N6724G

Ok, I post my opinions on here a lot but thought I would share my story and seek opinions and advice.

I am 38 years old commercial multi instrument pilot with 540/50. Quit my job as a Police Officer to work on my CFI full time.

I meet the minimums for my dream airline. However I am hesitant because although I meet the minimums I do not feel I have the experience or that I am proficient. It took me 12 years to get to this point of 540 hours. Between eing inthe army full time and being deployed twice and running out of money my flying has be speradic. I got my IR in 2003 and that was the last time I entered a hold. I was deployed to Iraq for 18 months and came home and worked on my commercial multi and since that is all VFR stuff I really havent shot Instrument approaches..

So, you see I definantly need to get proficient and I feel I need to fly more, but I have no money. The way I undrstand it the airlines want to see that you fly consitantly. This is really the first flying job I have ever applied to. I guess in a way I have been a recreational pilot for the last 12 years.

So, here is my question. I am thinking of quitting my CFI training and using that money to get back instrument proficient. Especially in a twin. And then going to the ATP CRJ orientation. I think that wil help me withthe interview since I will be familiar with the CRJ sim.

What do you al think? Serious responses only please.

Tinpusher007

It sounds like you are looking at ASA...I know they count recency of experience heavily. Im a current CFII/MEI with 630/54 and I haven't even gotten a call for an interview with them. Im not saying its impossible for you, but I would think you need to get back into the cockpit somehow before you could handle a jet in the 121 environment.

Sanchez

Once you're recent on your instruments go for it. I don't know about the CRJ training. I know plenty of folks that never had any type of sim experience, myself included, and we did relatively well in initial.

The trick with the sim is to be focused, and to be humble. Ask for help when you have trouble with something. You'll be fine, they're not there to fail you, they're there to help you as long as you have a good attitude.

Good luck, you're still young.

cruiseclimb

With the way things are going.. don't worry about paying for the sim.. Just apply.. If you want to spend the money.. Go fly some twin instr time, or go get some pitts time. Once you start flying the line, you won't have time or money for that..

kansas

Apply now...and be sure to proofread your resume/cover letter carefully.

While waiting on/hoping for the call, I'd stick with the CFI. Once you get that rating, it will open up lots of doors to get paid to fly, rather than buying time to stay proficient anymore. Eventually, it could lead to some more multi time (after you got your MEI).

I'd stay away from the CRJ course. While it is probably a good course, I'm betting that it's pricey, and such money would be better spent on your ratings or a block of cheap multi time to make yourself more competitive for your dream job.

Good luck.

Low & Slow

Let me turn the question around and ask you, do you think that at an average 45 hours per year over the last 12 years that you have the depth of experience, proficiency, and awareness to fly passengers in a part 121 environment?

From what you've posted, I think in today's regional market you'll get an interview although you'll have a huge uphill push to convince a line Capt. or HR rep that you're a viable candidate.

I wish you the best, but you score low in two important areas:

Industry Motivation - 12 years in training to build 500 hours, you've never wanted to be an airline pilot before, why now?

Experience - No CFI, no stories about a crew environment for you.

Good Luck

kalyx522

N6724G, if you ARE speaking of ASA... they've called me a few times recently asking me some questions. I think they might've been screening questions, although I can't understand the need to ask me several different times. The same questions they asked during every call was about recency of my experience, type of aircraft, multi recency, whether I had any glass time, and if I had any dual given. Especially the dual given thing - it seemed like they really wanted a CFI with some experience. So, you might want to think about it a little more before deciding to quit your CFI training.

kbalch

FWIW, I got the screening call from ASA last week and was asked all of these questions. Their bottom line on recency is 50 hrs. in the last 90 days. Looks like I'm going to spend some time next week boring holes (and burning money) in a 152...

Ken

YAKflyer

Here are my thoughts:

First, THANK YOU for your service to our country!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Second, It seems like your funds are limited and if you stop working on your CFI and don't get your dream job the flying stops and game over (at least for a period of time).

Third, The flight training market seems to have been devastated by the hiring of many low time CFI's and there should be a big opportunity to instruct and build time and recent impressive currency in a short time.

Fourth, If you are serious an extra 6-12 months building time in a concentrated way will not be a serious set back and it will make it easier to be successful once you are in 121 training.

Fifth, Start applying now. Persistence is important to many employers and you may get hired quicker than you think. For sure if you don't apply you won't get the job.

Bottom Line: Even if you do get hired, but don't quite make it through training, if you have the CFI you can continue to build experience and come back to fight another day.

stickwiggler

NG,
I'll throw my advice in as well, and at the end I'll do you one better...

My advice is don't waste your money on twin engine instrument practice, do it in a frasca, a single engine, etc. keeping it pegged down an ILS, is the same in either aircraft and you'll get a lot more practice for your money. Taking the sim prep thing is an excellent idea. Glass cockpit is very easy to adjust too, but a interview ride is not the place for that short transition.

As for your experience level, well IMHO, I'd rather have a 600 hour former Army soldier and police officer than the 250 hour 22 year old wonder nuts.

Now, if ASA is where you want to go, PM me. I'm a old CW2 Blackhawk pilot from the Army and ASA has the "helicopter mafia" basically a bunch of old Warrants that look out for each other and even though you might not have been a pilot in the Army, your positive attitude and personal experience is what I'd like to see at the airline.

Stick