I want to start a career in aviation, and have started my PPL through a local FBO...I have saved up the $ to run me through my entire PPL cert (the FBO gaurantees even for over-flight). I am only currently type rated to fly my cubicle at work.

Here's my story: I graduated from college with a Bachelors in Arts in Useless Thought and have spent the last few years in graphic design/web design...its okay, just nothing great. I have wanted to be a pilot since I was 12 and tried to get my parents to send my to ERAU or UND or any of the schools but they told me 'forget it'...

I have decided to pursue a a career in flying. I know what your thinking. "This kid wants to fly the majors and big whooping jets." Well that's not entirely true. I have no desire for family or a wife...I'm probably too ugly anyway, and wouldn't mind living on next to nothing. I want to fly prop planes for low pay...seriously (I mean, I will take higher pay if it comes but I am not asking for it). The only other career goal I had in mind would involve making use of my talents as a jazz pianist, and that pays dick too (in NYC no less). My dream would be to fly for a part 135 cargo outfit or something similar. I currently make around 30k, but most of money is being saved up for flight training. I could certainly stomach $20k or less in some outpost like Billings...I would work at Subway during off time with a smile on my face to make that happen (****, I hang that old college diploma right up there on the wall next to the sandwich board).

The question is a matter of training style...I think the FBO route might be good up through my CIME, and then switch over to something like ATP for my CFI/CFII, and MEI. However, the "Flight Safety Academies" of the world are so attractive with their ab-initio programs that build you up to a CFII in 8 fun months. I harbor no illusions here - I know these places have Marketing Departments which work overtime. However, I just wanted to gauge the feeling on these types of programs...would it be worth it to plunge into $55k or more of loan debt to run through a program like this? The other reason I ask is because I am worried that if I go the FBO route and get my instructor certs, I won't be able to find a job as an instructor. However, if I went with one of these academy-type programs, I could get an instructor position if I worked hard enough?

 

First of all let me congratulate on your achievement, your bachelors degree. I know very few people who finished their bachelor's degree in something other than aviation and started flight training. As for me I am working on my bachelors degree in humanities. You are in a great place. You have saved some serious money and probably in less or 0 debt. My advise is, continue training at your local FBO. It will not only save you a huge sum of money in the long run, but you will become a good pilot overall as oppossed to certain programs like "0 to hero in 90 days". I say "forget it" to that!
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The other reason I ask is because I am worried that if I go the FBO route and get my instructor certs, I won't be able to find a job as an instructor.

Are you kidding me??? Please don't borrow any more money to go to a flight academy. It's just not worth it IMO. Like I said before, with the amount of money you have your training should go very smoothly. Try not to think too ahead of time. There are many many many options in this field.

 

I am actually not as down on my degree as I sounded in my last post...I do like that I studied literature in college...

 

www.prairieairservice.com
http://www.bentonairpark.com/

I showed up with my PPL and went IFR thru MEI in 3 months(busting my ass). Was offered a CFI job and turned it down only to return a year later and instruct. Excellent instruction that won't break the bank. Check it out. Good luck.

 

"I am worried that if I go the FBO route and get my instructor certs, I won't be able to find a job as an instructor"

You won't have any trouble finding a job as an instructor, especially if you are willing to go anywhere for one.

A couple years as a CFI, max, and you could fly 135 freight and be making 40K a couple years after that. Even in Billings. A couple years of that and, who knows, maybe you WILL end up flying big jets. I started out pretty much looking at things the same way you are now. Never thought I'd get this far...

I'm a big believer in FBO type training but agree that an academy is best for the CFI ratings as they do a lot of them.

By the way, I think you parents were right about UND/ERAU. You know what your loan payments would be right about now?

 

I went to a state university (go Buffalo Bulls!) and managed to get my bachelors for less than one year of tuition at ERAU. However, I though UND being a state school would be cheaper...(I know for non-residents it probably isn't, but if I had played my cards right I could have moved there and declared residency after six months or a year).