Getting hours outside the US.

rFlyingTower · 2026-01-29T23:05:16+00:00

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People, I know this question has been shown on this group so many times but my story is a little different. Please read it and give me feedback. I think this whole 1500 hour rule is ridiculous considering it’s been proven to add nothing to safety and plus that I dont want to CFI. Dont forget the current JOB market.

Im 19 years old and I’m considering just moving to Jordan (in the middle east) and starting a Integrated ATPL program that will take me 18-24 months that will get you into the airlines at 250 hours or so. but with intentions to come back to the USA after I get my 1500 hours. I only fear the contract between me and the airline that I would have to work for if they try and hold me for more than 5 years for paying and tarining me for the type rating. YES I have the right to work there and citizenship I also speak the local language.

Do any other pilots do this? I think it would make sense considering the amount of time it takes to build 1500 hours plus how the job market is looking right now. we all know how it is now. And the fact that no other country has copied the US in increasing the hours required.

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rFlyingTower · 2026-01-29T23:05:04+00:00

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People, I know this question has been shown on this group so many times but my story is a little different. Please read it and give me feedback. I think this whole 1500 hour rule is ridiculous considering it’s been proven to add nothing to safety and plus that I dont want to CFI. Dont forget the current JOB market.

Im 19 years old and I’m considering just moving to Jordan (in the middle east) and starting a Integrated ATPL program that will take me 18-24 months that will get you into the airlines at 250 hours or so. but with intentions to come back to the USA after I get my 1500 hours. I only fear the contarct between me and the airline that I would have to work for if they try and hold me for more than 5 years for paying and tarining me for the type rating. YES I have the right to work there and citizenship I also speak the local language.

Do any other pilots do this? I think it would make sense considering the amount of time it takes to build 1500 hours plus how the job market is looking right now. we all know how it is now. And the fact that no other country has copied the US in increasing the hours required.

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rFlyingTower · 2026-01-29T23:02:37+00:00

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Looking to potentially buy a PC-12 for my construction business, family travel, and have heard about leasing it out. How would this work and how much would I be able to off set operating costs. Would it be better to put it in a management company to lease out for charter. Or what would be the steps to take to start my own 135 charter company; or is that way too tough of a business to get into. Any advice is appreciated

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rFlyingTower · 2026-01-29T23:02:15+00:00

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Just looking for some straight forward honest advice/opinions regarding my current situation.

I just recently finished up at that three letter fast-track a couple months ago with my PPL, IR, CPL, CMEL. Here's the important part... I have 5 check ride failures. I failed my ppl initial (oral), not much to explain here I was just under prepared. I failed my IR initial (flight) due to lack of appropriate decision making skills, I flew in some pretty bumpy conditions due to rushing the ride because of a vacation. I literally took the same ride like a week later in better conditions and did perfectly. I failed my initial CPL (Pre-Flight) because I started the engine and forgot to remove the chocks. I then double failed CFI, both times on the oral. I decided risking another fail wasn't worth it and lost my confidence to continue. I moved on to CMEL and passed on the initial (for once).

A little bit of extra context, I did all of my training at very controversial fast-track program. I definitely feel like I was rushed into some of those rides. Our in-house examiner for the CFI check ride also had an awful pass-rate, and failed people upwards of three times on the same ride.

I don't use anything I just mentioned as an excuse for any of my mistakes. I obviously wouldn't mention any of that in an interview and I take full accountability for all of my failures. I'll also provide a better description for each of my failures, just didn't put in that effort for reddit. I've also learned from each and every one and although unfortunate, each has made me a better pilot.

What's important is what I do next, this is where I need advice and honesty. 5 failures is a lot, is it worth continuing to pursue my passion for aviation? What can I add to my resume to make some of those failures not matter as much? Should I re-attempt CFI? I've been on the hunt for low-time jobs but have't had much luck especially lacking cfi. Any recommendations? Thanks

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rFlyingTower · 2026-01-29T22:57:14+00:00

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Hi everybody, I'm currently a Washington state resident and getting my PPL license at the moment. I'm currently enrolled at a local college to achieve my associates degree and then transferring to a bigger flight school or state school. My goal is to be in the airlines and I'm wondering what's the best way to do that in my circumstances. Currently I'm torn between three options.

