Originally Posted by
atpwannabe
I have started ground school in my initial flight training here in WPB, FL. I plan on leaving for Ari-Ben in about a month or so. My plans are to progress through their Pro Pilot Program at a rate that is comfortable to me. That means going from the latter stages of PPL or INST to MEI; then instruct and then hopefully enter the job market and secure an FO position on a KA 200/350. This is the first phase of my plan. I can "see" myself accomplishing this in as little as 12-18 months. I've placed my desire to fly for ASA or maybe another regional on the back burner for now, but as the time approaches where I meet and/or exceed their hirining minimums, I look at what options I have at that time.
The second phase of my plan is to continue to fly for hire in a turbine a/c(regional), or turboprop a/c and hopefully get typed in a turbine a/c within the same company. Now I know that this is going to take some researching to find a company that fits latter part of this phase of my plan. They are out there and what I believe I have to do is to remain patient and perservere and position myself so that what I've hoped for will manifest itself.
The third and final phase is to build my PIC, ME, turbine, turboprop, & TT so eventually I'm able to get on with either Delta, FedEx, UPS or some really sweet Corporate gig. Although I'm 47, I see myself accomplishing all of this by the age of 52. At this time, that would afford me a 13 year career at any one of the immediate aforementioned carriers or the corporate gig.
How am I to accomplish all this when things are looking so bleak you ask? Because I'm determined and confident in my ability to do so. My mind is made up. I will not allow or I will do what it takes to minimze any issues, drama, distractions, discouragement or interference with the progression of my plans from any one.......that includes, parents, siblings, ex-wife, fellow pilots and yes.....myself. I have to know beyond a shadow of doubt that I'm committed to seeing this through to the end. Btw, I come out of flight training with zero debt. Am I lucky? No....I'm blessed and very grateful and thankful for being in that position. In addition, I'm a firmly believe that there is a time, place, and a season for everything.
It's my time and my season.
atp
Plans? In AVIATION???
I guess you could plan on eating alot of ramen and working like a dog.
And 5 years to get to a major? About the only way that will happen is if you sleep with the CEO. If you REALLY want to get into this business, you need to get your head out of the clouds (pun intended).
There are several thousand pilots out of work right now.
If you get a part 91 or 135 FO job, don't be surprised if there are two (or more) CAs and YOU are the ONLY FO. Understand the CA has probably been with the company for a while, and has developed some rapport with the customers. Management treats him reasonably well (at least well enough). But you, as a low timer (as in you will have NO time in King Airs) are just a seat warmer. So, management can whip you like a dog. After all, where are you gonna go with your time?
IF I were starting over right now and had no encumbrances (family), I would look for a freight job in West Armpit, Anystate (read that as any little stinking hole where nobody wants to live and the cost of living is zero). Expect to fly old planes, but
don't accept poor mx. I would try for (1) ANY twin, (2) a Caravan, (3) a piston single with a company that has twins, or (4) anything that pays the bills.
With several thousand pilots out of work,
any job you have, you better protect it like your daughter's virginity.
Now, as for me....
I am cautiously optimistic. If the economy doesn't completely tank (double digit inflation, 15% unemployment rate), I think my company and my job are safe. (I have closed two air carriers and one military base, so I think I have a pretty good idea when the doors will close) Upgrade time is something like 5 to 50 years, but I live in base, in a city I like, and I can pay my bills.
When the economy does finally recover and the big boys start hiring again, then I will be in good shape. I will eventually upgrade. Depending on my age (mid forties) and the hiring rate at the majors, will determine if I move on or become a lifer.