gkeagle10

Hey Everyone. I'm new to this forum and really enjoy the awsome information that is given.

Like alot of people my age here, my dream is to one day become an airline pilot (whose isn't?). From past readings, I've heard of many ways to go, Air Force, Embry-Riddle, ATP... ect. From what I've heard most, the best path is a four-year degree in something (aviation or other) and training locally, instead of paying alot of money for university type training.

I live in Washington State, and really want to pursure piloting as my career. I turn 16 soon, and am planning on taking an intro-flight within a few days. Any help would be awesome.

vagabond

Welcome to the forum! I am always glad to see youngsters take an early interest in aviation (or anything else for that matter). I am not pilot and having just taken my discovery flight, I would not presume to know much about being one either. However, there are a lot of knowledgeable people on this forum who would be happy to help you. Many of the threads address your questions, so please read through them. Avoid the "pilot pickup" thread - you are still too young. hee hee.

I live in Washington also. I would be more than happy to provide any moral support and encouragement to a neighbor. And I promise not to try and lure you into law school instead.

Pilotpip

16 is a good age to start training with a local flight school. You can solo at 16, and get your private pilot certificate at 17. Look at the costs of places like riddle and realize that you'll be spending many, many years paying back loans from high-priced aviation academies while making very little as a regional airline pilot.

Try to get a part-time job at your local airport. This will do a couple things for you. One, you'll be exposed to aviation. Two, you may get a discount on flight time or at least get to know the instructors which if you're nice to them may result in a break on dual time. The job may have to wait until you're 18 because of insurance requirements but it doesn't hurt to try.

Most important, have fun, listen, and learn all that you can!

ryane946

You have the right idea. I have two pieces of advice for you:

#1, start working on your private. I would start buying some books, doing some studying, and doing some minor flying as soon as you'd like. I would wait until 16 1/2 before you start flying 2-3 times a week. Remember you can't get your private until you are 17 (and it typically takes 6 months). That way you will have your private right away. Have fun with it. Take friends and families for rides. If you go out of the area, just make a touch and go at the nearest airport 50nm from your home airport, and fly back. That way you can log the time as PIC cross country time.

#2, Save as much money as you can. If your parents are going to pay for your flight training, that is good. But regardless, you should have as much money saved from highschool and college jobs as you can before you start down the road of $30,000 for pilot licenses and ratings, CFI'ing, and being a first officer at a regional. Save your money!

Otherwise you have the right idea. Get your licenses and ratings during the summer (or during HS). Go to college. Do your training at a local FBO. You should have an excellent shot at achieving your goal.