Hey guys,
Just looking for some advice from people who are in the profession. I recently earned my commercial ticket and plan on instructing starting in February or so. My question is- do I (or should I) start at a smaller 135 gig flying turbo props to really learn the IFR system and complex airplanes, or is it feasible to head straight to a regional once I hit my ATP minimums?
Thanks in advance!
Ben
Ben,
That all depends on how well you retain your complex airplane and instrument flying skills by the time you reach ATP mins. If you retain it all, or gain more would be even better, then you’ll be fine.
What helped me was being a MEI and CFII. The knowledge and experience I gained from those ratings made my interview feel like any other day of the week at the flight school. Then, when I started ground school as an FO, all I had to worry about was the training syllabus and the unfamiliar airline operations. Having the IFR stuff down makes a huge difference. You should not be treating new hire training as a refresher. There’s no time for that.
So, though it’s not necessarily required that you get some 135 experience before your 121 interview, if you feel like you wouldn’t be able to pass the interview or make it through training without the 135 experience, then by all means.
Tory
Ben,
You say you recently earned your CPL but don’t say anything about earning your CFI, CFII, MEI? Obviously you can’t instruct without them and if you just earn your CFI it won’t do much for your instrument skills nor will you have the required multi hrs if you don’t have your ME rating.
Just because you’re at a 135 operation doesn’t mean you’ll be learning the IFR system or getting real complex experience. You could just be throwing bags and slinging gear. Also flight instruction can be great for honing your skills. What I’m saying is there’s no simple answer. Depends on the job.
Adam
Ben,
But you could get good IFR and complex experience if you choose the right one. Cape Air, Air Choice One, Ameriflight, Surf Air, PenAir/Ravn are all good examples. Or you could earn your MEI and CFII and teach like Adam and I both already mentioned.
Tory
Correct, sir. I have yet to take my CFI ride. It is in January. Just at a crossroads of where I should focus my energy as to make these hours until ATP minimums as productive as possible. I believe that is the route I will take. Earn my instructor ratings and always as questions. Thank you both!!
Ben,
I am not a fan of the 135 route. The flying can be dangerous, and not always that insightful. I have always been in favor of the instructing route as it is the best way to really cement knowledge and seems to be a way of consistently getting hours.
Chris
This is hugely helpful. I am “that guy” to try and always stop line pilots when I’m at the airport to get their advice on routes to take. I am lucky in the fact that there are many reputable flight schools close to me that I may get an opportunity to work with someday soon. That said, I am highly motivated hearing you all say that teaching is a great route to go. It’s given me some good direction. Thanks, Chris!
Ben