eightballfreight
Mission accomplished
He would have to be 23 for that
First Airline Interview (Great lakes). Tips?
- Thread starter JFlighttt
- Start date
I am taking 2 classes online now, and they last about 2.5 months each. That is in addition to blocking 100 hours a month. It is amazing how much work you can get done during layovers. This is for a second degree, and I only needed to take 15 credits to finish it, but it is certainly possible to finish college in less than 3.5 years while flying full time. Look at somewhere that will take your FAA certificates and give you credit for them. I think that I got about 20 credits for mine.
I did, however, love my time in college and I would not have traded it for anything.
jgheggie
Well-Known Member
Oh ya...duh! I'm past 23 so the age rule slips my mind often. But still. If he does an online degree he can easily be done with the degree and get pic time with lakes before he's even 23. Then perhaps straight to a major? Either way...he's ahead of the game compared to most commercial pilots!
Thanks all for the responses and the time you took to go through this post.
There seems to be a lot of people on both sides on this stance...first things first to those who are with me, thank you for the advice. As i stated, yes, I am only 19 and I busted my balls off to be where I am at right now and I sure couldn't do it without some people. I am working on the college right now, little by little; oh boy do I hate school but if I would be at GL, I could do the UVU online on layovers or on my free time.
As far as my CFI job right now, it's slacking, not much flying, not the best pay, no pay for ground instruction, etc. it's killing me. I could instruct for the next year and a half but if I have the option not to, then why not? With that being said, I wouldn't necessarily come to the conclusion that GL is BETTER than what I have now but it can certainly push me forward in the industry more than my current CFI job.
Like some people said, jobs are hard to come by; especially at my age and time (800/175me) if I get offered a gig such as GL or a jet gig, damn right I'm going to grab on to it. When it comes to low paying jobs, I AM in the position where I CAN make this move as I do no have a girlfriend/wife, a car/house payment, etc. so I am young enough and in the position where I can make this move for low pay, get a bit of turbine time, split housing with someone/some people, get the fun and joy out of it and then GTFO, possibly move onto a smaller major or a good regional.
That is just how I am looking at it since I am 19, I think a job like GL would be great for me. Lot of hand flying, lot of experience, I'm sure there are going to be plenty of downfalls but if my ass is flying an airplane, every problem in this world is below me....until • hits the fan of course.
Interview is at DEN Friday Jan. 31st.
There seems to be a lot of people on both sides on this stance...first things first to those who are with me, thank you for the advice. As i stated, yes, I am only 19 and I busted my balls off to be where I am at right now and I sure couldn't do it without some people. I am working on the college right now, little by little; oh boy do I hate school but if I would be at GL, I could do the UVU online on layovers or on my free time.
As far as my CFI job right now, it's slacking, not much flying, not the best pay, no pay for ground instruction, etc. it's killing me. I could instruct for the next year and a half but if I have the option not to, then why not? With that being said, I wouldn't necessarily come to the conclusion that GL is BETTER than what I have now but it can certainly push me forward in the industry more than my current CFI job.
Like some people said, jobs are hard to come by; especially at my age and time (800/175me) if I get offered a gig such as GL or a jet gig, damn right I'm going to grab on to it. When it comes to low paying jobs, I AM in the position where I CAN make this move as I do no have a girlfriend/wife, a car/house payment, etc. so I am young enough and in the position where I can make this move for low pay, get a bit of turbine time, split housing with someone/some people, get the fun and joy out of it and then GTFO, possibly move onto a smaller major or a good regional.
That is just how I am looking at it since I am 19, I think a job like GL would be great for me. Lot of hand flying, lot of experience, I'm sure there are going to be plenty of downfalls but if my ass is flying an airplane, every problem in this world is below me....until • hits the fan of course.
Interview is at DEN Friday Jan. 31st.
If only the airlines valued Cessna 172 time as much as people on this forum seem to, everyone would be a CFI and fly a single engine go-cart for 3000 hours before moving on. In my most recent discussion with someone that interviews pilots for a legacy airline, he said that they look for someone that has 2000 hours of experience, not someone that has flown the same one hour 2000 times.
While I do see value in instructing, how much cross country, or night, actual IMC, or international, or overwater, or turbine, or part 135, or part 121 experience do you get in that Piper Seneca with an Asian student making the same 3 approaches in VMC every day?
