keoni

I really want to be an airline pilot. I'm 28, and yes I've heard alot about my age already. However I have also met quite a few guys in their mid twenties who are only now going in for their pilot training because they finally have the money for it. I've already got a BA, and I'm prepared for whatever I need to do to achieve my goal of flying for a major airline one day. Before I jump in however, I could really use some advice from those who know about the industry.

1) What is the best approach? I know that there is a pilot training program at Honolulu Community College here on Oahu in the state of Hawaii where I live. I have no idea how it is rated, but they do have their own aerospace school at a former US Navy Air Base. I have also looked into two other, really good flight schools here, and I've heard of Embry/Ridell and the program at UVU in Utah.

I have also talked to a number of former airline employees and when the conversation switches to pilots... they always, always mention how "you'd be competing against guys coming out of the military" I know I could still get into flight training with the Air National Guard.... What is the best path... flight school or Military?

2) How much can I make? I know you start out not making much, but eventually you can work your way up and make $200,000 a year. How many people actually get that far? How often to do you just stay flying Regional?

3) Is there ANY sliver lining? I've read through the postings on this forum already and it is no secret just how bad times are....However when I talk to counselors for the Flight Program being offered here in Hawaii and to other pilots online... they always talk about how this will rebound by around 2012 or 2015.... Is any of that even true???

I know this is a personal choice... I know that you do this for the passion and not to make money, but I want to make sure I can make a living off of this as well considering how much time and money I am going to sink into this.

dashtrash300

Hi there!

Welcome!! Depending on what you want to do there are 2 ways to become an airline pilot. The civilian and the military. I did the civilian because I did not want to serve 10+ years. I was sooooooo lucky and blessed that I got hired during the hiring boom back in 2007/2008. I had about 350 hours and 100 multi. Not much I know. I am sorry to say but it looks like the FAA will soon require 1500 hours to fly for an airline. So it looks like those who wish to fly with have to CFI and/or fly cargo for 135 outfits. It will take a lot longer than it used to but the industry could be a better place for it. Only time will tell.

First, I am not sure of your background or previous experience but if you haven't taken a flying lesson, take one. Usually $100 and definitely worth it. If you still want to fly, start taking lessons. You will want to get everything all the way up to your CFI and possibly your CFII and MEI. Build your hours as quickly as you can. 2013 is the year that the "older" guys are going to start retiring so hopefully 2013-2015 we should see some kind of a recovery in the industry. If you have the hours, you should be in a great position.

My first year of flying I made $24,000....but there are carriers that make a whole lot less!!! I know guys at Great Lakes that make slightly more than half of that. $200,000 a year is pretty high, some guys still do it but most are between $150,000-$200,000 a year. (that is after 20+ years at a major) If you are in it for money...get out because you will not make a bunch of money. If you have to make money, try to get on with a cargo company like FEDEX and UPS. Those guys can make $200+ an hour.

I love my job very much. My dad is an airline pilot and I would love to be able to fly with him one day. I honestly do not know what I would do with my life if I could not fly. I will find out soon enough those because my airline may start furloughing in the fall. I am again very lucky and blessed that I was able to make it this far and get the amount of experience that I have.

I hope this helps and good luck! Some days are better than others but if you truly want to do it, stick with it and it will happen.

bgmann

Hey Keoni.

I relate to you. I am 27YOA. Got my 4 year degree in Aviation-Commercial Pilot.

My father flew for Northwest Airlines and my mom was a F/A for NWA.

I got some negative recommendations when I was starting out. I heard a lot of "go do anything else". And "if my son wanted to be a pilot, I would treat him as if he had an illegal drug addiction and send him away for help".

Now that i have been a regional pilot for almost two years. I wouldnt recommend it to anyone. And every Captain I strike a conversation with on this topic, they all say that they would never recommend it to their kids or to anyone else and that since I am still young for me to focus on something else. Anything else.

I have a very strong passion for aviation. And have since I was a kid. So to say I dont like to fly or dont have as strong of a passion of aviation as you do would be incorrect. But being an airline pilot isnt what it used to be...Be careful. If you have any other skills and interests, think strongly of looking into that.

Good luck.

BoredwLife

Many guys forget about this but yes there is a silver lining and that is "You get to fly a freaking airplane for a living!!"

I've sat in a cubicle, I've dug ditches, etc... And this is the only job I have ever had where I don't mind going in for work.

Is the pay crap for a long time? Yes. Will you lose your job and have to start over your entire career? Yes. Will you miss you kids birthdays? Only if your a bad father and refuse to call in sick.

Many guys will complain how often they are away from home and what not but I like being away from home, hell my relationship struggled when I was furloughed and was home all the time.

Just don't sell out your morals or your fellow pilots to get to fly a "JET". Learn the industry and don't be "That GUY."

Engineer Pilot

That's the thing that bothers me... a lot of people say they hate their flying job but they really have nothing to compare it to. No other career experience.

Thank you BoredwLife for letting everyone know that it really does beat other jobs. I highly recommend anyone (and i mean non-pilots too) who hate their jobs to try to dig ditches for a month and then decide what they prefer. The problem is that our generation believes they are entitled to so much. I admit, I am one of them.