Pilot Career Info
07-19-2015, 12:01 AM
#1
New Hire
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Joined APC: Jul 2015
Posts: 5
Pilot Career Info
Hello, I am currently trying to research a pilot career and need some help. Im 18, and I have a few choices on the table. Being a pilot was always a high possibility career on my list. My friend works for the CDFA and told me that FedEx and UPS are having a shortage of pilots. She got this information from regular FedEx and UPS pilots apparently desperate to fill positions. I would like to know if this is true or somewhat true? Apparently starting as a feeder you can easily work your way up to MD-11s over time? I would like to know if this is a good career choice, either in cargo airliners or just any airline pilot. Lastly with all of this, would it be a safe bet to get training and my private license? Van Nuys Airport isn't too far from here and I can afford getting a private license.
07-19-2015, 03:37 AM
#3
On Reserve
Joined APC: Aug 2012
Position: barstool in the corner
Posts: 14
Don't do it.....if you want years of long days for little pay, then feel free. If you want a career that values you and your skills, find another one. Make lots of money and then get your private pilots license and fly for fun.......IMHO
07-19-2015, 04:01 AM
#4
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Joined APC: Jul 2015
Posts: 5
Even for Feeders? I understand the problem with regional airlines, but only have heard that a feeder pilot can advance quickly into better paying FedEx pilot jobs. Dont get me wrong, after doing thorough research I can tell the industry has lost its attraction that it had years ago. I most likely wont go through with this but im just exploring.
07-19-2015, 04:53 AM
#5
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,223
I got my commercial license at Van Nuys. That was 24 years ago.
I love this job. Every stinking minute of it. If you've got the aviation bug than this is the place for you.
I don't think there's much preference given to the feeders. In fact, all that single-engine time might actually hurt you (stupid I know but that's the way it is.)
Listen to me, if you want to do this:
1. Get a four year degree. Bonus points for something other than aviation. You'll always have a backup career.
2. Pay for quality flight training. Find that one old retired guy that's doing it for something other than money. Don't cut corners, keep your nose clean. Fly a C-150 like it's a 747.
3. A DUI or any other alcohol-related arrest (ARREST, not conviction) will flush your career down the drain.
4. No speeding tickets either. This is a strange business we're in. You must be without sin.
5. Hang out at the airport- better yet, get a part-time job there. Wash planes, pump gas, answer phones. Some day a guy will throw you in the right seat of his Baron. Next it'll be a King Air. That's how I got started.
This is a great career field that my father entered into in 1962 and handed down to me. Don't listen to the nay-sayers.
I love this job. Every stinking minute of it. If you've got the aviation bug than this is the place for you.
I don't think there's much preference given to the feeders. In fact, all that single-engine time might actually hurt you (stupid I know but that's the way it is.)
Listen to me, if you want to do this:
1. Get a four year degree. Bonus points for something other than aviation. You'll always have a backup career.
2. Pay for quality flight training. Find that one old retired guy that's doing it for something other than money. Don't cut corners, keep your nose clean. Fly a C-150 like it's a 747.
3. A DUI or any other alcohol-related arrest (ARREST, not conviction) will flush your career down the drain.
4. No speeding tickets either. This is a strange business we're in. You must be without sin.
5. Hang out at the airport- better yet, get a part-time job there. Wash planes, pump gas, answer phones. Some day a guy will throw you in the right seat of his Baron. Next it'll be a King Air. That's how I got started.
This is a great career field that my father entered into in 1962 and handed down to me. Don't listen to the nay-sayers.
07-19-2015, 04:56 AM
#6
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Nov 2006
Position: 767 FO
Posts: 8,047
Trevor it will take 5-10 years work to get you qualified for a feeder or a job with a regional. Then another 5-10 years to get you a shot at the majors. This is while working long hours for little pay for 15-20 years. A feeder job is not the best way to get hired at FDX or UPS, in fact it might be the wrong way. In the end you will still need a 4 year college degree. If you have money to spend and want to fly find a college that offers a pilot degree or get a job in the california air guard; with a really incredible set of lucky breaks in 10 years they may send you to pilot training, if you get a college degree. Good luck with whatever you decide.
07-19-2015, 05:29 AM
#7
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Dec 2005
Position: Leftof longitudinal
Posts: 1,899
Our young Padawan,
If the aviation bug is strong enough, and you have means, go get your private certificate and then come back and chat. Until then, listen to Master Huck. Have fun, good luck.
SD
If the aviation bug is strong enough, and you have means, go get your private certificate and then come back and chat. Until then, listen to Master Huck. Have fun, good luck.
SD
07-19-2015, 05:50 AM
#8
New Hire
Thread Starter
Joined APC: Jul 2015
Posts: 5
Thanks for all of your replies everyone, I value your opinions and advice. I don't think I will be following through with a career in Aviation. I love planes that's for sure, I sometimes watch plane spotting on YouTube. However with such a tough outlook on the industry, I think it'd be best if I did something else, but I still might follow through on this. Anyone else's comments or advice after this message is still very appreciated.
07-19-2015, 09:04 AM
#10
Line Holder
Joined APC: Nov 2014
Posts: 64
Originally Posted by Huck
I got my commercial license at Van Nuys. That was 24 years ago.
I love this job. Every stinking minute of it. If you've got the aviation bug than this is the place for you.
I don't think there's much preference given to the feeders. In fact, all that single-engine time might actually hurt you (stupid I know but that's the way it is.)
Listen to me, if you want to do this:
1. Get a four year degree. Bonus points for something other than aviation. You'll always have a backup career.
2. Pay for quality flight training. Find that one old retired guy that's doing it for something other than money. Don't cut corners, keep your nose clean. Fly a C-150 like it's a 747.
3. A DUI or any other alcohol-related arrest (ARREST, not conviction) will flush your career down the drain.
4. No speeding tickets either. This is a strange business we're in. You must be without sin.
5. Hang out at the airport- better yet, get a part-time job there. Wash planes, pump gas, answer phones. Some day a guy will throw you in the right seat of his Baron. Next it'll be a King Air. That's how I got started.
This is a great career field that my father entered into in 1962 and handed down to me. Don't listen to the nay-sayers.
I love this job. Every stinking minute of it. If you've got the aviation bug than this is the place for you.
I don't think there's much preference given to the feeders. In fact, all that single-engine time might actually hurt you (stupid I know but that's the way it is.)
Listen to me, if you want to do this:
1. Get a four year degree. Bonus points for something other than aviation. You'll always have a backup career.
2. Pay for quality flight training. Find that one old retired guy that's doing it for something other than money. Don't cut corners, keep your nose clean. Fly a C-150 like it's a 747.
3. A DUI or any other alcohol-related arrest (ARREST, not conviction) will flush your career down the drain.
4. No speeding tickets either. This is a strange business we're in. You must be without sin.
5. Hang out at the airport- better yet, get a part-time job there. Wash planes, pump gas, answer phones. Some day a guy will throw you in the right seat of his Baron. Next it'll be a King Air. That's how I got started.
This is a great career field that my father entered into in 1962 and handed down to me. Don't listen to the nay-sayers.
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