While I do see value in instructing, how much cross country, or night, actual IMC, or international, or overwater, or turbine, or part 135, or part 121 experience do you get in that Piper Seneca with an Asian student making the same 3 approaches in VMC every day?
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Cloud Surfer
All Roads lead to Trantor
I guess that I'm the odd one in the bunch, because I actually like to instruct and I don't keep the airlines on the pedestal. I'd be down with flying a Cessna 152 if I were paid a living wage to do that. The school that I'm at has decent pay (at least for a CFI) and has room for advancement onto a turboprop airplane, so long as you don't run off when you reach ATP mins.
BTW, I'm 27 and only have thirty hours of turbine time. Does that make me any less of a pilot that I don't work for Jet Blue and have essentially nil turbine experience at this age? I got into flying later than what I should have and took an extra two years getting a B.S. degree (boohoo, handerchief please?), but it shouldn't govern my world.
To the OP: just make sure to get a bachelor's degree whatever you choose to do. Without a bachelor's you won't make it very far!
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I think that it is great that you love instructing, and I wish that all instructors did. My comment was more geared to the fact that the OP seems to want to fly 121. There are some DARN FINE pilots that have no turbine time. I do not equate any of those things to good piloting. I was more referring to what the 121 (and better charter/private) companies are looking for.
And I was 40 when I got my commercial license. It is never too late to pursue aviation, but I have had to alter my final goals due to my age.
Cloud Surfer
All Roads lead to Trantor
Of course, thank you for your input. I agree: 2000 hours of doing the same thing over and over will not a better pilot make.
cmhumphr
Well-Known Member
Many will disagree with me, but damn at 19 and having your first interview is pretty awesome. Yes we know all the cons of GLA but you have to do what's best for YOU. I finished my college degree online while sitting reserve and I actually preferred doing that way. It made reserve way more bearable and I effectively used my time wisely.
Is partying your butt off in college more important and fun? That's up to you to decide. Honestly my best days are what I'm doing now. Working 121 and traveling the world on my days off being a backpacker and meeting people all over the world experiencing different cultures and enjoying it all. You have a sharp mind for a 19 year old man and I say go for it, especially if you live in base. From the sound of things, you are focused so I know you will take 121 training seriously. Use GLA for what you need and bounce bro, no one said you have to retire there. You'll build some GOOD quality flight time flying in the weather, hand flying, high terrain, etc which is irreplaceable. Good luck with your decision man.
taildragger173
Well-Known Member
Congrats on the interview! That is quite the accomplishment. Here is my take on things...take it or leave it.
I spent 4.5 years at Great Lakes. During that time I launched my airline career on the 1900, upgraded to Captain and after two years in the Captain's seat I moved on (to another regional for a short period of time). Five years after I started at Lakes I'm flying an Airbus. Quite possibly the fastest way out of lakes is to go to lakes. That being said I have a few concerns.
At the age of 19 college is very important. I flew with guys who didn't have a college education and while many were great sticks, they lacked some of the people skills one gets in a traditional college setting. Online degrees are great for checking the degree box on an application. Many get a good education online but there is no substitute for a brick and mortar college experience. There is more to life than just airplanes. Use time at college to grow as a person, network, do stupid stuff, get laid and so on. You'll be thankful for the experience later on in life. If you're living in Denver, Metro State offers a degree program which will be compatible with your current flight ratings.
Great Lakes is hiring for their 135 certificate. Who knows if this will actually get up and running. My personal take on it is that they're using the 135 cert to get around the minimum experience requirements for pilots. Most pilots with 1500 hours plus are getting jobs elsewhere. Those jobs are better paying than lakes and may offer better QOL. Lakes is good at offering low time pilots like yourself the opportunity to get experience and move on. How much time you choose to invest at lakes is your choice. They will use you as much as you use them.
Working for Great Lakes can be quite the challenge. Management does not treat their employees well. There is staffing shortages in every department and a lot of turn over. Pay and work rules are far below the industry average however at this point in your life that might not be that important. I was once told that were paid in experience at Great Lakes. Over the course of a few years you will get the most hands on, valuable experience one could hope for. You will also get experience dealing with things you've never imagined. I've done more carpet dances with the people in charge than most do over their entire careers. I've had emergencies, abnormal operations, disgruntled passengers and my fair share of mechanical delays. You learn to deal with this stuff. In some ways it makes you whole as a pilot. Because of the way lakes operates, when we as pilots move on we are often regarded very positively by other airlines, and other pilots. I know many recruiters love to hire lakers because they've been there, done that, seen it and are pretty humble about it.
