ACP359 Would my time be better spent simply buying a plane and flying?

[@jimmydulin928]

Pipeline patrol is a good way to build hours in an airplane you don't have to support. Pay is low but flight time is about 25 hours per week at most aerial patrol operations. I flew a 3500 mile weekly loop around the country in a C-172. It was a second career and I enjoyed visiting with pilots at many different airports stopping ever two or three hours in an average six hour flight time day in an average four day a week.

[@Giggidygiggidy12]

How long did it take you to build those hours doing that? Any faster way to 1500?

[@jimmydulin928]

@@Giggidygiggidy12 That was ten thousand hours over ten years, but about 1200 hours per year on the 3500 mile weekly loop. Having gathering systems on route really increases the time involved as well. You have to lean into it. Lay up near weather and move on at oh dark thirty. Some weeks were seven days so continuous daily flying two weeks in a row. I don't know of anything faster because of weather. I was an regular Army and then NG Medevac pilot and crop duster in civilian life before, but those were only seven thousand hours in thirty years.

[@StephenShreds]

11:20 is the answer.

[@factsondeck1552]

You’re a good man 😂

[@AviationWP]

THANK YOU!!!!

[@joshhowe3477]

Legend! Some people a absolutely waffle on instead of getting straight to the point 😂

[@TG-to3dv]

I’d say a combination of the two is best. Three ir four hundred hours of dual given will make you a great pilot. Supplementing that with your own airplane will speed the process along. That being said there is a lot more to owning an airplane that just the purchase price.

[@AviationCareersPodcast]

There sure is more to owning a plane than the purchase price. I am glad you brought that up. I think instructing is valuable for a commercial flying career, especially Instrument training.

[@TheBarzook]

A friend of mine did something like that. Bought a plane during his PPL, spent about 200-250 hours in it for his commercial and time building. At about 300 hours he went to Africa to work as a FO on something like a 737-200. Spent a year doing that and now he's back in America flying for a regional as FO. Pretty wise move I think!

[@AviationCareersPodcast]

Thanks for sharing! It sure did work for your friend. There are many paths towards the career goal for flying for an airline.

[@vince8701]

Which country did he go to? I am thinking of a similar path, could you possibly help connect me with him? Thanks!

[@TheBarzook]

@@vince8701 Gomair in RDC

[@marcjohnson4884]

nobody should pilot a 737 at 300 hours. nepotism at its best no doubt.

[@ldfranklin2]

Between annual maintenance, hangar fees, fuel and monthly payments for a Cessna you’re looking at paying $30K a year on a good year where no engine overhauls are req’d. Not to mention you’re required to come up with a 20% down payment on whatever AC you finance. The ‘purchase a plane’ option isn’t going to be a viable option for the average full time student working part-time at best while going to school, especially once those student loan payments hit at $1,100/mo. Being a CFI will not pay much but at least you are getting paid for your flight time instead of paying money out of your own pocket in monthly fees, etc.

[@AviationCareersPodcast]

For some, buying a plane might not be an option but I have had many clients who have successfully flown their own planes and have been hired by the airlines. Listen to an upcoming episode where we discuss this topic.

[@cfigrandpa8089]

@@AviationCareersPodcastIt is an interesting video. I am a CFI and would highly recommend that route for several reasons. One, you have to learn each maneuver and requirement at a much higher depth of knowledge because you have to teach it, including demonstrating the correct technique. Two, you normally can fly often enough to stay proficient, as you are usually dealing with a fleet of aircraft and not just one, where it might be down for an annual . Three, you are automatically in a multicrew cockpit with your student and you learn to be observant for mistakes that are made. That makes you more valuable in an airline environment. You are used to watching everything. Four, if you do what most CFIs do, also acquire the CFII and MEI. You will get IFR experience in "the system" by teaching it. And you will learn about the special techniques of flying a twin, like dealing with VMC, etc. Five, you will often get the opportunity to fly different types of aircraft and with a variety of avionics. And, of course, most of the time, as a CFI you get paid to do all of this. I also believe that you will stay much more current on changes and new developments as a CFI rather than a regular pilot as you must be current and proficient when you teach. And now another reason. As you get older the airlines will close their windows of opportunity. For those who are older, by age 65 most of the opportunities become much more limited. But, you can continue to fly, if you wish, as a flight instructor as I do.

