my plan to becoming a pilot i need help
- Thread starter madlion
- Start date
LoadMasterC141
Well-Known Member
How much is community college going to cost? What are you getting hours and ratings wise for that money?
Your plan sounds good I am just wondering how much you have explored the costs of your route.
Your plan sounds good I am just wondering how much you have explored the costs of your route.
Boris Badenov
Fortis Leader
Not a lot to go on there, but it doesn't sound, on its face, like a particularly BAD plan. Know this: Very few people care when/where/how you got your ratings, so spend as little as possible. You'll be needing it later.
madlion
Member
i am checking with the school but it is closed for break now
Autothrust Blue
”…trusting ze process…”
Without a four-year degree your career potential is limited to RJ captain. Which isn't necessarily a bad job, except I'd rather be an FO at mainline than #1 on the seniority list at a regional. Consider this very carefully. Don't limit yourself unless you have a really good reason. A little more education now pays big dividends later.
(This is something of a broad and sweeping generalization, but it's largely true. The majors do not hire people without at least a BA/BS except in limited circumstances.)
drunkenbeagle
Gang Member
Sounds like a workable plan, I wouldn't make a decision yet about where you are getting a CFI yet. Worry about getting the PPL/Inst and do that as economically as you can. You'll be in a much better position to figure out what's best when you are closer. The Comm/CFI rides don't need to be super expensive - if you are motivated and study yourself, you can save a lot of cash.
Matt13C
Well-Known Member
Also, get a degree in something other than aviation. I know you think it is all you want to do, but don't limit yourself. There are a number of situations where you can lose the ability to fly professionally, best to plan for this instead of acting like it is not a possibility.
z987k
Well-Known Member
Plus you can't get on with NASA with the aviation degree.... so there's that. lol.
(I think this should now be the go to, as for why to major in something else.)
Autothrust Blue
”…trusting ze process…”
I forgot to say this, so, for the LOVE OF GOD, this!
madlion
Member
ive just decided to do my ppl at community college instead of the entire thing. then go to atp
Autothrust Blue
”…trusting ze process…”
At the risk of sounding somewhat somewhat redundant redundant, you need to have licenses and a degree to have a high(er) career potential.
Matt13C
Well-Known Member
Where you get your ratings doesn't matter, cheaper the better. What you need is a 4 year degree.
ATP might get you flight hours as a CFI and even help you get your first gig at a regional, but unless you want to stay at a regional for your entire career, you are spending the bulk of your money in the wrong place.
As was previously stated, a 4 year degree is pretty much required for a job at a major, and regionals are increasingly suggesting one to be more competitive.
It is your choice, but make it with the knowledge that without a degree you are putting yourself at a severe disadvantage.
madlion
Member
the community college i want to go to said it i do all my ratings there said it will cost around 57,000$ and average 250-300 hours does that sound good enough. i need help making the right plans. i really want to instruct at atp and if i do the community college program i wont meet atp cfi hiring minimums. what was your plan on becomming a pilot and did it work thanks
madlion
Member
how did you do your training
Matt13C
Well-Known Member
Well the reason I am so for having a good back up plan and not putting all your eggs into one basket is because you NEVER know what the future holds.
I was working my way through my ratings after college and got a job to pay as I went. Met a girl, had a baby and now flying is on hold. My backup plan became my main plan as it allows me to support my family in a way flying cant when flight instructing or working for a regional. Family>career.
I know you want to fly and it is your dream, but it is pretty much every person on this boards dream and not all of us will be commercial pilots. There are countless situations that can put it out of reach and you should have a back up plan. I know you dont want to hear that and will most likely ignore it and say you dont care, but maybe it will sink in.
As most people have said, a college degree is basically a necessity if you want to go anywhere beyond a regional. Majors will always have more applicants than positions to fill so you will need to make yourself stand out. Everyone else applying will have a degree, you will need one simply to keep up. In addition, a degree will teach you communication and writing skills which you will need for life.
Don't focus on ATP, they are only one place to instruct, there are many many others. Hours are hours it doesnt matter where they come from.
madlion
Member
i had plan to get an associate degree in administrative assistant while working on my ppl. then go to atp and finish up my ratings. then go to the regionals. after a couple of years i will quit and go back to college and work as an aministrative assistant until i finish college. finally head to the majors.
Matt13C
Well-Known Member
No need to quit the regional, you can do online courses while you work as a pilot.
madlion
Member
THAT'S SONGS Awfully tiring. but i know i can manage. on online college courses to you have to finish your classes on time or can you finish whenever