Originally Posted by
vitek
Do major or regional airlines require College Degree? I only have High School Diploma and don’t know if that will prevent me from becoming a pilot.
Unless you are EXTREMELY well connected, you will not get a major airline job without a college degree (4-year in most cases). Regionals do not all require one but, but generally prefer it. They will be picky when the pilot supply is higher than the demand (like right now).
Embarking on this career without the degree would be foolhardy...you will severely limit your options in a field where most of the competition has a degree.
Originally Posted by
vitek
[*]How hard is it to get Class 1 Medical Certificate? I don’t have any health issues, but my blood pressure tends to be 128/75 on average at home and about 134/80 on average when I got see a doctor. I guess some people say I got a white gown syndrome. Every time I go see the doctor, I can feel my heart rate increase a little and just start being a little nervous in general. Once I come home, everything is back to normal. What is max blood pressure to still be eligible for Class 1?
The FAA First Class is no big deal if you are generally healthy. You wll need to be able to see 20/20 in EACH eye individually. Correction (glasses/contacts) is allowed. There is a threshold for BP at which they will want to see additional tests and maybe treatment...I think it might be 140/90.
Before you seriously consider a career change, go get a 1C medical...it will take about an hour and cost about $150 ($100 if you are under 35).
Originally Posted by
vitek
I found a school called ATP (Airline Transport Professionals) and they offer full training all the way from ground zero to all certs including commercial pilot license. Is that a good school to attend if I want to start my career as a pilot? I think total cost is about $48,000 for the entire program.
Most professionals would not recommend ATP, especially in light of pending regulatory changes which might greatly increase the minimum flight experience required to obtain an airline job. You need to learn a LOT about the various types of training programs available before you make a decision, and not get sucked in by a flashy ad in Flying magazine or a google search.
Originally Posted by
vitek
Once I get all my certs, how hard will it be to find a job as a pilot in today’s economy?
In todays economy, to find an actual pilot job with a "wet commercial" ticket? No chance at all. If you get your instructor ratings, you have a slightly better than zero chance, especially if you are willing to pack up and move anywhere.
Assume that you will get paid $10K-$20K your first few years (no benefits). First year at a regional airline will be $19K-$23K
Originally Posted by
vitek
How do airline pilots get paid, hourly or salary?
Almost all are hourly, especially in the US But the hourly rates are deceptive...pilots only get paid paid when the airplane is actually moving, there is a lot of unpaid time: preflight duties, dead time between legs, post flight duties, transport to/from hotels.
For a regional, take the published hourly rate and divide by 2 or 3, depending on workrules and seniority.
You have a lot of research to do, take some time and look through these forums...most questions have been answered numerous times. Be aware that any posts prior to 2009 will have a perspective on the industry based on better economic times...which does not apply anymore.