I am a business major and have graduated college already. I am considering going back to school for aircraft operations. I would love to pursue a career towards becoming a pilot but my problem would be having to move for a job. I live in New York City and besides being in a committed relationship I own some real estate that requires little attention. I obviously know I would always be traveling from state to state or even countries but my question is could I be a commuter pilot throughout my career? Would I have to change where I live if I find a job in a different state? I would appreciate the help before accepting my program to aviation school.
Considering Career in Aviation.....need help
- Thread starter Isidor
- Start date
Ayork62493
GBR
I'm not even an airline pilot yet, just a CFI with 1000 hours. But I have no desire at all to commute. I know too many people who can't stand it, and I don't blame them. NYC is a base for multiple airlines
Is your lady understanding about this? You'd be apart, she needs to be independant. Also, you'll make very little money initially. It's just a very hard career to pursue if you are locked down already.
That's just the bare basics of this but.. I love to fly, and have nothing tieing me down to my current location.. Which is why when the time comes to uproot, I will.
Is your lady understanding about this? You'd be apart, she needs to be independant. Also, you'll make very little money initially. It's just a very hard career to pursue if you are locked down already.
That's just the bare basics of this but.. I love to fly, and have nothing tieing me down to my current location.. Which is why when the time comes to uproot, I will.
MOGuy424
Well-Known Member
This it a tough question. You are probably going to get a TON of positive and negative feedback about this. The first thing I would do is really search your soul.
Things to consider before you pursue this career:
-Is aviation something you are truly passionate about?
-Are you doing this because you heard pilots can make 100k+? While the statement is true, it can be a very long road to a salary even slightly close to that but you will probably be only making in the lower 20k-40k your first few yrs at a regional airline.
-Cost for training is extremely high if you go through a University or accredited collage. Mine cost me ~60K, some have paid as much as 140K.
-If you become a commuter, as you stated, keep in mind that it is possible you might have to (not always) commute in or out to a trip on your day off because you couldn't get a flight to get you to/from work before a trip started thus cutting down on your actual days off. While you are on reserve you are more than likely going to have to get a crashpad, which is another added cost. Living in base provides a quality of life unparalleled to that of a commuters in my honest opinion, but I know commuters who do it and accept what it is and the seem just as happy as people who live in base.
Now, all that being said I am not trying to scare you just give a dose of reality soup. I was not a smart as you were and did not do a lot of research into some of these things when I began my journey, of course most of these resources were not available back then.
If you are willing to deal with a lot of the above mentioned stuff, then this job can be a VERY rewarding career and it truly comes down to what you make of it. The industry is going through some changes, which should better it for current and upcoming pilots futures, but it is a volatile industry and things can go from good to bad, or bad to good in a bat of an eye.
This is a fun and challenging career and regardless of the storms I have had to weather along the way, I truly do enjoy what I do everytime I step into the cockpit. Keep doing your research and don't jump in until you have the facts to make an informed decision.
Good luck, and feel free to send me a message if I can answer some more questions.
Things to consider before you pursue this career:
-Is aviation something you are truly passionate about?
-Are you doing this because you heard pilots can make 100k+? While the statement is true, it can be a very long road to a salary even slightly close to that but you will probably be only making in the lower 20k-40k your first few yrs at a regional airline.
-Cost for training is extremely high if you go through a University or accredited collage. Mine cost me ~60K, some have paid as much as 140K.
-If you become a commuter, as you stated, keep in mind that it is possible you might have to (not always) commute in or out to a trip on your day off because you couldn't get a flight to get you to/from work before a trip started thus cutting down on your actual days off. While you are on reserve you are more than likely going to have to get a crashpad, which is another added cost. Living in base provides a quality of life unparalleled to that of a commuters in my honest opinion, but I know commuters who do it and accept what it is and the seem just as happy as people who live in base.
Now, all that being said I am not trying to scare you just give a dose of reality soup. I was not a smart as you were and did not do a lot of research into some of these things when I began my journey, of course most of these resources were not available back then.
