Originally Posted by
bafanguy
MP,
While we wait for the more knowledgeable folks to arrive, I'll just add that the 1500 hour rule applies to FAR Part 121 operators, what you'd recognize as "airlines", i.e., pax, freight. Since it's not a starting point anyway don't be put off by it. FAR Part 135 requires less, the details of which escape me at the moment.
Flight instructing is a frequent (but certainly not the only) starting point and the USA is stretched for CFIs these days. We even have a few organizations conducting training here under EASA but I get the impression getting an EASA instructor ticket is a pretty pricey thing. FAA licenses would quickly become a requirement. Here's just one as an example:
Pilot-Fixed Wing job at CAE Oxford Aviation Academy - Certified Flight Instructors
There are others.
One issue from your post involves your lady friend. Can she work anywhere in the USA or will her line of work narrow her choice to a particular geographic area ? The reason I ask is that any entry level spot you might get would most likely require your living where you work vs living where you want and commuting; this may also influence YOUR available choices when/if that time comes.
Good luck in the hunt.
Thanks for the reply!
What sort of pay would you be looking at if you were to started of instructing?
I know you technically need 1500 hours to get into airlines, but in reality what sort of hours would you need before you get anywhere near a 737/320 at a major? I say this not because I care about the type of aircraft, but I think I'm right in saying that the better salaries are at the majors?
Commuting isn't an issue for us. My first job in Europe is most likely not going to be on my doorstep, so we face the same issue as a couple if we live in Europe and we have discussed that factor at length. However her line of work would allow her to work anywhere in the US.