I'm am considering paying to go through flight school, but I'm not too sure what's going on in the pilot world? I have so many questions...but I can't really go asking when I'm a passanger on a plane and all flight schools are telling me it's a good idea ( they just want the money!!!) I would love to get some feedback on what's important as far as schooling and what the employment situation is like....

 

Right now, anyone here will be quick to tell you that the industry well... it stinks right now. If you want to make a career out of flying, right now is probably the best time to start training. By the time you finish up your ratings and are ready to start working as a pilot, perhaps things will be on the up and up again.

 

www.prairieairservice.com You won't get much info on the airline world, but Herb will give you the straight scoop on flight training. It's a small school and they are usually busy. He's honest and has no reason to lie...

 

As Warren Buffett says "Go where the agony is". It will be a few years before you finish. So if you want to get in the industry then start as none of us can tell you where things will be in the future.

 

If you don't have your PPL yet get it see if you like flying. Then if you do go to your local FBO and get your ratings there and take your time. The industry is in a down turn right now but eventually people will retire and the economy will turn around. But for now just enjoy your self have fun earning your ratings.

 

Thanks for the advice!! Do you think it is important to find a "well known" school, or are the ratings and experience all that maters? I am also curious to know if anyone has any idea what minimum pay might be for an entry level employee?I am really excited to get started in this career path, but so many people tell me it's not a good idea.....I think it will be an great career!! What are some of the cons? pros? Would love to get feedback!!!

 

The mandatory retirement age increased to age 65 last year and many pilots are staying on to work past age 60. This creates stagnation in upward movement based on status quo - but the industry is anything but status quo right now.

At least 4 airlines have failed this year and many more are furloughing which dumps highly qualified labor into the pool of prospective job applicants. Starting in the fall, you'll see a sharp decrease in industry capacity which will accelerate furloughs.

The days of new pilots being hired with 250 hours and a multi-engine rating are gone and I wouldn't expect to see them again for a long long time - if ever. The entry level jobs will go to those with thousands of hours, which by-the-way, is the industry norm.

APC publishes current pay charts for many of the regional airlines. Study them and then ask yourself if you want to spend tens of thousands of dollars (as in $50K+) to grab o job that starts in the low $20K's?

From an opportunity cost perspective you'll do much better to pursue a career as a plumber.

 

Coop,

There was no mention of it in your postings so this is a bit of a presumption on my part. Take the $50K that HSLD mentioned and spend it on a college education. You can then use your college education to work in the aerospace field, or at the airlines for that matter.

Times are tough and no one here wants to dissuade a young person from their dreams, but you did ask for advice. My degree is in business, but I get to work on airplanes, although I could probably make more as a plumber. Down the road (once you've established yourself financially) you can still learn to fly.

There's a reason (as you said) "so many people tell me it's not a good idea".

Anyway, my 2 cents.

Best wishes to you,

11Fan

 

yeah sure. go for it.

Spend a million dollars on flight training to make 19,000 a year for your first 2 or 3 years. best of luck with those loans.