I'm goin for it

H46Bubba

H46Bubba

Well-Known Member
Okay after much soul searching and lengthy thought and talks with the better half I've decided to try and get on with an airline with below 500 hrs. I'm going to be taking my CSEL checkride in the next couple of weeks and getting the CMEL add on. I'm currently at about 350, from going over the logbook last night. I have heard everyones responses on all the low timer threads. In no way do I think I'm entitled to sit in the right of a jet. I want to work for it and study my ass off to get there. If things change in the wekks or months to come and the requirements go back up I'll continue on to be a CFI/II/MEI. The door's open and until it closes back to it's original position I'm going to take the opportunities presented to us. I'm sure if I get on, get more experience and sometime down the road I'll feel like all the other veteran pilots about lowtimers. I have family and personal reasons that directed me to change my mind on this. If there are any others out there that are thinking about it, think hard and if it's what you want to do go for it. If you're not ready, don't do it till you're ready.
 
BUBBA....You go BOOOOYYYYYY

You have to do what's best for 1) your family circumstances, 2) what fits the needs of your life at this time, and then 3) what your JC family thinks you should do :-)
If you've thought through all the scenarios you can with what your goals are and how your family can be alongside to support you in reaching your goals, then there is nothing wrong with your decision. It won't be popular with some folk out there, but YOU, my friend, are the one to decide on and support your decision. Good luck to you in the challenges you face....you'll do just fine and keep us informed of your progress. <high 5>

Pac Man
 
Good luck!

It looks like you are fully aware of the overall situation... you've studied the industry and job market... you've heard advice from your peers... you've discussed it with your wife... and your willing to put in more time if it takes longer due to mins possibly going up...

You'll do fine...

Keep us apprised of your progress! :)

Bob
 
H46Bubba said:
In no way do I think I'm entitled to sit in the right of a jet. I want to work for it and study my ass off to get there.
Click to expand...

If you can get through all the training and pass all the checkrides, the airline and the FAA will think you are entitled to sit in the right seat of a Jet. Then all you have to do is make sure YOU believe it and you are as good as gold.
 
Congrats! For most people I would say it is the best move if majors are the goals. Around that time they want to see turbine pic period. You won't be getting any closer to that TPIC flying a 172 around. Have fun in training!


I am in a similar situation ~350 hrs 25 me commercial single/multi and debating whether to get a CFI or try and hop on at an airline. Thing is I really want to teach. I realize that the most fun flying I am ever going to get to do is right now. I have made some really fun trips all the way from San Diego New York and may have the possibility to do some more this summer. I would love to teach my dad how to fly and I have a few friends that I already have studying for their lessons. I would get a kick out of flying something bigger but I think getting into just about anywhere is more fun.

The problem I am facing is where to invest my money. I graduate from CU-Boulder first week of May. I have got about 3 grand that I have to pay rent 400/month, plane payment 500/ month plus food expenses (I can usually get people to pay my gas). I could spend all of that money and get my CFI could possibly be very lucrative since I also own the airplane or spend that money flying to Alaska and Baja (with my same trusty friends pitchin in for the adventure). The mins are so low for all of the airlines now that I no longer need to get a CFI so I can fulfill time requirements. In fact if I compare how much getting my CFI vs. spending it on gas money, I would build more time buying gas. I will get my CFI at some point because I really want to solo someone! Don't expect people to take jobs instructing if they can save that money and get to the airlines faster. The only reason its a debate for me is I really do want to teach, plus I just graduated I want to take some time doing fun things (teaching friends etc.) before I live out of a suitcase 20 days/ month

-Jason
 
Jason, I think you have the right idea about getting your CFI and having some fun flying before you get locked into the regional type flying. If you can afford to do it the CFI will a) make you a much more confident and well rounded pilot b) provides you with some fun flying opportunities and c) provide a way to get more hours in case the airline mins go back up/you don't get on right away.

All that said, H46, you should do what you think is the right thing. If an airline says you are qualified to sit right seat and you put in the effort then there shouldn't be anybody telling you you don't belong there. Good luck with the commercial ratings and moving on up.
 
Here is a dumb question but aren't you guys ASSUMING you will get both an interview and also the job? Even though the mins are lower, I am betting that these places aren't calling every CMEL with a resume.
 
Yes, I am confident that with the people who are willing to walk my resume in and a few more hours multi that I could be interviewed and hired by early this summer.

-Jason
 
The day after you throw you cap at Folsom, go down to McAir at BJC and see Keith Hammond. He used to be a prof at CU and does a great job of teaching CFIs. Tell him your situation and knock out that CFI rating. I bet you could get it done in a matter of weeks with the hardest part being the scheduling of the checkride. Have some fun teaching over the summer and by the fall you can decide if you want to stick with CFIing or make the jump. I bet they would hire you on once you get your CFI.
 