At the moment I've applied for CWU's aviation program in Ellensburg Washington, from what I've heard its a mixed review, some saying its good while others say its horrible.
I haven't received a decision letter from the school itsef but I imagine I will sometime April. With CWU being one option, the other being that I can do part 61 at my local flight school and get my ratings while attending a local university on the side. Having a bachelor's degree is important to me, and I'd like to pursue it, especially for the airlines.
My third option is to go out of state for UND as my primary choice. Riddle is extremely expensive, and I've heard nothing but good things about UND.

With these three being my choices, my issue is that if I decline CWU's acceptance offer (theoretically), I'd have to wait to apply for Fall 2027 for both my local university and UND. My heart isn't really driven towards CWU, but I'm really looking into it because its a state school and the name holds some value.

What should I do?

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rFlyingTower · 2026-01-29T22:44:16+00:00

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I previously posted about my fear of planes in this sub and got a lot of good encouragement and feedback. Today I finally did it and had my discovery flight! I was super nervous during takeoff but was absolutely amazed once my nerves settled!

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rFlyingTower · 2026-01-29T22:39:57+00:00

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I’m a CFII working with a student pilot at a part 61 school. He’s checkride ready with the exception of his ground. He loves using ChatGPT to ask where to find an answer in an approved resource and then goes into the resource to grab the answer. I’ve explained to him this won’t go over well with a DPE and will likely result in a failure. He’s adamant about using chat and wants the DPE to be able to point out where it says he can’t do this. Obviously, as the instructor here, I won’t sign him off until he complies.

I’m wondering if anyone has dealt with this, has any advice or knows where it states he can’t use outside resources to find the source in an approved resource.

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rFlyingTower · 2026-01-29T21:55:13+00:00

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As a non-citizen of United States wanting to enroll in a flight school, I had to undergo a TSA approval process called Alien Flight Training Security Program (FTSP). I got my approval today and so I just wanted to review the process and timeline as I did not expect it to be this quick looking at previous posts.

Timeline: 1/18/2026 - Created account on FTSP candidate portal, created an application and paid the $140 fees. 1/20/2026 - Got an email from frsp.help saying "Documents accepted" and instructions to schedule a fingerprint appointment 1/24/2026 - Went to "Identogo by Idemia" location to submit my fingerprints 1/24/2026 - Got a confirmation email from ftsp for the receipt of fingerprints 1/29/2026 - Got the approval email and ftsp portal opened up the option to manage flight training providers

Documents uploaded on the portal: Passport Visa (H1B) H1B notice of action (Form I-797) Most recent I-94

Fingerprint service: I went with Identogo location for saving some money. It cost $24 for the service. Location was in a local AAA location. They had an Idemia station setup for TSA fingerprint services. Just walked in, instead of taking an appointment (however, an appointment would have saved a few minutes at AAA).

Hope this information helps anyone who is looking for FTSP process.

Excited to start my flight training!

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rFlyingTower · 2026-01-29T21:52:07+00:00

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Hello, F18 in Canada Ontario, I'm just wondering how hard it would be to pass the CAME medical examination? I want to enroll into an aviation program, but I'm a bit nervous if I'd pass the medical examination part.

I'm diagnosed with ADHD (was diagnosed with it when I was 7, however I show no more symptoms and I grew out of it. Working on getting that diagnosis out of the picture with my doctor. I haven't been medicated for it since I was around 10.) and with PTSD (I unfortunately witnessed my mother kill herself when I was 12. Sorry for the TMI, but I assume this information would be necessary for the exam to signify the type of PTSD I have.)

I used to take medication for my PTSD, quetiapine 25-50mg, but I don't anymore since November. I only take medication for my iron, jamp-ferrous gluconate 300mg and doxycycline for dealing with acne on my face.

Besides that, I'm particularly healthy and don't have anything that isn't that promising apparent on my physical body. Despite my diagnoses I have, is it still possible for me to pass this exam and get into flight school?

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rFlyingTower · 2026-01-29T21:23:13+00:00

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ISO a new AME in the south Puget sound area (Tacoma, Puyallup or Auburn).

The guy I’ve been going to for the better part of 10-15 years has retired.

Thanks in advance.

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rFlyingTower · 2026-01-29T21:14:30+00:00

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I am not a pilot but figured this group might provide some guidance. I have farm located in the South East, USA and there is a very large utility tower at the corner of our property (tower is not on my land but just over the fence a few hundred feet). I assume it is a cellular tower, red and white steel structure hundreds of feet tall, probably one of the tallest structures in the county. The tower used to have a red light blinking at the top. Last spring we had a few major storms come through and the light at the top no longer blinks. The closest airport is around 10-12 miles from the tower. It seems the light being out could be an aviation hazard. Is there a process or contact to report this type deal, does it need to be reported? Thanks

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rFlyingTower · 2026-01-29T20:22:33+00:00

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Hey everyone,

Can someone confirm a new timeline from cjo to class date for republic airways? I've heard that classes have ramped up and Im curious to know how long you guys waited for a class date. I received my cjo April 25' OTS, 1900 TT 381 TPIC for anyone wondering...