[@muazelhadi4361]

@@cfigrandpa8089 Many thanks,it’s really helpful 👍🏾

[@jimmyjim7858]

I encountered this same cross road when completing flight school I ended up going with purchasing a 150 to build time now I am flying 135 jobs.

[@stephenyoungblood3683]

Thanks! I just hit 55 and at 1340 hrs TT. Thanks for the encouragement! I love instructing so lad I have that opportunity!

[@therustypilot3452]

great stuff. my 19 year old has bought a plane and going at it this way. Bought a AA1B Grumman. Its been a blast.

[@onethousandtwonortheast8848]

I have been looking at those. How much did you pay?

[@bigblockz8]

I fell into this trap. I was too afraid to leave a six figure job (and its security) to be a CFI full time. Fast forward two and a half years and I just hit my minimums. A lot of 80 hour weeks between the two jobs has caused burnout and I've watched so many people get their CFI, build the 1500, and leave. One of my private students already beat me to regionals (he bought a plane) and is starting at United in January. In retrospect I lost a dollar down the road being concerned over a nickel. Sometimes you just have to go for it!

[@AviationCareersPodcast]

It is always difficult to leave a high-paying job in a secure industry for aviation which is highly susceptible to the ups and downs of the economy. This is the reason I started career coaching so I can help people like yourself decide what is the best step forward. Many have financial obligations that don't allow them to move on without their current job to support those obligations. Others are not willing to make the jump because they don't want to leave a secure job. Either way, it is important to realize you are where you are and be content with your new and fulfilling career! Thanks for sharing your story because I think it will help others. Remember to keep doing something today to move towards your career goal and enjoy the journey.

[@coreykauffman4252]

this was very helpful.. I had the idea of buying my own aircraft instead of being a cfi

[@AviationCareersPodcast]

Ownership is rewarding but does come with costs. Organizations such as AOPA.org have some great resources concerning airplane ownership.

[@bradleys2320]

I really relate to Dean and his voicemail. I'm 56 now and considering retiring from the govt desk I've been flying for the last 20 years after a very long term furlough from an airline (NWA) after 9/11. I'm also in Virginia, and I also had some hours in a King Air 200 (Marine Corps UC-12) as well as some corporate flying (fractional, BE400 type rating). Would love to talk with Dean to compare notes about returning to airlines vs. corporate.

[@edroman2042]

I'm about to turn 56 and getting ready to start pilot training for the first time. Looking to at least make it to the regional. I'm always trying to find information on the response from airlines when it comes to hiring at this age. Would be interested in knowing how your job search goes. Thanks.

[@AviationCareersPodcast]

Please forward your questions and we will have him on to discuss them. Dean sure is an inspiration to all. Check out his podcast and contact him direclty. I am sure he would love to talk.

[@onethousandtwonortheast8848]

@@edroman204252 here and man, are you my inspiration. I’m a zero hour, self studying the PHAK, ACS, etc. guy and about to use a nice simulator at home to practice with. My goal is to be as comfortable as possible before I go to a part 61 school. I’ll be eager to follow your progress. Do you have a YT channel or IG?

[@edroman2042]

@@onethousandtwonortheast8848 Thanks, always good to hear someone else following their dream. Don't have a YT but considering it. Not sure I can devote enough time to keep posting. I'll let you know when I create my IG account. Today will be my third flight. It will be a night flight. Excited about it. Stay focused, you can do this.

[@santostrevino3774]

Thank you very much for another great podcast. The continent has truly helped. Lord willing I will be enrolling at my local flight academy in the next few weeks. The information that I’ve been able to gather from your podcast has been very helpful. After enrolling I’m looking to take out a loan for my training. I do work full-time, and that’s always been a bit of a concern to me. Since I am also a full-time husband, father and employee. The reason why I’m sharing is because of the content that you provide has continued to inspire me to push on through. Not only to focus on the destinations, but the journey, and in time, I will reach my goal, which is to work for United airlines as a captain. Thank you!

[@AviationCareersPodcast]

I am sure you will reach your career goal! I look forward to hearing more about your progress.

[@earnedwings5206]

Great information. I did exactly this and am working on my commercial right now. Thank you for your content. I will be emailing you.

[@AviationCareersPodcast]

Awesome. Would love to hear your story and maybe some day share it on the podcast.

