SkiD_PL8 0 #1 March 22, 2005 I seem to be hitting that point in my life where I know something needs to change. I have a decent job but it is not what I want to do for a living for the rest of my life. I planned on going back to college next semester to finish up my associates and then figure it out from there. I am quickly realizing that conventional jobs aren't for me. Long story short I am very interested in a career in aviation. Could any of you professional pilots help point me in the right direction? Greenie in training. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CanuckInUSA 0 #2 March 22, 2005 If your dream is to become a pilot, then by all means pursue that dream (obtaining my private pilot's certificate a few years back has been one of my greatest achievements). But be warned that the airline industry is in deep do-do's right now and you better be prepared to earn squat as some sort of commuter pilot (or instructor) until you can build up the hours and get a job with the majors (assuming they'll even be in business in the future). Have you looked into the Air Force? Try not to worry about the things you have no control over Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PsychoBob 0 #3 March 22, 2005 ***I am very interested in a career in aviation.. Have you thought about ATC (Air Traffic Control)? The FAA is getting ready to hire 12,500 controllers in the next 7-8 years to replace those of us that are getting ready to retire. You can retire after 20 years at age 50 or after 25 years any age with a starting salary of $50,000+. If you start when your 23 you can retire at 48. I've been working planes for 23 years and it's pretty cool. Aggrevating and hectic at times but sometimes you get a good adrenalin rush with it. You can find info at NATCA.org (National Air Traffic Controllers Association website) or the FAA website at faa.gov Just another avenue to think about. Good luck"I'm not a gynecologist but I will take a look at it" RB #1295, Smokey Sister #1, HellFish #658, Dirty Sanchez #194, Muff Brothers #3834, POPS #9614, Orfun Foster-Parent?" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GeordieSkydiver 0 #4 March 22, 2005 "Proffesional" and "pilot" in the same sentance. Doesn't seem right does it? Lee _______________________________ In a world full of people, only some want to fly, is that not crazy? http://www.ukskydiver.co.uk Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ChasingBlueSky 0 #5 March 22, 2005 QuoteHave you thought about ATC (Air Traffic Control)? The FAA is getting ready to hire 12,500 controllers in the next 7-8 years to replace those of us that are getting ready to retire. You can retire after 20 years at age 50 or after 25 years any age with a starting salary of $50,000+. If you start when your 23 you can retire at 48. I've been working planes for 23 years and it's pretty cool. Aggrevating and hectic at times but sometimes you get a good adrenalin rush with it. You can find info at NATCA.org (National Air Traffic Controllers Association website) or the FAA website at faa.gov Just another avenue to think about. Good luck You have to be fully trained as an ATC by age 29/30. You must be employed by 30 as an ATC if you want a job. I started looking to become an ATC because I found out how much pilots make the first 5 years and just how many are out of work right now. Every school in the country and the FAA told me I was too old....even after they decided to extend the retirment age._________________________________________ you can burn the land and boil the sea, but you can't take the sky from me.... I WILL fly again..... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SkiD_PL8 0 #6 March 22, 2005 I had not considered ATC, sounds like a great deal for anyone interested. Mainly my whole life I thought what I wanted was a job that paid the big bucks, now I have a job that pays fairly well but, I basically hate it. Now I realize I want a job that makes me happy more than one that will make me rich. That really isn't a conventional job I guess and I might get enjoyment out of it, but not like the enjoyment I get while being in an airplane. As for the air force, I tried that route about a year ago. I was 2 points off on my color vision test which basically prevented me from getting anywhere near an airplane let alone any other fun jobs in the AF. At this point basically I just need to know where to get started. I have heard talk of some companies helping pay to train pilots in exchange for contracts with them. Anyone know how much truth there is to that? I have no problem footing the bill for my own training, but if I could get some assitance that would be great. Either way what should be my first step in the path to becoming a professional pilot? Greenie in training. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
