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My apology's in advance if this offends anyone.
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No apology is necessary DE727UPS, it is a fair & valid observation. In the case of mosquito control, it probably wouldn't have mattered. I have 330 hours right now, & whether I got that through Part 61 or Part 141 I still would have been turned down by the DO, albeit with a smaller looming student loan had I gone 61.
I actually started my flight training part 61, my last thing I had to do was fly my long cross country, which was scheduled for September 11th, 2001. Obviously it was canceled, & I headed down to Vero Beach without my Private ticket in hand. But it was partially on the recommendation of the owner of my part 61 flight school that if I was serious about a flying career that I attend FlightSafety.
I have no regrets, I enjoyed my time at FSI, & I feel it provided me with a solid foundation for my flying career. I really don't think that the few hours shaved off the times to earn your ratings at a 141 school is such a big deal, as you pointed out low-timers need all the hours they can get! I chose the 141 route for many other reasons...too many to get into right now as I've got to get going. But regardless of training part 61 or 141, I have found that since being in the job market (in Southwest Florida) that 500 seems to be the "magic" number. I got hired with my most recent gig with less, but I also have the ability (& desire) to work on aircraft.
Just my $.02
'canfly