ADvice!

C

Canadian

Well-Known Member
Greetings all!

Like most of you I have the ambition of becoming a pilot as this has been a childhood dream. After the unfortunate events of 9/11 I thought it would be best to complete my University education to secure a back-up career first before pursuing any flight training. So here I am at age of 22 with a Bachelors degree and post-graduate diploma in teaching. I have no loans or debts to pay off. This is a fresh start for me.

I would like to pursue pilot training on a part-time basis as I teach, but there is an issue of timing. Should I aim to complete my ratings as soon as possible in order to get myself out there on the market? I am not sure what path to take, part-time or full-time. The way I see it if I do my training fulltime I will have to save up heaps of money for a year or two and quit my job, whereas doing it part-time will allow me to complete ratings while having a stable income flowing into my bank account. If at any time I decide to pull out I will have a job behind my back!

I was told by several relatives who tell me they are informed on this matter that airlines look for young pilots at the age of 21-22 and most of them do not find full time jobs until they are in their mid 30’s. Is age really an issue, especially for one who is in his young twenties? Most of my family is trying to talk me out of it but the desire is strong!

Suggestions/replies would be appreciated!

Cheers,
- Sunny
 
I really think many people are discouraged by the industry but if you have the passion it shouldn't matter. One day you will make a good salary, all pilots do eventually. I would go ATP or a small flight school where you live. Get your training done and start networking. Instruct or do whatever you have to in order to get the hours. Remember, senority is key in the airlines. Also, don't let people get you down about your career choice. I know people in this forum have definitely ticked me off at times and made me contemplate my career path, but don't let it get to you. Good luck in your pursuits!
 
Canadian -

I recommend that you begin your aviation training part time, as you need to determine whether flying is really "your thing" before diving head first into murky waters. Real income won't hurt, either. FYI, I work roughly 44 hours a week and have still found time to attain additional flight ratings (I'm 22 as well, so bear in mind that I don't have a wife/kids). It's very doable.
 
Canadian. I'll assume you're Canadian. The aviation career in Canada is a lot different than in the USA. Whatever you do, don't make parallels between the stuff we talk about and how it is in Canada. I hope people with specific experience in Canada can chime in.
 
I'm also a Canadian. I think you are young, so if I were you, I would keep teaching, and fly part-time, but try to fly as much as possible. The industry up here is really hot right now, so the sooner you finish your training, the sooner you start working as a pilot. SInce you have a teaching background, you'd be a good candidate for a flight instructor too.

Most people at the airlines these days are not that young. I'm not sure what the avg age of a new hire at Air Canada (or the other airlines) is, but most people getting hired are probably in their 30s, or late 20s. My old instructor got on at Jazz as an RJ FO, and he is early 30s. I know people who got hired at Air Canada at age 55, or in their 40s.

Age is a factor, but I think experience and personality are more important issues.
 
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