SethC5UGA

I am just really unsure as to of what I need to do to ensure myself the best shot at getting and maintaining a career as a pilot.

I have sifted through this board and have found a lot of varying responses as I am sure I will receive here as well, but it's worth a shot.

My background info:

I am 24 year old graduate of the University of Georgia. I've been out of school for 2 years and have taught Social Studies and coached baseball since.

I've always been interested in becoming a pilot, but have just recently began looking at schools. The main ones that I have come across are the "bigger" schools (Delta Connection, ATP, Phoenix East, Spartan). With already having a degree, I feel like it would be a waste to go back to a university for another; so it would seem that one of the pro pilot programs would be best for me.

What do you feel would be the best situation for me and why?

Wildflyin

I'd start out getting your Private license from an FBO, just to get a feel for flying and work at your own pace to start. See how you like it, take your time and learn as much as you can. I'd also solo a lot afterwards to build up time by yourself in the plane. The big academies are good, but you won't solo the plane more than the minimum required hours to get your private license. And you probably won't solo at all after that point for the rest of your ratings either. If you have the funds this is the route I suggest. If after that you want to do an accelerated program then go for it. But take time to really enjoy it first.

rickair7777

Yes! Go get a private pilot license and enjoy it for a while BEFORE you make the career jump...too many folks sign up for expensive aviation training programs only to find that flying isn't really that exciting for them.

Make sure you REALLY enjoy it before you commit to a career. Also try to find a smaller local school for your training...if you select carefully, you will get a much better deal than the big "puppy mills".

pagey

I think that the rote response you are going to get from most here is..."OMG go to an FBO and do it cheap! The airlines aren't hiring right now anyway". I really don't think this is a fair answer. The big flight schools don't seem to get much love here. To me it comes down to personal preference. How do you like to learn? Do you prefer a very structured learning environment with relatively strict standards? Or would you rather set your own pace and be more casual about it? If you prefer the first, then go to a "flight academy" type school, if not, try an FBO.

There are usually 3 issues that everyone holds against "pilot factories" right now. Yes, a bigger school is more expensive, and no, you don't NEED any "connections" to regionals that any of those schools offer. Lastly, the airlines certainly aren't hiring right now, with maybe one exception. I look at it this way. Yes, the money does suck. But if you can afford it, why not? It certainly doesn't hurt at all to have "connections" to regionals. Even though no one is hiring right now, why not bang everything out quickly just incase they do start up with some hiring in the near future. Now all this is assuming you can pretty much put your life on hold and be available to fly 4-5 days a week, with lots of studying in between.

Anyway. Its tough to tell just from someone posting which is the best route for them to take. Go visit a few schools and see what you think. Ask tons of questions, and maybe even go do a flight or two at and FBO type school. See which atmosphere you like more. Don't be turned off to a place because someone on here says "that place makes bad pilots". Go check it out for yourself.

SethC5UGA

Yea, I have until July to really decide what I want to do. I have signed my teaching contract through this year so I know I'll be here until it's up anyway. So I have time to snoop around.

Theres a FBO right outside of Atlanta that is close enough....

I generally prefer a more structured learning style. I am not married or anything and am really looking to move somewhere else for school as well. Those are the reasons that those type of schools are so appealing to me. DCA sounds good, but it'll be like $110,000 in loans vs. $30 k at the FBO in ATL. I don't mind doing that if I know I will be able to pay it back......

Any other recs on some ATP, DCA type schools around the country?

Wildflyin

I have nothing against the big schools..I went to ATP! But I got my private elsewhere at an FBO first. Private pilot training is how we all usually get our first impression of flying, whether it is for a career or for recreation. The big schools will pump you through this so fast that many people don't really get to enjoy flying for the sake of flying. I went to a big school after I had gotten the chance to fly around just for fun. I still enjoy flying but going at the pace of a big school will wear you out a bit. There will be days where you don't feel like flying and you will have to, and if you can't keep up with the pace you will be kicked out of their programs. All I am saying is take some time and do it right, there is no rush. If you decide a big academy is the way for you then great! there are many good things these academies can offer. But there are many things an FBO can offer that an academy cannot. My decision to go to an academy is because I was in the middle of a career switch. it made more sense for me to end the one career (military) and concentrate on getting my other ratings quickly, rather than taking on a new job and trying to fly whenever I had free time. This is the approach that worked for me. In whatever you choose to do, just be informed on the pros and cons of both paths because neither one is perfect.

Cubdriver

Rick's right, as usual. Get a private pilot certificate through an FBO or a flying club until you know for sure that you really like flying. Most people do not have the money to be throwing it around prior to knowing if they really like flying. An FBO provides the most expedient means to clarify the issue without a serious commitment of finances up front. And if you have the money to be throwing it around with no regard for whether you really like aviation then I do not think any amount of reason will stop you from doing so anyway.

Cubdriver

If you are at UGA until next summer then check out Falcon Aviation at KAHN right there in town. They have a solid reputation and are right there in town. If you drive over to Lawrenceville about 30 minutes away, there is Flight School of Gwinnett, which is a little on the rinky dink side, but not bad for gettting a private pilot certificate. They used to have a Winder branch also, not sure if it is still there.

SethC5UGA

yup, the Gwinnett one was the one I was looking at. I appreciate the info, coming here has made me take a look at FBO's and other factors going in to everything.

Trying the private license would be very smart.