Pilots: could I get into the regionals with just a commercial rating? (without getting my CFI certificate)?

Question

I don't think I'm going to be able to get a large enough loan to get through the CFI course. But aren't there some pilots who can break into the regional carriers without ever having instructed before?

Answer 1

If you can build some quality time without your CFI then yes, the regionals will look at you if you have the "right" kind of time, but they aren't likely to pick you up right out of flight school, especially since the hiring "boom" has peaked and there is likely to be a hiring recession for awhile.

There aren't many flying jobs you can qualify for with a fresh commercial license and less than 500 hours in your logbook, which is why most people start instructing as a first job.  Unfortunately, the insurance companies pretty much determine the flight time requirements for most positions.

I currently fly Rockwell 690 Commander under Part 91, which is a single pilot aircraft but the insurance company requires two pilots for our operation. The co-pilot insurance requirement for anyone with less than 1000 hours total and 200 hours multi time is a CFII-MEI.

The instructor ratings show the insurance co. (and a potential employer) that due to the extra training you probably have a better grasp of IFR and multi-engine procedures than a non-instructor. Statistically, instructors are also safer pilots. Having instructed myself for about 1,500 hours, I can testify that you never learn something so well as when you have to teach it.

If you can swing it, get the extra ratings. They can only help you. Good luck

Answer 2

Sure.  There are other entry level pilot jobs.