Help
11-06-2006, 01:59 PM
#1
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Thread Starter
Joined APC: Nov 2006
Posts: 23
Help
Hi, i'm J I would really like to know the steps to becomming a commerical pilot its always been a dream of mine to become a pilot ever since i was around 6.I am 15 turning 16 at the end of this month in the 10th grade i was thinking i could join the airforce so i could get training and expereince without paying a whole lot.Please could you tell me the steps to take thanks i would really apprecitate it.
11-06-2006, 02:40 PM
#3
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Apr 2006
Posts: 249
Hi J - We're just about the same age; I'm no airline pilot, just a PPL student (at the moment) but here's what I've found reading these fourms for a long time...
First off, don't join the air force just so you don't have to pay for training and/or as a stepping stone to the airline pilot life. The military trains you fast and hard, and you just won't make it with that attitude; plus, you're joining the armed forces for the wrong reason. If military flying is what you want, and you want to serve your country then go for it. But joining just to save some cash just won't cut it.
If you choose become an airline pilot in the aviation world, find a good FBO and do you flight training there. Avoid all these Academies and fast-track "you'll be an airline pilot in 6 months - guaranteed!" jokes. Your FBO will get you to the same spot at a fraction of the cost; you will be a flight instructor and learn while you build hours instead of paying an airline to let you work for them. Get a 4-year college degree - the airlines say they're prefered, but in reality they're completely necessary. A lot of guys say not to get an aviation degree. I'm planning on it and I know a lot of great pilots who did (I'm interested in aviation more than any other subject you could major in in college)... it's all up to you.
After you're a flight instructor get a job at a good regional airline. Where you go from there is completely up to you. Me... I'm shooting for cargo flying; my sights are set on that FE panel at FedEx or UPS. Wherever you go is your choice.
I hope this helps ya. (All the actual airline pilots - feel free to correct me if I'm wrong...
First off, don't join the air force just so you don't have to pay for training and/or as a stepping stone to the airline pilot life. The military trains you fast and hard, and you just won't make it with that attitude; plus, you're joining the armed forces for the wrong reason. If military flying is what you want, and you want to serve your country then go for it. But joining just to save some cash just won't cut it.
If you choose become an airline pilot in the aviation world, find a good FBO and do you flight training there. Avoid all these Academies and fast-track "you'll be an airline pilot in 6 months - guaranteed!" jokes. Your FBO will get you to the same spot at a fraction of the cost; you will be a flight instructor and learn while you build hours instead of paying an airline to let you work for them. Get a 4-year college degree - the airlines say they're prefered, but in reality they're completely necessary. A lot of guys say not to get an aviation degree. I'm planning on it and I know a lot of great pilots who did (I'm interested in aviation more than any other subject you could major in in college)... it's all up to you.
After you're a flight instructor get a job at a good regional airline. Where you go from there is completely up to you. Me... I'm shooting for cargo flying; my sights are set on that FE panel at FedEx or UPS. Wherever you go is your choice.
I hope this helps ya. (All the actual airline pilots - feel free to correct me if I'm wrong...
Last edited by CRJ-200; 11-06-2006 at 04:49 PM.
11-06-2006, 05:18 PM
#4
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Oct 2006
Position: Citation II
Posts: 315
CRJ-200 nailed it.
The only thing I would add is that it wouldn't hurt to also get a job at an FBO as a line person or customer service person (maybe while going to college and taking flight instruction). This will give you some ground floor experience in the non-flying aspect of aviation and also gain you some networking contacts for the future. In addition to the Regionals and the Majors, there is also a world of 135 Charter and Corporate flying that will possibly make use of this networking you've gained.
This is how I came up and I have no regrets. Being a corporate pilot was always my goal, and now I are one.
The only thing I would add is that it wouldn't hurt to also get a job at an FBO as a line person or customer service person (maybe while going to college and taking flight instruction). This will give you some ground floor experience in the non-flying aspect of aviation and also gain you some networking contacts for the future. In addition to the Regionals and the Majors, there is also a world of 135 Charter and Corporate flying that will possibly make use of this networking you've gained.
This is how I came up and I have no regrets. Being a corporate pilot was always my goal, and now I are one.
11-06-2006, 05:40 PM
#5
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Apr 2006
Posts: 249
Originally Posted by aero550
CRJ-200 nailed it.
The only thing I would add is that it wouldn't hurt to also get a job at an FBO as a line person or customer service person (maybe while going to college and taking flight instruction). This will give you some ground floor experience in the non-flying aspect of aviation and also gain you some networking contacts for the future. In addition to the Regionals and the Majors, there is also a world of 135 Charter and Corporate flying that will possibly make use of this networking you've gained.
This is how I came up and I have no regrets. Being a corporate pilot was always my goal, and now I are one.
The only thing I would add is that it wouldn't hurt to also get a job at an FBO as a line person or customer service person (maybe while going to college and taking flight instruction). This will give you some ground floor experience in the non-flying aspect of aviation and also gain you some networking contacts for the future. In addition to the Regionals and the Majors, there is also a world of 135 Charter and Corporate flying that will possibly make use of this networking you've gained.
This is how I came up and I have no regrets. Being a corporate pilot was always my goal, and now I are one.
You corporate guys are like the fighter pilots of the civilian world...
11-06-2006, 06:42 PM
#6
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Thread Starter
Joined APC: Nov 2006
Posts: 23
THANK YOU GUYS SO MUCH I WILL LOOK INTO ALL OF THAT BECUASE THIS IS REALLY WHAT I WANT TO DO,and yeah I was thinking of working cargo because that's where the big salary's at.Also i know sight is a major thing but i wear glasses do i have to have corrected vision or as long as i have glasses or contacts its ok.
11-06-2006, 07:24 PM
#7
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Joined APC: May 2006
Position: Corporate Chief Pilot
Posts: 198
Originally Posted by jcool411
THANK YOU GUYS SO MUCH I WILL LOOK INTO ALL OF THAT BECUASE THIS IS REALLY WHAT I WANT TO DO,and yeah I was thinking of working cargo because that's where the big salary's at.Also i know sight is a major thing but i wear glasses do i have to have corrected vision or as long as i have glasses or contacts its ok.
11-06-2006, 07:30 PM
#8
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Oct 2006
Position: CRJ900
Posts: 230
Hey Jcool look into every form of training and then decide whats best for you. The fast tracks do have placement records and some are quite good as do FBO's so dont rule anything out until youve looked into it. When the times right youll know what is best for you. The best advice anyone can give you is to keep your options open and never rule anything out until you at least check it out. Remember research never hurts.
