Originally Posted by
Ray Red
When I started flying, I spent about $15,000 for my rating at a pt 61 school. My first airline job paid less than $20,000 for the first year. Even at $20,000 training cost that would have been a 1:1 ratio, now it's more in the neighborhood of 5:1. That is to just get a commercial ticket. No wonder no one wants to get into this business.
I started flying back in 1991 at a local FBO. I paid for my private pilot out of pocket which at the time cost $3500 if I recall all in (with a little help from mom and dad). Back then, a 152 cost about $30/hour wet. Add on $20 for the flight instructor.
After that, I got a job as line service at the same FBO and paid for all the rest of my ratings by trading line service duties for flying. I think those days are gone forever but back then answering the phones, gasing up airplanes, washing them, etc.. was acceptable work that could be traded for flying hours. Some of the best memories of my life and best friends ever made come from this FBO.
The FBO also gave me my first job as flight instructor, and then flying charter in their twin. I went on to get my ATP at this FBO too flying the same twin that did charter and ME training. Had 1700 hours when I got my first 'commuter' airline gig. Was living at home going to college.
Pre 9/11 days were so much less complicated.