Career change
10-27-2019, 03:15 PM
#11
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Feb 2007
Posts: 120
Go and purchase an intro flight. See if you actually like flying before you make this big commitment in time and money. That's really step number one, and it doesn't cost much.
I know a lot of people who say they want to fly professionally, and when they actually go up in a small plane they freak out. They get nauseous, vomit, get dizzy, or are simply just terrified when they finally do go up in a plane.
With all that being said, if you plan to stay upstate to flight train, understand that the weather is going to create a lot of delays/cancellations towards your flight lessons. You're going to be dealing with strong gusty winds, snow, ice, rain, etc that will create all kinds of delays in your flight training.
I know a lot of people who say they want to fly professionally, and when they actually go up in a small plane they freak out. They get nauseous, vomit, get dizzy, or are simply just terrified when they finally do go up in a plane.
With all that being said, if you plan to stay upstate to flight train, understand that the weather is going to create a lot of delays/cancellations towards your flight lessons. You're going to be dealing with strong gusty winds, snow, ice, rain, etc that will create all kinds of delays in your flight training.
10-29-2019, 06:09 AM
#12
Prime Minister/Moderator
Joined APC: Jan 2006
Position: Engines Turn Or People Swim
Posts: 39,232
Originally Posted by Pharmer13
I have not applied anywhere yet, I was just searching for guidance. Thank you for the info about NYC. I am just trying to take the most economically feasible route without compromising training.
1. Military. Preferred by airlines when they can get it, no monetary cost to you. Guard/reserve is actually within the realm of possibility for a career changer, if you're young enough.
2. Aviation Universities. A few majors give some preference for grads, but since you already have a degree it would be a waste of time and money.
3. Safe, honest, and economical general aviation schools.
4. General aviation schools which are not safe and/or honest or economical.
You're probably looking at #3, and your challenge is to avoid #4 (it's a challenge without industry inside knowledge). Onsite visits are very helpful in that regard, and you'll want to talk to current and former students if at all possible (emphasis on career-track, vice recreational students).
As someone said go fly before you decide, I'd say try to get a PPL or at least solo.
10-29-2019, 10:25 AM
#13
Line Holder
Joined APC: Jul 2018
Posts: 99
Originally Posted by rickair7777
Living in NY is actually good... NYC is a large domicile for many large majors, and it's invariably the most junior. So even a short commute (train would be great for you if that's an option) would be offset by rapid gains in seniority, QOL, and pay.
Good luck to the OP!
10-29-2019, 11:16 AM
#14
New Hire
Thread Starter
Joined APC: Oct 2019
Posts: 8
Originally Posted by porkchopexpress
I spent 5 years at Fort Drum (Wheeler-Sack AAF). Based on a guesstimate of the OP's location I imagine a commute to NYC could be impossible at times during the winter. A relocation to Syracuse or Albany would work, but as others have mentioned, he's a long way from having to worry about that.
Good luck to the OP!
Good luck to the OP!
11-06-2019, 04:40 AM
#19
Line Holder
Joined APC: Nov 2017
Posts: 58
Here's my suggestion. Take it for what its worth. Keep your current job, and go get your private. You gotta have some skin in the game, to see if it's truly worth going down this rabbit hole for you. Aviation can be complex at times. I got my private this year, while working full time, and having to deal with a 4 & 2 year old. It's doable.
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