confused future pilot (hopefully)
07-05-2006, 09:21 PM
#1
Guest
Posts: n/a
confused future pilot (hopefully)
Hi. Im new to this website and i thought i might join and create a post. Well, im 15 yrs old and have been wanting to become a pilot since i was 3. Recently ive been trying to research as much as i can on different ways to achieve one of my number one goals in life, to become an airline pilot. Ive read many posts and threads on this website such as "Considering a career as an airline pilot? Read this", over the last three to four days and i thought i had a clear view on different ways to become a pilot. But then i thought about the airforce academy. Can anyone tell me if that could be a better way to go? I have never made below a B and im in the top 3% of my class so far going into the tenth grade and i Know that i could probably make it if i tried hard enough. if anyone could reply that would be great thx!
ps: i hope the airforce academy is not the best way. Im not a strict military type of guy!!
ps: i hope the airforce academy is not the best way. Im not a strict military type of guy!!
Last edited by ap891; 07-05-2006 at 09:29 PM.
07-06-2006, 10:43 AM
#2
Banned
Joined APC: Feb 2006
Posts: 781
The AF academy won't make you an airline pilot. It's going to make you an officer in the military, so I don't understand what the AF academy has anything to do with being an airline pilot. Figure out what your priorities are in life, do you want to be a military pilot or a civilian pilot? No body goes to the AF academy so they could later find a job at the airlines, they go because they actually want to have a career as a a military pilot. Stay in school and meanwhile make sure you go get your private pilot license and see if you like flying.
07-06-2006, 11:00 AM
#3
APC co-founder
Joined APC: Feb 2005
Position: B777
Posts: 5,853
Originally Posted by ap891
Can anyone tell me if that could be a better way to go? I have never made below a B and im in the top 3% of my class so far going into the tenth grade and i Know that i could probably make it if i tried hard enough. if anyone could reply that would be great thx!
I agree that the service academies are not a pipeline to the airlines, however, you will get a good education and a shot a UPT (Air Force pilot training). 10 years or so down the line should you elect to separate, you'll have a pretty good competitive edge depending on what kind of aircraft you fly in the service.
I'd suggest that you find the liaison officer in your area and introduce yourself to your congressman if you think you might be interested.
07-06-2006, 01:28 PM
#4
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,242
Originally Posted by ap891
Hi. Im new to this website and i thought i might join and create a post. Well, im 15 yrs old and have been wanting to become a pilot since i was 3. Recently ive been trying to research as much as i can on different ways to achieve one of my number one goals in life, to become an airline pilot. Ive read many posts and threads on this website such as "Considering a career as an airline pilot? Read this", over the last three to four days and i thought i had a clear view on different ways to become a pilot. But then i thought about the airforce academy. Can anyone tell me if that could be a better way to go? I have never made below a B and im in the top 3% of my class so far going into the tenth grade and i Know that i could probably make it if i tried hard enough. if anyone could reply that would be great thx!
ps: i hope the airforce academy is not the best way. Im not a strict military type of guy!!
ps: i hope the airforce academy is not the best way. Im not a strict military type of guy!!
If you're not a military type of person don't get a commission and lead men / women. They will be better off without you...
-LAFF
07-06-2006, 01:53 PM
#5
Moderator
Joined APC: Jun 2006
Posts: 3,963
Originally Posted by LAfrequentflyer
If you're not a military type of person don't get a commission and lead men / women. They will be better off without you...
-LAFF
-LAFF
Not a knock against the Air Force but dont let the name fool you, there are plenty of other branches that do their fair share of flying. The Navy has a large group of aviators, the Marines have a large group flying everything from troop transport to attack in both fixed and rotor wing.
The Army will send you to Warrant Officer Candidate School right out of highschool if you meet their qualifications, and will put you flying Jet Rangers (i think TH 55) in training within 6 months of joining and you will be equally qualified in the future for a possible civilian career.
Like LAFF says....if you do not think the military life is for you, do not join as an officer because at that point it is too late and you are a leader automatically. At least in the enlisted ranks they have time to beat the stupid out of you before you pick up Non Commissioned Officer and lead men. (not saying you are stupid)
07-06-2006, 03:01 PM
#6
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,242
Originally Posted by usmc-sgt
absolutely agree....if you think you wont like the military life, just wait until you get to a military academy. AF academy is not as notoriously bad as the Naval academy or West Point but equally regimental from what i have heard.
Not a knock against the Air Force but dont let the name fool you, there are plenty of other branches that do their fair share of flying. The Navy has a large group of aviators, the Marines have a large group flying everything from troop transport to attack in both fixed and rotor wing.
The Army will send you to Warrant Officer Candidate School right out of highschool if you meet their qualifications, and will put you flying Jet Rangers (i think TH 55) in training within 6 months of joining and you will be equally qualified in the future for a possible civilian career.
Like LAFF says....if you do not think the military life is for you, do not join as an officer because at that point it is too late and you are a leader automatically. At least in the enlisted ranks they have time to beat the stupid out of you before you pick up Non Commissioned Officer and lead men. (not saying you are stupid)
Not a knock against the Air Force but dont let the name fool you, there are plenty of other branches that do their fair share of flying. The Navy has a large group of aviators, the Marines have a large group flying everything from troop transport to attack in both fixed and rotor wing.
The Army will send you to Warrant Officer Candidate School right out of highschool if you meet their qualifications, and will put you flying Jet Rangers (i think TH 55) in training within 6 months of joining and you will be equally qualified in the future for a possible civilian career.
Like LAFF says....if you do not think the military life is for you, do not join as an officer because at that point it is too late and you are a leader automatically. At least in the enlisted ranks they have time to beat the stupid out of you before you pick up Non Commissioned Officer and lead men. (not saying you are stupid)
Well said...
07-06-2006, 04:40 PM
#8
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Apr 2005
Position: Glass
Posts: 254
go to college (you will need it anyways for a major)... get a job other than aviation (gives you money for flight training and gives you a fallback)... go to a local FBO, get their rental prices and CFI prices.. then shop around for the cheapest and work out deals with the owner to make it even cheaper (for example, I cleaned and vaccuumed planes in exchange for a $20/hr discount on the rental).. you will save yourself a lotttttt of money and aggravation, while still making a lving at the other job
my two cents
my two cents
07-06-2006, 07:48 PM
#10
Guest
Posts: n/a
Originally Posted by UConnQB14
go to college (you will need it anyways for a major)... get a job other than aviation (gives you money for flight training and gives you a fallback)... go to a local FBO, get their rental prices and CFI prices.. then shop around for the cheapest and work out deals with the owner to make it even cheaper (for example, I cleaned and vaccuumed planes in exchange for a $20/hr discount on the rental).. you will save yourself a lotttttt of money and aggravation, while still making a lving at the other job
my two cents
my two cents
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