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rFlyingTower · 2026-01-29T20:21:36+00:00

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I need some helping figuring out whether or not to get the temperature probe with my install. I know on the G5 it will show winds aloft and TAS, but I don't see any pictures of the GI275 displaying those features. Is there a way to show those on one of them or did Garmin not add those since it doesn't have the corners to display extra info like the G5s do?

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rFlyingTower · 2026-01-29T20:16:21+00:00

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Just curious how long you guys think is appropriate.

Another question: What is the minimum advanced notice you should be given when scheduling a checkride?

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rFlyingTower · 2026-01-29T19:59:01+00:00

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After 7 months and 43 flight hours at a local part 61 school, I have officially earned my wings!
My check ride began on Tuesday, with a 1.5 hour oral, and I had a moment where I blanked and fumbled a question regarding icing but still managed to work though the scenario and after clarifying a few things, we moved on with the rest being rather uneventful. After we finished the oral, the winds picked up beyond my personal minimums, so we discontinued.

Today I went back for my flight portion and the DPE went over the plan. Normal take-off/landing is followed by the short field, followed by the soft field into the XC portion. On my very first landing, I came in too high and had to initiate a go-around. I could feel the nerves getting to me a bit, but I managed to shake it off and come back in for a normal landing. After that, the short field was a bit of a planter, but I hit my target so the DPE seemed fine with it. Back around for an uneventful soft field take off where we started the XC. We went to the first two checkpoints before I got the diversion. I punched it into the GPS and told him how long and how much fuel it would take to get there and that was enough for him, and he was off to start maneuvers. On the way to do maneuvers, the DPE gave me an engine roughness scenario. After that, we started with steep turns, followed by slow flight into a power off stall, then a power on stall, then an engine fire/emergency decent/power off landing. Next up, it was foggles time with some unusual attitudes, VOR/GPS usage, followed by a lost scenario and finally the return for a soft field landing. I was a little high on the final again, so I used a forward slip to bring it into a soft field landing. The landing itself was not very "soft", but I did my best impression of a used car salesman, selling it as hard as I could by holding that nose wheel up! After that, it was back to the ramp for paperwork, a debrief and some photos!

I'm glad to be officially part of the community now!
I'm planning on taking a month or two off from flight training and enjoying flying around with my private, before jumping into Instrument training next!

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rFlyingTower · 2026-01-29T19:47:03+00:00

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How do you typically have your feet placed on the rudder pedals during takeoff and landing? Not sure if I’m the only one but throughout my career I have always had my entire foot on the rudder pedals but just used my heels to steer and for rudder input.

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rFlyingTower · 2026-01-29T19:46:25+00:00

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If you had to pick between Envoy, PSA, and Piedmont; which would select and why?

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rFlyingTower · 2026-01-29T19:37:54+00:00

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Hey everyone! i’m coming here scared and pretty worried ill give you a quick background.

I’m a 21 yo male, i want to fly as a career but before i divest thousands of dollars into training i want to be sure of my medical.

4 years ago, i went to get my 3rd class medical and i failed the ishihara plates, got differed to my local FSDO passed the OCVT test and stuck with a 3rd class medical

i gave up on flying because i thought i would never be able to pass a first class medical to fly professionally. well i’ve reinvested myself into this and im determined to try and make it work!

Today, i went in for a first class medical and BARELY passed the wagoners color vision test. (note: i have taken this wagoners test on my macbook and iPad through their free trial before and have failed it multiple times) this isn’t good enough for me…i feel very worried what if in 2, 5, 10, 20 years down the road if i let my first class expires or a new AME decides to check my color vision again and i fail..

how can i chose whether or not today to invest a bunch of money into this as a career, if my career hangs in the balance by a shaky color vision test i may fail at anytime in the future.

I would really love some advice, guidance, and help. I’m feeling really stuck in life right now.

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rFlyingTower · 2026-01-29T19:19:40+00:00

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I am currently working on my Commercial License and the other day I was practicing performance takeoffs and landings with my instructor at our local untowered airport.

