Newbie Questions About the Industry
08-17-2010, 04:01 PM
#1
New Hire
Thread Starter
Joined APC: Aug 2010
Posts: 3
Newbie Questions About the Industry
Hello Everyone,
I am still working on my PPL, so this may be premature. I do, however, have a few questions. I plan on training straight through my instrument rating and Commercial, maybe even CFI.
What is everyone doing to build hours between private and commercial certifications? I do not own a plane, so I am renting, which tends to get expensive. Is there a better/faster/cheaper way to get the required hours.
I am a civil engineer now, but I am SERIOUSLY considering changing my career path over to aviation. I don't know what kind of salaries to expect for a freshly certified commercial pilot, so can someone give me an idea?
Thanks for any help,
cvlngineer
I am still working on my PPL, so this may be premature. I do, however, have a few questions. I plan on training straight through my instrument rating and Commercial, maybe even CFI.
What is everyone doing to build hours between private and commercial certifications? I do not own a plane, so I am renting, which tends to get expensive. Is there a better/faster/cheaper way to get the required hours.
I am a civil engineer now, but I am SERIOUSLY considering changing my career path over to aviation. I don't know what kind of salaries to expect for a freshly certified commercial pilot, so can someone give me an idea?
Thanks for any help,
cvlngineer
08-17-2010, 04:39 PM
#2
Does NOT get weekends off
Joined APC: Jul 2007
Position: ERJ - 145
Posts: 1,631
Wave off, wave off...
It's actually good you asked now. When you go for your instrument rating, you will need 50 hours of XC time and 40 hours of instrument time. Get another pilot friend and go on some long XCs. Stay under the hood so you can log XC and Instrument time while splitting it with another person. Also, if you have a good instructor when you do your long 250nm dual XC, you will do it under the hood and knock off part of the 15 hours dual, 3 within 60 days, 40 Instrument and 50 XC.
Make sure when you go with a safety pilot, that you plan to some fun places and that you enjoy it. As a CFI now, I miss the days of just hopping into an airplane and jetting off into a direction.
On a practical note, I recommend simulating IFR flights - file VFR flight plans in accordance with IFR routes. VOR and victor airways, request approaches at airports if possible, and get flight following so you get used to talking with ATC. It also helps coordinate doing approaches. This will maximize your training and the money you are putting into this... endeavor.
Good luck on the PPL, study hard and stay focused. Welcome to the Jungle!
It's actually good you asked now. When you go for your instrument rating, you will need 50 hours of XC time and 40 hours of instrument time. Get another pilot friend and go on some long XCs. Stay under the hood so you can log XC and Instrument time while splitting it with another person. Also, if you have a good instructor when you do your long 250nm dual XC, you will do it under the hood and knock off part of the 15 hours dual, 3 within 60 days, 40 Instrument and 50 XC.
Make sure when you go with a safety pilot, that you plan to some fun places and that you enjoy it. As a CFI now, I miss the days of just hopping into an airplane and jetting off into a direction.
On a practical note, I recommend simulating IFR flights - file VFR flight plans in accordance with IFR routes. VOR and victor airways, request approaches at airports if possible, and get flight following so you get used to talking with ATC. It also helps coordinate doing approaches. This will maximize your training and the money you are putting into this... endeavor.
Good luck on the PPL, study hard and stay focused. Welcome to the Jungle!
08-17-2010, 04:49 PM
#3
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jan 2007
Position: Self employed
Posts: 3,048
Originally Posted by cvlngineer
I am SERIOUSLY considering changing my career path over to aviation. I don't know what kind of salaries to expect for a freshly certified commercial pilot
Wouldn't it be wise to know the basics (pay, work schedule, career expectations, etc) before becoming "SERIOUSLY" interesting in any major career change?
08-17-2010, 06:35 PM
#5
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: May 2009
Posts: 474
Originally Posted by cvlngineer
Hello Everyone,
I am a civil engineer now, but I am SERIOUSLY considering changing my career path over to aviation. I don't know what kind of salaries to expect for a freshly certified commercial pilot, so can someone give me an idea?
Thanks for any help,
cvlngineer
I am a civil engineer now, but I am SERIOUSLY considering changing my career path over to aviation. I don't know what kind of salaries to expect for a freshly certified commercial pilot, so can someone give me an idea?
Thanks for any help,
cvlngineer
Give that a read, then come back here and get some more opinions.
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