Searching for Pathways to the Sky
#1
Searching for Pathways to the Sky
Hi there. I am a 19-year-old with the dream of becoming an airline pilot. I have been interested in aviation since a young age and have had multiple family members serve in the U.S. Air Force and others in aviation-related fields, further growing my attachment to the industry. I have also taken discovery flights and such to make sure that I am ok learning on smaller airplanes and going through ground school, etc.
I am trying to navigate my path to becoming a pilot, but am having difficulties while researching the different methods. My current ‘plan’ is to finish up my college education first, then go to one of the U.S. airlines cadet programs. I am receiving a bachelor's at one of the University of California campuses as I believe having a bachelor's in another field will make for good backup in case my training falls out or if something way down the road happens to create a downfall in the aviation industry. Always good to have a backup. On top of this, it seems like admittance into the cadet academies (United Aviate, Southwest Destination 225, American Airlines Cadet) can be tough. I believe that holding a bachelor's degree may help boost my chances of receiving acceptance into one of these programs, but not 100% sure if that is how it works at all. Either way, I know that I would want to fly, after regional of course, for a legacy airline just because the pay is much better, and to fly for one of these airlines, a bachelor's is practically required even though it is stated as just recommended. So by getting my bachelor's, I won’t have to deal with scrambling to complete an online program while flying for a regional airline.
I have heard mixed reviews of the cadet programs, some saying that they are great and allow for great networking and opportunities, and others saying that they are just a waste of money with absolutely nothing guaranteed. So, I am searching for other possible pathways, but not ruling the cadet pathway out. I have at the moment decided to not take the military route. I have also ruled out transferring to a university such as Embry-Riddle or ASU to get my credentials there just due to expenses and my current enjoyment of the UC program. So that leaves me on my own for figuring out my flight schooling. ATP seems to be very expensive, even more, expensive than some of the cadet programs. My local flight schools in the SoCal area offer ‘zero to hero’ programs in which you receive all of your license and certifications all the way from your PPL to your Commercial license in a fast-tracked course. These are seemingly the cheapest option compared to the other two but seem to take more time since you are having to schedule every one of your flights. I was thinking if I went through a local flight school I could then try and get hired back as a CFI to make some money back but mainly to start building my flight time.
I am just a little lost in trying to find out what pathways there are besides military pathways. I know my end goal, but I am just not sure if there are some other pathways that I do not know about or if some are notoriously going to be better than others. Any input or feedback would be much appreciated!
I am trying to navigate my path to becoming a pilot, but am having difficulties while researching the different methods. My current ‘plan’ is to finish up my college education first, then go to one of the U.S. airlines cadet programs. I am receiving a bachelor's at one of the University of California campuses as I believe having a bachelor's in another field will make for good backup in case my training falls out or if something way down the road happens to create a downfall in the aviation industry. Always good to have a backup. On top of this, it seems like admittance into the cadet academies (United Aviate, Southwest Destination 225, American Airlines Cadet) can be tough. I believe that holding a bachelor's degree may help boost my chances of receiving acceptance into one of these programs, but not 100% sure if that is how it works at all. Either way, I know that I would want to fly, after regional of course, for a legacy airline just because the pay is much better, and to fly for one of these airlines, a bachelor's is practically required even though it is stated as just recommended. So by getting my bachelor's, I won’t have to deal with scrambling to complete an online program while flying for a regional airline.
I have heard mixed reviews of the cadet programs, some saying that they are great and allow for great networking and opportunities, and others saying that they are just a waste of money with absolutely nothing guaranteed. So, I am searching for other possible pathways, but not ruling the cadet pathway out. I have at the moment decided to not take the military route. I have also ruled out transferring to a university such as Embry-Riddle or ASU to get my credentials there just due to expenses and my current enjoyment of the UC program. So that leaves me on my own for figuring out my flight schooling. ATP seems to be very expensive, even more, expensive than some of the cadet programs. My local flight schools in the SoCal area offer ‘zero to hero’ programs in which you receive all of your license and certifications all the way from your PPL to your Commercial license in a fast-tracked course. These are seemingly the cheapest option compared to the other two but seem to take more time since you are having to schedule every one of your flights. I was thinking if I went through a local flight school I could then try and get hired back as a CFI to make some money back but mainly to start building my flight time.
I am just a little lost in trying to find out what pathways there are besides military pathways. I know my end goal, but I am just not sure if there are some other pathways that I do not know about or if some are notoriously going to be better than others. Any input or feedback would be much appreciated!
#2
Line Holder
Joined APC: Jul 2022
Posts: 62
I am just starting my journey myself, but I am 50 years old, after working in healthcare for the past 24 years.
I recommend getting a first-class medical certificate first. Without it, the aviation dream is over before it starts.
I agree that staying with your college study is a good idea. My UCLA biology degree served me well in medicine, and it's serving me again in aviation.
If I failed my medical examination in the future, I could always be a doctor again.
I recommend getting a first-class medical certificate first. Without it, the aviation dream is over before it starts.
I agree that staying with your college study is a good idea. My UCLA biology degree served me well in medicine, and it's serving me again in aviation.
If I failed my medical examination in the future, I could always be a doctor again.
#3
Start visiting flight schools and tell them you’d like to do your Private and maybe interested in Instrument rating and Commercial.
Make them work to get your business.
If you feel they’re not interested in ‘just a Private’ then cross them off your list.
There is no rule that states you need to do all of your training at the same school.
Make them work to get your business.
If you feel they’re not interested in ‘just a Private’ then cross them off your list.
There is no rule that states you need to do all of your training at the same school.
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