Pilot Schools for future female pilot
#21
If I were you, I would keep my FA job and get your ratings on the side. I know a couple people who have done that and it has worked out very well because they had flexible schedules that allowed them to devote some time to flight training, but they were still making money and getting benefits, etc. Then I might work on getting an online degree at some point, maybe while you are flight instructing or flying for a regional. But keep that FA job for as long as you possibly can! And use your job to network as much as you possibly can!!
Also, there really isn't a difference between male and female pilots. It is true that more and more women are getting into flying, but the numbers are still very low. You will always be way outnumbered by the men. Embrace it.
Also, there really isn't a difference between male and female pilots. It is true that more and more women are getting into flying, but the numbers are still very low. You will always be way outnumbered by the men. Embrace it.
#22
It can be done
If I were you, I would keep my FA job and get your ratings on the side. I know a couple people who have done that and it has worked out very well because they had flexible schedules that allowed them to devote some time to flight training, but they were still making money and getting benefits, etc.
"On Friday, October 24, during a special ceremony in the EAA AirVenture Museum's Eagle Hangar, seven special aviators were inducted into the EAA Sport Aviation Halls of Fame, including EAA Warbirds of America inductee Connie Bowlin.
Connie grew up on a tobacco farm in Kernersville, North Carolina. After graduating from Winston-Salem Business College in 1970, she began her flying career as a Delta Air Lines flight attendant. While working as a flight attendant, she obtained her private, commercial, and airline transport pilot certificates and her multiengine and instrument ratings. In March 1978 she became the fourth female pilot hired by Delta - one of the first 50 women pilots hired by a major carrier. Connie flew as a second officer on the Boeing 727, was a copilot on the DC-9 and the Boeing 767/757, and then moved up to captain on the DC-9 in 1990. She retired from Delta Air Lines in 2003 as a Boeing 767/757 captain."
#23
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Dec 2005
Position: Flight Instructor
Posts: 623
Are all the aviation programs at the universities associate degrees? I plan on starting in January. Already did my discovery ride so I know without a doubt its what i want to do. There are just so many schools out there to choose from. I want to make sure i spend my money wisely for the best training. I'll check out Central Washington. Thanks for the advice.
#24
Line Holder
Joined APC: Jul 2008
Position: B747-400 FO
Posts: 60
I'm a K-State Alum, and I find it very humorous how they are "recruiting" female pilots now. When I was there, we had about 10 females out of about 200 students in the program. I just visited the website last month to get some transcripts. I hadn't seen it in a couple years, and now it is hilarious because every picture of a pilot is a female. Maybe they figure if they can get more females to join the program, then the guys will follow.
#25
I'm a K-State Alum, and I find it very humorous how they are "recruiting" female pilots now. When I was there, we had about 10 females out of about 200 students in the program. I just visited the website last month to get some transcripts. I hadn't seen it in a couple years, and now it is hilarious because every picture of a pilot is a female. Maybe they figure if they can get more females to join the program, then the guys will follow.
Veterinarians are primarily female now partly due to the fact that the pay is so lousy most men don't consider it to be a viable career option, not one which they can raise and support a family on.
#26
This is a no-brainer in my opinion. Just keep doing your FA job, and fly part-time. And then you could start doing some training now rather than waiting until January.
#27
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Mar 2008
Position: G650 Captain
Posts: 125
Sky angel...first, welcome to the aviation bug! It's not a great time but when it's in your blood what can you do? Second, I've been flying for 21 years...13 in the airline business. I always encourage my fa's to pursue their ratings when interested so go for it! I totally agree with one of the previous posters however to get your 4 year in something besides aviation so you have a backup when it all goes south down the road again. That is the biggest thing I would change. I also agree that it would be much cheaper and wiser to keep your fa job and benefits and go to a reputable flight school in your area to do your ratings. Most entry level jobs at the regionals when you get to that point aren't going to care where you got your initial training or what your degree is in only that you have them. They will look more at your attitude, quality of flying since training (ie, instructing, etc. and how well you fit in to the culture. Your fa experience will be worth as much as any degree from Embry Riddle or any of the other aviation colleges IMHO. Good luck!
#28
For what its worth, I think its a great time to get started. By the time you meet the requirements rating and experience things should be on the up swing. Currently you will be met with instructors that are not overloaded with students and you will get the time you need to understand what you are learning. I would go to a local FBO and get your training vs a pilot mill. Personal experience I've tried em both and one is no better than the other. Also don't get a degree in aviation! Everyone that I know that has one has regretted it. You may have the bug for life now but life lasts a long time. You may some day wish to get out of this business and unless you want to be a weather person no one is going to give two hoots about your understanding of the upper level atmosphere.
Here is the BIG thing. Under no circumstances give anyone your money!!!! Pay as you go, in this economy it would not be unlike a big or small school to go out of business after spending your money on account and leaving you with nothing. If a school wants a deposit I'd give them no more than $1000 up front.
Someone recommended keeping your FA job and flying when you can, in this market that's about the best advise you can get, there's no rush at this point. Might as well take your time and save a load of money.
Good Luck, don't listen to the nay-sayers if this is what you want to do you'll need to see for yourself if you like it. There seems to be a lot of get rich quickers on here that frankly I wish would get out of aviation if they can't afford or don't want to be here. Then at least they'd open a spot on the list for those of us that do.
Here is the BIG thing. Under no circumstances give anyone your money!!!! Pay as you go, in this economy it would not be unlike a big or small school to go out of business after spending your money on account and leaving you with nothing. If a school wants a deposit I'd give them no more than $1000 up front.
Someone recommended keeping your FA job and flying when you can, in this market that's about the best advise you can get, there's no rush at this point. Might as well take your time and save a load of money.
Good Luck, don't listen to the nay-sayers if this is what you want to do you'll need to see for yourself if you like it. There seems to be a lot of get rich quickers on here that frankly I wish would get out of aviation if they can't afford or don't want to be here. Then at least they'd open a spot on the list for those of us that do.
#30
Yeah Mercer is a GREAT school. Tangoindia & I are both graduates of the program, and I'll be a CFI there in a month or so. The guy who runs it knows his stuff, and hold the student's feet to the fire. The other professors are great, and it's inexpensive as well.
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