fenix1

Are there any competent/strong career consultants or career coaches that you all would recommend toward a 121 flying career? I’m early in the journey toward flying professionally (just a Private-SEL currently) so I’m looking for ‘big picture’ guidance/insight/mentorship, rather than airline-specific interview prep at this point. There’s several people or organizations that work in this space, but the entity I’ve worked with so far hasn’t been the most beneficial. Thank you for any help you’re good enough to provide.

rickair7777

At your stage of the game, you don't really need any of the airline interview prep agencies. Those are really for major airline interviews, they are recommended for that but typically not even needed for regionals in today's climate. Although if you have an usually bad background issue(s) to address, you might consider it for the regionals.

If you're looking for career mentoring, as opposed to interview prep, I'm not aware of any service for that although a life coach who's a major airline pilot might be useful. But an older airline pilot who came up via the military would likely have pretty weak knowledge on today's civilian track. Unless he spends a lot of time here on APC...

Or find a buddy who's a young major airline pilot.

At this point the basics can summarized:

1. Avoid ANY criminal legal problems, including traffic tickets.
2. Avoid civil legal problems (plaintiff or defendant).
3. Avoid credit problems.
4. Research aviation employers before you commit (esp. 91/135).
5. Carefully research any training program before you commit.
6. Avoid training failures.
7. Don't leave employers on bad terms (see #4, #5).
8. Consider geography and family circumstances in your career choices.
9. Make friends in aviation.

That should get you started.