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Questions for the accomplished

Old 07-12-2013, 03:33 PM
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Default Questions for the accomplished

Why hello fellow pilots,
I am a student pilot at the age of 21, i have just started my career in flying but am looking for some advice from the already accomplished career pilots. I would love to eventually fly commercial for airliners or fly private for corporations (any beginners dream). But i'm not completely informed with the steps needed to make this dream come true. I am willing to do what it takes just need the right steps. btw i am enrolled in a career pilot course at gtcc aviation (a highly ranked aviation program). Just beginning this fall. WHAT SHALL I SET MYSELF UP FOR?! WHERE DO I GO AFTER SCHOOL/AFTER I EARN MY PRIVATE WHAT SHOULD I SHOOT FOR TO CONTINUE MY GOAL?! Im sorry if these are beginner questions but i could 100% use the advice and direction from multiple peers. thanks!! -MrMabe
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Old 07-12-2013, 04:47 PM
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First of all, read the following web article fully, and take it to heart. It is an unbiased set of essays by an airline pilot speaking to those in your situation:

The Truth About the Profession

As far as what to do next, coming here for supplemental opinions is a good plan and highly recommended, but for your main line of advice the career guidance counselors at your flight school are mandatory. Ask them what to do.

Generally you will progress through a series of flight ratings culminating in time-building flight jobs. This might include entry level commercial flying, and possibly flight instruction. Or both.

Then you apply for regional airline job when you have the requisite flight time which is now 1500 hours. It is also possible to work for corporate flight departments, and/or to enroll in the military. Military flight slots are highly valuable in building pilot credentials.
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Old 07-12-2013, 08:15 PM
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If you love to fly, I suggest looking into aviation careers (generally non-flying) that pay well enough for you to be able to own your own plane and fly around anywhere you want, when you want, how you want. This typically doesn't happen flying for an airline. Nothing like ultimate freedom.
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Old 07-13-2013, 10:03 AM
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Originally Posted by JamesNoBrakes View Post
If you love to fly, I suggest looking into aviation careers (generally non-flying) that pay well enough for you to be able to own your own plane and fly around anywhere you want, when you want, how you want. This typically doesn't happen flying for an airline. Nothing like ultimate freedom.
I wish.
Those other careers generally work you plenty hard though so by the time you get some freedom-time, you just want to rack-out.
Either way you get worked hard so - what to do getting worked.
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Old 07-13-2013, 11:47 AM
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Network now. Find a way through family friends, work friends, relatives etc a way into a local airport. Talk to everyone. Find a way to avoid flying at the regional airlines. That's my best advice.
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Old 08-17-2013, 05:28 PM
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Originally Posted by MrMabe View Post
Why hello fellow pilots,
I am a student pilot at the age of 21, i have just started my career in flying but am looking for some advice from the already accomplished career pilots. I would love to eventually fly commercial for airliners or fly private for corporations (any beginners dream). But i'm not completely informed with the steps needed to make this dream come true. I am willing to do what it takes just need the right steps. btw i am enrolled in a career pilot course at gtcc aviation (a highly ranked aviation program). Just beginning this fall. WHAT SHALL I SET MYSELF UP FOR?! WHERE DO I GO AFTER SCHOOL/AFTER I EARN MY PRIVATE WHAT SHOULD I SHOOT FOR TO CONTINUE MY GOAL?! Im sorry if these are beginner questions but i could 100% use the advice and direction from multiple peers. thanks!! -MrMabe
Be persistent! Take whatever flying job comes your way. You will have some jobs that really suck but don't worry, keep your ear open for flying opportunities that are better than what you currently have. The pay will suck and you might find yourself sleeping in your car from time to time but if you persist, you will find yourself making a good living with a good schedule.
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Old 08-17-2013, 05:47 PM
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Go to Alaska or San Juan PR. tailwheel.
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Old 08-17-2013, 06:11 PM
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Originally Posted by krudawg View Post
The pay will suck and you might find yourself sleeping in your car from time to time but if you persist, you will find yourself making a good living with a good schedule.
Come one - if you're going to give the guy advice, at least make it truthful. The person who told the guy to read "the truth about the profession" was at least steering him toward good information.

Being persistent isn't the only factor and being willing to take crappy jobs with bad pay and sleep in your car doesn't mean you will definitely end up making a good living or having a good schedule. Some guys could spend their entire life sleeping in their car hoping to land that dream job and it ain't gonna happen. It's not a done deal as long as you're willing to wait long enough. That's a bit more truthful, IMO.
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Old 08-17-2013, 06:50 PM
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Originally Posted by Adlerdriver View Post
Come one - if you're going to give the guy advice, at least make it truthful. The person who told the guy to read "the truth about the profession" was at least steering him toward good information.

Being persistent isn't the only factor and being willing to take crappy jobs with bad pay and sleep in your car doesn't mean you will definitely end up making a good living or having a good schedule. Some guys could spend their entire life sleeping in their car hoping to land that dream job and it ain't gonna happen. It's not a done deal as long as you're willing to wait long enough. That's a bit more truthful, IMO.
Why are you guys implying that he'll be able to afford a car?!?

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Old 08-18-2013, 12:59 AM
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Get used to being disappointed, look forward to being cynical 25 years later once you're in..
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