Advice please! Which is better, instruct for a couple years or pay a flights school to get into an airline?

Question

I guess there is really no right or wrong answer, I am just having trouble figuring out which route to take. Currently I am on the verge of getting my commercial license and then my goal is to get my instructor certificate over the summer. I am attending college and will graduate in December, so that means I will instruct for about 4 months while I am finishing my last semester.

My goal is to get into an airline. It seems like my options are either to instruct for two years or so until I have enough hours, or I could pay a flight school to get me straight into an airline. There are a few places I've been looking where they will actually guarantee you a F/O position at a regional airline (in a CRJ-200) after a 3 month program, the only problem is that the cost is roughly $30,000. So I can either pay that money and get in quick, or I can instruct for a while and get my MEI for the much needed multi time, though that seems like a very time consuming process. Any advice?

Answer 1

Don't miss out on instructing.  You will learn more and more yourself while teaching others to fly.  Also, you will beat it into your head just from doing it over and over again.  Take the job seriously though, don't just be there to build time.  It looks better seeing that you were an instructor than if you were not.  Also, I heard people that pay for jobs are looked down upon in the industry.  That is hurting everyone elses pay and people like that shift the market.  Good luck

Answer 2

If you buy the RJ job,  considerable stigma will follow.

Answer 3

oh im a pilot so i would probably have to tell you to either join the military or instuct. those are the 2 most common ways because when you do instruct, you get the students hours. Many commercial airlines (non regional) require 1000+ hours right now. The military is THE most common way to get hours. instructing is very common too. and both of them are completely free. infact, you get paid!!!!

Answer 4

I would go the instructor route.  I do not know any program that can "guarantee" you a job, maybe an interview but not a job and working for whom?  As an instructor you are building hours, continuing your education and making connections.  Most airlines want the hours as they equal experience.  You might also want to try to pick up some smaller part-time jobs while instructing.  I have know lots of students who flew for the gas company checking the pipelines, also for the electrical company with the power lines, canceled check for banks, banners, etc.  There are lots of opportunities once you get your commercial.  I also know that corporate pilots don't always need as much hours/experience as the airlines and you get nice 2nd seat time on some very sophisticated aircraft and could make very good money.  Good luck with your endeavor and remember that "Takeoff's are optional but landings are mandatory!".

Answer 5

Since you're so close to completing your ratings, don't pay for additional training.  Any program that guarantees a position with an airline is probably an airline you don't want to work for anyway.  Finish your ratings, instruct until you graduate, and see where you are with your hours.  Many airlines are hiring with as little as 500 hours (or less).  I think you'll have to instruct for far less time than you think - probably less than 6 months, depending on what the industry looks like at that time.

Think about it logically: if you pay for an academy program, you are basically paying for instruction for ratings you will already have.  That's $30,000 to pay for the opportunity to get a $20,000 a year job a few months sooner.  Compare this with instructing - you'll make $15,000 or so... a $45,000 difference of money out of your pocket.  With what the regionals pay, you'll be paying that back at least until you make captain, if not longer - and you'll probably be at a job that you can't wait to get out of.  It's just not worth it, in my opinion.

Answer 6

I was in the same position about two years ago. I decided to go the instructor route. Best decision I ever made. Instructing can be very tiring, but probably the most rewarding thing I have ever done. Plus any job they "Guarantee" is not a job that you are going to want. Put in the time and go for a company that isn't going to treat you like you are c**p. Good luck!