If you are willing to deal with a lot of the above mentioned stuff, then this job can be a VERY rewarding career and it truly comes down to what you make of it. The industry is going through some changes, which should better it for current and upcoming pilots futures, but it is a volatile industry and things can go from good to bad, or bad to good in a bat of an eye.
This is a fun and challenging career and regardless of the storms I have had to weather along the way, I truly do enjoy what I do everytime I step into the cockpit. Keep doing your research and don't jump in until you have the facts to make an informed decision.
Good luck, and feel free to send me a message if I can answer some more questions.
Pilot Fighter
Well-Known Member
Forget about going back to school, you are a college graduate. You need flying hours, not college credits and debt. Get your PPL and spend some time around the airport and with folks that are in the industry.
If you do pursue an aviation career, stay out of debt, it can derail your life. Join a flying club, buy block time, do anything you can do to reduce the cost of flying.
ChasenSFO
hen teaser
Well, the way the East Coast is set up, there are a ton of airlines with a short and high frequency commute from NYC compared to the West Coast and other places, so you have that going for you. And if you were to make a full career at the airlines, there are plenty of operators with NYC domiciles, including freight and major airlines down the road.
But why go back to school? You have a degree, airlines don't care if its aviation related. Plus it gives you a solid back-up in other industries if need be. If this is what you want to do, do it. Like others said, try to stay out of debt and fly as you go.
But why go back to school? You have a degree, airlines don't care if its aviation related. Plus it gives you a solid back-up in other industries if need be. If this is what you want to do, do it. Like others said, try to stay out of debt and fly as you go.
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Sol Rosenburg
Well-Known Member
Pay cash for your private and instrument, then decide if you want to do this forever. NYC will always be a base for somebody but its likely you will have to travel/commute somewhere for your first jobs. You have a degree, don't waste money on some aviation school. Get a masters in something if you just have to go back to school. You will need a very independent spouse in your early years flying, and you will need their salary to get through, especially NYC.
jamestlester
Well-Known Member
I have a few things I'd like to say. First, flight training is expensive. Because it's expensive, please don't make my mistake and pursue an education with a loan from ATP. As far as going back to school goes, you don't need to go back to college. Just get your ratings. Know that you will almost certainly have to work as a CFI for hundreds of hours (a few years) to meet 1500 hour minimums. Then, expect to work as a regional FO (whether pursuing a career in the airlines or not.) making crap pay for several years. It's tough, and you should know what you're getting into.
What school's program are you accepting? I don't ask to be critical, but this is a huge decision that many (myself included) would make differently had they had some experience in aviation.
What school's program are you accepting? I don't ask to be critical, but this is a huge decision that many (myself included) would make differently had they had some experience in aviation.
Sol Rosenburg
Well-Known Member
I started flying in 2003 and in no uncertain terms I definitely would not become a commercial pilot if I started now, now way. Just saying...
z987k
Well-Known Member
There is no need to be a regional fo if one does not want to be a regional captian.
jamestlester
Well-Known Member
Fair. How do you get the initial turbine PIC for the corporate stuff? I just haven't figured out a way to go from working as a CFI to flying citations other than joining the regionals (or knowing someone)
cstewart6
Just smart enough to operate the machines
Some guys make out great in aviation, others get tossed to the curb. How's your tolerance for risk? But if you want to be an airline pilot, you will always be able to work out of NYC. Getting that first 1500 hours may be a little difficult without moving, though.
SteveCostello
My member is well-known.
One might say that anyone considering a career in aviation right now needs help... mental help!
But... I'm right there with ya'...
rframe
pǝʇɹǝʌuı
People have all sorts of weird different paths in this field.
One path might be CFI, MEI, Piston Freight Dog, Turboprop Freight Dog, Corporate King Air, Corporate Jet FO, Corporate Jet Captain.
I've seen several guys get hired into the right seat of Corporate Jets as FO's with a few hundred hours, but I think their chances of ever upgrading are very very low. Though, I'm sure it's happened.
sounddoc
Well-Known Member
Advice from a now former career changer (IT -> Pilot):
First, explain to your significant other that you are planning on being broke and mostly absent for the next 5-6 years. Be honest. Aviation is not easy on relationships, unless you become a career CFI.
