turbolader

hey guys,

I am an automobile engineer, have completed my masters in the US in automotive systems n crash safety, and have worked with Toyota Racing Development and have also done proving ground testing for the same.

Now i have gained a lot of interest for planes n flying, i am 23yrs old and am thinking of shifting to flying by the end of 2009. Now i have no clue about the procedures to go about to get into a flying school n which would be the fastest mode to get a pilot license and how much would it cost. Do i have to take an ground skool training before i join any flying skool?? And since im 23yrs old, is it too late to start a career in this field??

Will my masters degree in the above mentioned, by any way help me in this field or make it easier to get a job?

I would greatly appreciate if u guys could giv me ur feed back, as i guess a lot of experienced or trainee pilots in this forum could help me make the right decision.

Regards,

-turbolader

wrxpilot

Hi Turbolader,

I used to be a mechanical engineer. In fact, I even ran our school's Formula SAE program for a couple of years.

The usual progression to becoming a professional pilot is to get your private pilot certificate first. This will give you a good taste of what it's like to be a pilot, and then if you're still interested in making it a profession, you can continue on with your flying education.

Becoming a commercial pilot takes quite a bit of money, dedication, and hard work. The first couple of years are really low in pay (somewhere in the $23,000 range is typical). It usually goes up eventually, but it really is rough the first couple of years, particularly once you've become used to an engineering salary. I was lucky in that I had pilot jobs that paid pretty well my first two years, but that's rare and I budgeted for the low end going into this.

As far as flight training goes, don't be in a big hurry. Right now is a terrible time to be looking for work as a pilot, and will probably continue to be bad for a couple of years. Your best bet is to continue working and do pilot training on the weekends and after work. That's what I did, and it worked out really well.

I'm almost into my third year of flying as a professional pilot, and I'm really enjoying it. It's a little stressful worrying about my job with this economy, even though it's supposedly safe. I guess even if I was in engineering I'd be a little worried about my job. Anyway, if you have any questions let me know. If you tell us where you live, myself or others here can probably tell you where to get started. Good luck!

turbolader

Hey WRX pilot,
nice to hear from u, well to start off, i too worked with my coll's FSAE team, 600cc engines. WOW!!
Hey i am originally from Mumbai, but currently in the U.S. hey going step by step, could u plz let me know as to how to get my private pilot certificate first???? do i have to join any kind of ground skoolin???
Hey as i said, im 23 now, is it too late to get into this profession???
Hey n if u dun mind me askin, wat made u change ur profession???

regards,

-Turbolader

wrxpilot

Yeah, those 600s scream! We had a Honda F4i on ours (2001). During the summer we took out the restrictor and that car was a monster!! We did a few SCCA races and smoked every sports car we competed with.

To answer your questions:

1)Ground school will be covered as part of your education. Wherever you decide to go will most likely offer a package that includes books, interactive DVDs, and required pilot accessories.

2)No, 23 is not too late. I didn't start flying full time until I was 27 and I had plenty of time. I know guys well into their 30s and 40s that have made a career out of aviation.

3)What made me change? Well, I just loved flying I guess... After I got my private pilot certificate, I kept progressing to the next level. I still wasn't sure if I wanted to do it as a career, but after awhile I decided that I would really enjoy making a living out of it. So far I've been a flight instructor, a charter pilot, and now a first officer on a corporate jet. I love it, it's really a perfect job for me. I travel, I'm always learning new things, I enjoy the people I work with, and I have a pretty good quality of life. It would be hard for me to go back to engineering.

So, how do you get started? Start here:
flighttraining.aopa.org - Learn to Fly - Be a Pilot, Student Pilot Training, Flying Lessons, Flight Training & Aviation Resources

Also, download this ebook by Max Trescott for a good intro about getting started:
http://www.sjflight.com/LearntoFlyebook.pdf

What city do you live in? Maybe I can tell you some schools to visit.

turbolader

Well, we used a 600 R Thundercat Yamaha engine in our car, well power to weight ratio, it out ran a S2000. yea we did break a suspension the first time........

Hey thanks for ur input so far, well i am originally from Mumbai, but currently in the US, jus gonna complete my research in rear impact crash testing by the end of this year.

Hey so according to what i could understand, i donot have to have any kind of pre-knowledge or do any sort of pre schooling before joining a flying skool right???

If you could let me know as to which would be the fastest n efficient way (i know its tough to mix both up), to get my CPL license??

Hey WRX, thanks for all the input as of now, how muh time should i giv to actually get a proper flying license?? cause i wouldnt be able to do anything till the end of this year, all i can do as of now is research.

Regards,

-turbolader