Realistically
 

With the way the economy is right now especially in the United States, how long would it take to make it to the right seat of a major airline (preferably one like Air Canada, WestJet, or Delta. Im finally starting flight school in February, and am just curious with the way things are going. Thanks for the help.

10+ years.

Good Luck!

Hello all. 1st post:

Depends how long the economy stays the way it is. Tough question to answer. Also, the age 65 rule is causing a little stagnation too.

I can't remember where I read it but speculators are saying 2 or 3Q of 2009 till economy turns around.

In the meantime, acquire your pilot ratings and build your flight time. Their will be a lot of pilots out there with more flight time and experience than you trying to go where you want to go.

Best of luck to you!

20+years....by then, we'll be tele-porting everywhere anyway...:D
Ummm...I'd guess about 2 years for flight school and time building if you are aggressive, then 3-5 as a regional FO, 2-3 as a regional CA...so anywhere from 7-10 years is a reasonable and reachable goal. Economy could continue it's downward spiral and extend that time frame to 12 years+ or it could turn completely around late 09 and airlines begin expanding again in 2010/11 cutting that 10 year time to 6. I'd be more specific but it's cloudy here today and I can't see the appropriate constellations.

There are thousands and thousands of furloughed pilots including myself wondering about that same question.;) I have only been in the airlines for 8 years now and I am back in the right seat of a regional again.:mad: So it's really hard to tell. Good luck!!!!

If you go military, 10 years and while you're in you'll be making good money. But then again, DON'T join the military unless you want to serve your country.

-Fatty

Don't do it
 

Don't get into aviation period. Go in a different direction. Fly for a hobby. This profession is headed in the wrong direction. The pay and benefits don't compensate for the long hours. It is the only profession that your experience does not get you a better paying job. It sucks ! If things continue at the current rate all regionals will be sweat shops (close already) and growing daily. And the better paying jobs are going away. Why start a profession with this bleak of an outlook? Look at what an Airline pilot was paid 20+ years ago and check todays pay rates! Sorry, Just the facts. :eek: Become a plumber,electrician etc.

Thanks everyone for your help. That is kind of the timeframe I was thinking aswell. My last question, and im not sure if anyone here will be able to answer this or not. I'm Canadian, but I am going to take my flight training in the United States, and then working for a Regional down there, would you have to get full citizenship, or just a working visa/permit? Thanks again!

I would recommend getting your training in Canada. I'd check up on it but I'm fairly sure that a canuck ATP would be better than an FAA.

I know some of my friends who have gone overseas to fly had to ditch their FAA ATP because it wasn't recognized. Probably because anyone can go pay $500 bucks to an ATP factory.

-Fatty

As an X foreigner, I will answer that one; get a US citizenship ASAP. Far less hassle and you also show dedication. Although the pessimistic responses you have received is somewhat accurate, I would never swap my job/career with anyone. I loved it since day 1, despite being fourloughed, replaced, had my earnings cut 80%, and lots of other not so funny occurances. Just hang in there and be 100% sure you really want to go through with it. Once you are half way there it is VERY hard to stop and make a career change. Once you reach your goal you will realize it still is the best job in the world. Best of luck to you.