Hi, I'm very new to the forums. I live in Charlotte, North Carolina.

I currently work for Delta Global at the Continental ramp as a ramp agent.

I used to be involved in Civil Air Patrol and spent 6 years with them. Up until last June where I was focusing on other things and didn't really have the time to devote to it. I flew with them often but never logged hours or did anything further to get my private license. So essentially, I'm sitting at 0 hours. I have retained all the information I learned, but nothing is on paper.

I moved out of state from Arkansas to Charlotte in pursuit of a career that I'm now finding out will be more fitting as a part time thing rather than a career.

I did a semester in Criminal Justice at a community college, but nothing further.

Now that I've started working the Continental ramp it's revived my love for aviation and made me realize how much I've missed it. Most of my family is either aviation or public service (cop, firefighter, EMS). Some are both. So I think it's only fitting that I do the same.

What I'm realizing now is I'd like to get back into aviation and make that commitment to become a pilot. I'm not too crazy about going back to college and getting a degree, although I realize it's a necessity.

I'm looking for input and information from some of you as to how you got started, what schools you went to, how long it took you.

I've thought long and hard and am certain that flying for an airline is where I want to be. I've looked at ATP flight school and Delta Connection Academy. I hear since I work for Delta that it would be cheaper for me to go to the connection academy.

I appreciate all the replies. My knowledge of the training and certification part is minimal as far as when it gets to multi ratings and commercial. Well, anything past private actually.

I appreciate all the info.

You've got access to bunch of pilots, why don't you try talking to them? You'll get some real life advice from them. Plus that'll help you with some networking.

Your questions are what we refer to in the courtroom as "asked and answered." Do a search through the entire site and you will find answers and perspectives to your questions. The Delta Connection Academy issue, for example, has been dissected mercilessly! Good luck.

Another angle of attack would be go see the recruiter at the ANG hanger. Enlist in the ANG as whatever flying position they have available - cargo loader basicly. Let them know you're interested in flying. Without a degree and a trip to OCS you won't get a pilot slot, but Flight Engineers are enlisted. Use your GI bill bennies to help fund your flight training (at a local FBO with a 141 course - not a flight academy) and when you're ready to get a flying job you'll have dozens of connections a stack of LOR's from your unit to help you get in the door.

Yeah, I definitely should've used the search button first.

I'm ramp so I really don't get that much of an opportunity to chit chat with the pilots. I'd have to be gate or flight attendant to do that.

I was actually going to enlist in the AF, and was scheduled in as a loadmaster but, things got in the way and I ended up not enlisting.

I'm probably going to be switching airlines as well so maybe I'll have more opportunity to talk to the flight crew then.

I just don't want to go back to college.

Let me repeat this over and over again for the third time: Go To College.

Not going to college is a bad decision.

-LAFF

Fo sho...I hear it's by far the best investment you can make.

Go to law school...You can do your work in briefs.

-LAFF

First of all congratulations on making your decision to become a pilot. The lifestyle is unique to every other job out there. You have to live it in order to explain it. Here is my advice: Go to college with a twist. Combine your ratings and training with school, in other words major in aviation. Some will tell you to major in something else (just in case).... I say don't listen to them. If your goal is to become a pilot make every bit of homework and each assignment in college something that will get you closer to flying for a career. Another piece of advice: Do not approach your training lightly! Go at it full speed ahead and put all distractions on the back burner until you get through. No partying, taking a semester or two off and no screwing around with things that will distract you. Your success will be directly proportional to your dedication and commitment. Go to an aviation college. E Riddle, Spartan and some like them are pricey. You can find quality schools with good programs for much less - Utah valley State College and SouthEastern Oklahoma State Univ comes to mind. Do not let anyone disuade you from your goal if that is what you want to do. Aviation is unique in that there are enough roadblocks and hurdles to stop those who are not totally dedicated to achieving their goal. If you are only 90 percent committed, find something else to do with your life. I have been paid to fly airplanes for 27 years now, and I still wake up every morning that I fly pinching myself at how fortunate I am to be paid for something that I love to do. You know you are blessed when you break out of the cloud tops to a beautiful sunrise and a breathtaking view Mt. Rainier which I saw a few weeks ago. Some of the beautiful things I see on a regular basis are akin to a religious experience for me, and It takes alot to move this man who thinks he has seen it all, but obviously hasn't.

In 5 years from now you will either be a professional pilot or something else, which would you prefer? Better get started!!!

Feel free to email me at [email protected] if I can be of further assistance.