Don_Bertone

I'm currently 15, go to high school and I live in Montreal. I want to become a pilot since I was small but some how a part of me thought that I wouldn't do it. But during the past year I started thinking and realised it was indeed possible. So I went looking for information and found out that there is a college in toronto that have a piloting program. Ever since I've been dreaming about being a commercial pilot. I want to fly!

Nowadays I can only play Flight Simulator 2004 and it's gotten so natural for me. Although I realise it's far from the reality, but for me it's a step closer. I have actually read all the training documents that Microsoft has included in the game. I have learned such things as VOR, the use of GPS and ILS...

I still have one more year of high school left. So I have to talk to a councelor soon enough.

ERJ135

Thats how I started. Flight simulator 98'. Then I started a lesson a week when I was fourteen. I soloed when I was 16 got my PVT on 17th B-day and Commercial 18th B-day. Now I am a CFI trying to get an airline job. I think in Canada you can get your PVT at 15 and commercial @16. Correct me if I am wrong. Kinda wish I lived in Canada, I could be so much further ahead in my career if because I would have gotten my ratings when I was younger. My advice, if its something you really want to do, start lessons ASAP and don't look back. Good Luck

Jonesthepilot

why rush it, goto college, have fun, get your ratings while your in school

atpwannabe

Don, don't waste any time. Get started early and make sound decisions. Don't be like me and waited until I was 44 to decide I wanted to fly for living. I wish you all the best.

Speed

I went a similar route to ERJ135. I began flying lessons at a young age and I think it served me well. I also read everything I could get my hands on, from "Flying" magazine to technical manuals to Ernie Gann. Don't neglect aviation and airline history. A good university aviation program is fine, but in my opinion they are overpriced. A four year degree is still essential if you want to position yourself for an airline career, but it definitely does not have to be in aviation. A degree in anything that interests you will expand your worldview and can open up some other doors if a piloting career doesn't come to pass. It's usually cheaper to get a non-flying degree and get your licenses/ratings on the side--shop around and compare. Don't overlook the military option, either. I wanted to go that route but was unable due to less than 20/20 vision. So talk to someone who has been there and done that (not just the recruiter). Good luck!

Don_Bertone

actually, to tell you the truth I can't start right now because of school and because of the quebec education system I do not have to pay for college so it's free of charge. Money does not really worry me at the moment, I think next year after I'm done my high school I will go and apply at the college and if all goes well I'll start my training.

Iflyfr8

If you already now know what you want to do, you are already a step ahead.

Just don't forget it's supposed to fun!