-I understand that this thread does not completely fit within this subforum, and for that I apologize. However, if not here, I don't know where else.-

I'm fifteen, and in two days I will begin flight lessons that will reportedly be as frequent as "three to four times per week until you finish high school". I'm not completely clear on how licenses/certifications/ratings work, but I have a general picture. That general picture tells me that I could have my PPL, CFL, IR, CFI/I and have 500+ hours by eighteen. I don't know how the MEI fits into the picture, but I do know that I'm not eligible for the ATP until 23. (two to emphasize my disappointment)


Does having all of that for five years make a difference in my eligibility at twenty three to be picked up by a regional carrier?

How many years could I expect to wait from my ATP at twenty three to being picked up by a major airline?

How far would a good reference (say, a dad's friends or contacts or a dad of a good friend) go?

Will this career path even be worth taking in seven years?

 

I remember being where you are. You can't sit for the PPL until your 17 for the checkride, so as far as having all those by 18, I wouldn't count on it. I was at one point just trying to rush through all of the training too, but it is far better to ensure good quality instruction and that you understand what is being taught rather than completing it quickly. If you dont, standards only increase as you continue and it will make evrything much harder. I am 20, have my CFI, CPL, MEL, IRA, and IGI and am sitting for my CFII and MEI next week. I am also in process of being hired as a flight instructor at my 141 school. Wiht that, I have about 320 hours, and am ahead of many other people in my school for where I am hours wise.

Don't worry at all about the ATP. Before you start applying for the regionals, you will need to do your written, but your probobly wont even have the minimum hours until after a while in the airlines. .

Internal rec's always help in the industry. They are helping me now with this CFI position.

My advice to you is don't rush it. The most fun I flying was with my PPL and my IRA. Enjoy it now!

 

I started when I was 15 also and had the same plan of having everything done when I graduated high school. It is possible if you fly everyday. I chose to spend more time receiving quality instruction and building more time necessary than the time required to take each checkride. I got my private when I was 17 with almost 100 hours due to having to wait to turn 17. Right after I turned 18, I got my instrument. After getting my instrument I would fly everyday after school (usually with some friends from school) and GO places. Built up xc, pic, and total time for commercial. Got commercial single and multi the summer after graduating high school. Got CFI and CFII shortly after that. I'm a new hire at a regional now at the age of 20. Most regionals are looking for you to be 21 when you get hired, who knows what that will be in 7 years.

The reason I share all this is so that you can see it is possible and is a good plan. Focus on quality of instruction and time. Fly as many airplane types as possible. And most importantly, Have fun! Don't let your grades slip because of flying, either.

People will tell you it is all about who you know in the industry! Meet everyone you can around the airport, shake their hand and make a lasting impression. My contacts in the industry have allowed me to fly some awesome airplanes and build some great time, as well as getting me hired where I want to be.

Good luck and keep us in the loop with your progress!

 

In 3-5 year's who knows what this industry will be like, it makes small changes about every 2-3yrs, and big ones every 5-7.

Don't go crazy on the ratings just yet, because then you're going to start getting bored with it. Go out and enjoy it, but right now you are too young to pursue this that aggressively, unless you just got more money than you know what to do with.

 

Follow that plan and you'll be a burned-out, pi**ed off 50 year old RJ pilot in only 7 years. First, this industry can change direction in weeks; don't get too committed to a career path yet. Plan on getting a good education that will provide you with options for a good income outside of flying. Consider the various branches of the military. You are young.

I know a 15 year old who wa in love with flyng, Dad helped him, financially, to solo on his 16th birthday. Dad insisted on college, so this guy worked at the local airport thru college, getting his CP, ME and IR licenses. Bummed any kind of flying time available. In college, he met a guy who helped him get into AF UPT thru the ANG. This kid went thru pilot training just on the dream of getting an airline job. Well, the airline job lasted 4 years before bankruptcy happened and said airline disappeared. I've loved my career despite NONE of it working out the way I hoped. Military flying was fun, challenging, has given me chances few people have, airline flying was boring to the extreme, what I do now, at 58, is fun, challenging and uses everything I've learned in those various careers.

Enjoy it, but don't get burned out.

GF

 

My son is 15. When I was 15 I had already been flight training for a year. A lot can and will happen over the next few years for you and for aviation. It is good to have a goal but remember that even the best plans change.

I figured that by this time in my life flight attendants would be bringing Caeser Salad at FL350.

Skyhigh

 

If I could give you one piece of advice, take one day at a time and enjoy yourself along the way.

Keep your record as clean as possible ( No Drugs, No DUI/DWIs )

If you study diligently and pay attention to your instructor you shouldn't have any problem achieving your goals. When 2012 hits, the need for pilots will slowly pick up pace at a tremendous rate, so as long as you can keep your record clean and safe I don't see why you shouldn't be able to lock in a long term career as a pilot.

Definitely, you want to have a back up plan though, that can be said about any career path out there, so always keep that in the back of your mind. With that being said don't let anyone dissuade you from your goals.

Good Luck.

 

Thanks everyone for the advice and support.

Hopefully more people will chime in with their opinion!


Is that a joke or are you just screwing with me?

 

I'm saying that AFTER 2012, you should be able to get on with a 121 regional carrier with relative ease as long as you meet the minimum requirements. (Flight Time and Ratings)

You don't need an ATP to work as a First Officer at an Airline, as of now. (Subject to change)

 

You weren't thinking big enough. We're cruising around at FL410 now.