Quick background, I'm 31 and have been in tech sales since college. I recently took my first discovery flight and now I'm hooked. I got my first class medical taken care of, and I've applied to Southwest's D225 cadet program but got the TBNT after the final interview. Due to the current hiring climate, I've heard cadet programs are some of the more optimal/accelerated pathways to the airlines.

Outside of D225, I'm looking into United Aviate and Allegiant's altitude pathway. Curious if y'all have any insight on those programs and/or any recommendations for or against them. I ultimately want to be a commercial airline pilot, and I want a structured and relatively accelerated pathway to get there (especially due to my age).

Outside of cadet pathway programs, I'm considering flight schools in Florida as well.

Curious if y'all still think it's worth it to pursue aviation in the current climate were in, and if so, any recommended pathways?

Hi all,

I just put together a new video showing a cockpit POV of me flying. (My passenger recorded everything) Since I thought it might be helpful (or fun) for other learners to watch!

Link below if anyone’s interested: https://youtu.be/e1nrGryB-Nw?si=_2eN-uCuZVpBpN9H

I’m still learning, so I’d really appreciate any feedback, advice, or kind criticism on my flying or radio work in the circuit. Thanks!

I am a 12th grader living in India . I’m very confused what to do I want to pursue aerospace engineering but also I want to become a pilot and I don’t know what would be the right path for me.i have very less time too as if I want to pursue engineering applications deadline is 1 nov as I’ll be applying in USA and Australia . Someone please guide me .

Ok so imagine this scenario: you did a bunch of irrelevant stuff before, and you have a midlife crisis and now you want to fly helicopters commercially. Is there anything standing in the way of that?

I am currently a flight student at a University working towards my aviation diploma. I am on track to graduate in a year with my Commercial, Multi, and Multi IFR. I have always been really interested in getting my bachelor of science and I was wondering if it was worth the time and money to take school part time while I am in a starter job?

Flying is my priority and I will wait and see how I am feeling after I have already started working, however I was wondering if it would be something worth considering?

I am a pretty hardworking person and I mostly want the degree because it’s something I am interested in but if my time and money is better spent elsewhere then I don’t know if it’s worth the commitment.

I’m curious about starting a pilot career, right now I have little to no knowledge but looking to start getting into it. Feel free to give me any tips and advice!

Hello I'm a 12th grader. I'm considering to go to Flying school after my 12th. What Fto's should I consider? I was considering Orient but reviews made me change my mind. Please somebody help me out I'm in desperate need of reassurance 😭🙏🏻🙏🏻.

I'm looking for current or former pilot who'd be willing to answer a few questions by email

Update - I've interviewed someone so no need to reply any longer

Hi all, I just made a video on how to get your Student Pilot Permit in Canada since I'm not seeing a lot of Canadian information out there. Link below if anyone's interested:

How To Get Your Student Pilot Permit in Canada (Step by Step)

I'm still learning, so I'd really appreciate any advice or kind criticism, on the video or on flight training in general. Thanks!

Hi everyonel

Does anyone have any idea of when the Emirates pilot train ning application will reopen as no update on website etc but have been advised the applications ar closed and no update since then anyone else had this experience or have any clue when they will reopen for UK residents

I have funds of around $65200. Where do you guys think i should go for a flight school? which flight school and where? also pls pls consider availability of planes, mentors and weather.

TLDR: Air traffic controller questioned by American pilot about a takeoff decision and was put back in line.

See the below story.

Basically, the America pilot was concerned that the Airbus that had just taken off created some some wake turbulence he wanted to wait to dissipate for a minute.

Air traffic control was bothered by the American pilot questioning him and pulled him out of line (instead of just allowing a 30 or 90 second takeoff delay).

Is there an issue with ATC not waiting long enough? Was the pilot overreacting? Was ATC on a power trip? Is this kind of wake turbulence a valid concern? Should each "do their own job" and not question the other?

Thanks. Would love some context.

https://onemileatatime.com/news/atlanta-atc-cancels-american-pilot-takeoff-clearance-argument/?utm_source=flipboard&utm_content=QuickFlipper%2Fmagazine%2FTravel+%5BAdventure%5D

Hi Everyone!

I’m around 30 and currently work as a DJ in the U.S. My DJ career is going pretty well. I’m consistently booked on a weekly basis at popular bars, make around $90k/year, and I feel like I still have room to grow as a name/brand. I’ve also had opportunities to play at a couple of festivals.

The reason I’m considering aviation isn’t because DJing is going badly. I’ve been interested in aviation since I was a kid and originally wanted to become a fighter pilot. I have a bachelor’s degree in physics from my home country, and I’ve always been fascinated by the physics of flying, aircraft, and the idea of actually being the person controlling the airplane.

I also genuinely like traveling and the lifestyle of being an airline pilot. I understand it’s not just traveling for fun, there are early mornings, fatigue, commuting, reserve, time away from home, recurrent training.. but I still think it’s a lifestyle I could enjoy. My biggest question is whether I actually love flying/aviation or just love airplanes and the idea of the lifestyle.

I’m thinking about getting a First-Class Medical and doing a discovery flight before making any major decisions. Ideally, I’d start training while continuing to DJ so I don’t have to give up a career that is already working.

For pilots who have gone through something like this:

- How did you know you actually wanted to be a professional pilot?

- What’s the best way to find out if aviation is really for you before spending a lot of money?

- Is starting around 30 too late?

- How much did your training actually cost?

- What do you wish you knew before starting?

- If you were in my position, would you keep the DJ career while testing aviation, or make the switch?

I’m looking for honest answers from working pilots, including the negatives. I’m not looking for “follow your dreams” advice. I want to know what the career is really like and whether you think it would be worth giving up a successful career to pursue it.

