Best way to become a Pilot

B

brandoncooley92

Well-Known Member
Hi I am new to JC and I wanted to ask a few questions. What would be the best way to become a commercial pilot? I've wanted to be a pilot since I was in preschool when we had career day I went as a Pilot. I also wanted to know is there any thing I could go to college for to better my chances to becoming a Pilot? I am looking to go to Dowling college for aviation management have you heard any thing about them Good or Bad. Also what is an example of the math I would use on a Day to Day being a pilot. I am 18 now and have no flight time. Thanks for you time.
 
Without posting a book about different options heres the best bits of QUICK advice I can come up with to becoming a pilot.

1. Before you enroll in any expensive PART 141 program go to a local flight school where it is cheaper to fly and get your Private Pilot License first. Then decide if this is your calling.

2. Consider the military option, its tough but rewarding. Theres a lot of military guys on here and we have a military pilots forum. To be a pilot in the military you will have to commit 10 years, but when you get out (if you choose too) you shouldn't have any problem finding a good flying job. Also you get the best training in the world for free.

3. Avoid the four year aviation degree programs and find a degree field close to aviation that can be applied to it, but is diverse. Like a BS in accounting, finance, or business management. Be careful of getting into college debt for an aviation degree.

4.Have a backup plan. This industry is a roll coaster... In 1983, the professional air traffic controller organization (PATCO) {which is the union for air traffic controllers} went on strike and thousands of pilots were furloughed and released from work overnight... that coupled with a bad economy kept aviation in a bad spot for much of the 80s. Not to long after Eastern Airlines died in the early 90s. Things got much better later in the 90s with hiring, more jobs, some better pay then 9/11 came along. Again another crash more pilots on the streets lots of furloughs etc. By 2004 or so, most of those furloughed pilots were called back and there was some hiring, by 2006 into 2007 there was a huge pilot shortage anyone with a Commercial license was going into the right seat of a jet... pilot's market. By late 2008 to early 2009 the economy collapsed, there were few senior pilots retiring and again tons of furloughs, companies going out of business and a lot of pilots without work. Now its 2011 and things are getting better there is some movement possibly a small shortage on the horizon. It should be pointed out that the state of the industry is heavily dependant on fuel prices also. See a trend? Have a backup plan if you can't get a flying job.

5. Prepare for lifelong learning. Its not like being a historian or something where you memorize the history and teach it over and over again and cruise all the time. Everytime you upgrade to a new plane or new company you'll be studying and learning... constantly being challenged. Furthermore every 6 months you'll be subject to proficiency checks that constantly recheck your skills.

Its a great and rewarding career. Just know what your getting into. Good Luck!
 
I was Thinking of going to College for Criminal Justice. Will this lesson my chances of becoming a pilot or do they really just want a 4 year college degree? I know flying is my calling i have flown a couple times and never want to land its the time of my life when im flying. I am aware of the Ups and downs of the industry and am willing to take the risk I would never know if I would me a pilot if I never took the risk to find out. Thanks again and anymore info would be great.
 
HVYMETALDRVR said:
1. Before you enroll in any expensive PART 141 program go to a local flight school where it is cheaper to fly and get your Private Pilot License first. Then decide if this is your calling.
Click to expand...
I second this

I cannot tell you how sad it is when somebody enrolls in a zero to hero program only to find they don't enjoy flying like they thought they would, or found something about the industry they don't particularly like and decide not to pursue it. And adding insult to injury, these zero to hero places that take payment upfront will 99% of the time NOT refund you at all.
 
brandoncooley92 said:
Will this lesson my chances of becoming a pilot?
Click to expand...
Absolutely not.

One of the things they are looking for as far as a college degree is that you have what it takes to go through a structured program and jump through a few hoops, follow the rule and get the program done.

That's why the major isn't really a big deal.
 
elmetal said:
Absolutely not.

One of the things they are looking for as far as a college degree is that you have what it takes to go through a structured program and jump through a few hoops, follow the rule and get the program done.

That's why the major isn't really a big deal.
Click to expand...