Heed the advice above to stay away from loans and large 141 pilot mills if you can. With the "impending pilot shortage" these places are in it these days to grab your cash, and don't emphasize safe, smart flying in my limited experience. They are businesses first, flight schools second. YMMV.
If you have a day job KEEP IT and USE IT to fund your flight training.
Next, find a good part 61 flight school with crusty old instructors who will beat you up in the cockpit, start working on your private, enjoy the perma-grin.
Take every spare penny you have and put it towards flight training and materials. Start buying ramen noodles.
Last and not least - don't plan on what career you're going to have. You (nor anyone else on this board) knows what the industry will look like in 3-4 years when you're instructing and planning on your next move. In 4 years I went from 0 to hero, I changed my mind several times on what I'd end up doing. And now I'm doing something I never planned on doing (and loving every second of it). in 2007 the regionals were hiring commercial pilots with a pulse. in 2013 the FAA now requires some version of an ATP to get in a jet.
So just concentrate on the next two steps - find a good flight school, talk to the significant other.
good luck!
First, explain to your significant other that you are planning on being broke and mostly absent for the next 5-6 years. Be honest. Aviation is not easy on relationships, unless you become a career CFI.
Heed the advice above to stay away from loans and large 141 pilot mills if you can. With the "impending pilot shortage" these places are in it these days to grab your cash, and don't emphasize safe, smart flying in my limited experience. They are businesses first, flight schools second. YMMV.
If you have a day job KEEP IT and USE IT to fund your flight training.
Next, find a good part 61 flight school with crusty old instructors who will beat you up in the cockpit, start working on your private, enjoy the perma-grin.
Take every spare penny you have and put it towards flight training and materials. Start buying ramen noodles.
Last and not least - don't plan on what career you're going to have. You (nor anyone else on this board) knows what the industry will look like in 3-4 years when you're instructing and planning on your next move. In 4 years I went from 0 to hero, I changed my mind several times on what I'd end up doing. And now I'm doing something I never planned on doing (and loving every second of it). in 2007 the regionals were hiring commercial pilots with a pulse. in 2013 the FAA now requires some version of an ATP to get in a jet.
So just concentrate on the next two steps - find a good flight school, talk to the significant other.
good luck!
skypilot6
Well-Known Member
Network Network Network, and Network some more, Even if you go to the regionals and become a captain you'll never get into the corporate world if you dont know someone. I fly Corporate and Charter, out of 9 pilots only 1 flew the airlines to begin with. I instructed flew night cargo for a few years and met the right people along the way and when they were hiring I got the phone call. And we do have one guy that went from a 172 as a CFI to an FO in a Citation 2, and I know several people that have done the same its very possible. just gotta know the right people.
Boris Badenov
Fortis Leader
Never been an airline pilot (or a corporate pilot, for that matter), but I've gone CFI>CFI>CFI>*pause*>Piston freight>tuboprop freight>turboprop freight>jet charter SIC>jet charter PIC>air ambulance turboprop PIC. Eight jobs in about 12 years. Wheeeeeee!
jamestlester
Well-Known Member
Thanks for the insight. I need to try and find some piston freight around Atlanta. I wish it was a bigger market over here like it is out west.
Tommay85
Well-Known Member
The last guy that got hired to do my "dream job" was a high time CFI that flew bank work on the side in a cherokee 6(freight). Crap cherokee 6 to a Citation X/Gulfstream V and 550. No turbine time. Niiiiiiice...
4000 hours at an airport I wouldn't call busy. He friggen earned/deserved that job when it came his way! In general freight is an OK place to get this. No one wants this time in the 121 world though, but it is marketable elsewhere if you don't let the "freight dog stench" infect you.
That being said, 121 flying doesn't appear to be as detrimental as it once might have been in the past. During down turns, many avoid part 121 guys as they think they're just coming there to work until they get recalled. Not so much the environment these days... It's not a bad idea to go to a regional, to get the flight time" with hopes of going to a 91K/91/135 operation these days it seems. I know a handful that have done this very thing. Networking is more challenging though if you're not on that side of the field though.