Advice

[skypilot]

Hello All,

I'm the typical work 9-5 technology job want to pursue my true passion as a airline pilot. Currently I hold FAA Private Single engine and Multi-engine rating. Working on my Multi-instrument and Multi-Commercial by September.

Looking at entering a First Officer Program at ATA, Gulfstream or Mesa with 300 Total and 150 multi. Can someone out there give me the real deal on these First officers program? Is it worth the money to go this route or should one go the traditional flight instructor route? Has anyone gone through any of these programs or have any suggestions.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[traveler]

Type of airplane and type of operation is paramount.
Usually people who do the flight instructor route want to get into that twin also, they just need the hours to get in there. So if you manage to get your butt in the seat of a multi-engine craft you are just skipping a stage. That's a good thing, time-wise. If it happens to have turbo-prop (or even jet) engines that would be better. If the plane is over 12.500 lbs (or 5.700 kg) that would be another plus. If you would fly that on a scheduled run, that would be a plus too. The Airlines like to see experience on a heavy, multi-engine plane with multi-crew on a scheduled (time pressure) operation. If you can buy your way in, so you'll get a start in this stuff, more power to you.
If you want to become a pilot with a major airline then the right seat on say a Saab is better time than PIC on a Cessna 310. (for instance). (not necessarily my opinion but what they are looking for).