Hello Everyone
My name is Joe and am new here to the forum. I am a 43 year old Commercial ASEL - Instrument with just under 500 hours. I am a veteran of 21 years in Law Enforcement (currently in an Aircraft Rescue Firefighting unit at a major NYC area airport, i know its confusing I am a cop and a fireman) and have 8 years in the Army National Guard. I also have a BS in Transportation and Logistics. I am approaching retirement in my LE Job and have every intention of starting a second career in aviation as I am not one that can sit still at home!
So the plan for me is to pack it in around 2022 ( I will be 46 yrs old) and get into a regional at one of the local NYC airports. This fall I plan on finishing my CFI and start teaching part time as much as I can. I also plan on picking up my ME and CFII along the way. The school I will be attending has a direct track relationship with Republic which I hope to take advantage of.
The question I have for those who have already achieved what I hope to are:
Are my expectations of teaching for 2 years and getting into a regional realistic?
I have read about both sides of the pilot shortage and understand that anything can happen but can I reasonably expect that there still will be a need for regional pilots in the 2-3 year term?.
If the regional route is not viable what other options would be available in my area for Comm pilots ( FEDEX caravan pilots, Cargo, etc)?
I plan on working as long as I can after my LE retirement and understand mandatory. retirement for Airlines is 65. Without sounding cliche I will say that I have been obsessed with flying professionally since I can remember but family and other life events never allowed that to happen for me. I am at a point now where I can make it happen and am laser focused on achieving my goals. Any input/guidance and/or recommendations would be so helpful. I respect and admire all of you who fly for a living and have reached that level of professionalism and wish you all safe flight.
Yes, very reasonable if working full time. At part time status, it is difficult to build time as a flight instructor as very few students want a pet time instructor.
Yes, there are no signs of the demand slowing anytime soon. But again, anything is possible. A recession, or other catastrophe and all bets are off.
There are all sorts of flying gigs out there. There are plenty of websites that list job opportunities, just take a look around on the web.
My recommendation is simply to find a way to build the flight time as quickly as possible.
I have no idea how much free time you’ll have to instruct but as you probably know you’ll need 1500hrs. That means about a 1000hrs in 2 years, or 100 weeks = 10hrs a week. If you can manage that you’re good, if not it’ll be longer.
As of now the forecast is things will continue but as you said, anything can happen.
Other options are whatever you can find but frankly the odds are best for a Regional.
Thanks for your response gentlemen…as far as free time I work 12 hour shifts so i am usually off 4 days a week when i can schedule students…also planning on doing some CFI work at a few local flying clubs…few more questions
Should getting MEI and CFII be a priority for me or just building time with CFI?
Are EWR/JFK/LGA particular sought after domiciles?also in range of TTN ACY, ABE and ISP…I fully understand basing is really out of your control as a new hire…just curious.
Do the regionals “prefer” a younger candidate as opposed to someone who will be in mid 40’s when applying…again just want to have realistic expectations…
You will need your Multi rating to get your ATP but the requirement is only 25hrs so I wouldn’t worry too much about the MEI unless the flight school you’re working for does a fair amount of ME training OR needs an ME instructor. Obviously the more ratings you have the more opportunity you’ll have to build time fast. I think it’ll come down to get a job and seeing what the need is but many do a lot of Instrument training so that might be a good one to get.
NY bases are infamously EASY to get and are often the most junior bases. I was EWR based my 9 years at a Regional and it was great. I’m a former NY guy but most people around the country either find NY too expensive or too scary which will work to your advantage. In fact while upgrades at Major airlines traditionally can take 10 years plus, Delta 717 LGA pilots can upgrade in just over 2 years because no one wants the slot. You’ll be fine.
Actually Regionals prefer “older” pilots. You see all the 20 and 30 something pilots are all simply “paying their dues” and building time at the Regionals and they’re all going to jump ship as soon as ANY airline that flies a Boeing or Airbus calls. While you could potentially get to a Major there’s a good chance you won’t knowing it would mean starting from the bottom again and a limited career vs being a senior Regional check airman Capt making pretty good money and having a great schedule. That makes you a much better investment. Training pilots is very expensive and while the Regional may only get 5-6yrs out of the young guys they could maybe get close to twenty from you PLUS you knowing that will probably make you a better employee. Make sense?
Makes complete sense Adam. I have heard that the NY area wasn’t a huge draw and now that its validated by you I feel better. I would love to move on to a major eventually but I am keeping totally realistic expectations about my scenario and think that staying at the regionals for a while would suit me fine, especially if I can stay in the area. Thanks again for letting me pick your brain!
Joe
Getting the II and MEI would be a good thing as it certainly opens the door to many more potential students. Without the II you can basically only instruct private students, because once they go to somebody else to get their instrument rating, they will not be coming back to you for the commercial.
EWR/JFK/LGA are very junior bases that you should not have any problem getting. The cost of living in the NYC area makes it a less desirable place for most pilots.
As Adam said, older pilots are really preferred at the regional level.
IF you think there’s a chance you’ll be getting your CFI/II within the next 24mos bang out both the IRA written and the FII exams at the same time. They’re based off the same test bank of questions and are essentially the same exam.
I will be starting CFI this fall.I already have my instrument rating…so you’re saying the CFII written is essentially the same as the Instrument written ?..
Good to know…I still have alot to catch up on…When i took my Instrument Practical Test back in the day it only included VOR, LOC Backcourse and NDB approaches.
which will work to your advantage. In fact while upgrades at Major airlines traditionally can take 10 years plus, Delta 717 LGA pilots can upgrade in just over 2 years because no one wants the slot. You’ll be fine.