I just graduated with a degree in communications and business, but I am extremely eager to pursue a career in aviation as a pilot. As of right now I have only taken a couple of intro flights and I am pretty sure as to where I want to go to do my training. My one big hurdle I am facing right now is the obvious financial challenges that await. I have been thinking about getting a job with my current degree, while training at the same time, but I really want to complete training and do it continuously in order to not only spend less money for training, but to retain as much information as I can in order to climb through the ratings faster. Becoming a pilot is my dream, and is something that I know I want to pursue, even though I am extremely aware of the challenges ahead, and the time it is going to take. Has anyone else here graduated and got your degree, and went on to pursue a career in aviation? It what ways did you finance your training, and how were you able to balance work while training? I guess I am just looking for someone who has been in my situation, and how they got through it. If you have any advice let please let me know! Thanks
Hey Guys, few questions...
- Thread starter gjx2
- Start date
Jshutt64
Well-Known Member
I'm not exactly in your situation, but I believe I can kind of point you in the right direction.
I'm currently a junior in college with about 125 hours and no debt. I started flying the summer of 2009 and have just worked my way through it.
The only way to realistically pay for flight training without taking out loans is to work full time+ and take it kind of slow. You don't get it all done in less than 6 months, but you don't owe a bank $50,000 either. Think of it this way:
If you go straight into flight training and have the bank pay for the entire thing, you're going to have all of your licenses within a few months saddling about $50,000 of debt. If you are lucky enough to get a flying job right off the bat, it's going to be really difficult to pay that back while simultaneously paying for basic living.
Get a full time job with your degree, and start hacking away at your certificates. You'll eventually get your CFI with no debt and a good job doing something else. I currently work full-time for Southwest, go to school, run a business with my roommate, and fly whenever I get some money/time. It's not easy by any stretch of the imagination, but I know in the end it will pay off.
P.S. Welcome to JC!!!
I'm currently a junior in college with about 125 hours and no debt. I started flying the summer of 2009 and have just worked my way through it.
The only way to realistically pay for flight training without taking out loans is to work full time+ and take it kind of slow. You don't get it all done in less than 6 months, but you don't owe a bank $50,000 either. Think of it this way:
If you go straight into flight training and have the bank pay for the entire thing, you're going to have all of your licenses within a few months saddling about $50,000 of debt. If you are lucky enough to get a flying job right off the bat, it's going to be really difficult to pay that back while simultaneously paying for basic living.
Get a full time job with your degree, and start hacking away at your certificates. You'll eventually get your CFI with no debt and a good job doing something else. I currently work full-time for Southwest, go to school, run a business with my roommate, and fly whenever I get some money/time. It's not easy by any stretch of the imagination, but I know in the end it will pay off.
P.S. Welcome to JC!!!
Tld
Waffles Brah.
Welcome gjx2. As you pursue your flying, have you though about taking a job that uses your degree, but within the field of aviation? I'm still working my way through my ratings, closer every day. The financial challenges have been frustrating at times, saving up, working and waiting...but knowing that I'll finish debt free is a huge motivator. With a business degree you could work for an airline or charter company (or even an aircraft or avionics or something) in an administrative role, while flying on the side. It is rough and slow going, but start pounding the pavement at aviation companies, see if you find your niche. It's a great way to meet and work with other people who share your passion.