larsrulz 0 #7 March 22, 2005 Very unlikely that from the get go you'll have someone paying you to get your pilots license(s) to work for them afterwards. Also, as a pilot with a slight color deficiency, be prepared for an uphill battle to even get a job in the industry. There is no regulation (as there is in the Air Force) to not allow you to fly, but if you failed the Air Force color vision test, then you will most likely fail the FAA one. You can get your licenses, but you'll have to get a SODA (statement of demonstrated ability) to be allowed to solo night fly. This SODA, in essence, is merely doing a checkride at night to show you can tell the colors of a rotating beacon, which colors you see on a VASI, etc. Quite simple unless you have complete color blindness and only see grays. The problem is that the airline industry looks down on pilots with SODAs. When you have an equally qualified pilot without a SODA, why take one which, they see, is sub-par? You'll probably have no trouble being a flight instructor or working as a jump pilot, but those industry slots will be extra difficult to obtain. As for the state of the industry, it is improving a lot. Estimates are that it air traffic will double within some number of years (forget exactly, but certainly before 2020). You may wish to directly contact some non-airline companies. See how UPS and FedEx treat pilots with SODAs. Directly ask their HR if they penalize pilots for having one. In any case, best of luck in your endeavors towards pilothood. I spent a lot of time deciding if fighting an uphill battle with a SODA is worth it, and I ended up choosing against it. I'm certain it's possible, but hard to tell what challenges will occur. I got a strong urge to fly, but I got no where to fly to. -PF Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SkiD_PL8 0 #8 March 22, 2005 I am far from being completely color blind. Actually I think given about 5 more seconds on the AF test I could have got the 2 more points I needed. In particular it is shades of purple that are hard for me. Two shades of purple that are close together look the same to me. Also I should have made it clear that I have no interest in flying large passenger planes. I was thinking more of like cargo planes or business charters something along those lines. Don't want to be a jump pilot because I love to jump and I don't think you want to see the pilot leave the plane directly after the cut. Greenie in training. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Beerlight 0 #9 March 22, 2005 I think "larsrulz" hit the nail on the head with his assessment. And don't knock being a jump pilot, I logged over 2000+ hrs flying jumpers, although I would never consider myself a "professional" pilot. ie., I did it for the fun man, plus I like my day job.... Jump flying (in the right equipment) offers one of the quickest time building methods out there. And watch out for those fly by night freight companies! Good luck!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SkiD_PL8 0 #10 March 22, 2005 The work is out there I am sure. Right now I need to find out about the training. Still no suggestions? Greenie in training. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
windcatcher 0 #11 March 22, 2005 I'll train ya how to fly Mother to the cutest little thing in the world... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SkiD_PL8 0 #12 March 22, 2005 No hijacking! This is a serious post thanks Greenie in training. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Beerlight 0 #13 March 22, 2005 QuoteThe work is out there I am sure. Right now I need to find out about the training. Still no suggestions? Check with your university. They may have a flight training program. Other avenues: contact your nearest airport and check out their flight trng programs. Not sure if you wanted to go this way, but the U.S. Army is in dire need of helicopter pilots. Maybe the vision requirements will be met during your physical with them. You can usually cross-over to a fixed wing after a few years flying rotorcraft. good luck..... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SkiD_PL8 0 #14 March 22, 2005 Do you work towards a private pilot's license first or just go straight for commercial? Wasn't sure if one built on the other or what. Greenie in training. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tailwheel 0 #15 March 22, 2005 Want to know more. Call you'r local flight school or do a web search for Be A Pilot or go to AOPA.org. If you truely love it there's nothing else like it, except for skydiving. PM me for a more in depth answer. I work as a flight instructor and understand your situation. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Beerlight 0 #16 March 22, 2005 QuoteDo you work towards a private pilot's license first or just go straight for commercial? Wasn't sure if one built on the other or what. I'm sure there are a couple people on these boards that are currently working towards their licensing. Maybe they will chime in. Additionally, websites worth visiting are www.faa.gov or www.avweb.com. Tons of material you can devour there. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SkiD_PL8 0 #17 March 23, 2005 PM sent and beerlight thanks for your input Greenie in training. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
