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On 1/24/2003 9
23 PM mrdion wrote:
I am interested in becoming a commercial airline pilot, and have started to take classes at a college and I am almost to my private license. However it is very costly and I dont know if I am going about it the wrong way. I already have a bachelors degree from a 4yr university so financial aid is $0
Any ideas would be appreciated.. Thank you
David
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There are several institutions that loan money for flight training. Pilot Finance is one. Their rates are not the best but better than using credit cards.
Since you alrerady have a degree you can probably expect to spend 40,000 to 50,000 to obtain all your certificates and ratings. Flight instructor is a must have. There is no way to skip this step in todays market, Too many high time pilots out there right now.
If you are serious about becoming an airline pilot with a Major Carrier you must be prepared for about a 10 year road to that goal. Be prepared for close to poverty wages for at least five of those ten years. As a flight instructor you can expect $12000 to $15000 a year (a little more with a university job), Next step is commonly freight pilot or similar, Pay at a decent part 135 charter outfit will be in the range of $15000 to $22000 a year.
Once you have gained experience with these you should be able to catch a commuter job. However first year right seat pay in a regional will probably be a pay cut from freight flying. Depending on how the market is by then you could expect Captain upgrade in 3 or 4 years. (As little as 1 year if the majors are hiring in large numbers) Regionals tend to top out at about $60,000 after 12 years.
If you have made it this far, congrats....you now have the time for a major. First year pay at the majors range from about $25,000 to $36,000.
It takes a huge commitment to make it all the way. There were times that I questioned if it was worth it, but my love of flying kept me motivated.
If you are in it for the money, don't bother. I have never met a pilot that only does it for the money....those types never last long enough in the business to see any real money.
You must have an understanding family for the airline pilot profession. Count on being 6 states away from your family for all holidays, birthdays and such.
I am currently furloughed from a major, and am currently flying corporate, but I would not trade it for anything. It is nothing like the movies or what you read in the newspaper. If you fly for a living you WILL have emergencies and scare the C&^%p out of your self from time to time, but that becomes part of the job. About the only time a passenger will say anything nice to you is after you landed them safely following an engine fire or other problem. The rest of the time they think you are an overpaid bus driver (remember the movies?) but it is worth it.
Plus its the best office view anywhere around!!!
I instructed at an Aviation University many years ago and have several of the people that I trained flying at Majors now. I would say that about 1/2 of the really serious pilots make it to the "Big Show" If you really want to do it you MUST have the mindset that you are going to be the best, and never lose the drive.
Good luck to you, Hopefully I will have you as a right seater sometime!!! (If I ever get recalled!!!!!)
