16. Q What is the entire number of trainees entering a school's program in the past year (use two years if you prefer), and what percentage of this group that has completed 100% of your training program (Including CFI courses and work as a CFI, if applicable) and have graduated from your program?
A Entering a training program is one thing but seeing what percentage of entrants decide to leave the program along the way will give you an idea of what the attendees truly think about it once they experience the program first hand.
17. Q Of those from the previous question who graduated from a school's training program over the past year, what percent obtained a Part-121 first officer position?
A You are now getting closer to the all important truth that will help you make your airline pilot training decision. Knowing what percentage of those who began a program and actually got a Part-121 first officer job as a result after graduation is very important.
Let us do the Math:
Numbers may not lie but we have to do a little math to make sure you are getting the full picture in any given program.
1) Take the entire number of people who have entered a school's training program in the past year (use two if you like).
2) Then, total the number of people who entered the training program but did not graduate for whatever the reason.
3) Total the number who graduated but did not receive a Part-121 first officer position.
4) Add number 2 and number 3 above and this represents the real total of how many entered the program but did not get a job as a Part-121 first officer.
5) To get the actual percentage that entered the program over the past year and did not get a first officer job, just divide the number from 4 above by number from 1 above. There you have it, the percentage of people who entered the training program and did not get a job as a Part-121 first officer.
For example: If 100 entered the program in number 1 above and in number 4 the total who did not graduate or who did not get first officer jobs when they graduated is 25, then the percentage who did not get a Part-121 first officer position is 25% or in other words 75% got the job they were seeking.
Any program you are inquiring about that cannot give you the above numbers, or does so in such a confusing way that you cannot tell for sure who did what and when, is suspect and you better take a closer look. One way to check the accuracy of what you are being told is to speak with someone else working at the program, ask them the same questions and compare your numbers. It is always a good idea to make sure they can tell you the names of people who have obtained first officer jobs, what airlines they went to, and best of all make sure they can put you in contact with them. We pilots enjoy talking about our industry so follow-up by contacting successful graduates.
There are many good programs out there for you to select from but some information you will receive just has to be put in the "too good to be true bucket" there just is no way it is correct. In my opinion, any program that tells you that something close to 100% of their customers did anything should be looked at very closely.
