kc0616

I'm currently a senior in the University of Nevada studying in computer science, still have another year before graduation, and am interested in a career as a pilot. I have been searching online for a good flight school and found the National Pilot Academy, it seems that they offer good programs and promise a job in the regional. I saw someone on this forum said that they charge about 50k and I'm wondering if it is a good start for a pilot career? Given that I have no prior experience in aviation and my budge is kinda limited. Thanks

LAfrequentflyer

Go see an AF/Navy recruiter after you graduate. If you can't get in attend ATP.

Good luck.

-LA

Ziggy

If you looking into Flight Training be careful of which institutes you choose. Some make alot of promises, and few deliver. With big flashy academies, be sure to find your own sources, i.e. people who have attended, graduated, or taught at those places who are not solicited by the institution.
Be careful of academies that guarantee interviews with regionals, they will interview you with low time experience. But they will do this even when their not hiring or if they have their choice of high time pilots.
I have talked to a number of pilots that have spend thousands and end up with little to show for it. My suggestion is also consider the mom and pop outfits, with the few students they do get they will take care of you. Then I would look at college ran flight schools. They don't have a tendency to disappear. Personally I'm a UVSC program grad (Utah Valley State College). But in any case, just be sure to do the research and good luck.

BURflyer

are you at reno or vegas? NPA is a relatively unknown school, they don't advertise, no info packets or brochures, the only way to know about the program is to call or drop by their facilities. Not that many on this site know about NPA either. It is true that many graduates go on to Skywest, like it said on their website, this was confirmed by a Skywest pilot recruiting lady I talked to. She emphasised however that they don't guarantee a job to NPA graduates. INMO this is the only plus side to the school, the program itself doesn't seem anything special. Just standard single engine training with higher performance aircraft. The 50k is what turned me off and I don't think it's a flat rate either.

Jagjit

I think another aspect apart from training that should be bothering you is placement after the training. Are you sure aviation is better field and involves less career risk and promises better future than IT.....coz I used to think IT people are equally better placed.

kc0616

So it would be better to train with a local flight school? If so, what steps do I need to take to become, say, an airline pilot (like getting PPL and then CFI)?

By the way, I live in Reno but will probably move to Vegas since my sister is moving there for grad school, my parents want me to move there too if I am to continue my education (my parents live in another country and are paying for our living expense).

Thanks!

crewdawg52

Let's see......You want to spend upwards of $75,000 for a $20,000 a year job as a regional F/0? Go talk to the Air Force, Navy/Marines,
Coasties (even guard / reserve units) Let them train you.

kc0616

Sounds good, but do they train people with no flight exprience to become a pilot? I thought they only have pilots from the academy...

SkyBusDriver

Yes. If you can pass the physical, and go through ROTC during college, or get hired by the Air National Guard/Air Force Reserve after you graduate with your B.S. degree, then you may be sent off to pilot training.

P.S. the academy is the military version of a university. Graduating from the academy does not make you an aviator...it's just one of 3 ways to become an Air Force Officer.

kc0616

I did some research on Nevada Air National Guard, and I don't think they are looking for pilot at this point. And if I do get hired and trained by ANG to be a pilot, how long will I have to spend with them?

Any other suggestion would be appreciated