Hey All,

I am in need of a few pointers. It seems as if my nose has been to the grindstone for a while and I may have veered slightly off course. A little background. I progressed through my PPL at UND in Hawaii about 6 years ago. It didn't take me long to realize that a career in the airlines did not appeal to me. I decided that bush flyng in remote parts of the world have gritty, irrestible attraction. So I went and got an A&P license. Now I am working for a reputable airline in northern Alaska learning the ways of the wrench. The pay is high enough to do some saving, and paying off of student debt. I am also taking online classes w/UVU for Professional pilot. This degree is very appealing since it credits flight ratings (about 50% of the requirements) towards your degree. I realize that I need to jump the A&P train before too long or I might become too valuable a mechanic to change careers. I also realize that earning a degree in aviation is discouraged. However I have also heard it said that one should study in a field that he is interested in. (Take art, English, and recreation degrees for example!)
There is an opportunity to buy a half share on an Aeronica Chief w/a coworker. My plan (is subject to change) is to buy that airplane for the sole purpose of building time. Maybe build up to 500 hours tt, then quit my job, move to the southern part of the state, pick up a part time A&P job, and complete my training; instrument, commercial, MEL, and float rate.
My overall goal is to start flying w/very little debt, valuable A&P field experience, and a college degree in that order.

One more variable, I'm looking to get married this summer. The good news is that she is very supportive of these dreams. I did promise to take her flying all over Alaska if we buy a plane.

I am open to all criticisms, comments, observations, this is a time to readjust the dg to mag compass.
Thanks!

 

Heck, you should be giving people like me advice. That all sounds very good. What we commonly see on these boards are people with mid-life crises asking to hear it's ok to throw away everything they have to run off and join the circus as a regional airplane driver. I do not recommend you do that unless you know what you are getting into. But you seem to know what you are getting into, you are taking it slow and paying your way, and have a balanced, pragmatic view of the career and its progression. Good luck. Send pictures.

 

Of Alaska, your plane and your wife, not necessarily in that order .

Seriously, Cubdriver nailed it again. Best of luck on a well thought out plan!