Career change?
#11
New guy
Thread Starter
Joined APC: Aug 2023
Posts: 22

I have looked into lift which is based out of Indianapolis. From my location which is a 2 to 3 hr drive to any major hub being Chicago detroit or Indianapolis. A 5 year contract which pays for the training and you make money so basically in 5 years I could go to a major? I did read some negative reviews about location being to busy and ifr vs vfr. But I figure in my mind if they are paying for it so 5 years I'm ok with and if I would want to move up I could possibly?
It would most likely double what I'm making at around 43,000 annually
Also maybe to much information but being transparent about financing 100,000 having already done a chapter 13 about 5 or 6 years removed.
It would most likely double what I'm making at around 43,000 annually
Also maybe to much information but being transparent about financing 100,000 having already done a chapter 13 about 5 or 6 years removed.

#14
New Hire
Joined APC: Aug 2021
Posts: 8

I have been in law enfor.cement for 23 years and at age 46 am contemplating becoming a pilot. I realize my age limits my ability to move up or work for major airlines. That is not my goal. I do love flying although I haven't been on a plane since 9-11. Based on what I have read it looks as though I may be able to get a job with a regional airline which would be ok with me. I really don't know. Research shows it will cost around 96,000 to get a license. If I got a job with a regional would I pay off this debt by the time I die? I went to Western Michigan which has an aviation school
If I were to do this type of change what could I expect to make a year? Any advice is greatly appreciated
If I were to do this type of change what could I expect to make a year? Any advice is greatly appreciated
#15

Entry-level flight training is the wild, wild west in the best of times. Right now it's a jungle, that's on fire with 40 kt winds. That's a whole 'nother discussion but bottom line: caveat emptor.
#16
New guy
Thread Starter
Joined APC: Aug 2023
Posts: 22

I started flight training 18 months ago and did it P/T while maintaining my 9-5 city job that I’ve been at for 16 years. Bought into a career pilot in ____ months pitch by a flight school and financed it. Came up short on ratings due to a slew of issues. Some on my side, most on their side. Still, I do hold a commercial certificate with instrument and will be starting CFI Academy at a different school. Working FT and flight training will cause it to take longer and cost more but it’s doable. I’m not there yet, not even close, but at only 270 hrs and all of 49 years old I already have a CJO for a ULCC. Hoping to have CFI/I in the next couple months and start building hours. If I can build at a reasonable pace there’s a FO job waiting for me. Nothing in aviation is for sure and you always have to select an alternate regardless of what your plan A wx looks like. Good luck!!
I have an interview Friday for the lift academy . I will def still participate. After that who knows.
#17
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Apr 2013
Position: Desk
Posts: 232

I started flight training 18 months ago and did it P/T while maintaining my 9-5 city job that I’ve been at for 16 years. Bought into a career pilot in ____ months pitch by a flight school and financed it. Came up short on ratings due to a slew of issues. Some on my side, most on their side. Still, I do hold a commercial certificate with instrument and will be starting CFI Academy at a different school. Working FT and flight training will cause it to take longer and cost more but it’s doable. I’m not there yet, not even close, but at only 270 hrs and all of 49 years old I already have a CJO for a ULCC. Hoping to have CFI/I in the next couple months and start building hours. If I can build at a reasonable pace there’s a FO job waiting for me. Nothing in aviation is for sure and you always have to select an alternate regardless of what your plan A wx looks like. Good luck!!
Considering a come back after 8 years. I left a regional with about 150 hours of CRJ back in the $25 /hour days. So I cold have a shot at an ULCC? Regionals are not hiring and would rather skip them if possible.
#18
New Hire
Joined APC: Aug 2021
Posts: 8

270 hours and already a CJO from a ULCC? How is that even possible? Are they doing this for their cadet students?
Considering a come back after 8 years. I left a regional with about 150 hours of CRJ back in the $25 /hour days. So I cold have a shot at an ULCC? Regionals are not hiring and would rather skip them if possible.
Considering a come back after 8 years. I left a regional with about 150 hours of CRJ back in the $25 /hour days. So I cold have a shot at an ULCC? Regionals are not hiring and would rather skip them if possible.
#19

270 hours and already a CJO from a ULCC? How is that even possible? Are they doing this for their cadet students?
Considering a come back after 8 years. I left a regional with about 150 hours of CRJ back in the $25 /hour days. So I cold have a shot at an ULCC? Regionals are not hiring and would rather skip them if possible.
Considering a come back after 8 years. I left a regional with about 150 hours of CRJ back in the $25 /hour days. So I cold have a shot at an ULCC? Regionals are not hiring and would rather skip them if possible.
Yes you'd have a good shot with prior 121 time, assuming you have an ATP or enough time to get one.
#20
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Apr 2013
Position: Desk
Posts: 232

Thinking about coming back and debating options:
1. regional (very limited hiring), part 135 or cargo such as Ameriflight
2. ULCC but probably under qualified for that. Maybe getting a 320 type could increase chances?
Option 2 would be great but keep hearing of failures for pilots with not enough experience. Is the Airbus that much more difficult to learn and fly than the CRJ7/9?
I don't have a 121 failure and don't want to risk that, as ULCCs are more geared for pilots with experience. Maybe option 1 is safer.
Regardless, I know I will need to work super hard either way. Appreciate the input.
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