Thanks I want to go to college for criminal justice I think that would be cool. What are the prices to get my Private pilots license in 141 program because it cost $8,000 where I live to go to the small flight schools Thanks for your help
 
brandoncooley92 said:
Thanks I want to go to college for criminal justice I think that would be cool. What are the prices to get my Private pilots license in 141 program because it cost $8,000 where I live to go to the small flight schools Thanks for your help
Click to expand...
Take whatever estimate they give you with a grain of salt.

Budget this:

50-60 hours in whatever plane you're flying in
at least 30 up to 40 or 45 will be dual so let's say 45 dual

50-60 x 120(rate around here, adjust for yours) = 6000-7200
45 x 45(rate of instructors here, adjust yours) = 2025
add 15 instructor hours for about .3-.5 of debrief a little ground every lesson let's say 35 flights we'll average to 15 hours = 675


8700-9900 and that's not including checkride and written

Now, I will say this: I got my PP in 46 hours, I did not have the .5 debriefs and whatnot that some places do have (I had t, just not charged), instructor rates were 30 and 18 of my 46 hours were solo



With all that said, if you are small enough, I recommend using a 152 to train, I weigh 150 so that wasn't exactly a possibility since my instructor wasn't say 130 pounds

They will all give you a bottom line estimate with 40 hours and the bare minimums, I say budget for 50-60 hours and you will not be disappointed.

Also: Find a school you get a good vibe from, find an instructor who is not only eager to work with you and help you, but he is still passionate about flying. Find the guy who isn't just there to get you to pass the test and log hours in his book to go to an airline. Find someone who cares. The little details in your fundamentals will matter later on



just my 2 cents
 
brandoncooley92 said:
Thanks I want to go to college for criminal justice I think that would be cool. What are the prices to get my Private pilots license in 141 program because it cost $8,000 where I live to go to the small flight schools Thanks for your help
Click to expand...

Certainly more than what it would cost part 61.

Just remember, you DO NOT need to do it all at once. I got a PPL while I was in college, I flew when I had the time and money, and it took a few years. It was never my top priority. While it is great to be able to finish quickly, it certainly isn't necessary.
 
Got to college, enroll in ROTC, become an Officer, get paid to learn to fly, serve your country by flying, get out if you choose and you will have many open doors waiting for you. This would be the most rewarding and cost effective way in my opinion.
 
brandoncooley92 said:
Thanks I want to go to college for criminal justice I think that would be cool. What are the prices to get my Private pilots license in 141 program because it cost $8,000 where I live to go to the small flight schools Thanks for your help
Click to expand...
The 141 aviation schools can cost you as much as $100,000 or more. Many are going to be around $50-60,000. Dont for get the option of finding a local FBO flight school that is also 141. This is what I did. Whole thing cost me about $35,000. Then I instructed there untill I built up some time and experience and I got my job.

Remember, this . . . and this is one of the BEST things I ever read when I was trying to figure out what to do (big aviation school, or local FBO) . . . THEY ALL LEAD TO THE SAME JOB AND THE SAME PAY! And remember, that pay is less than the guys at McDonalds are making, so if you can help it, try not to get into a ton of debt! $100,000 is a lot to be paying back on CFI pay, and FO pay!

Also the military . . . go talk to a reserve eliment, get "THEM" to pay for your raitings, even if you dont fly for the military. Just go be a weekend warrior and go reap the benifits of uncle same paying for all that expensive flying. .ok, pay for MOST of that expensive flying. you'll need to be 21 before anyone will hire you anyway, so go sign up for 3 years and during that time do some college, do some flying and have some fun.

One more note .. .dont know how loaded mom and dad are, but aviation loans are all bye-bye! No money for flying (part of the issue with there being less pilots every year).
 
The military path is not the easiest or the fastest. It requires a lot of dedication, genuine willingness to serve, and peserverance. There are no guarantees of anything, despite what some may say.
 
elmetal said:
Take whatever estimate they give you with a grain of salt.

