Greetings,

I'm seeking advice on whether to continue flight training at a Toronto based FTU or to continue on with Multi-IFR/CPL training on a piper seneca I have access to with a hired instructor.

I'm an early 30's chap currently a few hours short of a PPL flight test. With my sights set on a flying career, does the completion of flight training at a "recognized" FTU greatly increase one's odds of third-tier operator interest? Are the logistics of getting insured and legal in a colleague's aircraft worth any possible cost savings?


kind regards,

NT

I am assuming that if you are asking the question, it's because training on the private Seneca with a hired instructor is substantially less expensive than the FTU, as expected. My answer is go witth the hired instructor. Of course, do your due diligence and make sure his/her credentials are valid (i.e. ask to see his/her license). When you will write a TC exam for your PPL, CPL or IFR, where you learnt the material is irrelevant. Same thing should apply to the practical exams. I know of several pilots who did all their single engine training on a 152 that was purchased solely for that purpose, and then resold for virtually the same amount. They saved a bundle. If I could go back, I would do the same.

Safe Flying!

i was in a similar situation, in my mid 20s and decided to go with the FTU.

The truth is that a licence is a licence, no matter where you get it. It probably helps to have a recognized FTU on the resume, seems more operators are looking for aviation diplomas...if you don't have post secondary education. So if you do, the FTU is less important.

Persoanlly I think it is the right way to go because the training curriculum is set up to get things done quickly and efficiently. Some FTUs will have programs tailored for guys with PPLs, looking to make the next step. In fact Seneca, Cargair and Moncton Flight college all offer ATP courses which allow you to write your airline transport pilot exams at 200 hours, allowing you to serve as a FO on any two crew aircraft.

As for increasing your chances to get a job, that really depends on your networking skills and knowing the right people. The first job is always the toughest to find.

PM me if you have any questions.

NorthernTrend wrote:I'm seeking advice on whether to continue flight training at a Toronto based FTU or to continue on with Multi-IFR/CPL training on a piper seneca I have access to with a hired instructor.

does the completion of flight training at a "recognized" FTU greatly increase one's odds of third-tier operator interest? Are the logistics of getting insured and legal in a colleague's aircraft worth any possible cost savings?

None of my employers ever asked me where I did my initial training.

In my humble opinion, you can potentially learn a lot more from a freelance instructor while using an aircraft outside a FTU environment.

I think that you can get a good deal on insurance, through COPA: http://copanational.org/MagnesGroup.cfm

Time is time
A licence is a licence
Your money is your money
Spend it where you want

Doc wrote:Time is time
A licence is a licence
Your money is your money
Spend it where you want

Agreed!