Originally Posted by
Slice
I do understand where you're coming from. And the financial aspect is why I offered up a lower cost alternative to ATP...by no means the only lower cost choice. However, answer number 1 worries me. Would you have to CFI for 5 years? Probably not. But what about a combo of CFI, to flying checks to flying a small twin Part 135? These are sacrifices that many before you have taken on. I remember flying a 172 and dying to fly a twin. Then flying a twin and dying to fly a turboprop, then a jet, etc. I KNEW it wasn't going to happen quickly but still took the plunge because I knew what I wanted to do and was willing to do what it took for as long as it took(no wife, no kids). Again, what are you going to do if the fast track doesn't happen for you? You mentioned financial sense. There is no financial sense to becoming a pilot these days. You are essentially buying a ~$50K lottery ticket. So I ask you this...Do you feel lucky punk? Well do ya?
The question "Do you feel lucky punk" is 100% accurate. That is why I am taking time making this decision. I dont want to be "unlucky". Just to let you know, before looking into ATP, I looked into local flight schools here in Chicago. ATP has a similar cost, if not better, than most of the schools here. Also, ATP's Commercial Pilot Program is almost all ME. I would have close to 200 ME hours after I finished their program. Also, I would have regional jet training. These local flight schools provided me with quotes with ME time, but they didnt even come close to the amount of time I would get at ATP for the cost. I know ATP is a flight academy, but their program is cost effective and worth it compared to the cost and training programs at local schools where I live.
I would be a pilot because I enjoy it, not for the money. However, I would like to make decent money doing it. It would also provide me with time to open a small business (another future goal). I guess the question I have to ask myself is: If I didnt become a pilot, would I still be able to enjoy my life? And is being a pilot something that I cant live without?
I understand that the aviation industry is unpredictable, but I want to make sure and put the odds in my favor. I am not afraid of taking a risk, but I want to make sure it is a calculated risk.
There are alot things that I need to take into consideration.
See what I am saying?