everett_cessna_pilot

Well since i can remember, i have always wanted to be an airline pilot. I dont care what the pay is, its just so fun to go see places and fly. Right now i am 18 years of age with a private pilots license and working on my intrument which ill have by the time im 19 and i have 81 hrs right now. I have only been flying for 6 months. I am planing on going all the way through to CFII and MEI. I also go to school during the day to get my A&P license. Then im also majoring in aeronautics from embry riddle with a minor in airway science. Am i on the right track to become an airline pilot, starting of at the regionals? i appreciate all help and input. Thanks

-Rick

WatchThis!

Rick,

I think what you describe is your desire for a hobby flying airplanes - not working as a professional pilot. If you don't care about compensation, and just want to have fun and go fly places. Save yourself some grief - buy an airplane and have all the fun you want. You could fly places and see all you want - without having to worry about living on $19/hr.

One day you'll be old and need a retirement. If you don't care about that, you aren't going to be surrounded by like-minded individuals at the airlines who are willing to fight for a higher standard of living.

Flying airlines is a kick, making a living doing it is not.

Good Luck.

SWAjet

I respectfully disagree with WatchThis. Since money isn't the prime motivator here, I say go for a career as an airline pilot. If you stay with mostly stable carriers or freight, you can go a long way. Yes, I know it's sometimes impossible to choose who's stable and who's not, but I'm here to encourage someone who says they want to fly for a living!

Flying your own Cessna on the weekends is not the same as laying over with a hot flight attendant or two in Fort Lauderdale, grabbing a great dinner, or relaxing all afternoon at a seaside pool while your buddies are doing the 8 to 5 grind back home. Better yet if you have the ability to one day fly international, which I unfortunately will never get to do at SWA (sniff).

Most everyone I know loves flying airplanes for a living. You will too! Just be prepared for the industry's ups and downs.

Good luck!

everett_cessna_pilot

well living on 19 an hour is fine to me, my dream since i was a kid was to fly the biggest airplanes, since i cant go into the service (ive had knee surgery) airliners are my only choice which i absolutly love. I am prepared for ups and downs of the industry and the a&p can also help with my wages. but i guess i am on the right track. SWAjet, i appreciate your input a lot. And WatchThis, dude im 18, i cant afford my own plane. It would be nice one day, but i love airliners. thanks for your inputs, its all greatly appreciated and if anyone has any input still, im open for advice! Thanks

-Rick

BoynamedSue

i believe watch this gave you some sound advise. there is more to this industry than the "soft" ups and downs. (unstable carrier, contract flying, poor mx., terrible sched, time away from home, furlough, airline goes bye-bye, contract neg, strike, another union strikes and you support, to name a few...hopefully not all of these)

sitting around with a flight attendant--sorry but big deal!

will fly an airliner for 19.00/hour rick--come on. really--come on.

if that is your way of thinking, there are many airlines ripe for you to go to. perhaps you should consider paying for your training.

best of luck in your training and airline progression.

sue

everett_cessna_pilot

well i dont mind enduring all those things, it is worth it, also my flight trainning is paid for by the us government because of my dad being a disabled vet. i know all of the hardships, but im really just wondering if im on the right track. also the wages do get better as you go on, so im happy with that. so if anyone wants to add some advice, id love to hear it

-Rick

Pilotpip

The right track for you isn't the right track for me, or anybody else on this board. This is one of the neat things about time building. Do what you like. Consider that you only have 81 hours right now. Your tone might change when flying becomes a job. Something that I see a lot of people doing is exactly what you are right now. While keeping the ultimate goal in view, they spend too much time worrying about that and forget the task at hand. Take it step by step, and don't worry about the details that are 5+ years down the line. Those goals and details might change in those 5 years.

If I were in your boat with the A&P, and I had a family and whatnot (which will be one of those issues you'll likely see sometime down the road) I would wrench on airplanes and buy one to fly for fun on the side. MX costs aren't so bad when you can take care of it yourself.

PS: Please don't fly for $17,000 per year. It makes it harder for those of us who have to repay those loans we took for training.

HSLD

Rick,

Welcome to boards, I think you'll find some great info here, I would like to add my $.02 worth to the thread.

You don't find too many doctors, lawyers, truck drivers, bridge builders, fishermen, IT professionals, or even Vegas dancers saying "I don't care how much they pay me, I do this job because I love it".

Working as a professional pilot is no different.

I can tell by your posts that you've fallen in love with aviation, don't fight it, it won't help. Your current attitude will help you though the lean times, and I promise you'll see them. As you find your way to the airlines, never forget that these compaines profit from your labor. It takes years to earn the qualification to apply to an airline - it's a business and you should be well compensated for your qualification and credential.

Flying airplanes is fun, but at the airline level it IS work. Work hard in training, enjoy the ride, but don't short-change yourself in your career expectations. Six weeks on the line, and you'll realize that "the love of flying" attitude belongs only in romance novels. Expand your love of flying to realize that YOU CAN make some serious dough flying for an airline. Really, what kind of airline pilot would you be at 50 driving a 10 year-old car and living with your mother?

Sounds like you have a great attitude, but to coin a phase: AIM HIGH

Best of luck

everett_cessna_pilot

Making money flying is worth it, and from what ive seen i guess money is a big factor, so i guess aim high and get paid the big bucks for what your doing. I apprectiate all the help from everyone! Thanks!

-Rick