Budget this:

50-60 hours in whatever plane you're flying in
at least 30 up to 40 or 45 will be dual so let's say 45 dual


50-60 x 120(rate around here, adjust for yours) = 6000-7200
45 x 45(rate of instructors here, adjust yours) = 2025
add 15 instructor hours for about .3-.5 of debrief a little ground every lesson let's say 35 flights we'll average to 15 hours = 675


8700-9900 and that's not including checkride and written

Now, I will say this: I got my PP in 46 hours, I did not have the .5 debriefs and whatnot that some places do have (I had t, just not charged), instructor rates were 30 and 18 of my 46 hours were solo



With all that said, if you are small enough, I recommend using a 152 to train, I weigh 150 so that wasn't exactly a possibility since my instructor wasn't say 130 pounds

They will all give you a bottom line estimate with 40 hours and the bare minimums, I say budget for 50-60 hours and you will not be disappointed.

Also: Find a school you get a good vibe from, find an instructor who is not only eager to work with you and help you, but he is still passionate about flying. Find the guy who isn't just there to get you to pass the test and log hours in his book to go to an airline. Find someone who cares. The little details in your fundamentals will matter later on



just my 2 cents
Click to expand...

Ok thanks im not that small ill have to check in to the different flight schools around where I live thanks for you opinion
 
jerrywhite7 said:
The 141 aviation schools can cost you as much as $100,000 or more. Many are going to be around $50-60,000. Dont for get the option of finding a local FBO flight school that is also 141. This is what I did. Whole thing cost me about $35,000. Then I instructed there untill I built up some time and experience and I got my job.

Remember, this . . . and this is one of the BEST things I ever read when I was trying to figure out what to do (big aviation school, or local FBO) . . . THEY ALL LEAD TO THE SAME JOB AND THE SAME PAY! And remember, that pay is less than the guys at McDonalds are making, so if you can help it, try not to get into a ton of debt! $100,000 is a lot to be paying back on CFI pay, and FO pay!

Also the military . . . go talk to a reserve eliment, get "THEM" to pay for your raitings, even if you dont fly for the military. Just go be a weekend warrior and go reap the benifits of uncle same paying for all that expensive flying. .ok, pay for MOST of that expensive flying. you'll need to be 21 before anyone will hire you anyway, so go sign up for 3 years and during that time do some college, do some flying and have some fun.

One more note .. .dont know how loaded mom and dad are, but aviation loans are all bye-bye! No money for flying (part of the issue with there being less pilots every year).
Click to expand...

So if I go into the reserves will the military pay for me to fly even if I am not going to be a Pilot? Thanks And my local flight school has loans and ATP also has loans Thanks for your info and thanks again
 
brandoncooley92 said:
So if I go into the reserves will the military pay for me to fly even if I am not going to be a Pilot? Thanks And my local flight school has loans and ATP also has loans Thanks for your info and thanks again
Click to expand...
in short= yes

Lookup the GI Bill and how that allows for SOME of your 141 training to be paid for (this I believe has to be done at a 141 program, but it doesn't have to be a big school, there are plenty of small 141 schools)
 
Flight81 said:
Got to college, enroll in ROTC, become an Officer, get paid to learn to fly, serve your country by flying, get out if you choose and you will have many open doors waiting for you. This would be the most rewarding and cost effective way in my opinion.
Click to expand...

I would go to ROTC but its very hard to get a pilot seat in the military Right? I would love to fly in the military but i know its very hard to get a pilot seat that has always been my dream.
 
elmetal said:
in short= yes

Lookup the GI Bill and how that allows for SOME of your 141 training to be paid for (this I believe has to be done at a 141 program, but it doesn't have to be a big school, there are plenty of small 141 schools)
Click to expand...

Wow I did not know that i thought you had to be a pilot in the military for them to pay for flying is it easier to get a pilot seat in the reserve then if i went in to the airforce thanks
 
brandoncooley92 said:
I would go to ROTC but its very hard to get a pilot seat in the military Right? I would love to fly in the military but i know its very hard to get a pilot seat that has always been my dream.
Click to expand...

Certainly not impossible, everyone I knew that wanted to fly, ended up flying. Hell, they took me.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top