Taking the long road
 

So ever since I was a kid its always been a dream of mine to fly.

Later on in life hearing the "what do you want to be when you grow up..." in school, I really began and started to think. So when I turned 9 my mom payed for me to have a few lessons at 5R4 (Foley Municipal). They were unlogged, but as far back as I can remember, even at 9 years old I recall flying to come natural to me.

So here I am, 22 years old and still without a pilots license. Im close, about 10-15 more hours and I should be good to do.

Heres my problem:

Since im not going the military route due to unforseen college issues, I was offered a decent job out of high school and went straight into the local workforce. I live in KPNS so anyone who knows this area knows the money really isnt that great over here, but im trying.

I dont really have a set goal as to start making money flying, the problem is, I really wouldnt know where to start. One to help build up hours with a commercial and instrument rating.

Help?

Ive thought about a few options, but what do these companies look for as far as flight time for guys like me? I hear sign pulling is a good starter business to get into, but what about being a ferry pilot for Cessna, Piper, etc? My real question is, for someone with ambition and a desire for a flying career for me, what would be a good (acceptable to the flying world) start?

Thankyou in advanced for the helpful tips!

The good news is those of us who've wanted to fly since we were kids usually have a way of making it work. The bad news is, you're going to have to sacrifice to make it work. That may include no more late nights at the bar, selling the car for a mo-ped, working in a seafood processing plant in Scandanavia, or something else not fun. Does your job pay you enough to be able to afford flight lessons? Have you considered an out of state location to save you money? I came from very very humble beginings and made it by myself with no debt. It was very very difficult and took a very long time, but as I said, those of us who want it bad enough will find a way. PM me for info/advice.

Disclaimer: I'm not an expert at anything.

First, welcome to APC. Most of the topics you'll find are relevant to working pilots, however, over the past few years we've seen many more career seekers posting here. There are over a million posts on APC (literally) and I'd guess there are tens of thousands asking the same question that you are.

My best advice is read. Learn to use the search box in the upper left corner, and read. We've watched guys in your position go from testing the water to working for an airline - it's all here, post by post.

In short. The traditional path is earn your ratings, get your CFI and teach until you have enough time to apply to the airlines. Times are changing though and the job (notice I didn't say career) isn't what it used to be. Pay and working conditions are near the poverty level to start and the debt incurred to become qualified is on average 3-7 times first year salary. In other words, you can potentially be in debt for a long time. Seeing how the industry has changed, I would do everything I could to steer my kids towards a different career. I'd suggest learning to fly and add some ratings , that part is fun! Trying to make it in the industry is a long difficult career that can cost you dearly.

For further reading:

building time - Google Search

Leaving the Career - Airline Pilot Central Forums

There is tons of opportunity along the gulf coast, just need to get plugged in. Do that by being around the airports. Preferably the ones withconsistent weekend corporate jet traffic. Get a part time job pumping gas... Also bang out that commercial ticket. Can't do much without it.

Go to college and get a degree in business, maybe even an mba. This will more than likely put you in a good job, making good money. I would imagine at this point, you may be about 28. Work for a couple of years, save money. Finally, at 30, if you still want to fulfill "childhood dreams", buy your own airplane and go and "punch some holes in the sky", when you want and where you want.
At 22, you should be going in a different direction than aviation (flying anyway). As a mother, this is what I am telling my kids, so no one jump on me as "negative". I am telling you this to help you.

If nothing else 'SS', follow HMP's advice just so you can have a backup plan in case aviation doesn't work out for you (for any reason).
I would stay away from any "aviation degrees" and go for something more substantial which can be translated to most other industries.
Nothing saying you can't go for your ratings and give aviation a chance in parallel to your college education. Having a Plan-B is advice you will read frequently on this forum.
Good luck.

SS2907,

I agree with GoPats and HMP. Perhaps you can resolve those "unforeseen college issues", get a degree, find a better-paying job, and afford more instruction and ratings. Aviation jobs will still be available, but you will have the power of choice. In any career field, whenever you lack the education and skills to comfortably walk away and do something else, the employer has you at his mercy. "Taking the long road" is a good title for this thread, because it's good advice. :)

Don't get loans!

Not so sure about the MBA idea... It's an extremely rough economy out there (yes, even outside aviation for you "lifers"). The days of MBAs and JDs graduating into a huge salary are in the past... Unless of courses you are graduating from the top of your class at Harvard or something.

A good backup degree would be one that is in demand. These would be degrees in medical (nursing in particular), engineering, etc.

To the OP - The key is to have no debt (or at least very minimal debt) when you are finished with your ratings. Like Pokey who posted above, I also came from humble beginnings, but was able to make it work without getting into debt. It wasn't easy, but I'm so glad I did it that way. You can also PM me if you want to talk further. Good luck to you!