Questions about a career as a pilot.

C

CrewChief65

New Member
So im an Aircraft Mechanic in the Air Force, I work on A-10s and have always wanted to fly. I have my associates in Aircraft Maintenance from the Air Force Community College and thinking about using my GI bill to go to Embry Riddle. I have heard alot of things about the lifestyle of a pilot and I just had a few questions. Are there still certifications and what not that I would have to aquire after I graduate or would I get the majority of what I need from Embry Riddle? Is it really that hard being married? How is the job market for pilots now adays? I also hear that you really go into dept trying to get all your certifications. Just surfing around on the net I have heard nothing but negative things so I thought I would ask people who actually know whats going on.
 
Here are my opinions to the questions you're asking. Yes, Yes, and it depends on you, and it depends on you.

Is Riddle a good way to incure large amounts of debt? Yes.

Can you become a professional pilot without a Riddle degree? Yes.

Is being a professional pilot hard on marriages? It depends on you.

Does all of the mean you shouldn't try to become a professional pilot? It depends on you.
 
CrewChief,
Was in your shoes almost 20 yrs ago. Before you get out, I would try to use as much Tuition Assistance as I could if it it didn't prolong my ETOS.
If you want to get to a major, I would get the 4 yr degree first. Personally I would study something else besides aviation, but if that is your thing then go for it. Then I would decide the best flight school for the money for any GI Bill remaining.

Speaking of certificates, maybe you could talk to the FSDO to see if you can get credit towards and A and / or P certificate. This is helpful in many jobs, and will help you stand out.
 
With the new Post 9/11 GI Bill you will get an all expense paid (plus living expenses) while attending ERAU and when you come out of it you will have a 4yr degree, all required FAA certificates and most importantly...NO DEBT. The first few years after school you will only make around $15-30K/yr but being debt free sure makes those years alot easier. Good luck and welcome to JC!
 
I just did that math and the post 9/11 GI bill will pay for the ret of my education at Embry Riddle. Having no dept should be a big help! I already have an associates through the Air Force Community College so some of the basic classes should be taken care of. Yea no A and P license for me. Being a crew chief in afghanistan dodging rocket attacks and dealing with some of the worst and ignorant bosses I want out of this career field. Oh well 1 more month and im back state side!! :rawk:
 
Welcome to JC! :D

All good advice above, good luck on your future endeavors.

BTW, the word is "debt." :)
 
CrewChief65 said:
Being a crew chief in afghanistan dodging rocket attacks and dealing with some of the worst and ignorant bosses I want out of this career field.
Click to expand...

The 355th Wg/MXG doesn't have a history of good, competent leadership.

When I was there, it got so bad, the MXG/CC deemed that she personally would sign off ERs for jets. Of course, any jet I stepped to that was ER'd by an O-6 would automatically get Red X'd by me, on general principle (and for the fact that they can't do that anyway).
 
Thank you for serving.

Jobs are few and far between right now. It will not be a easy road, many have said that the road to your dreams is paved in broken glass. It can be done but you might want to do some serious homework.

That being said it is a amazing career.
 
I would get your A&P if you can, it is pretty easy to do with military experience I believe and you never know what the future holds. Maybe you'll want to buy a plane some day -- being able to do most of your own maintenance and inspections is an incredible way to save money.

Also, there are a number of pilot jobs that require an A&P... usually you're out in the boondocks though.
 
By the time you get out of school the economy will have recovered and the age 65 rule will no longer be delaying retirements.
 
MikeD said:
The 355th Wg/MXG doesn't have a history of good, competent leadership.

When I was there, it got so bad, the MXG/CC deemed that she personally would sign off ERs for jets. Of course, any jet I stepped to that was ER'd by an O-6 would automatically get Red X'd by me, on general principle (and for the fact that they can't do that anyway).
Click to expand...


Well it still isnt any better. We have a bunch of officers that have never worked a jet in there life making "changes for the better". Micromanaging everything and wonder why everything is failing QA evals. Well sir you don't know what your doing. No offence to officers but seriously what the hell!!
 
SpiraMirabilis said:
I would get your A&P if you can, it is pretty easy to do with military experience I believe and you never know what the future holds. Maybe you'll want to buy a plane some day -- being able to do most of your own maintenance and inspections is an incredible way to save money.

Also, there are a number of pilot jobs that require an A&P... usually you're out in the boondocks though.
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You know what that is probably a good idea thanks! Just being in the maintenance world in Afghanistan and having weak leadership has made me think twice about aircraft maintenance in general. Its an awesome job but the Air Force makes it suck.
 
CrewChief65 said:
You know what that is probably a good idea thanks! Just being in the maintenance world in Afghanistan and having weak leadership has made me think twice about aircraft maintenance in general. Its an awesome job but the Air Force makes it suck.
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Agree. Nothing's changed it seems.

Being deployed, I assume you're Bulldogs? If so, "Chingus" Wright was my old DCC in two different squadrons way back in the day......I think he's back there from his MTI tour.
 
MikeD said:
Agree. Nothing's changed it seems.

Being deployed, I assume you're Bulldogs? If so, "Chingus" Wright was my old DCC in two different squadrons way back in the day......I think he's back there from his MTI tour.
Click to expand...

Yes I know Chingus lol hes cool. Im in Phase so I get alot of heat for that from the flight line Crew Chiefs lol.
 
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