I'm new to these forums but I am very glad I came across them. I am 21 years old and I have started my family, now it's time for my career. I have some college education and am about to go to ATP flight school full time. When I'm done I will have 1500 hrs and will be able to fly as an instructor, however I have a few questions.

Does size matter?
-I have gone to two instructors and noticed I could eat both of them together for lunch. the second one I went up to looked up at me and asked "You are a little big to be a pilot aren't you?". I told him "Hey, Goose was a big guy!" I am 6'2" and weigh about 220 (I'm not fat so there's not a whole lot of weight to be lost). Would this be an issue to certain employers? (I want to fly cargo, no people)

Just how hard is it?
My honest to god dream gig is flying for FedEx but everyone I talk about it preaches doom and gloom about how difficult it is. Are there any tips about what I can do now to better my chances?

Thank you everyone and I look forward to your responses.

 

I don't fly for fedex, I fly people, but a college degree is a MUST to fly there.

As for size, fly with guys all the time that are much bigger than you!!!

 

You doing this all backwards, start the career, then family. Until you're hired at a major, don't own anything that doesn't fit in the trunk of a small car.

Anyway, get the college done, then ATP. No degree, little chance of being hired at a major, been that way since LBJ was president.

GF

 

I'm 6'5" 260lbs and I haven't had any problems. I didn't instruct in the 152 often though. I flew with a guy that is 6'8" you'll be just fine.

It's going to take a while to get your dream job and there will be some really crappy pay checks along the way. Live within your means. When you upgrade to captain, sock away the extra money.

 

First finish the degree, it can be in basket weaving for all they care but as stated it is a must. Second, go anywhere but ATP or American Flyers. You can it all done much much much cheaper and just as fast as any of those places. New pilots are often lured by the fact that a flight school has "classes" only they don't mention that they are mostly taught by they're new hire CFIs that don't have a clue and you will get charged an arm and a leg for it. Study on your own and you will learn more at a much faster rate. I always tell new students, flying an airplane is easy, all the studying is hard and the least fun but just as important. If you are only 21 and already have a family then money will be a big issue. Stay away from ATP. Take it from a guy who has the degree and is about to leave the CFI world for a regional gig. I have heard nothing but horror stories from ATP and American Flyers.

 

Oh and your size is not an issue. An alumni from my university's aviation program is huge as **** and flys for FedEx.