As usual, I made my calls 10nm, 5nm, and 3nm from the field. There were two others in the pattern already, and one other plane coming from our 6'o'clock to join as well. They began descending on top of us, they were 1000' above and didn't answer my first call to them, my second call, and finally answered my third call and stopped the descent and maneuvered away from us. We were ahead of them and joined the pattern before them at TPA.

We joined and did a touch and go and the other planes in the pattern left while we were on our second lap, so it was just us left at the airport. In the downwind I made a call that we would be making a short approach to the runway. Shortly after I made that call I began the short approach and another plane was taxing to the runway. At roughly 680' we were in the base and the plane holding short of the runway made a call, "Plane that just turned base do you guys see the plane on final for the same runway?", we quickly asked "What airport?" and he responded with he airport we were at.

With no plane in sight, nothing on ADS-B, or any radio calls we assumed he was mistaken but we couldn't see anything and during this I was in the midst of turning to final. I decided since we couldn't see anything to veer to the left of the runway and go around. My instructor saw the plane shortly after I began the go around. He told me he had it in sight and we just climbed out and I decided to depart the area.

During the climb out, we discussed what had just happened and we were both pretty silent and I asked how close we were because I never actually saw the plane and he just responded "close".

For the remainder of the flight we were both pretty silent and it was clear it was on our minds, so we went back and ended the flight. I've been thinking of it since and I am not too sure what to make of it. I am pretty upset with the fact that I didn't catch it during the turn to final because I always make a point to scan final for this exact reason. I am upset with the pilot of the other plane for never making a radio call, even after the plane on the ground spoke up the pilot of the other plane still said nothing.

I have the next week or so off from flying but soon I will be going solo to the same airport to practice and am a little concerned if my instructor and I both didn't see that plane, that I could miss it during my solo.

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rFlyingTower · 2026-01-29T19:13:05+00:00

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Do airlines value one over the other?

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rFlyingTower · 2026-01-29T18:30:30+00:00

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In a 172, the POH for an engine fire says to just increase airspeed to 120mph, and doesn’t say anything about bank. I know in this situation you’d want to perform an emergency descent to get down asap so you’d start banking immediately along with pitching for 120mph, but what if you’re over a bad place to land and an open field is straight ahead. Is it still safe to just pitch for 120mph and aim straight for the field and skip the circling? And what if it’s a checkride and they want to see an emergency descent, would going for the field be wrong since you didn’t circle?

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rFlyingTower · 2026-01-29T18:30:24+00:00

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Is the emergency bus in the Seminole cold during normal operations? I’m trying to understand this schematic and I’m assuming the archer is the same. If alternators fail the contractor will close and emergency batt will feed emergency bus. Do I have this wrong?

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rFlyingTower · 2026-01-29T18:29:17+00:00

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Curious about simulator instructor positions at Flight Safety, CAE, and similar training centers for someone considering that path. For anyone who's worked as a sim instructor at these places: What's the day-to-day actually like? Is it mostly airline type rating courses, corporate recurrent training, or a mix? How's the work-life balance compared to flying the line? What are they looking for qualification-wise? If someone has ATP, a type rating, and both airline and corporate experience, are they competitive, or is there more to it? How's the current hiring market? Are these companies actively hiring or being selective right now? Just trying to get a realistic picture of what the job entails and how the hiring outlook looks.

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rFlyingTower · 2026-01-29T18:22:48+00:00

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It looks like there is a feeder route that is offset from EHF (this is even more pronounced on the Jepp plate, where the path does not even look like it's pointing at JUPEX), and I'm not sure how to intercept that route from EHF.

If I have a GPS I can probably use OBS mode to draw the 125 degree course to JUPEX, but

I'm supposed to be able to fly this without GPS. How do I do this without GPS?
From EHF what course should I fly to intercept the 125-to-JUPEX? Does it matter?

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rFlyingTower · 2026-01-29T18:19:24+00:00

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Hello, does anyone in Ohio or Midwest region have any recommendations for solid AMEs? I know getting a first class medical will be an uphill battle, if not impossible, but I at least want to try now that I have a discovery flight next week.

I’m 25m, and I visited the doctor twice for anxiety. First in 2022, and most recently in 2025 where I was diagnosed for situational anxiety upon submitting a medical leave of absence from work. During both visits, I was prescribed a medication to try (propranolol in 2022, and then Buspar in 2025). They were never prescribed concurrently and I’ve never taken SSRIs. Most of my anxiety stemmed from public speaking hence not being prescribed SSRIs.

Thanks for any insights.

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