Some advice about my situation

iwannafly · May 2nd, 2005, 17:10

Hi everyone,

I would appreciate some good advice about my situation. So some background. I am 24 years old. I just graduated with a BA from San Diego State. Right now I am looking into different jobs in the area. However, there is one thought that is in the back of my head. Ever since I was 12 I have wanted to be an airline pilot. But as time has gone on, I have really not done anything about it. This is because of being busy with school/work. But I guess I feel like I am at a crossroads. I either decide to get a massive loan and go down the airline road, or start a 9 to 5 career here. I feel that I should try the airline path. It is something that I have always wanted to do and I know that I would be really happy. I guess what I want to know is I have heard many people talk about how there will be tons of pilots and not enough jobs. I was wondering what you all thought about this. Before I get out basically a law school sized loan, do you think there is going to be a market for an airline pilot in a couple years? I realize that there are no gurantees in life. I do not know anyone who is an airline pilot so I was looking for some opinions. Thank you very much for helping in advance.

kellwolf · May 2nd, 2005, 17:13

Truth is no one knows what the market will be like for airline pilots in the coming years. All we know for sure is that it will more than likely be different than it is today, yesterday or tomorrow. That being said, there are a lot more PILOT career paths than just the airlines.

My advice is this: take the 9-5 job for now and work on your private license in the mean time. That way if you don't like it or feel you wouldn't want to do it as a career, you're not out tens of thousands of dollars. If you do like it, go from there.

Swen · May 2nd, 2005, 19:23

I presume your job will pay quite well out of college, even if it doesn't you should still be able to afford flying lessons. So take a job in your degree and fly on the side. Get your private license. If you like it, go for another rating. This way you shouldn't incur any debt.

av8trxx · May 3rd, 2005, 03:32

You don't even have a PPL yet, so you should continue on your job path and get that on the side before you make a huge personal & financial commitment. I suggest getting your instrument too. Your perception of the career may not be the reality of it. If you got your PPL/IFR you'd still be able to fly for pleasure if you decided not to go commercial after getting those and not be under huge debt. If you decide to push forward you can do it very affordably in San Diego.

Montgomery Field has many excellent flying clubs where you can obtain your PPL for far less than many other places. Go to the Gibbs Flying Service office (NE corner of Aero Dr & John J. Montgomery at the airport entrance) and pick up flyers for all the clubs. Independant CFIs all have their cards on the tack board in the hallway. An average club rate for a C172 is $70/hr and the CFIs are $30+, so you will be spending at least $100 per hour for instruction.

If you applied yourself, flew often, and did it near the FAA minimum of 40 hours you could get it for under $5K via a club like Plus One Flyers. Go to the Gibbs Flying Service offices and pick up flyers for all the clubs Golden Wings is another good one.

Also check out http://flightinfo.com/learntofly.htm

ATA_victim · May 5th, 2005, 01:14

If I were you I would accept that 9-5 job. Assuming it pays you well, fly on the weekends. After you get your PPL then YOU will know what you want to do. Having a good,stable and well paying job is a VERY good thing in this industry especially starting out. You already have something to fall back on and you havent even started flight training. Dont sweat about the future job market. To me, getting hired in the airlines is like riding a wave. There is gonna be a high demand of pilots followed by a low demand. Its a big cycle. There are always gonna be pilots so dont worry. Enjoy the fruits of your labor (education) and get that 9-5. You cant go wrong with flying on the side. The worst thing you can do is to take out a HUGE loan and decide you dont want to pusue an airline career.

P.S
You probably found the best site on the net that has the most people that will give you the Best advice on any problem that you might have. I know that the guys and girls on this site helped me out a great deal.

Astin · May 5th, 2005, 18:32

The industry will come around eventually. You are young enough that you will go through many cycles. Take the advice from the guys who posted on here.....take your time and avoid debt. Once you make it to the airlines, you will understand why. If you don't, you will say to yourself.."why the heck did I rush to get to this?"

SWA_Mark · August 2nd, 2005, 00:37

Just want to say this post has helped me out. Im currently 19 years old, and ever since elementary school my friends still remember me sitting on the grass looking at the planes landing at our local airport here (Ontario, CA, KONT). Got the bug after taking my first flight in the 5th grade, bought a new comp just for flight simulator haha.

Going through high school i also had a facination with Law Enforcement so im doing that right now in college, im taking Criminal Justice in the Fall. Ive been here on JC for awhile reading posts about the current state of aviation and the process and hurdles people need to go through to become a pilot that led me a away a bit, I did not want to get into something, spend all the money, and not be sure that i will be able to get a job in the end.

But there still that bug. I saw a Japanese movie (english subtitles) about a aspiring pilot called ' Good Luck !! ' flying for ANA...man it got me thinking again. I think ill talk with my parents and maybe help me along with starting some lessons while college.

Thanks for this thread.