airtwardo 7 #18 March 23, 2005 QuoteThe work is out there I am sure. Right now I need to find out about the training. Still no suggestions? There are a bunch of ways to go as far as training... Signing up at a local flight school would be the easiest. Check in the back of some of the national Flying magazines...there are all kinds of ads for flight schools of every type. If you have the bucks you can power straight through in next to no time at all...some even offer financial assistance. From your posts, you seem to have an interest...but don't really know much about the 'real' world of "Professional Pilots" I might suggest you sit down with some books and magazines and study up, then go and speak with some pilots that are actually doing what you want to do. Be forewarned...it's a tough road. There are a heck of a lot more pilots out there than there are good jobs. You will have to 'pay your dues' so to speak, lots of crappy flying at crappy pay in order to build hours. You may need to fly for next to nothing to build turbine time etc. Also...you said you wanted a big bucks job...but don't want to fly with an airline. Again you may want to study up some, for the most part that's where the big bucks jobs are at. Even then you'll have to work your way up the ladder quite a while before you make what you would consider big bucks... I have a friend that quit a corporate gig flying Citations and Lears... His 20 year old son was making more money a month cleaning fish on charter boats in San Diego. ~ If you choke a Smurf, what color does it turn? ~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SkiD_PL8 0 #19 March 23, 2005 If you check again you will see that I said I thought I wanted a job that paid the big bucks but I have decided that is not what is important to me now. I would be perfectly happy just getting by if it meant I got to fly an airplane for a living. Greenie in training. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
airtwardo 7 #20 March 23, 2005 I would be perfectly happy just getting by if it meant I got to fly an airplane for a living. *** Go for it...! I'm just trying to suggest you do some research in regard to what you will be getting into so you will have both eyes open. There was an aricle in Flying Magazine a few years ago that somewhat outlined things... Roughly you will have 50,000 invested in your license, ratings, and time before you will be 'employable' ~meaning 500 hrs of multi time. Most flying positions you then are qualified for average around 25-30,000 a year. 1500-2000 hrs. you can move up into bigger planes and a 'little' better money. A seasoned airline pilot flying heavies earns between 15,000 & 20,000 a month depending on the airline. Money may not be important to you now...but soon it will be, Tough to buy a house and raise kids on flight instructors pay. Best of luck to you. ~ If you choke a Smurf, what color does it turn? ~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SkiD_PL8 0 #21 March 23, 2005 Not sure that I want kids and if I do the girl that convinces me of that better be able to pull her weight in the bank account department Greenie in training. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
airtwardo 7 #22 March 23, 2005 QuoteNot sure that I want kids and if I do the girl that convinces me of that better be able to pull her weight in the bank account department Quote Easy...just find yourself an airline pilot! That's what I did!! ~ If you choke a Smurf, what color does it turn? ~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SkiD_PL8 0 #23 March 23, 2005 What would you consider to be the better paying jobs in the industry outside of flying for a commercial airline? Greenie in training. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
airtwardo 7 #24 March 23, 2005 QuoteWhat would you consider to be the better paying jobs in the industry outside of flying for a commercial airline? Quote Clay Lacy seems to have done well for himself! http://www.claylacy.com/ If you can get on with a good sized FBO... Flying would be a part of it but you would also need some business skills etc. ~ If you choke a Smurf, what color does it turn? ~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
linny 1 #25 March 23, 2005 thanks for posting this thread skid pl8....... i almost did it myself. one of my questions is....... do you pilots out there think it's better to just pay up front and go through a local flight school for MEL and commercial license? or is it better to just do it as you go.. maybe like you do with AFF and getting your subsequent skydiving licenses? also.... someone mentioned the job market...... can anybody give a little more insight into the comparison between the rotor and fixed wing job opportunities...?? P.P.S. does anyone have experience with either Rainbow Air at the Long Beach airport or Sunrise Aviation at John Wayne Airport (both in So.Cal)??? thanks guys Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
