 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Do you have a question?
We'd be happy to answer it. Just send us your question and we'll get you an answer.
|
|
Frequently Asked QuestionsAdvanced Airline Training Program (Direct Track)
Advanced Airline Training Program (Direct Track)Three of the regional airlines that participate in the FlightSafety Academy AAT Program, Pinnacle, ASA and Trans Sates, require only a Commercial Instrument Multi-engine rating. No minimum hours are required. American Eagle requires a Commercial Instrument Multi-Engine rating with at least 339 total hours and 39 hours of multi. ExpressJet requires a Commercial Instrument Multi-Engine rating with at least 400 total hours and 100 hours of multi. Yes, you must meet the following age requirements before you're able to interview: To apply, you must submit an admissions application with the listed required documentation including a $100 application fee and $2,400 deposit. What does the Phase I and Ia Evaluation Phase consist of? Phase I and IA are an evaluation of your single and multi-engine VFR and IRF skills. Non-FlightSafety Academy CIME graduates are required to complete these two phases before interviewing with an airline. How long after I apply will I interview and then start the training? Each airline's interview process is different. While each one conducts a one-on-one interview, your interview may also consist of a phone screening, an application packet review or a medical. From the time your resume is submitted to our Career Development Office, the interview process takes roughly three (3) weeks. Once you successfully pass the interview, you can expect to begin Phase III here at the Academy within anywhere from 1-3 weeks. What can I expect during the Interview? The airline interview itself is a one-on-one interview that consists of a short ATP test, as well as HR and technical questions. The interview is designed to make sure that not only are you a good fit for that particular airline, but also to make sure that you have the basic fundamental instrument skills and knowledge needed to succeed. What are the airlines looking for in a candidate? Quite simply, the airlines are looking for the best pilots. While your aviation knowledge and ability is important, the airlines will also be looking at things such as your driving record, employment history and any past criminal history. Keep in mind that if you currently have a poor driving record or any type of misdemeanor or conviction, you may not qualify to enroll in the Advanced Airline Training Program. Since the number of people interviewing changes daily, a percentage would not be very accurate. During the interview, you are not competing against others for a limited amount of spots available, each person is evaluated on an individual basis. For example we have sent six people to interview and all six have been offered Conditional Offer of Employments (COE's). However, in the next group we may send four and only two are offered COE's. What if I do not pass the interview, can I interview again? We recognize that not all airlines have the same hiring selection, therefore if you are not offered a Conditional Offer of Employment by one airline, you may interview with another airline for which you meet the qualifications. How is this program different from the programs at other schools? Unlike other programs that offer an interview after the training is complete, you will interview with the airline up front. If you are given a Conditional Offer of Employment, you will then complete phase III and IV of the program. Also, the Advanced Airline Training Program at FlightSafety Academy was created by FlightSafety and the airlines using each airlines individual operations material. If you are participating in the ASA direct track, you will be using ASA's call-outs and checklists. If you are participating in the American Eagle Direct Track, you will be using American Eagle's call-outs and checklists. At the end of the 10-week training period, a check-airman from the respective airline will conduct your final check-ride. Once you have successfully passed the check-ride, you will be assigned to the next available Indoc Class at your airline. When will I start working at the airline? After the completion of Phase II and III you can expect a waiting period of 1-90 days before you begin Basic Indoc at the respective airline's headquarters.
Business Jet DirectWhat are the requirements to participate? All students must meet the FlightSafety Academy admissions requirements. Please refer to the website's Admission Requirements page. Will I find employment as a result? You will meet many valuable contacts during your time at the center that may be of help to you later in your career. While there is a possibility that you may be offered contract or permanent employment, the main purpose is to help you grow as an aviator. A type rating is possible provided that you have at least 1,000 hours total time and your performance at the center is exemplary. A type rating is not guaranteed as a result of this opportunity. One of the best perks of the Business Jet Direct opportunity is that there is no cost to participate. FlightSafety actually pays you! What FlightSafety Centers participate? We currently have 15 participating centers located in Atlanta, Columbus, Dallas, Houston, Long Beach, Orlando, San Antonio, Savannah, St. Louis, Teterboro, Tucson, Wichita (2 locations) and Wilmington. How long does employment last? The employment is a minimum of three months however you may stay at the center longer providing there is not a waitlist of people wishing to work there. I already have all of my ratings. Can I still participate? To qualify for the Business Jet Direct opportunity, you must complete at least your CFI, CFII or MEI here at FlightSafety Academy. Is one center better than the other? All of the centers offer the opportunity for you to receive excellent training and experience. Each center offers training on different types of aircrafts. Depending upon what your future goals are, one center may be better for you than the other. Does FlightSafety provide housing or make living arrangements? Accommodations are the responsibility of each individual. However, the hosting center or current participant will be able to provide suggestions or guidance on different housing options. Airline HiringIs this really a good time to become a pilot? Despite what we read and hear in the media regarding major airlines filing for bankruptcy, this is a great time to become a pilot. Hiring at the regional airline level is at an all time high and there are available jobs out there for qualified pilot candidates. Once I'm done with my ratings at FlightSafety, will I be able to find a job? Today, airline hiring requirements range from 600 - 1,000 total time and 100-200 hours of multi-engine. After completion of your initial ratings, you will be short of these qualifications. It will be necessary for you to instruct in order to build your hours unless you choose to participate in a program such as the Advanced Airline Training or the Business Jet Direct opportunity. If you need help finding an instructor position, we have a number of resources available as well as several listings of schools that call us frequently looking for people. How long does it take to upgrade to Captain? Captain upgrade times vary per airline. Depending upon how many flight hours you have when you start at the airline, your upgrade time may be anywhere from 18 months to seven years. Upgrade times also depend upon things such as the growth of the airline and turnover. What is the starting salary at a Regional Airline? Starting salaries vary per company, however the average starting salary is $20K per year. Does FlightSafety Academy have the "connections" needed to get me a job? FlightSafety Academy has relationships with countless commercial airlines and corporate operators. As long as you have the qualifications that the airline requires, we are able to assist you in submitting your resume and also provide you with interviewing preparation. We also subscribe to various aviation resources and job listings in order to provide you with a wide range of tools to find the position you are looking for. Does FlightSafety Academy offer any type of interview preparation? Yes, the Career Development Coordinator holds periodic Interview Preparation Courses throughout the year. We also have guest speakers and airline representatives who give presentations. GeneralDo the courses at FlightSafety Academy count towards a degree? Absolutely! FlightSafety Academy is an accredited school; therefore the training you complete here will count towards credit hours to complete a 2- or 4-year aviation degree. Various schools such as Dowling College, Utah Valley State, Embry Riddle and Mountain State University also offer on-line courses. I have a DUI/DWI on my record; can I still become a pilot? The more time you put between the incident and the time you apply with an airline, the better your chances of being hired. Keep in mind that it's a good idea to also keep your driving record clean during this time. Can I come and tour the campus? Not only can you tour the campus, you actually owe it to yourself to take a close up inspection. Come see, firsthand, the quality and standards that FlightSafety has maintained for more than 50 years of training professional pilots. We are happy to offer you complimentary on-campus accommodations for one night as well as provide breakfast and lunch in our Flight Café.
Tip of the MonthThis is a very common question and it all depends on a few factors. First, it is true the CFII knowledge test questions are out of the same test bank of questions. This does not mean that you will get the same questions, or the same number of questions per subject area. A few things to consider:
There is no additional endorsement required to take the CFII Knowledge Test, although there is an endorsement or graduation certificate (141 school) required to take the Instrument Rating Test. |
|
 |