If I were in your shoes I'd get my degree, then evaluate my current situation. If lakes is still on your radar and you can afford it I'd say do it. The friends you'll make and the experience you'll get will help you in your career. The 135 cert is a last ditch effort of the management team to save the airline that no one wants to work for. Remember that you won't be able to upgrade until you're 23.
I spent 4.5 years at Great Lakes. During that time I launched my airline career on the 1900, upgraded to Captain and after two years in the Captain's seat I moved on (to another regional for a short period of time). Five years after I started at Lakes I'm flying an Airbus. Quite possibly the fastest way out of lakes is to go to lakes. That being said I have a few concerns.
At the age of 19 college is very important. I flew with guys who didn't have a college education and while many were great sticks, they lacked some of the people skills one gets in a traditional college setting. Online degrees are great for checking the degree box on an application. Many get a good education online but there is no substitute for a brick and mortar college experience. There is more to life than just airplanes. Use time at college to grow as a person, network, do stupid stuff, get laid and so on. You'll be thankful for the experience later on in life. If you're living in Denver, Metro State offers a degree program which will be compatible with your current flight ratings.
Great Lakes is hiring for their 135 certificate. Who knows if this will actually get up and running. My personal take on it is that they're using the 135 cert to get around the minimum experience requirements for pilots. Most pilots with 1500 hours plus are getting jobs elsewhere. Those jobs are better paying than lakes and may offer better QOL. Lakes is good at offering low time pilots like yourself the opportunity to get experience and move on. How much time you choose to invest at lakes is your choice. They will use you as much as you use them.
Working for Great Lakes can be quite the challenge. Management does not treat their employees well. There is staffing shortages in every department and a lot of turn over. Pay and work rules are far below the industry average however at this point in your life that might not be that important. I was once told that were paid in experience at Great Lakes. Over the course of a few years you will get the most hands on, valuable experience one could hope for. You will also get experience dealing with things you've never imagined. I've done more carpet dances with the people in charge than most do over their entire careers. I've had emergencies, abnormal operations, disgruntled passengers and my fair share of mechanical delays. You learn to deal with this stuff. In some ways it makes you whole as a pilot. Because of the way lakes operates, when we as pilots move on we are often regarded very positively by other airlines, and other pilots. I know many recruiters love to hire lakers because they've been there, done that, seen it and are pretty humble about it.
If I were in your shoes I'd get my degree, then evaluate my current situation. If lakes is still on your radar and you can afford it I'd say do it. The friends you'll make and the experience you'll get will help you in your career. The 135 cert is a last ditch effort of the management team to save the airline that no one wants to work for. Remember that you won't be able to upgrade until you're 23.
bkey79
Well-Known Member
As a former Laker myself, listen to this man! Great post! Stay in college, finish that and re-evaluate where you want to be. My .02c
bLizZuE
Calling for engine starts en français
This cannot be emphasized enough IMO. Get out of the house, learn and grow, don't do anything too stupid, and make some memories so you have something to look back on when you do decide to move on to the airlines.
Dan208B
Well-Known Member
Or he could take this job, get his degree online and have serious quality flight time vs. instructing and an instant upgrade based on his seniority. At that point he could fly for a year and leave to get some jet time.
Dan208B
Well-Known Member
You're saying he shouldn't do this? While it's a lot of work it's certainly doable. I did. I made the decision to get flight time while working on my degree rather than spend 4 years working on it before flying and zero regrets. Now I have a degree and lots of quality flight time, no time wasted. I'm very happy with my decision, but there's no question it's hard work. I was directly told by a friend who is on an interview panel for a major that every person he's seen who has been a full-time student while working has gotten positive comments about doing that and the dedication it requires.
bkey79
Well-Known Member
I'm doing that now, and it is really difficult to balance commuting while carrying a laptop and trying to do your college work with flying a line for a 121 carrier. It is not a good way to do it, and my studies suffer from my lack of time. Not to mention, you will be flown ragged at Lakes, along with staying in some shady hotels! The one's in the MSP circuit where nicer, but out of DEN, well you might get a living computer virus by staying in some of those hotels!
x2!