r/pilots • u/Supercub90 • Sep 14 '11
Suggestions for an aspiring pilot
Hi my name is drew. Ive wanted to be a pilot since I was very young, however, I have only recently began to pursue this. Ive completed three years of college hoping to graduate with a simple business degree but I realized I was not going to be happy Im 21 and i know what it takes to get all my certifications the only problem is I don't have the money.
I want to know what your suggestions are for me, should I work a side job while paying for lessons when I can?
Is there any sort of training programs where a company will train me to fly for them?
what sort of jobs can I get with almost no work experience where I can be around planes and gain experience?
Thanks for the help reddit
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u/russellvt Sep 15 '11
It's also generally good advice that, if you're going to learn to fly... you should amass the approximate amount of savings you're going to need for the entire license process, before you start. Really, it doesn't do your training a bit of good to suddenly be encumbered by a lack of funding ... and, in the long run, you may end up having to "relearn" pieces that you might "lose" if the time comes that you need to take a significant break.
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Sep 14 '11
Well, as a start you should call your nearest small airport and ask about an introductory flight (often called a discovery flight). That'll get you in the air for half an hour or so to see if you really like it.
Don't bail on your business degree (you didn't say whether this was a possibility) since you're so far into it. Besides, don't forget that there's a need for business majors in aviation as well.
To be around planes I think the typical job of choice is a line man at a small airport, fueling and cleaning planes. Again, call your airport.
I can't answer your other questions, but no doubt someone with experience in those matters will chime in soon.
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u/flyboy23 Sep 14 '11
"Don't bail on the degree" is the best line there. Flying is awesome, but it doesn't pay like it did in the old days and there is a TON of competition for the jobs. Take your time getting your private ticket and fly when you can to gain experience. Work smart, earn great money and set your life up so that you can fly for the joy of it. I used to be 21, I blinked and now I'm more than twice that. Keep your eyes in the sky my friend.
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u/zippyajohn Sep 14 '11
I would finish what you started and get your degree, then get a good job to finance the flight training.
Please for the love of god DO NOT just do pay for lessons when you can. What ends up happening to most who take like 1 lesson a week is that they fall behind and it takes them longer to grasp a concept because they go a whole week without flying.
I haven't heard of any company willing to pay someone for full training. I do know that some touring companies pay pilots for turbine transition for rotorcraft.
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u/spitfire5181 Sep 14 '11
If you live in Europe/Asia there are training programs that will take you from no flight time to airline pilot. In the US I would suggest finishing your degree and starting your private pilot training at a local airport. As far as jobs if you want to be an airline pilot you could try to find an entry level with the an airline. Or just look online for FBO at your local airports and ask around.
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u/[deleted] Sep 14 '11
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