons for leaving and my reluctance to just dive back in.
Please keep the advise coming because I find it both inspiring and helpful!
06-17-2006, 05:02 PM
#8
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Joined APC: Jun 2006
Position: EMB170 FO
Posts: 168
Originally Posted by pilotdilemma
It is very inspiring to hear some of the comments so far. It brings back fond memories of the type of people I encountered almost daily in the professional pilot community.
I think most flyers know how challenging the industry has been recently and can understand both my reasons for leaving and my reluctance to just dive back in.
Please keep the advise coming because I find it both inspiring and helpful!
I think most flyers know how challenging the industry has been recently and can understand both my reasons for leaving and my reluctance to just dive back in.
Please keep the advise coming because I find it both inspiring and helpful!
tops.
06-18-2006, 06:56 PM
#9
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Joined APC: Jan 2006
Position: 737/FO
Posts: 423
[QUOTE=pilotdilemma]...Is it even realistic to attempt this with the hope of making it to the regionals in few years?...QUOTE]
In an few years?? How about six months or less? Get current, say 40 - 60 multi hours (I know, $$$). Get an MEI if you don't have one. And apply. The bottom is falling out of the hiring times out here. ExpressJet, AE, Mesa, Colgan etc al are hiring and mins are dropping to 500 - 600 hours or less. And you are a UND grad. Bingo. We (Colgan) would look at you now, if you had recent hours with some multi. In fact at the last open house we interviewed and hired a guy with your story and times (80 multi). Great attitude that impressed us all.
At last check the only large regionals not hiring are those owned by Chap 11 Majors and even some of those are hiring.
In an few years?? How about six months or less? Get current, say 40 - 60 multi hours (I know, $$$). Get an MEI if you don't have one. And apply. The bottom is falling out of the hiring times out here. ExpressJet, AE, Mesa, Colgan etc al are hiring and mins are dropping to 500 - 600 hours or less. And you are a UND grad. Bingo. We (Colgan) would look at you now, if you had recent hours with some multi. In fact at the last open house we interviewed and hired a guy with your story and times (80 multi). Great attitude that impressed us all.
At last check the only large regionals not hiring are those owned by Chap 11 Majors and even some of those are hiring.
Last edited by WEACLRS; 06-18-2006 at 07:00 PM.
06-20-2006, 06:58 AM
#10
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Joined APC: May 2006
Posts: 4
Thanks again for your comments.
This sounds very promissing. Boy what a difference a several years can make.
OK, my next questions is what are the best sites to learn about what flight schools are, or will be hiring soon? I used to go to findapilot.com but it appears there website no longer exists.
OK, my next questions is what are the best sites to learn about what flight schools are, or will be hiring soon? I used to go to findapilot.com but it appears there website no longer exists.
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