Hey all, ive been out of flying for about 7 years and want to get back into it. I have a little over 1200hrs tt and about 80 multi. I work Operations for American Eagle and want to try and move over to flying side. What do I need to do in order to get back in the air and get current?
Need some info
- Thread starter califlyer
- Start date
TravDK
Well-Known Member
Not much at all! An hour ground and and hour in the air is all you NEED with an instructor to get roll'n again. Get to a local FBO and jump in, you will probably be shocked how much you remember and how well the manuevers go! Goodluck.
Xcaliber
El Chupacabra
Technically, legally, he's right. All you need to do is an hour of ground and an hour of flight. Assuming you have your instrument, do it at night, make 3 takeoffs and landings to a full stop, have your instructor sign off on your IPC, and you'll be legal (for whatever category/class of aircraft you're flying).
Now, practically, it'll take a good long time for you to get proficient again. What certificates and ratings do you have? Even if it's just a private rating with no instrument, after 7 years, I'm guessing it'll probably take 10-20 hours of training (not just flying, training) to get proficient again. CS/MEL IA, probably a lot more, I'd guess it'd be more like 30+ hours. There will be a lot of studying to do, and I'd suggest getting as much TAA time as you can. There have been a lot of changes with regards to avionics in GA aircraft in the past several years.
TravDK is right, a lot of it will come right back to you, but don't short change yourself or the public. Make sure you are completely proficient again (ie you could pass the CS/MEL IA checkrides) before you start marketing yourself as a commercial pilot.
I would find a reputable school and tell them your situation. Preferably a school with a chief CFI who has some experience in the airlines. Tell him/her you want to do a short refresher course, maybe 3 or 4 maneuver lessons and a cross country. I personally wouldn't skimp out on this and just get a basic BFR. If you do you won't be ready at all for the interview process/sim flight process.
A cheaper option could be to find a place where you can get some sim time with a buddy to work with you. Maybe practice some crew, shoot some approaches, emergencies, etc. Good luck bud.
You might also consider asking some of the flight people at Eagle (chief pilots, training people, etc.) what course of action they would recommend.
I'd be prepared to spend at least a couple of weeks to get yourself fully back (unless you plan to fly every day). Yeah, you can get the legal stuff knocked out pretty quickly, but if you're going to have a hard time at an interview (any interview, not just for an airline) if the only flying you've done in the past seven years is your flight review.
I'd be prepared to spend at least a couple of weeks to get yourself fully back (unless you plan to fly every day). Yeah, you can get the legal stuff knocked out pretty quickly, but if you're going to have a hard time at an interview (any interview, not just for an airline) if the only flying you've done in the past seven years is your flight review.
TravDK
Well-Known Member
Absolutely, I was not implying to start flying commercial again, rather just get back up in the air. It really took me about a 1000 hours of dual given before I felt ready and aviation mature enough to consider flying with a bunch of people behind me.
Getting of topic here... point is Cali... walk in somewhere with a plane and get up if you love it. Best of luck.