brlewis01

Ok guys, I need some advice. Yes I do know what a search button is and I used it.

I'm just finishing up my comm at a local college (141) and want to pursue flying as a career (second that is). This is where my question comes in - I am 37 and now have a little over 200hrs. I dont have my multi nor my CFI. I know that I will need both of these to be employable - first to build hours and second to have multi time. I work full time at a job I cant quit yet since it pays for all my flying. The college I attended is 2 hours away so working and being a CFI there is a no-go. None of the local FBO's do enough teaching to get me anywhere I need to be. I feel because of my age I can't instruct for 5 years and then look for a job. Banner towing is a no-go here as well - all my options for free time are pretty limited.

So basically with that background I need some ideas. With the following in mind -will need like 1000hrs to get hired, will need at least 100 multi.

I looked at ATP for the commercial and CFI "finish up" it is about 2 hours away and I could do the self paced and still work, then after getting the CFI I would try to get hired on there and quit my job. This would seem to give me over a 100 multi and the CFI. about $25000

Second would be to go to with a time building operation and buy 100hrs at a time. maybe $60000?

Buy my own plane???

I know some people on here hate ATP and say it sucks but I guess it could be a means to an end. I dont have the credit to get a loan to attend a fast paced program nor to buy a plane.

It looks like ATP would be my best option- despite all I have heard do you feel this is my best route or do you have any other ideas?

Ewfflyer

In this economy, everyone is going to tell you that you are crazy for leaving any job, especially one that pays you enough to fly!!!

I would start off, get your CFI when you can, teach a little bit and really see if the career is for you. I wouldn't go head over heals in debt for something that is relatively unproven to you. Honestly, if you can afford $60k, why not buy an old piper 140/180 or cessna 172 for $30-40K, fly it for a few years, build time, have fun, and go from there. You can still get ratings, but you'll enjoy it more IMO. I would use ATP only to finish off a rating, not their whole time-building crap. This market just doesn't support low-time folks right now(low time being anything below 1500, but even more than 4000 doesn't get you a job right now either)

Gajre539

I would suggest that you buy your own plane, if you have the funds. If you find one that has low fuel consumption, you can always find pilots to share flight time. You can then get your CFI/CFII and teach in your own plane. Once you have 1000+ hours, you can look at getting multi-engine time. There are a few 135 companies that will hire you with low multi-time, or you can always find someone that owns a twin and wants to share costs. Who knows?!.. by the time you have all the flight time, any 121 regional hiring might require a min. of 1500 total and 300-500 ME?!