Naluryder · August 2nd, 2005, 01:29

[ QUOTE ]
Just want to say this post has helped me out. Im currently 19 years old, and ever since elementary school my friends still remember me sitting on the grass looking at the planes landing at our local airport here (Ontario, CA, KONT). Got the bug after taking my first flight in the 5th grade, bought a new comp just for flight simulator haha.

Going through high school i also had a facination with Law Enforcement so im doing that right now in college, im taking Criminal Justice in the Fall. Ive been here on JC for awhile reading posts about the current state of aviation and the process and hurdles people need to go through to become a pilot that led me a away a bit, I did not want to get into something, spend all the money, and not be sure that i will be able to get a job in the end.

But there still that bug. I saw a Japanese movie (english subtitles) about a aspiring pilot called ' Good Luck !! ' flying for ANA...man it got me thinking again. I think ill talk with my parents and maybe help me along with starting some lessons while college.

Thanks for this thread.

[/ QUOTE ]

You are still young so you still have a lot of time to think about it. On the other hand I just turned 33 y.o this year and I've decided to follow my dream. I'm halfway to getting my PPL and will continue on to CFI,CFII,MEI and the 1,000/200 magic number to begin with a regional. When I was at your age I was thinking the same thing, now at 33 I've made up my mind and there is no turning back..I guess it also depends alot on your circumstances..good luck ..by the way where can I get a copy of that movie? My wife is Japanese, I want to ask her in her opinion how she views this movie. In Japan its very expensive to become a pilot.

Follow your dreams!

Aloha!

Nalu

SWA_Mark · August 2nd, 2005, 01:55

Hey Naluryder, i watched it from a friend, its a tv Drama, 10 episodes long and its called "Good Luck!!":

Having achieved his life-long dream of being a pilot, Hajime is first officer on an international jetliner and is now working to become a captain. He can't seem to please Captain Kouda, who has become an exacting taskmaster since an air incident many years ago. To complicate matters, he begins a relationship with stubborn and straight-talking mechanic, Ayumi, whose parents died many years ago in the plane crash for which Captain Kouda feels he is responsible. What follows is a story of 21st century love, dreams, and passion.

http://sensasian.com/view/product.cgi/EN/V6610

Its funny cause in the movie ANA pilots use white gloves when they fly...and i was looking at pics on airliners.net...they really do wear white gloves haha i just found that funny and cool

Please do let us know how it goes for you!

Good Luck!

May 2nd, 2005, 17:10	#1
iwannafly Newbie Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 1	Some advice about my situation Hi everyone, I would appreciate some good advice about my situation. So some background. I am 24 years old. I just graduated with a BA from San Diego State. Right now I am looking into different jobs in the area. However, there is one thought that is in the back of my head. Ever since I was 12 I have wanted to be an airline pilot. But as time has gone on, I have really not done anything about it. This is because of being busy with school/work. But I guess I feel like I am at a crossroads. I either decide to get a massive loan and go down the airline road, or start a 9 to 5 career here. I feel that I should try the airline path. It is something that I have always wanted to do and I know that I would be really happy. I guess what I want to know is I have heard many people talk about how there will be tons of pilots and not enough jobs. I was wondering what you all thought about this. Before I get out basically a law school sized loan, do you think there is going to be a market for an airline pilot in a couple years? I realize that there are no gurantees in life. I do not know anyone who is an airline pilot so I was looking for some opinions. Thank you very much for helping in advance.

May 2nd, 2005, 17:13	#2
kellwolf Old Skool Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Memphis, TN Posts: 13,860	Re: Some advice about my situation Truth is no one knows what the market will be like for airline pilots in the coming years. All we know for sure is that it will more than likely be different than it is today, yesterday or tomorrow. That being said, there are a lot more PILOT career paths than just the airlines. My advice is this: take the 9-5 job for now and work on your private license in the mean time. That way if you don't like it or feel you wouldn't want to do it as a career, you're not out tens of thousands of dollars. If you do like it, go from there.

May 2nd, 2005, 19:23	#3
Swen Old Skool Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 2,614	Re: Some advice about my situation I presume your job will pay quite well out of college, even if it doesn't you should still be able to afford flying lessons. So take a job in your degree and fly on the side. Get your private license. If you like it, go for another rating. This way you shouldn't incur any debt.

