Hi I’m 17 years old, I’m currently finishing my last year in high school. I’ve been reading through a bunch of the different topics on this site but I would like some more answers tailored more towards me specifically. I am taking my introductory flight in the next few weeks, but I’m getting close to the decision making deadline as the finish line for high school is quickly approaching. From what I’ve been researching I’ve concluded that going to college for 2yrs then the ATP schools, then finishing my college while working regional would be my best route. I still have some other questions and concerns. So hypothetically let’s say I have finished my 2 yrs of college, and have gone to ATP and gotten all my certifications and licenses, what next? I need 1500 flight hours before I can work regional right? Can I go straight from ATP to regional? If not, Im not sure if ATP is still offering instructor positions post graduation but that’s what I would prefer to do. If they do not offer instructor positions anymore then what should I do? Fly for FedEx or USPS for example to get my flight time up? Should I be working on college at the same time? Sorry for the long post, any feedback would be greatly appreciated, thanks.
As you state you need 1500hrs to fly for any airline. Therefore the answer is no, you cannot go straight from your ATP training to a Regional. ATP no longer guarantees instructor position but they do offer them to successful students based on availability. If you aren’t offered a position from ATP you can of course look elsewhere for another job.
The only thing you seem to be confused about is FedEx and UPS. Both are Major airlines and are some of the most sought after carriers to work for. After building time and experience at a Regional (or one of their caravan partners) then maybe you’d be fortunate enough to be offered a job but definitely not before.
If you aren’t offered a position with ATP the most logical thing to do is to look for other CFI jobs at a different school. Those CFI ratings are hard to get and it sure would be a waste if you didn’t use them to fly cargo. But don’t get me wrong, at the end of the day I would take just about any job you can get. I’m just saying if you’re going to spend the effort to get those ratings, use them.
Thank you for the responses. I am wondering what would make you qualified to flight instruct for ATP over the other candidates? Also, if I take the route of 2yr community college to cut costs, what can I do to make my resume more appealing to employers? I play hockey and I think that would be a great resume addition but I’m not sure if I’ll be able to play in college depending on where I go. Finally, do you think it would be smarter to do a 4yr college and then go to ATP or do 2yrs then ATP then finish the rest at regional? My grandpa is saying a 4yr first would be better so I can stay in study mode but the 2yr would get me to regionals faster resulting in moving through seniority quicker.
I’m in agreement with your grandpa. Always best to bang out the 4yrs first. So much can happen during that time but if you complete your education you have options and you have that box checked. Returning to school after can be very challenging and many people never do.
As for building your resume extracurricular is great. If you happen to have a fellow hockey player or fan on your hiring board you guys can bond but the truth is airlines hire skilled experienced pilots. The same things that will help get you an instructor gig with ATP. Do well in training (no or few busts), follow the rules (be punctual, have your paperwork in order etc) and be a overall good student (cordial, helpful, respectful of others and the equipment) and you’ll have your instructor’s recommendation. Don’t and you won’t. Save goes for the airlines. It’s really that simple.
Btw, Google Rod Buskas. He’s a friend, an A330 Capt, serves with me in the union and apparently a pretty good hockey player!
Okay I’ll go to college first then, thank you. I googled Rod Buskas and I actually remember having one of his cards in my collection when I was younger! Thank you for all the useful information I really appreciate it.
Playing hockey will do absolutely nothing for your resume. The airlines want to see flight time and education, other things are extra, but will not get you hired.
I am with your grandfather as well. I understand your desire to fly, but there is a maturity that comes with age that really helps in flight training. Also, it is far easier to finish your degree in one shot than it is to try and come back and finish it. If you want to speed things along, take summer classes and graduate early.
As for ATP, remember that every day there as a student is part of your interview to be a CFI. Do well in training, have a good attitude, dress the part and you will be well positioned.
Brian,
I’m going to offer a completely different perspective from the part 135 side of things. I know you might be saying, “I want to fly 121 for the airlines…” yes, well I did too and then covid happened so hear me out.
I’m going to use the application process for college as a metaphor for the airlines vs part 135. Applying for the airlines is like applying for universities with the common app. The application is the same for a dozen different places and their criteria is all straight forward and the same. They know exactly what they want, a type of person. Now 135 is like applying for colleges that don’t have any common app but a completely unique app to their college only. And imagine that new app for every single company in the part 135 world. Their criteria is different, what they are looking for is all unique and instead of looking for a type of person, they are looking for certain individuals. That’s when those extra items on your resume matter. What distinguishes you from every other applicant.
So now with regionals opening up you’re probably thinking you don’t have to worry about ever applying to 135. Well, don’t be too short minded. What happened as soon as regional pilots got furloughed this past year? They flooded straight to part 135 Jet companies hoping to find employment for the time being. Then recruiters for these companies starting getting 3000 applications of former airline pilots and what did they say, “what makes you different than the other 2999 resumes that just hit my desk in the last 30 days.”
So my point is, no extra curriculars may not matter at all when you’re applying for the 121 world. But don’t limit yourself. Be ready for whatever can come your way in this crazy aviation career. Be the best candidate you can be. If you love hockey and can play while maintaining great grades during 4 years of school, absolutely do it.
I would prefer to fly 121 for the airlines but I definitely won’t cross 135 off the list. I am going to start college right after high school and take summer classes trying to get through it as fast as I can. I’ve heard that getting your ppl while in college is a bad idea and you should focus on school then flying right? Should I still get my ppl elsewhere before heading to ATP or just do it all at ATP? I’m scared that after going to college it will be difficult to get to ATP because of the expenses. Does going to a community college over a university put me at a disadvantage? I have been accepted to multiple universities but it would be much more expensive. I could go to a community college and have nearly the whole thing paid off if not all of it with the savings my parents and grandparents have for me but if I go to university that covers maybe 1-2 years and with that on top of the ATP costs would be very expensive. Also, how long are you normally an instructor for before you’re qualified to work regionals? I’m guessing I’d be there when I’m around 25-26?
I only recommend getting your PPL first if you’re unsure you want to be a pilot or have the ability. Otherwise why wouldn’t you do all your training (particularly your initial) at the school you’ve settled on for most? The expense will be the relatively the same and many people end up paying much more doing it independently.
Not at all. The Majors want to see a 4yr degree. They care little where it’s from as long as it’s a legitimate school.
Its not a question of qualified, you need to build the required 1500hrs. How long can vary but the average ATP instructor flies about 70hrs a month. You’ll finish the program with about 250hrs. 1500-250=1250/70=about 18mos.
Brian,
Yeah if you can get your 4 year degree from a cheaper reputable college, I absolutely would if you know aviation is the path you are going to take. You need the degree, but would be wise to save as much as you can for ATP. If you graduate around 21, start ATP and be done with your ratings at 22 then qualified by the regionals by 23-24.