Originally Posted by ewrbasedpilot

Hi Jason,
First off, if you want to be a pilot, DON'T ever give up on that goal. It can be a very rewarding experience, but frustrating too. Learning to fly used to be a lot of fun, but much of that fun has been taken away due to 9-11. At any rate, flying is a wonderful thing and I wish you the best on your endeavor.

Okay..........a few things.

Drinking and flying DON'T mix, so if you're a party animal and get a DUI, your career is almost dead before you start. If you're SERIOUS, then be careful about drinking and partying. If you're looking to fly for the majors in the future, then stay away from the tatoos, piercing, etc. They are looking for responsible, courteous, clean cut employees. Being wild and crazy is fine, but when it comes to the job of flying a plane, they want seriousness coupled with discipline and responsibility. Passengers observe who's flying them and EXPECT the best to be in their cockpit.........so you have to be the best possible. While you're in school, take your classes and grades seriously. The airlines are looking for stable, well rounded students. Trying to explain a "D" or "F" in an interview isn't going to be pleasant. It may even cost you an interview at some carriers. Remember that you'll be competing with 1000's of others for a few precious crewmember positions. This is a VERY COMPETITIVE career. You have to stand out to get noticed. The training varies, but the usual path is: Private, Commercial/Instrument, Multi-Engine, Certified Flight Instructor, and finally the ATP or Airline Transport Pilot. How long does this take? Depends on how fast you want to do it and how much money you have to spend. I'd say three to four years as a minimum to get to the "competitive" position to be hired anywhere. Maybe a little quicker if you're good, and have the money to plunk down. Some of the smaller regional airlines/commuters will hire you with around 500 hours or so. Others will want more. They are all different. Just make sure you're aiming for an attainable goal and you'll eventually get there. DON'T GIVE UP. Wages/pay for the first few years is horrible. You'll be lucky to make $17-$20,000, and that's ONLY if you're lucky. But, if things work out for you and you do make it to the majors, you could be earning as much as $140,000 after about seven or eight years depending on where you work. It could be much higher or much lower. Hours worked.........depends. When you're building time, you'll fly every day and every minute you can. Once you get hired, the object is to make the most money for the least amount of work. You'll learn about that later in your career. At any rate, I hope this answered a few of your questions. Good luck my friend! BTW....check out your local Civil Air Patrol. They might be able to answer ALL of your questions and get you started.