Comair internship: Gimmick or Genuine

[LaurieIain]

Hey all

I'm currently finishing up on a particularlty arduous Aerospace Engineering degree and was obviously looking to expand my unhealthy 100 hour TT PPl to an ATPL and instructors rating. The obvious aim is not to waste time travelling and doing nothing. So this seemed like a logical progression.

My main question is: Has anyone had experience of the Comair 1000 hour internship? This is of particular interest due to the hours given. But i'm afraid that noone i know seems to have any input on it. Apart from being an FAA licence. I really just want to be sure that the school is solid. I've heard good things about west michigan. That is another option.

I'm obviously in need of serious input and any advice on training academys in the Us would be most gratefully recieved.

Thanks

[shon7]

Hey LaurieIan, check out the following message boards and post any questions you might have about Comair. Additionally, read all threads concerning COMAIR. The sites are:

flightinfo.com (go to the hangar section)
ilsapproach.com
jetcareers.com
ufly.com

Also, write to Comair about the VISA status. If you are a US citizen its no problem but if not things tend to get complicated.

Also are you just looking to build time or complete your CPL + IR and then go back to London and convert your licenses.

[kaeveritt]

As far as i know, at present Comair are trying to get CAA approval to teach to JAA standards (if thats the right terminology) in conjunction with Atlantic Flight Training.

Apologies if i am wrong, but that is the impression that i got....

Comair

Atlantic Flight Training

[LaurieIain]

Thanks guys.

With respect to the hour building. The internship will consist of a ful ATP FAA and training to FAA CFI. At which point the 1000 hours will be spent as a paid instructor. The time taken is 24 months

The issuance of a J-1 visa is necessary and the company is approved. So a visit to the american embassy should sort that out.

As for the moving back home and converting. i'm not sure about that part yet.

[notice]

1000 hours as a paid instructor.......

Will you be a salaried employee, instructing when they have any business, or only paid if you recruit some more mugs?

Pyramids aren't only in Egypt.

[CAVU]

Not to knock Comair, they are probably equalled only by Flight Safety, but if you intend to fly in Europe, just buckle down with a reputable all European school and plug away. You'll save money or at least break even when you factor US living costs and very poor pay and you'll get to be nearer to friends and family.

I think I have become a better "stick" and experienced pilot flying in the US, but If I had done my training in the UK, I would have been flying for an airline at least three years earlier and saved myself a lot of financial heartache. No matter how you approach it, your financial investment in your training will end up being the same whether you went to BAE or a smaller school. Might as well go to a unquestionable JAA school, with clear time and money details

Comair has been advertising it's JAA program for months and nothing has yet to materialise. It's all a bit of an unknown. Western Michigan is probably the best US option open to the "public".

Best of Luck

[shon7]

Hey LaurieIan - after 1000 hours you are garunteed nothing. If you
get your CFI and have around 750 hours of Dual given and a fixed no of multi hours - they as they say 'garuntee' you an interview with their Comair Regional.

If they have given you any sort of 'garuntee' let them send you an official document or contract. Otherwise prepare to be royally screwed.

Also conversion of FAA to JAA is an expensive and tricky process. Additionally, Comair isnt the most economical school around in terms of aircraft costs and other related expenses. In a very real sense you will end up spending twice as much money. If all you want to do it time building try out some place like Naples Air Center. There are other smaller schools too that are far better and economical but you might have a problem in conversion because they might not be recognized by the CAA/JAA.

If you are looking to stay and fly within the US it is a different story. In that case attending a school like COMAIR 'might' and I repeat 'might' work to your advantage. This is keeping in mind that you have your VISA and work permit and all that bureaucratic mess sorted out.

[FL395]

Comair okay

Hey there
well i'm speaking from experience i have 2 good friends from Ireland who went to Comair and both are now line Captains with the company.
They get my vote and having seen their operation from first hand i would reccomend them.
They have strong links with Comair and although Comair is now owned by Delta Air Lines any of the jobs that will be offered will be with Comair only since DAL don't poach pilots from their subsiduary company.
You will need to have a Green Card if you are planning on getting hired by Comair....and although you may have 1000hrs they do only take the pilots who graduate top of their class....and if your face fits.....but really that's pretty much what most carriers are like they all want the best.
The school is situated in Sandford just east of Orlando but Britannia and Air 2000 both fly directly to the airport due cheaper landing fees.
The area is quite safe and the controllers are very accomodating with the new students.
As for what you want in your career if you want to stay in the US then they are a very good career path....the only other one i would recommend is the aeronautical university up the road in Daytona Beach - Emery Riddle who have a better record than Flight Safety in Vero and have a large contingent of people from overseas....and being an aeronautical uni ....they have outstanding facilities.....of course the prices are outstanding too.
so if you want to fly in Europe then you're better off staying within a JAR state......
That's my tuppence...