I'm not assuming anything. When I have the requirements, I'll apply. If they don't call for an interview, so be it. I'll still continue to on to CFI and so on. If they call, I'll accept and interview. I'll give 110% at the interview. if they don't want to hire me so be it. Again, then I'll continue on with CFI. If offered the job, I'll most likely take it and then will study my butt off and give another 110% during training and IOE. My seven years in the military taught me well. I don't assume anything and nothing is guaranteed, even if it is in writing!:)
 
H46Bubba said:
Okay after much soul searching and lengthy thought and talks with the better half I've decided to try and get on with an airline with below 500 hrs. I'm going to be taking my CSEL checkride in the next couple of weeks and getting the CMEL add on. I'm currently at about 350, from going over the logbook last night. I have heard everyones responses on all the low timer threads. In no way do I think I'm entitled to sit in the right of a jet. I want to work for it and study my ass off to get there. If things change in the wekks or months to come and the requirements go back up I'll continue on to be a CFI/II/MEI. The door's open and until it closes back to it's original position I'm going to take the opportunities presented to us. I'm sure if I get on, get more experience and sometime down the road I'll feel like all the other veteran pilots about lowtimers. I have family and personal reasons that directed me to change my mind on this. If there are any others out there that are thinking about it, think hard and if it's what you want to do go for it. If you're not ready, don't do it till you're ready.
Click to expand...

Howard, do it man! Just remember that as a low timer you are low on experience. So if hired study,study,study and come to class prepared. When you start IOE and the line, listen and ask questions, and learn from more experienced captains and you will make up for being low time and be an asset to your flight crew and not a burden!

Congrats, and let us all know how it turns out for ya!
 
You go girl .........just kidding :)


I just want to tell you good luck, we're all counting on you.
 
Best of luck to you!

Make sure you put an application in at Colgan!

NOW is the time to pursue this career!
 
Kickass H46!

I think you discovered they key. Talk about it with your wife, yourself and constantly evaluate your situation. They're going to be key elements of success or failure in the business.

At least that's the way it worked out for me! :)
 
H46Bubba said:
Okay after much soul searching and lengthy thought and talks with the better half I've decided to try and get on with an airline with below 500 hrs. I'm going to be taking my CSEL checkride in the next couple of weeks and getting the CMEL add on. I'm currently at about 350, from going over the logbook last night. I have heard everyones responses on all the low timer threads. In no way do I think I'm entitled to sit in the right of a jet. I want to work for it and study my ass off to get there. If things change in the wekks or months to come and the requirements go back up I'll continue on to be a CFI/II/MEI. The door's open and until it closes back to it's original position I'm going to take the opportunities presented to us. I'm sure if I get on, get more experience and sometime down the road I'll feel like all the other veteran pilots about lowtimers. I have family and personal reasons that directed me to change my mind on this. If there are any others out there that are thinking about it, think hard and if it's what you want to do go for it. If you're not ready, don't do it till you're ready.
Click to expand...

Allright Bubba!!! I like your thinking!!! I finished up my CMEL not too long ago. If you want to save some money(I mean BIG MONEY!!!) as you pursue your last few ratings, Skymates is the place to be.

I spent a total of on my add on(M.E.)- $1200.00 tops, that included the examiner. Should I pursue my CFI ratings, The first place(and only)place I would/will look at is Skymates. They believe in getting you done quick, which of course is up to you.

They will even pick you up from the airport flat fee of $45.00 to and from,
that's it. Of course you have to make your own room arrangements, but they will help you with that, the Qaulity INN at Arlington only charges $49.00 per night plus taxes, by a mall, and the Breakfast there is good,too. (Thier sausage links look like logs, and the waffle iron is made up to look like Texas.

Since we both went to DCA, I know you developed good study habits and I have no doubt you will do your part to make it. Hopefully Comair will pick you up, if not, PSA, ASA,Pinnacle, and whomever else is about to go Comm. M.E.

If no one does call, I would be looking at the C.F.I. thing too. Guess will have to see. Let me congratulate you before hand.

So is Comair's annoucement helping you to decide? I assume it must be a good one.
Anyway go out and make us all proud!! :)
 
FatBastard said:
Allright Bubba!!! I like your thinking!!! I finished up my CMEL not too long ago. If you want to save some money(I mean BIG MONEY!!!) as you pursue your last few ratings, Skymates is the place to be.

I spent a total of on my add on(M.E.)- $1200.00 tops, that included the examiner. Should I pursue my CFI ratings, The first place(and only)place I would/will look at is Skymates. They believe in getting you done quick, which of course is up to you.

They will even pick you up from the airport flat fee of $45.00 to and from,
that's it. Of course you have to make your own room arrangements, but they will help you with that, the Qaulity INN at Arlington only charges $49.00 per night plus taxes, by a mall, and the Breakfast there is good,too. (Thier sausage links look like logs, and the waffle iron is made up to look like Texas.

Since we both went to DCA, I know you developed good study habits and I have no doubt you will do your part to make it. Hopefully Comair will pick you up, if not, PSA, ASA,Pinnacle, and whomever else is about to go Comm. M.E.

If no one does call, I would be looking at the C.F.I. thing too. Guess will have to see. Let me congratulate you before hand.

So is Comair's annoucement helping you to decide? I assume it must be a good one.
Anyway go out and make us all proud!! :)
Click to expand...

I was talking with two of the chief pilots and we were discussing the low time frenzy. These guys have been here since there were Saabs, Metros, and Shorts. Of course they agree with all the other veteran pilot on here about low timers are bad news. When I asked them, if they would go for it if they were in the same position, the both said with out a doubt they'd take the opportunity. They told me that Comair will most likely go down to 300/commercial multi, to compete. I guess from what the anyllists have been saying there just isn't enough pilots to staff the regionals.
 
Kick 'em down some duckets and treat the average regional Joe with more respect and they'll have all the applicants they need.
 
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