How to return to flying?
 

Hello,

I want to get back into flying professionally. It's been more than 2 years since I've flown. Have Bachelor's degree, commercial certificate (low hours), and A&P, all from the same college. I'm severely restricted on spending more money for flight training, i.e. paying off current student loans, a massive amount, but most people in this forum probably have the same issue. I live in the Northwest, Seattle area; would perfer to stay on the west coast. I understand the economy is in shambles, and getting back into the cockpit will take time. Does anyone have suggestions on what I can do?

Sounds like you don't have a CFI?

Keep your day job to pay those bills, and try to find a school or club which will let you trade some A&P work in exchange for flight training towards your CFI ratings. Then start instructing part-time until business picks up enough to quit your day job...this could take a while, but at least you will be on the right path.

You could try to find an ASEL pilot job, but there are many more-qualified people on the street right now, so your odds are not good.

Thanks for your help! I appreciate the information you have provided.

Buy a 150
 

Buy a Cessna 150 or get into a flying club that has one. In addition you could get your CFI. Although during a recession it might be difficult. If you are short on cash you might want to wait a year or two before starting. The recession could get really ugly. In any case it will take some cash to get back in.

SkyHigh

Trade A&P time for flying. Get a job as an A&P and work your way into the flight deck.

The biggest problem is that it's been 2-years since you set foot in a cockpit.
If you want to pursue flying for a living then you NEED to get up in the air. You are too much of a risk right now for anyone to consider.

suggestions of paths to take is difficult because we don't know what ratings you hold and how many hours you have.

Do some investigating into part-time work. ANYTHING to get you in the air. Check with Weyerhauser for any fire patrol work you can pick up. Traffic watch, summer-time banner towing, etc. If you don't have enough hours to land these jobs then you are going to have to get creative. Like RickAir said, look into barter type of work to acquire your CFI so you can get a flying job.

Good luck!

I got back into flying in 2008 after not flying since 2001. I got a flight review, instrument proficiency check and got hired as a part time CFI at a local flight school. My advise to you would be to get current and start working towards your CFI and CFII.

Also be very wary of any company that would only hire you as a pilot based on the fact that you are also an A&P. Too many place like to use you as two employees for one salary with those qualifications.

I was out of flying for nearly 13 years when I got back in. You may have to spend some time at a company you would rather not... but then again, with low hours etc... you probably cant be too choosey.

Bottom line, my background was all military and part 121 but did encounter some resistance. Get current, take an IPC etc. I happened to be in the right place at the right time... so much of this business is timing and connections.

Great posts...thanks you for sharing

This seems like a good of a place as any to jump in. I am seeking a bit of advice and so far these forums have been great, but not specific to my situation. I am seeking advice regarding getting back into aviation. Here's my short resume:

-Navy helicopter pilot. Finished flight school with Commercial Instrument rating in fixed wing and rotary. About 1300 Total Hrs. Most of which is rotary (H-60). I loved flying helicopters and chose them for the great duty stations (San Diego and Hawaii). At the time I had zero interest in commercial aviation and was just looking to be a great officer and flying was secondary. (Kind of wish I went fixed wing now...)
-I left the cockpit in 2004 and became an Assistant Professor and Aviation Advisor at an ROTC unit. I also completed my MBA during this tour.
-I just got out of the Navy in 2007 and began a corporate career. I hate office life and miss the cockpit. However I have decent pay (1st year $90k) and unbelievably flexible schedule (work mostly from home and specific hours don't matter).
-I desire to get back into aviation and specifically fixed wing professional flying. Rotary is awesome in the military but not so much opportunity outside.

So I've been out of the cockpit for 4 years and wondering what opportunities exist:

1. At age 33 is an airline career reachable?
2. Are there any good part-time regional or other pilot jobs? (I could continue working at my company while building hours)
3. Should I become a CFII?
4. Should I not consider the airlines because everyone in this forum hate it?;)

Looking for the good, the bad, the honest, and the ugly

Any general thoughts and advice would be great...look forward to hearing from you.