Considering becoming professional pilot
Hello all, I am 20 years old and currently persuing a history degree. I am having doubts as to what ill be able to do with this degree that I will enjoy and have been considering other career options and I have always had a desire to become a pilot.
Ive been looking at a flight school near my home, specifically at the Professional Pilot Course they offer (HERE) and What kind of a job could I begin at with this? Would there be a problem with me not having an aerospace degree? I really would just like to hear some pilots chime in on what they think of this program and what it would bring me. Thank you for your time Bryce |
You have a lot of research to do. Your questions have been addressed many times here on APC, find those threads for more details.
In summary... You do not need an aviation degree, any accredited 4-year degree is fine. However: Ideally you want to major in something very practical (accounting, computer science, engineering, etc) so that when you need a non-aviation job due to medical, furlough, or airline bankruptcy you have some useful training. Some folks will say "major in something that interests you, it's all about self-fulfillment". But in the case of a pilot, aviation is your fulfillment/indulgence...you need a practical major that will be there for you when reality hits you between the eyes. The school's link was blocked by the forum filters...what is the name and location of the school? |
In short, becoming a pilot will bring you:
1) outrageous debt 2) low pay for years 3) dreadful family life 4) and the wish to get out of this "career" asap Being a pilot is barely even a career these days, its more like a stepping stone to the unemployment line, or becoming a manager at starbucks. If I were you I would seriously consider not becoming a pilot, maybe get your private license and fly for fun, but look around these threads to see the real face of this "glamorous" lifestyle. |
Originally Posted by boeingt7
(Post 684326)
In short, becoming a pilot will bring you:
1) outrageous debt 2) low pay for years 3) dreadful family life 4) and the wish to get out of this "career" asap Being a pilot is barely even a career these days, its more like a stepping stone to the unemployment line, or becoming a manager at starbucks. If I were you I would seriously consider not becoming a pilot, maybe get your private license and fly for fun, but look around these threads to see the real face of this "glamorous" lifestyle. |
I'm beginning to wonder if there are any pilots on these boards that actually enjoy their career.
|
Originally Posted by Mustang87
(Post 684617)
I'm beginning to wonder if there are any pilots on these boards that actually enjoy their career.
The concept of career for most would include some degree of stability, future opportunity for advancement, and compensation commensurate with the demands of the job and the price of entry. Even a small but real threat to your company's financial health can keep you awake at night...if you have to switch companies you lose all seniority, longevity, pay, vacation, and QOL. Most SWA/UPS/FDX pilots probably enjoy their careers. |
Originally Posted by Mustang87
(Post 684617)
I'm beginning to wonder if there are any pilots on these boards that actually enjoy their career.
|
Originally Posted by Mustang87
(Post 684617)
I'm beginning to wonder if there are any pilots on these boards that actually enjoy their career.
Lots of pilot ***** and complain, but a lot of times there complaints are their own doing... Things such as high debt, commuting (though unavoidable in some cases), etc. Also, a lot of airline pilots don't seem to grasp the reality of what it's like outside of aviation. They believe everybody works 9-5 with a two hour lunch, 4-5 days/wk, 6 weeks vacation, making $150k/yr, perfect stability, and lots of respect. That simply isn't true. If one wants to get into this career, they need to be smart about it from the start. Some tips: 1)Do not go into debt to be a pilot. This will require taking your time and sacrificing a lot as you do your training, but is very worth it. Your first several pilot jobs will likely pay $30k or less, so you cannot afford to be paying loans. A lot of the guys you hear *****ing and complaining screwed up and have a huge debt load... I'm sure I'd be miserable in that situation too. 2)Get a degree in something useful. Like rikair7777 said, your indulgence is pilot training. When (not if) aviation falls on hard times during your career, you NEED to have a degree in something useful that is outside of aviation. The majors rikair listed are good ones, I'd also include nursing or some other health care degree in that list. 3)Be very flexible with your goals as a pilot. Saying you only want to be an "airline pilot" can set you up for failure and disappointment. You never know where this career can take you, and you have to be willing to walk through whatever doors open for you as you gain experience. Airline, freight, charter, corporate, air ambulance, etc... You never know what will be best for you, so keep an open mind. 4)Be willing to pay your dues. Some guys have a HUGE chip on their shoulder since they have to fly as a first officer for a few years, or have to flight instruct for a year or two. That's just how it goes in aviation, so be prepared. 5)Be prepared to be somewhat selfish. You have to be flexible enough to move around the country and maybe even the world as you start out. So you may very well lose your girlfriend, have to move away from your friends and family, etc. You have to do what's best for your career, at least the first few years. Good luck to you, whatever you decide. |
Originally Posted by Mustang87
(Post 684617)
I'm beginning to wonder if there are any pilots on these boards that actually enjoy their career.
But I do feel lonely out here on APC sometimes. |
Originally Posted by wrxpilot
(Post 684655)
2)Get a degree in something useful. Like rikair7777 said, your indulgence is pilot training. When (not if) aviation falls on hard times during your career, you NEED to have a degree in something useful that is outside of aviation. The majors rikair listed are good ones, I'd also include nursing or some other health care degree in that list. Or just get married to someone who is a nurse practitioner :D |
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