Submitted by jetman150 on August 09, 2009
Hello everyone, I was layed off recently, so I figured its time to do some training. I have always wanted to learn to fly, but for whatever reason, havent been able to get the ball rolling like I thought I would.. Working full time, and attending school part time, leaves no time to train as a pilot... I have set a goal for myself, to be a commercial certified pilot in at most 5 years, and be able to have a fulltime commercial pilot job in at most 10 years. I am beginning my training soon, but only have the funds to complete possibly the private cert, and IFR cert, before scrounging up the change for the rest. I have read that a 141 school would be the best route, My concerns/questions are: - Is there sufficient work out there for a commercial pilot to build hours before going on to the big leagues? airlines/regionals/ etc.. - I still have to work fulltime while training, but can complete the Private SEL, and possibly the IFR very soon. What should I expect when I go for commercial ratings? - Does anyone have any good advice? Ive made the decision already to commit to this, challenges being of course money, and supporting a fledgling family at the same time.. I need to be able to complete in the most efficient manner, while still being able to earn the credentials to fly competently in the "big leagues"
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August 12, 2009
Being a private pilot myself, I can't really comment on the commercial pilot aspects. However, I would say that if you are setting a 5 yr goal for yourself and you have the funds to undertake the PPL and IFR certificate/ratings, start with that as your first intermediate goal. In the highly unlikely event, that you don't go any further, you will still have those two pieces of the puzzle in your pocket to enjoy for the rest of your life. If you are able, research schools in your area and work on finding a flight instructor that you can stick with throughout a large portion of the training process. There is a book that I read several years back titled "The Professional Pilot's Career Guide". You may want to take a look at that to get some other ideas/advice on the best way to proceed. Best of luck to you and clear skies, Dave
September 01, 2009
Hi Jetman, Anything is possible. If you have set a goal to become a commercial pilot in 10 years, I'd say with everything on your plate, that is a very reasonable expectation. Don't be suprised if it happens sooner. [quote]Is there sufficient work out there for a commercial pilot to build hours before going on to the big leagues? airlines/regionals/ etc..[/quote] In the current economic environment, opportunities are extremely limited but they do still exist. Of course, I believe opportunities will always exist for those who are able to recognize them. Also, a lot could and will change in 5-10 years. Your timing with entering this market, might actually be perfect. [quote]I still have to work fulltime while training, but can complete the Private SEL, and possibly the IFR very soon. What should I expect when I go for commercial ratings?[/quote] The commercial rating, while it sounds intimidating, is just an extension of the training you are completing. Your flight schedule should stay about the same as during your private and instrument training. The commercial maneuvers are a lot of fun but might take a little more time to polish to PTS standards. [quote]Does anyone have any good advice?[/quote] Have fun and work hard. Don't skimp on flight training. Train with the best flight instructor you can find in your area. Develop good habits (checklists) and learn the fundamentals (stick and rudder and a good instrument scan) well. Good luck!
February 09, 2010
It is real constitutional. There is a collection that I translate various life hinder titled "The Professed Flyer's Job Escort". You may need to suffer a appear at that to get some new ideas/advice on the first way to proceed. Soul of phenomenon to you and translucent skies, DaveI believe opportunities faculty ever exist for those who are healthy to recognize them. Also, a lot could and will tally to energy fulltime time training, but can accomplished the Backstage SEL, and maybe the IFR rattling shortly.
jonsmit
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February 09, 2010
It is real constitutional. There is a collection that I translate various life hinder titled "The Professed Flyer's Job Escort". You may need to suffer a appear at that to get some new ideas/advice on the first way to proceed. Soul of phenomenon to you and translucent skies, DaveI believe opportunities faculty ever exist for those who are healthy to recognize them. Also, a lot could and will tally to energy fulltime time training, but can accomplished the Backstage SEL, and maybe the IFR rattling shortly.
jonsmit
==========
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March 11, 2010
If that is your true motivation, you will make it happen. But as you say, there are realities in your life that have to be taken into consideration. If the commercial pilot goal is truly what you want, it doesn't matter how long it takes to get there...longer if you have to balance your life. But still, you can add to the puzzle as you go with private, ifr, as one member said, and it can only help complete your commercial picture. But to be sure, it is good to go to an academy that trains professional pilots if you can. I am an interloper at one, FlightSafety, where students training for their commercial/aviation as a profession are probably 99% of the student base. However, right now other countries are sending their people here to train, no doubt b/c the US has best training facilities and foreigners are the majority. These students eat, sleep and breathe aviation which allows them to achieve their commercial goal within a year if not sooner. So if the road seems long, remember that drive will get you into the sky, just be patient. And, by then American jobs maybe more prevalent at that time. Good luck and stay with it!
April 09, 2010
In a time when we are funding health care for everyone, and stimulus money for anything..where is the money for loans to continue Aviation Training? For the average male pilot there is none. I am trying a non-standard approach for funding; www.fundapilot.com I am not sure it will work, but some people have donated already. Pass the site around if you can't donate.
April 12, 2010
How many of you looked up as a young boy at the plane in the sky? How many of you have looked so many times and said I wonder what it is to fly? When you finally solo for the first time, you are terrified but confident that your instructor knew you were ready. Then you bring someone with you for a flight..and you see the dream all over again "in there eyes". Yes you are responsible for igniting a dream for someone other than you. There are so many ways to get started, loans, grants etc..
But how are we the aviation copmmunity taking care to ensure it goes byond Light Sport, or Private pilot? How much are we returning to our future pilots. My website www.fundapilot.com is a test to see if I can raise the topic. Make the topic a reality for myself and for others. I believe that if the site I have started can get me there..then I will use the site for others to follow. We all hear the ringing of the bell at Christmas time, or the cns on the counters. But how many of us can say we are giving to the what we love most..flying? To date I have only received 11$ in donations. I have sent numerous letters asking for sponsor donations. I have received 11$ to date. For the average male pilot trying to get in to the dream of being a pilot..there is not much hope. maybe there is a better way to do this? Can any of you think..what else can we do. Tp put that kid in a cockpit, young and excited. To make him an instructor..to keep our dreams alive thorugh others. It's what we do live to fly or fly to live.....
www.fundapilot.com is trying to make a difference..please help
July 31, 2010
A very good way to become a pilot with good job security is to find a job in the National Guard or Reserve (as a pilot). As long as you have a degree (and it doesn’t have to be in engineering) you could be a professional pilot, make just as much money (if not more than) you would flying a commuter jet, without the loans, get medical coverage for you and your family, and very easily get all the ratings you desire in the civilian world. Active duty is also a possibility, but it is a little more difficult path to get picked up as a pilot. Of course you may also get the opportunity to defend your nation and work with some really outstanding people at the same time! In the meantime, check out AeroWarehouse.com for pilot gear at crazy low prices!
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