Originally Posted by Av8er1550

Yeah, I agree with JohnBurke on this one even though I am currently pursuing a degree. I did NOT grow up thinking I would be a pilot. Aviation is something I have always been interested in, but I have tried other careers as well before I chose this one.

I actually work doing Aerial Surveying right now with one of the companies listed above. SkyLens (Who I am currently with) replaced Desert Winds. They're under new management, who in fact, is excellent. The company is very well managed. I have some friends with other companies who complain to management about maintenance problems and they won't allow the pilot to get it fixed. Recently, I just had a cylinder change and a new attitude indicator installed (No problem).

I like aerial surveying because you are your own boss. You are assigned a 172 for 7 months and all decisions are up to you. While there is a lot of freedom, there's also a lot of responsibility as everything falls upon you! If you're late getting to the gate you better be able to explain why. IMO, I have learned a great deal by flying all over the country, experiencing ops. in different terrain environments, and you get a TON of radio experience. Also, you have to stay IFR current so you fly single pilot IFR sometimes which I love. It keeps you in practice.

I am currently doing the online ERAU degree. It doesn't cost anymore than the University near my house (seriously). I take a class or two that lasts for 2 months and then take more classes or if it's a busy time of the year then I will take a small break. Ultimately, I have a good QOL (with the exception of being gone from home), I am pursuing a relatively affordable degree, and also have free time to hang out with the other guys I fly with. I am ALMOST done with my CFI so I plan on eventually finishing that to just have it.

I don't have much interest in instructing. I didn't get into aviation initially to teach and work 10 hour days to only get paid for 5. But I do have a high level of respect for flight instructors. If that's something you want to do then do it. In my mind, I am down south flying 40-100 hours a month in the winter months while guys I know at home are sitting around doing nothing. And when the summer comes around, I can either fly at a local DZ for fun or do some fun jobs and relax while flight instructors there are squeezing in flight time left and right (6-7 days a week, 10-12 or more hour days). I don't know about you, but I don't want to work my summer away.

Typically, I've heard with aerial surveying, that in 7 months of work you will average 7-800 hours. Flight instructors at my old school stay there for 3+ years just to build hours to ATP mins. However, if that's what you want to do then go to a school such as Sierra in California or some down in Florida. That's just my input though. If you want to know more about surveying then message me. We aren't hiring now but will be hiring around August-September of this year for the next season.

Also, the pay for aerial surveying is better than instructing.

Originally Posted by contrail44

So your saying at a school like sierra it will take 3 years to get to ATP mins? I just got hired and they're telling me it will be an absolute minimum of 80 hours a month. Is this not true?

Originally Posted by Av8er1550

No I am saying that's what instructors do with MY old school that I went through. I meant if you want to flight instruct, then GO to somewhere like Sierra. You made a good choice there. I was close to going there as well to instruct but this job offer got my attention first. Good luck with everything. You'll get those ATP mins. fast.

Originally Posted by TravisR

I don't have to do flying at first but eventually I will need to segway into that. I'm not just limited to California though I am willing to relocate. Also if you just want a safety pilot or a buddy to fly with I will be glad to fly with you. I am also looking for some contacts to help me in my journey in becoming a successful pilot. So please any help would be appreciated thank you very much.