Brav989

I'm wanting to eventually be a pilot for an airline, but I have no idea where to start. I had thought about going to an airline academy, but the cost pretty much scared me away completely. I'm just not sure where to start or how to start at all . Any help appreciated, thanks.

FOTGTD

Brav, first you must answer some questions like:

What is your age?
What are your goals in aviation?
Do you have a degree or are you in school now?
Where is the money for training coming from and how much?
Single, married, divorced, kids, bills, mortgage?

These are just a few items to think about. Once you determine your overall situation you will be able to make a better decision.

That being said I would be very careful with the"academy" choice. Sure they have glossy ads and promise the "interview" with an airline, but remember nothing is for sure. I'm glad the price tag scared you. Training does not need to cost $60,000-$100,000. And as far as the whole airline training enviroment is concerned, frankly I don't buy it. The best and most professional guys I work with seem to be former instructors and freight dogs. I myself did the instructor route.

I would find a good, quality FBO near you and find someone you enjoy flying with. Don't know where to start? Go to airport and start asking around. Everyone needs BFR's and checkouts so I'm sure someone knows a good CFI. Also, you should never have to pony up all the money upfront. remember you are the customer and can decide if the training is right for you. If not take you and your money elsewhere. These academy schools generally ask for all your money upfront and then you are at their mercy. Not Good.

Time is of importance to you? If you commit yourself you can learn and aquire your ratings just as quick on your own. Don't fall for the "be an airline pilot in 10 months" crap. Also, places such as www.shebleaviation.com can really push you through if your up to the task. Private thru CFI.

There is alot to think about when starting training. Choose wisely and listen to your gut. If it sounds to good to be true......you know the rest.

LAfrequentflyer

Did you train at sheble?

FOTGTD

i worked at sheble's for two years and yes i got my cfi there and ultimately a job. remember to always think about where you fly as a possible place of employment....all you have to do is ask!

LAfrequentflyer

cool...you're right-train and think about working there...most fbo's hire their own students...

they a pretty legit operation?

FOTGTD

legit? depends on your definition just kidding. if you don't want to worry about getting milked for all your cash then yeah they are legit. set prices, salaried instructors and great examiners .....i miss the place. not at all your typical "airline" school, in fact, quite the opposite. family owned and getting the job done in a timely mannner. you must however be flexible to instructor/schedule changes, but they prepare for the goal....passing checkrides. i highly recommend them

LAfrequentflyer

my defination of legit in aviation - not getting milked of all your money and leadership / management from the people running the place...i've got my ppl and want my instrument - what time of the year is good for flying weather in AZ? I'm going to have some time to 'kill' in Feb/March 06, never lived in AZ so don't know the weather out there...

Thanks...

Brav989

Age 21

Goal would be to eventually work for a major airline, or a bigger regional ie Horizon.

Don't have a degree. Dropped out of college a while back, but going to be going back to school shortly

Money for training..not sure yet honestly. I'd need to figure out the total costs and over what period of time they'd be used.

Single, no kids,no mortgage, but yes I have bills of course

Brav989

Also..if you're a CFI building hours..How exactly do you do that? Do you go to the local airport and try to get hired with them? How much does it generally pay? I'm curious from the time you start instructing, how long would it take to get the required min. of 1000 TT to get on with a regional?

SkyHigh

Why do you want to be an airline pilot? I understand that you don't have a family or responsibilities, but do you ever wish to have those things? The airlines are becoming increasingly difficult to become gainfully employed at. The average new hire at a regional has about 150K invested for a job that pays 18K. I don't mean to discourage you, but aviation isn't really a job anymore. It is more of a working hobby that requires a lot from its subjects. If I were you I would consider buying a plane or starting at a local small flight school to see if you like it or not. Get your PVT and if the price of that doesnt scare you then move ahead. I wouldn't jump into an expensive airline school. You never stop paying in aviation so you had better get use to it if you plan to make a career out of it. After flight school and college then there are type ratings, training contracts and a decade or more of low paying jobs.

SkyHigh