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Serious Question

Old 07-19-2005, 02:48 PM
  #1  
Do3r17
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Sorry guys, but I have searched the internet but cannot find the answer to these questions I have. Im a long time aspiring pilot and want to start as soon as possible. I really dont want to procratinate as for the people at Pprune forums advise me.

My goal in life is to one day sit in the captain seat of a major airlines jet such as American Airlines. I am currently 17yrs old. Obviously I need my PPL, IR, ATPL, CPL, FAA, and the rest. My father just recently started bringing in the dough lately (About past 5 years) becasue he started to get into investing real estate. So, money is not really a problem. He's willing to put in the money for me to get my dream job. I've wanted this ever since I was 8.

How may I know I want this, well for one, every time an airplane goes by in the sky, I notice I'm starring at it. I love the airports, I love flying in airplanes. I cant even describe my love of flying. It gives me the chills. I am in very good physical shape, have the best eyes in the world, and am currently not on any medications. Anyways, enough of the background information, here comes the questions.

I'm going into my senior year in high school, and am currently getting A's and B's. When I get out, should I go to a training school then go to college for a degree in aviation? Get a degree in aviation (or anything else, does it really matter that I get a degree in aviation?) then get my certificates? Or, is there a college that has both training and education? I would rather go to a something that has both. Im just not sure on what there really is.

Heres what I think would be best. I want to start my PPL while in my senior year of high school, then when I get out, I will finish up in a college that trains and offers a degree at the same time. If thats not possible, then I wnat to obtain my certificates first, then get a job as an instructor and go to college at the same time. That way, it will help pay for the college bill.

Sorry bout all the writing, but I need to know what to do. I'm tired of putting it off. I want to do this! I've been very serious about it for the past 6 months. Now its time to get started. Thanks so much for reading all this and providing your intake. By the way, I'm not really sure where people on this forum are from, just to clearify things, I'm from the U.S.A.
 
Old 07-19-2005, 03:10 PM
  #2  
SAABDriver
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Since you are just starting out I would take a few flying lessons...see if you like it.

I would reccomend going to college for a four year degree. You need the degree not only for aviation but to give yourself a good back up if aviation does not work out.

I went to Letourneau university in Texas. 4 year degree in aviation. i used the Bachelor Degree to get a couple of jobs when aviation was in the toilet (9/11)...check it out letu.edu.

Other options are the "big Names" Embry Riddle, Ohio State, FIT...etc...

Check with your school advisor for some....some of the smaller schools are good options.... I.E. Daniel Webster in New Hampshire, Bridgewater State in Bridgewater, Mass.

Good luck.....I too wanted to fly when I was 8 and I love my job today!

PSG
 
Old 07-20-2005, 07:40 PM
  #3  
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I'm getting my Bachelors online from UVSC. (uvscaviation.com) Working well for me. My friend got a job at great lakes with no degree. During the HR part of the interview, he told the chief pilot he was working on his degree online with UVSC. The chief said "we have lots of guys here that are doing that". I say get your flight training first, then finsh the degree. But!!!!!
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Old 07-20-2005, 07:45 PM
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DO3R17-

I can see by your writing that you have the passion and fire in your stomach. That's awesome! This alone will get you very far in the airline pilot profession.

First things first. No matter where you decide to do your flight training, hour building, and 4 year degree studies, being a pilot means you're in a business where the contacts you make create the jobs you desire. Simply put, that means that you will advance further and faster when you reach out to people you come in contact with. Nice, friendly people go far in this business. I honestly don't care how good of a pilot you are; the FAA wouldn't license you if you were dangerous. So create some differentiation in yourself by being likeable, professional, and interested in people around you as you build time and finish out college.

I went to a small college in Dallas while flight instructing part-time. The contacts I made between 250 and 1500 hours total time were the contacts that created every job I ever got, up to dream job with a major. Build friendships and contacts along the way, and you'll do well in aviation-- I promise.

It doesn't matter what your degree is in, although like the prior post said it's good to get something non-aviation so your eggs aren't all in one basket. Wherever you go, make sure there's lots of activity. Where there's lots of CFIs and business jets, there are lots of jobs and networking opportunities. DO NOT go to a small mom-and-pop school sitting by itself on a 4,000 foot strip in Bonham, Texas!

All the best to you as you finish out high school and begin your upwards trajectory. Drop in once in a while and let us know how you're doing.
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Old 07-20-2005, 09:32 PM
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i agree. try a few lessons and make sure u love it. Get your degree in something beside aviation. Get your PPL asap and as many ratings along the way while in college. you can't get what u want without the degree no matter how many hrs. and ratings you have. best of luck.
 
Old 07-20-2005, 09:55 PM
  #6  
Do3r17
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Hey guys, thanks for the replies. A very good frind of mine suggested that I join the Air Force Reserves while I was treating him out to dinner! That way, I could get flight hours from that. While doing that, I can attend Purdue in Lafayette Indiana. I live about 30 minutes from there. There is also a place for the reserves about 20 minutes away. Suprisingly, it seems to fit like a glove.

I also think that by joining the reserves you get a certain amount of money paid for the school you attend. If this is true, then my golly, it couldn't get better. What do you guys think about the reserves? I will probably obtain more flight hours from there (especially those precious Multi Engine hours). I appreciate your input.

Oh, by the way, I've been on the internet for the past three days straight for at least 8 hours a day doing research and still going strong. Just want you guys to know how serious I am.
 
Old 07-22-2005, 12:32 PM
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Going into the reserves to fly just doesn't work like that. In order to fly in any branch of the military you need to be an officer. One of the requirements for that is a four year degree. If you go into the reserves you'll be working as a crew chief, loadmaster, or other job until you finish school. Then you have to hope you can get a flight slot upon finishing your degree. If money isn't an option, get through your ratings and start instructing as fast as you can. Going into the military could cost you quite a bit of time, especially if you get called to active duty.

Purdue is a great school, they have very nice facilities and equipment. It was on my short list but being from Missouri made it very expensive to attend. I believe that the only things you'll be required to pay for as an Indiana resident are your flight fees and books. Not a bad way to go.

Good luck!
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Old 07-22-2005, 09:05 PM
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I've decided that joining the reserves does not work out like I wanted it to. Ok though, I will obtian my PPL my senior year so that when I enter Purdue I will be instructing by the time the first year is over. Now, just getting into Purdue.
 
Old 07-23-2005, 01:50 PM
  #9  
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Purdue is a great plan! Get a meaningful degree in something other than aviation though. Aviation will work but you need to be more well rounded.

Other advice:

Consider ANYONE you meet in the field may be in a position to help you. DON'T BURN ANY BRIDGES.

Keep detailed records of your work history and residences so you can come up with a work history from high school on when asked quickly and easily.

Keep a copy of everything you send to any employer.

Don't get arrested and stay away from people who may get you arrested.

Don't live with roommates who have drugs in the house. I had fun with drugs in college (1978) but unfortunately, times have changed. You can't afford to get caught with them anywhere around you.

Keep all you training records.

Have fun in college and remember, college co-eds are awesome but you can only really date them in college.

Last edited by mike734; 07-23-2005 at 02:00 PM.
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Old 07-23-2005, 02:12 PM
  #10  
Do3r17
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lol, I appreciate the advice. Especially about the girls I just recently checked out an airport I just found about, omg its 3700 dollars, thats it. I'll get my PPL for that wowwww. I went to two othe rplaces and they were asking near 7000 dollars. Always shop around
 
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