to be or not to be
#11
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jun 2013
Posts: 806
For the last few day I have been struggling with the decision on whether to stay in the military or get out and pursuit my dream of become an airline pilot. Am a currently 29 years old, single with no kids, and have a BS in Business. I have been literally glue to the internet for days trying to do my research to help me make the right decision. From what I have read in articles and forums, all the signs point to staying in the military. But event-though the wage suck, quality of life decrease substantially and I’ll be in huge debt from flight school loans, somehow I still would like to pursuit this dream. I finally came to the conclusion that pilots are either stupid or crazy; stupid in the sense that they had no idea what they were getting themselves into or crazy in the sense that they knew what they were getting into but did it anyway. To be honest I think I might be crazy enough to go for it.
My biggest concern at the moment is the cost of flight school. From what I have notice, the entire profession pilot training program range from 70,000 to 100,000. Am worry that that I won’t be able to pay that amount back making 20,000 a year
The question I have is; have any of you knowing know the risks you were taking and did it pay off (it doesn’t have to be monetary)
Do any of you know of or would recommend National Aviation Academy flight training program? The program is 19 month and cost 79,000. By the time your finish you’ll have all the rating plus complete your ATP written plus 400-500 actually aircraft hours
My biggest concern at the moment is the cost of flight school. From what I have notice, the entire profession pilot training program range from 70,000 to 100,000. Am worry that that I won’t be able to pay that amount back making 20,000 a year
The question I have is; have any of you knowing know the risks you were taking and did it pay off (it doesn’t have to be monetary)
Do any of you know of or would recommend National Aviation Academy flight training program? The program is 19 month and cost 79,000. By the time your finish you’ll have all the rating plus complete your ATP written plus 400-500 actually aircraft hours
I do agree with other people when they say that you should first and foremost get your PPL and see if you feel like this is something for you. Becoming a pilot is not for everyone, no matter how much you wish to become an airline captain after watching countless videos on Youtube and on TV. See first if flying is for you, by going and getting your private. The national average is around 50-70 hours of flying.
In regards to other people trying to discourage you from becoming an airline pilot and/or working at a regional, take what they say with a grain of salt. There are TONS and TONS of regional airline pilots who are happy with their job and their life, everyone knows that the first couple of years is tough, but it's like that at most places where you need to climb a ladder. Remember that people usually speak up ONLY when they have something negative to say, or are frustrated because THEIR situation sucks, so, remember that it's not necessarily going to be as bad for you just because everyone says so.
Make sure you research the company you want to work for and go for the one that seems to know what they're doing (i.e Skywest).
My last advice to you is to try to live where you'll be based. You usually start on reserve and it really does suck to have to commute for that. 75% of all the crap you hear about working for a regional comes from the fact that people have to commute on their free time, sleep at dingy crash pads and spend money where they shouldn't due to that.
Just be prepared to be a nomad for a while and never ride against the wave.
I think the best advice anyone ever gave me about getting into the industry was simply "it is what you make of it".
#12
Layover Master
Joined APC: Jan 2013
Position: Seated
Posts: 4,310
In regards to other people trying to discourage you from becoming an airline pilot and/or working at a regional, take what they say with a grain of salt. There are TONS and TONS of regional airline pilots who are happy with their job and their life, everyone knows that the first couple of years is tough, but it's like that at most places where you need to climb a ladder. Remember that people usually speak up ONLY when they have something negative to say, or are frustrated because THEIR situation sucks, so, remember that it's not necessarily going to be as bad for you just because everyone says so.
Eight had been furloughed.
Five were on their fourth or more airline
Four had declared bankruptcy due to losing their jobs (more than once).
But hey, it's all what you make of it.
#13
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jul 2013
Posts: 10,061
A 14 person sample size from one airline and one hire class is considered an insignificant statistic. I know people who went through basic training and half their unit died in Iraq. That does not mean that half the Army (or anywhere near it) died or will die in Iraq. Your point is interesting but irrelevant.
#14
Line Holder
Joined APC: May 2012
Position: Three Grey Walls and a Wheely Chair
Posts: 26
If you haven't realized your GI bill can pay for a lot of your training then you didn't do enough research. Look through the threads on the military section for more info. If your branch still has TA, see if it'll cover your private under the "one time certification" rules. It may only be for AF types though.
Second, consider going Guard/Reserve. Health Ins is $60/mo for a single guy and you're guaranteed to get paid part time. Yes you could still be activated but it's a great financial safety net. Depending on your specially there are oppurtunities to go "on orders" in the reserves for days/weeks/month/etc. Finish a rating, go work for a month (plus per diem in some cases).
Plenty of options.
Second, consider going Guard/Reserve. Health Ins is $60/mo for a single guy and you're guaranteed to get paid part time. Yes you could still be activated but it's a great financial safety net. Depending on your specially there are oppurtunities to go "on orders" in the reserves for days/weeks/month/etc. Finish a rating, go work for a month (plus per diem in some cases).
Plenty of options.
#15
Layover Master
Joined APC: Jan 2013
Position: Seated
Posts: 4,310
A 14 person sample size from one airline and one hire class is considered an insignificant statistic. I know people who went through basic training and half their unit died in Iraq. That does not mean that half the Army (or anywhere near it) died or will die in Iraq. Your point is interesting but irrelevant.
My point is that this isn't abnormal.
#16
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jul 2013
Posts: 10,061
Of course it isn't abnormal. You were at a regional at one of the most turbulent times in aviation history (record increase in fuel, massive economic recession). There are literally millions of people who were laid off between 2008-2010 and still don't have work. The airline industry is not a constant and not immune to economic pressures.
#17
Layover Master
Joined APC: Jan 2013
Position: Seated
Posts: 4,310
Of course it isn't abnormal. You were at a regional at one of the most turbulent times in aviation history (record increase in fuel, massive economic recession). There are literally millions of people who were laid off between 2008-2010 and still don't have work. The airline industry is not a constant and not immune to economic pressures.
I'm simply stating that there is very good reason some of us have a skeptical view, and it isn't just because WE didn't make it. Look around.
#18
Line Holder
Joined APC: Nov 2005
Position: Captain part 135
Posts: 88
I finally came to the conclusion that pilots are either stupid or crazy; stupid in the sense that they had no idea what they were getting themselves into or crazy in the sense that they knew what they were getting into but did it anyway. To be honest I think I might be crazy enough to go for it.
P.S, I did the regionals for about three years before I looked myself in the mirror and realized, I had become the instrument of my own demise.