ToiletDuck

I'm at 1700hrs and 140ish multi of which most is in a Merlin IIIB. I could go to the regionals and I plan on doing so it's just that I instruct in Del Rio for Laughlin AFB and told them I'd stay to finish up the last two batches of students. Good times, good money, great people, best students you could ever ask for. No reason I should have worked anywhere else.

TankerBob

Dude I would start applying now though. Hey and thanks for teaching those guys, sorry to hear them moving it one location. I think the Air Force tried that once already in Hondo, TX and the planes are still sitting there rotting, sad.

Anyways, do it.

ToiletDuck

I'll apply in another month. I'll be that much closer. I don't want to screw anyone over here. Hondo is a much better location seeing as they still have the facilities. The T3s out there were actually demolished a few months ago. They literally just took a bulldozer and ran right through em.

TankerBob

Didnt hear about that. Even worse. Yeah thats the Air Force.

Good luck man

Ewfflyer

Take time making your decisions, and stick with them. You'll know when the time is right, or the right opportunity will come up. Remember that the airlines are only one side of the market, plenty of GA out there too. With your times, there's a chance of that also.

My example is I worked from a TT of 380 to 1400 in a year and half as a CFI. Decent money, but only had 40 hours of multi. So I put in my 2 weeks, was going home to work for my parents so I could actually afford it. I wasn't even home 2 full days and I had a 135 job flying twins(still there). Not only that, I make more money than any regional fo, and some of the Captains for the equivelent time. We're getting an Eclipse soon, and I'm slated to be in that this summer. So 1.5 yrs upgrade from twin-recip to jet, but it hasn't happened yet, so I can't be 100%. I'm glad I made the decisions I did and where they have led me. Good Luck in your endevours!

NE_Pilot

I am going to agree with Sky in that most employers, really could careless how you got your times (as long as it is legal). They just want to see you have the times and ratings required. Its up to you to take the shortcut or not. Do you feel you would be as safe and competent taking the shortcut? I still believe in being a CFI, but paying your dues will really only come up with other pilots at the company. The pilots may shun away those who did things differently, but the employer only cares that you meet the reqs and thats it.

SkyHigh

I'll bet that during the interview one of your hardest questions will be "with 1700 hours why didn't you apply earlier"? You had better think up a good reason. It is possible to become over qualified.

I remember one guy at an Alaska Airlines interview who had 12,000 hours before he applied to the company. When they asked him why he took so long to reach their interview room his answer was that he was enjoying his work as a bush pilot. He will continue to enjoy it for the rest of his career. Everyone has to fit through a small window of qualifications. Even an answer like "I was being loyal to a previous employer" will not suffice. You are expected to cut throats on your way up the ladder to your "dream" job at the airlines.

SkyHigh

PS I use to instruct guys who were on their way to Hondo TX.

Ottopilot

[QUOTE=ToiletDuck;105948] I instruct in Del Rio for Laughlin AFB. QUOTE]

Say hi to my brother, he's base commander at Laughlin.

Don't get down. I went through the same thing. I was chief instructor at a 141 school and United hired every minority instructor I hired, but I couldn't even get an interview. Many of my students that I taught how to fly are Captains at a major. I went to ATR upgrade with a girl who failed her upgrade and went to American two months later. I've seen guys get ahead without trying or because they know someone. I took years to get my ratings because I had to pay for it myself. I've seen pilots who got all their ratings in a year, go to a place like Gulfstream and get hired right into a major.

Don't worry about it. Life is not fair. You have no right to anything. If you want to fly, then fly. Do your best and move up when you can. Don't give up. I was hired by a major with over 11,000 hours, a Master's degree, and a little more age than most new hires. It kinda sucks seniority wise when you fly with Captains younger than you, and I know I'll never be senior like the young guys, but who cares. I like my job. I'm a good pilot. I had fun getting here. Don't get a bad attitude, that will not help. Good luck to you.

ToiletDuck

Well I don't really have to think up a reason. I only had 560hrs when I received this job. I moved out here. The pay was good and I enjoyed instructing. I made a commitment to the airforce that I would stay until they got their new program up and running. It was supposed to be running Oct.1st after their new fiscal year started however it's taken longer. They've informed me there were 10 total left which should take me through april or so then I'll be finished here. I'm ready to leave, I have my time. But I do get to fly the Merlin also. I didn't want to leave anyone high and dry since I'm the only CFI within 70 miles of this place. Without me they'd be screwed and have no place to send these guys. Plus I enjoy it. Becoming less thrilling everyday but none the less I've enjoyed it.

bluebravo

Duck,

I know EXACTLY your feeling. But listen, it will work out, it always does. I am an example of no money and paying my way, either it be corp, or you go to the big time, dont sweat it, when it's your time , it's your time