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Quote:

Originally Posted by TristanRealest (Post 1620808)

Thanks a lot for all of this valuable info. Means a lot. I have a few questions though. You mentioned above that TBS is where everyone without an aviation guarantee competes for their MOS, so does that mean that you can get a guaranteed flight spot? And how could I go about getting one? You also said that the fewest go multi-engine, such as the KC-130. Sorry if this sounds dumb, but are you saying that it is the hardest to compete for a chance to fly multi-engine? Again, thanks again for all the info. I've already started reading the resources you gave me.

You start by visiting with an OSO.
Yes - KC-130s are hard to get because there are few slots for them.
The USMC is probably 70% helos. The entire program/process is very competitive. I don't know anything about the tilt-rotor program except you end up trainingbin multi-engine and helo I believe. There are some Osprey pilots on this forum.
More info is available at Marines.com/Officer

Quote:

Originally Posted by jumpseat2024 (Post 1620446)

Go to med school, make a fortune, get your private license, and buy your own plane.

YGBSM, with Obamacare, that's a profession that I'd avoid. Doctor's compensation is going down big time.

Quote:

Originally Posted by PRS Guitars (Post 1621118)

YGBSM, with Obamacare, that's a profession that I'd avoid. Doctor's compensation is going down big time.

Yes from 500k a year to 375k

Clearly they will be suffering

1. Military (if you can get it)
a. Academy if you have the grades but too late for you.
b. ROTC very good way to get in. Be sure the detachment at your school is all up to spec on pilot paperwork as you have a lot of hoops and a really good nco will give you a leg-up.
c. Start visiting the reserve units in your area looking for a pilot job. Lots of web advice on how that is done.
d. Helis in the army is also a legit option. Fun too (so they say).

2. ATP's flight school after earning a 4 year degree will be the least expensive and quickest option with a good reputation. If you want to build time instructing (what other choice do you have?) a school with contracts to asian carriers is the best as you will get loads of instructing time and learn how to instruct without the ability to converse.

3. Stay away from flying (the best choice).

The flying career will take all of your time and the payoff will be minimal until years into the profession. If you gain a fortune somehow and can deal with sub-par income while spending a large percentage of your earnings on the costs of the career then it will be easier. Not that I am unhappy or anything. I like going to work (yes it is a job) but if you want to get into flying to gain a respectable income then you need to reevaluate the job as a whole. That being said nearly everybody I work with is sick and infected with an addiction to aviation that became terminal and lead them into a career that returns little for such deep-seated passion.

Anyway my 2¢

Quote:

Originally Posted by satpak77 (Post 1621138)

Yes from 500k a year to 375k

Clearly they will be suffering

That's not exactly keeping up with inflation nor making a fortune. More than a few DL pilots made more than 375 last year.

Quote:

Originally Posted by A321 (Post 1620369)

I went to an aviation university (similar to ERAU) then flight instructed at ATP and made it through the regionals to the majors in 6 years.

If I had to do it over again, I would:

-Attend a "regular" college and major in something besides aviation (like business). I missed out on the "regular" college experience (socially, partying, etc) because typically aviation college/universities are lame and mostly male.
-Fly on the side, and/or attain your ratings with ATP. Best, most efficient flight school out there in my opinion.
-Build your hours flight instructing at ATP. Again, I think this is the best and most efficient way to build time. ATP has the largest multi-engine fleet in the world so you will gain that much needed twin time.
-Apply to all the regionals, but try to choose the best quality airline to work for (ExpressJet, Compass, Skywest, etc) and avoid Mesa, Republic, GoJet etc.
-The majors are going to be hiring like crazy for years, as long as there isn't another 9/11. Hundreds of age 65 retirements per month.

Good luck! Persevere and don't give up. It's a lot of blood, sweat and tears but once you get to a major airline it will all be worth it $$$.

Agreed with this except the going to the regional with the best workrules. Go to the regional that gives you the best upgrade potential.

Quote:

Originally Posted by satpak77 (Post 1621138)

Yes from 500k a year to 375k

Clearly they will be suffering

Yes - that is clearly thecaverage salary that any doctor can expect, along with all lawyers according to this board and all DL pilots :D

yes yes

"375,000 a year - the new normal in the American worker income"

Quote:

Originally Posted by PRS Guitars (Post 1621118)

YGBSM, with Obamacare, that's a profession that I'd avoid. Doctor's compensation is going down big time.

All my doctor buddies are crying about this, big time, and they are all sending their kids to...

Dental School! :eek: :D

"That's where the real money is!" is what they've been telling me!

In my neighborhood the lawyers kids want to be doctors and the doctors kids want to be lawyers. When I question them why they don't want to follow their parents profession they say "My mom/dad works too hard"...