CRJ-200

Hello everybody,

I've been browsing these forums for quite some time (I just decided to start posting) and I thought I'd ask the professionals around here their opinions. I am 15 years old and I've just started taking flying lessons. Since I'm not old enough yet to even solo I am waiting until next summer - when I'm 16 - to take lessons full time toward my private pilot's license. In the mean time I've taken the occasional hour-long lessons to sort of "ease my craving."

My orginal plan was to earn my PPL at my local flight school - Central Flying Service (http://www.central.aero/) - then attend an Airline Academy like Delta Connection Academy or FlightSafety Academy. But from what I've read around here these academies aren't too popular and now I'm thinking I might stay at CFS. They too have an airline program - not an academy fast-track, they just help point you in the right direction. I can earn all my ratings at Central and have the opportunity to get a bachelors degree in aviation science at the same time. CFS is a really great place - the largest FBO in the U.S. - with great people, a great fleet of airplanes, and a great reputation. It's just great.

From there I can go in several directions. I could become a CFI and build hours teaching other people how to fly (something I think I'd love to do), fly King Air's or Gulfstream's on chartered flights at Central, or attend a school like Gulfstream Training Academy. It seems like a really unique school (and I think it'd be a lot of fun flying a Beech 1900D around the Bahamas).

Here are my questions for all the airline pilots on the forums who have been here and done this: do you think I'm going in the right direction? What would you recommend I do after getting certified? Thanks!

By the way - I'm not necessarily interested in getting to a 'legacy' carrier as fast as I can. In fact, I would be more than happy at a good regional airline. My ultimate goal is to fly for a 'national' carrier like Southwest or JetBlue. I'm not sure I would want to fly for a major with low seniority at the state most of them are in. Getting furloughed my first week on the job doesn't sound so great...

Everybody feel free to throw your two cents in.

CRJ-200

Well - I just read erj145 or whatever's topic about GTA. I guess scratch that part about Gulfstream. It does seem like I good place. but paying to fly... nah...

LeoSV

if you're only 15, then you have plenty of time to do what you want. Definitely instruct, and definitely get a degree. And for a 15 year old, you spell better than most on this forum. Also, look into ATP, they have a really good reputation. Good luck kid!!

CRJ-200

Thanks! You can blame AP classes on the writing. lol

I've been checking into ATP too. I forgot to mention them. On that note - has anyone here gone to ATP? If so - would you recommend them?

LAfrequentflyer

Go talk to your local AF recruiter and ask about the Air Force Academy. Good luck in your decision.

Also, you'll have no problem finding people to endorse ATPs.

-LAFF

vagabond

CRJ-200, are you sure you're only 15 years old!?! You write very well and you appear to have a good mind and you're goal-oriented. You will do well in whatever you decide. This forum has its share of happy people and naysayers, so be judicious in the advice you solicit and listen. The best thing is to see what everyone else is saying, analyze it yourself given your own perspective, talk with people you trust, and make up your own mind. And be careful of me trying to persuade you into law school! Good luck in everything and keep us apprised of your progress.

CRJ-200

I don't have any interest in joining the Air Force. Yes - the training is free - but I'd rather train and fly on my own. Thanks though

Heh, yeah I really am 15. I took journalism and advanced classes, and I like writing - that makes a big difference. Thank you! I've been looking into aviation as a careers seriously for quite some time now.

Do you have a fancy briefcase and all?

erj145aviator

I'm not so sure about the Air Force... I did their ROTC program, and they basically toss you a piece of paper and tell you to write down the top three things you want to do... and they don’t even guarantee that(Needless to say I left while I still could)... You might get stuck pushing papers, rather than flying... big risk with the Air Force. I was in the same spot you are... I soloed at 16, got my license at 17, now I’m just about done with ATP. I would get your PPL from a local FBO that has a good rep. simply because it's the most important rating, and you just wont be able to get as much detailed training anywhere else... After you get that, I would do ATP’s career pilot program, and instruct afterwards. Trust me that’s pretty much the only way, I would be the last person to want to instruct, but there really isn’t any other choice that will get you the same amount of quality time. Some people here made it quite obvious that PFT is NOT the route to take. I would also look into Civil Air Patrol(www.cap.gov)... You get free flights through them, and they have encampments you can go to, that will get you to a point where you can solo. Also if there is a senior member there with a flight instructor rating you can get free instruction, and rent out their planes for a really cheap rate. Helped me out a lot when I was your age... best of luck.

Jonesthepilot

dont be in a rush, go to college and have fun

vagabond

I hope you don't discount the Air Force too much. What young man does not dream of flying a fighter jet? I hear it's a lot of fun.

No, I do not carry a fancy briefcase. Sorry to disappoint you. I am not one of those lawyers you see on television.

So you like writing. I encourage you to contribute to the Mailbag. A well written post would be a refreshing addition on here!