pilot0012

I'm a senior in high school and I have committed to Western Michigan College of Aviation. I really like learning how to fly and how aviation works. However, I keep having constant doubts as to whether this is really the career I want to go into. I want to like being a pilot I just am not 100% sure about it. It's the only career that's ever interested me. Some reassuring advice would be greatly appreciated.

PRS Guitars

I'd recommend a degree other than aviation, especially since you're on the fence. Then learn to fly at a local flying club/school. What is the tuition? What are the flying fees? What certificates and ratings will you get? Are you financing this, or are your parents paying the bill?

This is a pretty tough career field and will be even tougher if you're not somewhat passionate about it. I know that's not what you wanted to hear, but you should at least go into this with your eyes open. I'm not saying don't do it, just reconsider your game plan.

Out of curiosity, how did you decide on this as your future career and how much research did you do before committing to that school?

pilot0012

I was doing research on what career I might want to pursue and airline pilot just popped. I have done a lot of research I know all the pros and cons of the career.

USMCFLYR

These two things together can not co-exist

You are starting out with the wrong attitude pilot0012.

Just work on training towards that PPL and see how you feel at the end of it (then get some experience outside of the pattern - in other words - do something with that PPL).

Go to college and see what else is out there. Continue to fly as time and money permits. It you are really dedicated that will mean some sacrifices in college. Less beer - more money towards flying. Skip Spring Break and use that money and time towards training.

It is a long road.

TrakTrak

Go into the military...its free.

JamesNoBrakes

I was in the military and I didn't get free flight training. Where's my free stuff?

tomgoodman

Caution! When they hand you a sheet of paper to sign, read it carefully. A friend noticed the word "submarine" just in time, and made them give him the correct document.

bedrock

I guess the question is, are you willing to work like a dog for years, get paid like a migrant worker, travel like a hobo and sacrifice family, friends and sweethearts to get a good job? This sounds exaggerated and harsh, but it is possible. You'll need 1500 hrs of flight time if you go the civilian route w/o going to (a very expensive) 4 yr flight college). That is 3 yrs of low paid existence. If you are not absolutely willing to do the above, and enjoy it, flying for a living probably isn't for you. Hours are long, pay is low for a long time. BUT, things are getting better. You must, absolutely must, have something else to fall back on career wise. During periods of airline furloughs, airline captains who had made 200K/ yr will beg for 30K/yr jobs. It doesn't matter, your fall-back, but it has to be outside of aviation. Auto mechanic, skilled carpenter; it doesn't have to be a college required job. Many pilots run a small business, just in case. The airline lifestyle is also like the military. You are assigned bases and you either move or commute--and commuting on packed airplanes which are inevitable delayed really, really sucks. You have to come to work a day early, and get a hotel room or more likely, rent a bed in a house full of other pilots. Living like in half-way house. Sometimes, you move to base and they close it out from under you and you are still stuck commuting. Makes it hard to have relationships and a family. As a reserve pilot with a 4 hr commute, I saw my family 6 days a month for 18 months. I missed my son growing up from age 2-4. He didn't know me at that time. As retirement age increases (used to be 60, now 65), more and more pilots are doing this as a second career, after the kids are gone and the money is made.

Scraggly Heron

The GI Bill got much better, and the retirement's about to get much worse...

flygirl556

Thetruthabouttheprofession.weebly.com I talk to a lot of young adults considering flying for a living. Read this site. Than read it again. If you love aviation and have a lot of help from family you can make it work. But you will have to keep the passion up through the tough times.
There are some good days too.
Good luck!!!


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