[@earnedwings5206]

Ok sure I wouldn’t mind that at all. I believe we all learn from each other and anything I can share to help others avoid things that didn’t work, as well concentrate on the many things that did go well. Any time👍

[@Guardian_pa]

My first time tuning in, and I loved the show. Subscribed!

[@AviationCareersPodcast]

Welcome aboard!

[@Kyle5K]

Really enjoying your podcast, thank you!

[@edroman2042]

Thanks as always for all the great content. 🙂

[@AviationCareersPodcast]

Thanks, my hope is the information is helpful and the show inspirational.

[@jeromefridmann6108]

Thank you Sir for Ur wise nudge.

[@AviationCareersPodcast]

Always welcome. I am glad you found the video helpful.

[@topofthegreen]

I was wanting to pursue a professional flying career, however, the problem is the new rule on part 135 and part 91 state that operators have the option of forcing retirement of pilots of age 65 just like the part 121 pilots, it’s too bad they decided to do this because now being that I am 59 years old and in great health, it still would make spending a small fortune to pursue a career that is uncertain at best would not be worth it, yet they say there is a pilot shortage right?

[@AviationCareersPodcast]

You can fly past 65 as a commercial pilot but some operators limit the age for certain reasons including insurance. Many other avenues such as charter, instructing, and private aviation exist in the industry. There are always shortages during periods of expansion in the industry. During retraction in the industry less people train and/or build hours thus intensifying to the cycle. Don't give up hope on making money as a pilot there are many avenues you can pursue. If you would like to discuss making a plan for an encore career please visit my coaching page www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/coaching/.

[@primoshunter]

For me, buying a plane seems to be the only feasible option. I already have a well paying full-time job, and being a flight instructor wouldn't pay the bills. Even on a diet of roman noodles lol

[@muhammadsteinberg]

I totally agree! Buying and flying was the best situation for me. The whole scheduling thing as a renter or waiting on students is a no-go for me.

[@DougBow96]

Thanks 👍 Excellent question and answer

[@georgesmith827]

Great content.

[@AviationCareersPodcast]

Thanks! I'm glad you found it helpful.

[@trent_dyrsmid]

Great video. Was very helpful!

[@AviationCareersPodcast]

Glad it was helpful! Remember to take one step every day toward your career goal!

[@djwashx]

Couldn't they do a leaseback while training

[@AviationCareersPodcast]

Absolutely, but remember a leaseback normally means others will be using your plane and you might have challenges scheduling to fly our own airplane. It is important to have the scheduling priority defined in the leaseback agreement.

[@DallasFort1857]

Whats your opinion on Liberty University bachelor's of science in aviation?

[@ahmadsamadzai8255]

I will turn 48 next month. I am at 515 hrs, instrument rated and working on my commercial and multi rating. I believe I will have 1200 hrs by Christmas of this year. Please tell me I'm not crazy and too wishful. Do you think I have a legitimate chance at getting into the airlines for a career?

[@AviationCareersPodcast]

Absolutely you can get hired by an airline. Of course you will need to retire at 65 but there are flying jobs after 65. I have worked with many coaching clients who have been hired in their 50's. If you want to discuss offline visit: www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/coaching/ ....and remember to take one step every day towards your career goal!

[@bennithomas8414]

I am looking for an unskilled job in a flying club where I can work for free and get my CPL in return!

[@coasternut3091]

If I could afford to just pay for my extra 250 hours to get to 500, I would. I don't want to teach and I don't think I'll be very good at it either. I feel like by the time I figure out how to do it well I'll be at 500 anyway

[@AviationCareersPodcast]

Teaching is not for everyone but you might be a better instructor than you realize. Many have told me they didn't think they would like or want to be an instructor but when they tried it they really enjoyed teaching. Furthermore, being a good instructor is a lifetime endeavor. I have been teaching for over 2 decades and I am still learning. With all that said, it is important to do what works best in your life and with your situation. If you ever wish to discuss your goals and how to create a path toward your goals visit my coaching page at: www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/coaching/ Safe flying and remember to do something every day to move forward in your career.

[@ProdicalMan]

"Don't have the patience to teach" but this guy will have to take out loans to get to 1500 hours? Beggars can't be choosers. Just do CFI.

[@christopherbrown1730]

Nothing really meaningful said after watching the entire video, unfortunately 😔.