Finally decided to ask.
 

Ok, here is the deal. I own a small business and am thinking about pursuing my life dream of being a pilot. The problem is I do not want to change my lifestyle of living. I do not have a lot now. I am married and we live in an apartment, have 2 vehicles, boat, and a few atv's. I do not want to sell anything and would like to pursue my aviation career. I need to bring home $600/week minimum to continue paying my bills. Is there any pilot jobs that start at that? I understand I can't make money while training and will have to pay for that, but would like to know I will have that much money when I start working.

I would be more than happy to fly for a regional, but $17K/year just won't cut it without selling everything I own.

Thank you for all your help!

yes but you arnt going to get it with only a handfull of hours. You gotta pay your dues like everyone else has. If you dont want to give up your current lifestyle then don't, go buy an airplane or into a partnership and fly there.

However, since you own the business can you take time off to go fly and still bring in the same cash that you were before? I dont know if you have that kinda flexibility or not.

And are you starting from scratch or do you already have ratings and hours? cause if you are starting from the beginning its going to be a tougher road and you maybe forced to change your lifestyle alittle or alot.

I don't mean to get you down but sometime if you have a dream to do something you make sacrifices it sucks but you have to do it. It doesn't sound like you really that much to give up though. If you really really want to be a pilot go for it. Just realize the beginning sucks!

Selling your atv's and boats is a small sacrifice to make to follow your dreams. Many many years from now, when you're on your deathbed, would you remember the atv's and boats you possessed? Are material possessions more important or are your dreams? You live once. ATV's, boats and cars can provide a temporary satisfaction but making your dreams a reality is something you can take to the grave. The decision is all yours but I certainly wouldn't die happy knowing that I let me dreams go because I wanted to hang onto my atv's, boats and cars.

ps> I assume you own a scarab, given your name. What year is it? :D

I understand the beginning will suck. You won't get me down, I can handle the truth, lol. I am just wondering if there are other routes to go than going to an academy for a year or 2 and then 3-4 years or more until I get back to where I need to be. If i pursued flying, I would not continue getting money from the business. I am willing to sell it all and go back to the basics if need be, but I want to know all my options. Selling boats and atv's that would be a small part of the sacrifice, Im not too worried about that. It is getting rid of my truck, wife's vehicle, giving up a nice apartment, still having to pay credit card debt, etc.

Option one: got to an accelerated program like ATP, etc etc.

Option two: go to a CFI at your local FBO. Better training in my opinion.

Option three: sell everything and have a nice financial cushion for yourself while you're in training.

Option four: Make lots of friends in the corporate flying world!! That may be your way out of selling everything. Corporate flying can be very financially rewarding. Ask a few of the guys on the forum. :D

I'm sure there are more options but my brain is fatigued. LOL Personally, I would go to a CFII at an FBO and do the PPL, IFR and COMM with him. Multi engine if he has access to a twin. You can feasably go from zero to 250 in six months. Lots of studying but you can do it!

I am considering Option 1, 2, and 4.

Option 3?? HAHAHA I forgot to mention I owe on everything, lol.


I really like my local FBO, where I have taken a few hours of PPL lessons. I am almost positive I could get a job there as a CFI. I would need to instruct about 20 hours a week at the current rates for that FBO. Is that realistic for a medium size town? I imagine I would need to talk to the FBO about that.

20 hours a week? You could pull that off. In south carolina back in '99 when I was getting my ppl, my instructor was flying roughly 4 to 6 hours a day. I lived in a small town there. BTW, if you owe on everything, I would seriously cut your losses and concentrate on the flying. Financial strain and flying don't go together well. :D

Plan on the unexpected, and living lean is essential. Summer is one thing, winter can kill your income as a flight instructor. I was earning $300/bi-weekly in 05' after taxes. Luckily I started the prior summer and had some reserves for winter. Work hard, have fun, and enjoy it all.

Or, if you are a college graduate, go talk to a recruiter about going to OTS. Become a 90 day wonder and go to pilot training as a 2nd Lt. Pay/benefits are better than any other entry level aviation job and the taxpayer foots the bill for the best training available.

Not sure what business you own, but if you enjoy it, then use aviation to expand. Concentrate on getting up through the instrument rating and fly for yourself in pursuit of your business. The flight time will be a business expense and you won't be on someone elses schedule. It's what I daydream about.

Aviation
 

An aviation career is a huge risk. Unless you are willing to loose everything you own and move to far away lands I wouldn't go near it at all. Prepare for the worst but hope for the best.

Eventually it will bring you to your knees and demand a price that is higher than you expected. I would save up and buy a plane if I were you and forget about the career.

SkyHigh

Or just sell the ATV's, boats and cars and buy the plane next week. :D

2 quotes of importance.
 

Considering your starting out and looking for a future in this field, there are two quotes you need to keep in mind.

*If you want to be a millionaire in aviation, you have to start out a billionaire.

*If momma ain't happy...... ain't NO ONE happy!!

Your toys will most likely have to disappear, this all depending on your business and how successful it is.
I know of a rich, Dallas dude who had his own business and decided to get into aviation. Bought himself a WW2 fighter. :cool:

(I'm in the wrong business) :rolleyes:

That pretty much sums it up. I am married, have two kids, renting a duplex, and soon will have to start repaying student loans. If you're looking to make money don't CFI. My understanding is that the only entry level jobs that pay reasonably well are the ones you get because you know a friend of a friend of a friend. The only reason I am able to scrape by right now is because my wife has a reasonable full time job.