Time2Fly

I am 27 years old and I've wanted fly airplanes ever since I was a child dreaming about being a fighter pilot in the AF. Now I am a Senior Software Engineer and never joined the military nore learned how to fly. Even though I make really good money it is not fullfilling. Hence, here I am now looking for something new. I've been reading these boards and searching the web, but I still have questions regarding the basics of becoming a pilot.

1) If you do not use a flight school to become a pilot what are the steps and the time and money involved to do so? I see there are ppl on both sides of flight school. I am one who tends to lean more towards experience over simulation. In my field now degrees are nice but we take ppl with experience and the knowhow over a piece of paper.

2) What do all these abbreviations mean? CFI, CFII, MEI, PPL, FAR Part 61, FAR Part 141, FAR Part 121, or any other import ones I should know.

3) How long does it take before you are eligible to fly the large planes for the major airlines?

4) How hard is it to find jobs in the area you live. Phoenix, AZ is where I am at now.

5) Can I stay in my current career while attempting to become a pilot if it is done without going to a flight school.

A little more about me. I am the sole provider of my family with a wife and four kids. Should this prevent me from attempting this career change?

Thanks in advance.

Pilotpip

1) Generally, this varies. Prices can be from $4000 up for your private, and from then on it depends on where you go. Schools with newer aircraft tend to be higher priced. If you already have a 4 year degree, don't worry about that part as most airlines do not specify what the degree should be in.

2) CFI, CFII, MEI are abreviations for various flight instructor ratings. First one being initial, second being an instrument instructor, third is Multi engine instructor. I don't know where the PPL one came from, but I think people use it for "private pilot license". FARs are the Federal Aviation Regulations which can be found in chapter 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations. Basically, these are the laws governing flight. Part 61 outlines the prerequesite requirements for the various ratings. Part 141 covers FAA approved flight training programs, and part 121 is what governs the airlines. I would throw part 91 in there as well. That's a biggie. You can pick up a book containing these at most bookstores (I know Borders carries it) or look online for free.

3) Don't hold your breath. I'm sure you see what's going on in the industry right now. Most aren't hiring and those that are have many well-qualified applicants to pick from. It could take more than 10,000 hours of flying which could be as long as 15 years from the time to start.

4) If you want to instruct, AZ is a great place. With the good weather there seems to be nearly as many large flight schools in that state as there are in Florida. Aside from that, I'm not sure. Most people I know in the industry have had to move a number of times because you usually can't commute when you're the low guy on the totem pole.

5) Sure. Lots of people go flying after work just like going to the golf course. However, you should be warned that it takes lots of hard work if you want to get through the ratings the fastest (and thereby cheapest) way possible. It's like playing a musical instrument. The more you practice, the better you get. If you can devote two or three days per week to flying and a few hours per week studying at home you should be able to work through the ratings pretty fast.

Ok, now onto the sole provider part. You may want to consider all of this based on that one. I'm sure you see the pay published on this board and say, "wow, $15 an hour is tolerable". However, that is only when your plane isn't at the gate. You'll spend 10 or more hours per day working while being paid for about 6 hours at a regional. Before that, you'll be making even less as a flight instructor. I'm about to take my CFI exam. If I'm lucky, I'll clear $20k per year flight instructing for a year or two. I don't have kids or a family to provide for and I know I'll have a second job to make ends meet. If you can manage keeping your current lifestyle on that pay more power to you. I'm not trying to discourage you, but if I were in your position, I'd take the lessons as a hobby, and one day when you're well-off I'd buy a plane so you can fly you family to cool places for vacation.

BEWELCH

Hey, Im A Student At Kansas State Univ, Enrolled In The Flight Program. I Have About 3 More Years Here Before Im Eligible For A Job At A Regional Airline. After These 3+ Years Will The Airlines Still Be Hiring? If So Do U Think They Might Go Back To The 1500 Hrs Time?

Pilotpip

Regionals are hiring at lower times. However, the original poster was asking about majors and flying bigger jets.

This industry could be totally different in 3 years. There are no guarantees that what is forcasted will happen. It's too dynamic and there are too many variables to say what will happen in six months much less three years.

LAfrequentflyer

There is one thing you can count on - military will need pilots.

I suggest you apply for a pilot training slot with the military - even if you don't get one try spending 4-6 years in uniform as an officer...You won't regret it.

-LA

SKYHUNGRY

I agree with LA about the Military. You get great training, serve with great people, and obtain great experience, while you serve your country. But make sure you know what you are getting into. It's not for everyone. Long TDY's away from family, constant moves and a long service commitment to name a few. I also think that there is a max age in order to be accepted into pilot training. It used to be 27 yrs but that was sometime ago.

aspiring_pilot

some of us dont have 20/20 vision

LAfrequentflyer

All,

You can still join - even commission without 20/20. I did. I enlisted with 20/blind in both eyes and was able to get the AF to pay for my PRK surgery and now have 20/20. My roommate at OTS had the surgery done before he joined the AF or took his commissioning physical and he is now flying f-15s for the AF. As long as your eyes stabilize and you don't have halo effects you are good to go...

The AF accepts PRK surgery for flight / officer candidates.

To ensure my information is current check with the local recruiter- don't take his work , ask to see official memo / paper from AFPC or USAF medical corps...

Hope that helps...Remember AF has more than fighter pilots...In a fighter you can't go take a **** , make coffee, eat a donut, flirt with the nurse, etc...



-LA

aspiring_pilot

no kidding? i read everywhere that you cant have laser corrective surgery because it changes the reflectivenss of your retina to above .55 a;oiftusoighsdg or something along those lines?! damnit i should try for afrotc at tcu. i guess that would require staying for a 5th year? oh darn

aspiring_pilot

i think there woudl be nothing better than flying a c5 for the air force.

"tell me about your past experience"
i flew the biggest american airplane in and out of hostile territory with 300,000 pounds of precious military cargo.

and LAflyer. you said you enlisted? so you were not commissioned? and in relation to your buddy, who knows when f15 is done with and f22 and f35 take over? <3 f22