15, want to be a Cargo Pilot, what to do?
 

Hi, this is my first post.
I'm currently 15 and a sophomore in high school and I think that I want to be a cargo pilot for a major airline like FedEx or UPS. I've been looking at options for getting an ATP in college and I'm looking at Embry-Riddle, EKU, and FIT. I've also considered going into the military and getting flight training. I'm most concerned about the cost. I sure my parents and scholarships could afford the base tuition but the extra $60,000 in flight costs is concerning. I want to know what the best option would be to ultimately achieve my goal.
Thanks!

The cheapest option is the military route however the military is very selective and pilot positions are very competitive. Once your military commitment is over, you will be in a very good position to get a job with any major airline. They love military pilots.

As far as the civilian route goes, being a graduate of a big aviation university really does not help you much towards your final goal. It also ends up being the most expensive.

Personally I would get a degree in an area of study that interests you and pursue your flight training at a decent flight school nearby. That will help to keep the cost down.

So just going to a public school in my state for something like aerospace engineering and finding a flight school would be a good option?

Yep, that's what a good amount of people do. I had friends who would do winter and spring semesters at college and then knock out a license over the summer at a local school.

what about military options? how hard would it be to become a pilot in the military and would you have to stay a long time in the military before leaving?

Yes. Aerospace engineering is pretty high-powered degree, but aviation management might be a good one to consider as well. You don't need a degree in any specific field, but I would recommend it be in something you could use in case a medical issue pops up down the road, or you get furloughed from the airlines or some other mis-fortune comes your way. It's just smart life planning.

I am not an expert on the military side of things but I did have a friend who went through it several years ago. For the Air Force, I believe he signed a minimum 10 year commitment. He had to have a 4 year college degree and go through testing with the Air Force. He scored well enough to be offered a fighter pilot position and flew F-15s for about 11-12 years.

The majority of pilots getting hired at the majors are in their 30s. By the time you finish your degree, and serve your time in the military, you would be ripe pickings for the majors.

Joining the military for the sole reason of using your training to eventually become a civilian cargo pilot is probably not going to work out very well.

Last I knew, the commitment required after receiving your wings in the USAF (about a year of training) is 10 years. If you spend 10 years of your life with an eye on the door, wondering when it will end, you're not going to be very effective in your mission.

I'm not saying you can't have a general career plan mapped out and even be very certain you won't spend a full 20 year career in the military. However, while you are in, the level of effort, commitment and personal sacrifice is not something you will be able to provide consistently if you're only there to get ratings.

Damn kid, good on you for having your goals thought out and researching them like you are doing. When I was 15, my goals were getting my driver's license and slaying tail on the weekend.

That said, focus on finishing high school and getting into a good college. As far as military, don't just look at the AF, look at Navy, USMC, and USCG too. Lots of differences. The commitment is less on the navy side, but the chance of flying helos is greater and those hours don't really count at a major airline. And, don't count out the Guard/Reserve. All in all, it may not be for you, and that's okay. Also, have you started on your private pilots license?

My advice, you're young and have plenty of time. Keep those grades up, start looking into college and have fun flying and living life.

One thing to consider going the military route, over the last few years the military was been going more and more to drones. Can't remember if it was this year or last when more than half the pilots completing UPT were turned into drone drivers.