Hi Adam

[DiegoA-MI-609]

I just want to introduce myself, I am currently getting my degree in Aviation flight science and administration at Western Michigan University. I have my private SEL license and instrument rated. I am working on my MEL commercial certificate.

I am about to graduate (DEC 2009), I am planning to take the JET course at WMU, I have so many questions about going airline or corporate, and if I have any chance with the few 250 hours that i might graduate with or what options do I have to increase my total hours and be competitive to get a job.

thank you very much
Diego Andres Nieto

[ExpressJet Adam]

Hey Diego,

Sounds like you are on the right path for a pilot's career. I always feel that if you can, getting your degree AND doing your flight training is the way to go (very efficient use of your time).

When the airlines were desperate for bodies a few years ago, a few airlines were hiring as low as 250 so I won't say it's impossible. BUT, that was a few years ago. Things have slowed considerably so what you have now is a whole lotta guys who are locked into CFI positions building alot of time. Hiring will resume (I'm certain), but the competition will be stiff. Not to mention when you graduate you definitely don't want to stop flying if possible. Long periods of inactivity are something the airlines really don't like to see.

Bottom-line, that means flight instruction. Even if you just pickup a weekend gig, it'll keep you flying and building. There really aren't a whole lot of other options for low-time guys (unless you have money and can buy or rent a plane often). I did a little banner towing and I know a guy who did some crop-dusting, but again there isn't much else.

If you don't obtain your CFI's at WMU, ATP has an excellent CFI program that will get you all three (CFI, CFII, MEI) in 10 days, AND it would make you eligible to possibly instruct for them (a very good way to build valuable MULTI time).

Adam

[DiegoA-MI-609]

hey adam:

by Dec 2009 I will a commercial MEL pilot, at wmu we have to do a single engine add-on, I wonder if the single add on is necessary to get the ATP and go through the first officer training.

also, I have the option to do the JET course (CRJ-200 FTD) at WMU, is that going to help me if I decide to go to ATP? I dont want to get jet training and then go back to a turbo prop course.

thank you
Diego

[ExpressJet Adam]

Hey Diego,

Well you do need your Commercial SE to get your CFI SE. Technically, no, you could continue your career without a SE rating (many military guys do). BUT, you do need to build time and more often than not that means instructing. I would be very surprised if anyone (including ATP) would hire you without a SE CFI. Most flight training is SE and that would exempt you from a huge chunk of it.

As far as the Jet training you may want to wait. I strongly recommend that people take some sort of Jet/RJ transition (if they can), simply because it's a huge leap from piston to turbines. That being said if you did it now it might not be as beneficial as if you waited to just before you move to a Regional (so everything is fresh). If you have any thoughts of going to ATP keep in mind they have a terrific RJ Course and it's offered at a discount to their instructors.

Adam