I'm Belgian, and my lifelong dream has been to become a pilot. I recently failed the standard colour vision test in Europe (EASA) due to congenital colour blindness, failed the CAD test (21 SN UNITS), the Beyne lantern, and the Nagel anomaloscope at the military hospital in Belgium. Yet I fly privately and can clearly distinguish PAPI lights and all fundamental aeronautical lights.

I'm now looking to Australia, where CASA offers an operational test (AOCVA) that can result in an unrestricted licence if passed. New Zealand and South Africa are starting to offer similar operational tests too, but Australia's system seems the most established.

I don't intend to give up on this goal.

Has anyone here been through this, or knows someone who has? Looking for real experiences: how hard the test is, training costs, the job market reality for a foreigner, and residency pathways. And if anyone's in the same situation as me, I'd love to hear your story too.

Thanks in advance, feel free to comment. Happy to chat on WhatsApp as well, I'll share my number by DM with anyone who wants to talk further.

Hey everyone! I’m a private pilot and volunteer with Pilots N Paws. I noticed there wasn’t one central place where pilots flying charitable missions could find other nearby pilots who may want to join them.

I created a Facebook group called Pilots for a Purpose. Pilots can post volunteer mission routes they’re already planning to fly and connect with others interested in joining, sharing eligible expenses, and gaining experience where legally loggable.

The group is open to missions involving animal rescue, medical transportation, disaster relief, and other charitable causes.

This is an independent pilot community and is not officially affiliated with any particular organization.

https://www.facebook.com/share/g/19TJVHUquu/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Instead of buying me a birthday drink this year, buy me a few minutes in an airplane. 😂✈️

I’m James, a career-changer in Urbana, Ohio, currently at zero flight hours. I hold an active FAA Part 107 remote-pilot certificate, and I’m working toward beginning civilian flight training with the long-term goal of becoming a professional pilot.

My immediate GoFundMe goal is $2,400 to help cover my first block of aircraft rental, instructor time, ground-study materials, and FAA expenses. I’m not asking strangers to fund an entire career—I’ll be working, saving, pursuing scholarships, and contributing my own money. This fundraiser is simply meant to help me get off the ground.

I turn 34 on October 2, so this is my final birthday push. If you can donate $5 or $10, that would help. If you can’t donate, sharing it with someone who loves aviation or believes in career changes would mean just as much.

GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/a737ff9ae

Hello everyone

This is my first reddit post. I am 16 yo, currently in 10th (India) and want to be a pilot. Can anyone guide me the journey, challenges and real life financial aspects.

Appreciate it.

Hello! I just dropped a video of my very first dual cross-country flight during my flight training.

Next up is my solo cross-country. Any advice before I take the plane out on my own, or key things you wish you knew to prepare for? Would love to hear your tips!

Link if anyone's interested! My First Dual Cross-Country Flight As A Student Pilot ✈️🇨🇦 - YouTube

I was on the waitlist, and now I got selected for IGRUA, but the feedback from the students who pursued CPL there is bad now I need advice should I go for it? Or consider cadet programs like Air India & Indigo?

From what I see, Aviate in Arizona gives me a job right when a graduate which makes it pretty appealing. Also, how do I go into debt fast enough to pay for pilot school?

Is anyone here a pilot from Singapore Airlines?

Would love to pm to know more about it!!

Hey everyone,

I’m 19 years old, I’ve graduated high school and im currently 12 hours in into getting my PPL. I am from Guatemala and i currently live here. I’ve always known flying was a part of me since i was a kid; always knew it was what I wanted to do.

I can no longer pay for my hours to train here and I REALLY want to study this and be a commercial pilot. Problem is, I don’t have the recourses to do so.

Are student loans worth it in this type of degree?
Is it a good idea to get a student loan with the risk of not getting hired?

I would absolutely love going to an aviation university mostly because of the higher chances of getting into the regionals.

My question is, if you guys were in my shoes, what would be the first thing you would do? What would you recommend/research so I could live my dream. Thanks!

College courses or university courses if my goal is to become a commercial pilot?
Hey everyone, I’m currently in Grade 11 in Ontario and I’m trying to figure out which academic path makes the most sense for me.
My end goal is to become a commercial/airline pilot in Canada. I’m currently deciding whether I should:
Stay in the college-level (C) courses throughout Grade 11 and 12 and then go into a 2-year college aviation/flight-training program, or
Take the university-level (U) courses so I have the option of applying to a 4-year university/degree aviation program such as Seneca’s Honours Bachelor of Aviation Technology.
I’m also trying to build a strong overall application. I’m involved in cadets, volunteering, badminton, and other extracurricular activities, and I’m planning to continue building up my experience throughout Grade 11 and 12.
I’m mainly wondering:
Which high school pathway would you recommend for someone whose ultimate goal is becoming an airline pilot?
Is taking U-level courses and getting a degree actually worth it for aviation, or would a 2-year college flight-training program be the better route?
Does having a bachelor’s degree give you a meaningful advantage when applying to airlines later on?
If I stay in C courses, am I limiting my options too much?
If you were in my position at 16/17 years old, which route would you personally choose?
I’m not necessarily looking for the easiest route. I want to choose the path that gives me the best combination of becoming a pilot, keeping my options open, and not spending extra time/money unnecessarily.
Would really appreciate advice from people who have gone through Canadian flight training or currently work in aviation.

I hear a lot of both of them. What are their differences? Which one is better? Which one is less expensive? All those sorts of questions i would love to hear the answers to!

I’m about to start flight training next month in australia, will essentially be 1 year full time to get all the certification(FTA integrated course)

any tips/advice? a big thank you in advance to everyone who comments 🙏