Howdy folks,

Got my introduction to aviation back in 2008 as a kid. Eventually got my A&P and started in SFO on the line (10/2016) and after a few years made a transfer bid to TK. I applied to the Academy in June of last year and now it looks like I'm aiming to start with their May class.

I'm just looking for networking, general advice, etc. and want to hear more from current line pilots if I can. I know the basics: read the books, study the ACS for each ride, most of all don't blow the opportunity. I'm walking out of the best job I've ever had to chase this dream, and at age 31 I've only got so many more of these drastic career changes left in me. Gotta make it count.

Happy to share my file number in private and connect if you're of the social sort. Just putting this out as a feeler, I understand if it doesn't quite fit the forum theme and gets 86'd.

 

Congrats and best of luck!

it would be interesting to follow your progress.

 

-Keep accurate log books, electronic
-As a new student pilot you will likely be task saturated in the plane. So put in the ground time with self study, knowing limits and procedures to an automatic memory recall level. It will make your flight time much more efficient.
-Take notes during the debrief.
-Enjoy the ride, congratulations

 

SWA pilot and not UAL, but don’t fret the career change if you’re truly pursuing your dream job. The majority of people don’t have a dream job or can’t chase it. Definitely try to soak up and enjoy the journey. You’re young at age 31 and should have a very long and lucrative career.

 

Awesome! As an old mechanic myself, it’s nice being the guy who breaks stuff and complains instead of the guy who fixes it. Welcome to the other side of the logbook.

 

Fixed it for you! All kidding aside, great to hear our own coming through the ranks.

 

You’re already ahead with the systems knowledge you possess. When I was an instructor (civilian/military) I would bend over backwards to help students that showed up prepared, and with a good attitude. Just by reading your post above I think you’ll have both. Good Luck, and congratulations!

 

Said another way: now you can be Ricky Bobby instead of the pit crew. 🤣👍🏼

 

Congrats! You already know how to be a professional, take good records, study, etc. best advice I have is to try to savor as many moments as you can of your training and really enjoy yourself. It’s going to be stressful, overwhelming, and all those things, but the more you can appreciate the sheer beauty of flight the better your headspace will be! Feel free to shoot me a DM if you have any specific questions!

 

Congrats!!!

I was a former aircraft mechanic in the Air Force and then A&P while in college getting my degree and flight training….

The career is a lot better from the left seat!

Keep us posted!