Hey guys! First, I read everyone here responds as a volunteer. Knowing that, thank you for taking the time. Sincerely.
I’ve been reading through these forums for the last two weeks and have arrived at one main conclusion ---- nothing is for certain in this industry. That being said, I’ve done my best to create a projected timeline of how I believe things could realistically unfold. I also have a few questions that I think could significantly alter the course of my aviation career.
Info:
I’m 29
Received my PPL at 18
90 hours total + high performance/complex
Passed the written with a 98%
Have 1 speeding ticket
Haven’t flown in about 6 years
I do not have a degree
Have worked in sales for the last 9 years and can’t bear it any longer
I’m fortunate in that my wife has a great paying job
Live in Colorado Springs, CO
Won’t have kids for a while
Timeline:
29: Become current/Study private pilot manuals again
30: Start ATP flight School
30.5: Instruct for 18 months
32: Become FO at SkyWest (during this time study for bachelors)
36: Become Captain at SkyWest
40: Become FO at Major
45: Become Captain at Major
How realistic does this timeline seem?
My biggest goal will be reaching captain at a major, so I’m looking for some advice on career choices I can make early on that might allow me better chances of making that happen/happen sooner.
For example, after ATP would it be more advisable to instruct, or fly for Key Lime out of Denver in a larger aircraft? I bring them up as I do have some connections there. http://www.keylimeair.com/about/careers/
Thanks guys, I appreciate your time.
Oh! Can any of my training at ATP be turned into college credits?
As you said NOTHING in this industry is for certain but I understand your desire to have an “idea”. I think you’re ok in your estimates until of course you upgrade at the Regional. After that things can get a little nebulas. While 8yrs to a Major is definitely realistic many people take longer and some never get there. Now as for upgrade at a Major 5yrs is really being VERY optimistic. Could it happen? Sure but I think it’s best to air on the side of conservative then you’re less likely to be disappointed but that’s me.
How you build your time is a personal choice. Most people instruct because of the availability of jobs and convenience of locations to do it. Key Lime has been around a while, in fact they used to charge pilots to build time so I’ve never been a fan. That said it’s your call and honestly the Regionals don’t care how you build the time and the Majors are more interested in your time at the Regionals.
Yes if you pursue an aviation degree many universities will give you credit for your licenses and ratings.
Welcome to the forums and thank you for the kind words.
I think your timeline looks pretty good, except the part about upgrading to Captain at a major. Usually, ten years is more the average, but it can swing either way.
Keep in mind that a proposed timeline is just that and things can and will change.
There are several colleges that give credits for flight training, I recommend checking out Utah Valley University as they have such a program.
Moat people build flight time by instructing. It is the tried and true way of doing things and usually is the fastest path to the airlines.
I appreciate your correction on my FO to Captain upgrade time at a Major.
I read on the main homepage of ATP that 539 graduates have been hired this year. How many graduates does ATP have yearly?
So to be clear, there wouldn’t really be an advantage having 1000 hours in the Dornier 328 or a Fairchild Metro 23 over say a 172 when it comes time to interview with SkyWest? I’m completely fine with either approach but just want to be sure I’m making smart choices.
So if all went as planned, could I expect to get hired with SkyWest, end up on reserve for a few months and then get assigned a base? This is probably impossible to answer right now, but living in Colorado Springs I do wonder about the likelihood of getting based at COS or DEN? If I don’t, I guess I’d be commuting to work until I could actually get based where I want? Wait…I don’t have to pay for those commuting flights do I?! ha.
I couldn’t tell you how many grads ATP has yearly, perhaps someone from admin will chime in?
Right now the Regionals need pilots and frankly they don’t care much what you’ve be flying. They also like flight instructors which is why they’re setting up early interviews with flight schools like ATP vs smaller part 135 ops. Instructors are a blank canvas and they can train you to be the kind of crew member they want.
As for bases you have to understand 2 things. First where you go is based on seniority and second what’s a senior base today might not be I 2 yrs (or even exist). These are things you won’t need to worry about for some time but yes if you did need to commute it won’t cost you anything.