May 3rd, 2005, 03:32	#4
av8trxx Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: KSAN Posts: 392	Re: Some advice about my situation You don't even have a PPL yet, so you should continue on your job path and get that on the side before you make a huge personal & financial commitment. I suggest getting your instrument too. Your perception of the career may not be the reality of it. If you got your PPL/IFR you'd still be able to fly for pleasure if you decided not to go commercial after getting those and not be under huge debt. If you decide to push forward you can do it very affordably in San Diego. Montgomery Field has many excellent flying clubs where you can obtain your PPL for far less than many other places. Go to the Gibbs Flying Service office (NE corner of Aero Dr & John J. Montgomery at the airport entrance) and pick up flyers for all the clubs. Independant CFIs all have their cards on the tack board in the hallway. An average club rate for a C172 is $70/hr and the CFIs are $30+, so you will be spending at least $100 per hour for instruction. If you applied yourself, flew often, and did it near the FAA minimum of 40 hours you could get it for under $5K via a club like Plus One Flyers. Go to the Gibbs Flying Service offices and pick up flyers for all the clubs Golden Wings is another good one. Also check out http://flightinfo.com/learntofly.htm

May 5th, 2005, 01:14	#5
ATA_victim Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: KDCA Posts: 173	Re: Some advice about my situation If I were you I would accept that 9-5 job. Assuming it pays you well, fly on the weekends. After you get your PPL then YOU will know what you want to do. Having a good,stable and well paying job is a VERY good thing in this industry especially starting out. You already have something to fall back on and you havent even started flight training. Dont sweat about the future job market. To me, getting hired in the airlines is like riding a wave. There is gonna be a high demand of pilots followed by a low demand. Its a big cycle. There are always gonna be pilots so dont worry. Enjoy the fruits of your labor (education) and get that 9-5. You cant go wrong with flying on the side. The worst thing you can do is to take out a HUGE loan and decide you dont want to pusue an airline career. P.S You probably found the best site on the net that has the most people that will give you the Best advice on any problem that you might have. I know that the guys and girls on this site helped me out a great deal.

May 5th, 2005, 18:32	#6
Astin Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Posts: 94	Re: Some advice about my situation The industry will come around eventually. You are young enough that you will go through many cycles. Take the advice from the guys who posted on here.....take your time and avoid debt. Once you make it to the airlines, you will understand why. If you don't, you will say to yourself.."why the heck did I rush to get to this?"

August 2nd, 2005, 00:37	#7
SWA_Mark Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Fontana, CA Posts: 44	Re: Some advice about my situation Just want to say this post has helped me out. Im currently 19 years old, and ever since elementary school my friends still remember me sitting on the grass looking at the planes landing at our local airport here (Ontario, CA, KONT). Got the bug after taking my first flight in the 5th grade, bought a new comp just for flight simulator haha. Going through high school i also had a facination with Law Enforcement so im doing that right now in college, im taking Criminal Justice in the Fall. Ive been here on JC for awhile reading posts about the current state of aviation and the process and hurdles people need to go through to become a pilot that led me a away a bit, I did not want to get into something, spend all the money, and not be sure that i will be able to get a job in the end. But there still that bug. I saw a Japanese movie (english subtitles) about a aspiring pilot called ' Good Luck !! ' flying for ANA...man it got me thinking again. I think ill talk with my parents and maybe help me along with starting some lessons while college. Thanks for this thread.

August 2nd, 2005, 01:29	#8
Naluryder Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Arlington,TX (GKY) Posts: 112	Re: Some advice about my situation [ QUOTE ] Just want to say this post has helped me out. Im currently 19 years old, and ever since elementary school my friends still remember me sitting on the grass looking at the planes landing at our local airport here (Ontario, CA, KONT). Got the bug after taking my first flight in the 5th grade, bought a new comp just for flight simulator haha. Going through high school i also had a facination with Law Enforcement so im doing that right now in college, im taking Criminal Justice in the Fall. Ive been here on JC for awhile reading posts about the current state of aviation and the process and hurdles people need to go through to become a pilot that led me a away a bit, I did not want to get into something, spend all the money, and not be sure that i will be able to get a job in the end. But there still that bug. I saw a Japanese movie (english subtitles) about a aspiring pilot called ' Good Luck !! ' flying for ANA...man it got me thinking again. I think ill talk with my parents and maybe help me along with starting some lessons while college. Thanks for this thread. [/ QUOTE ] You are still young so you still have a lot of time to think about it. On the other hand I just turned 33 y.o this year and I've decided to follow my dream. I'm halfway to getting my PPL and will continue on to CFI,CFII,MEI and the 1,000/200 magic number to begin with a regional. When I was at your age I was thinking the same thing, now at 33 I've made up my mind and there is no turning back..I guess it also depends alot on your circumstances..good luck ..by the way where can I get a copy of that movie? My wife is Japanese, I want to ask her in her opinion how she views this movie. In Japan its very expensive to become a pilot. Follow your dreams! Aloha! Nalu

August 2nd, 2005, 01:55	#9
SWA_Mark Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Fontana, CA Posts: 44	Re: Some advice about my situation Hey Naluryder, i watched it from a friend, its a tv Drama, 10 episodes long and its called "Good Luck!!": Having achieved his life-long dream of being a pilot, Hajime is first officer on an international jetliner and is now working to become a captain. He can't seem to please Captain Kouda, who has become an exacting taskmaster since an air incident many years ago. To complicate matters, he begins a relationship with stubborn and straight-talking mechanic, Ayumi, whose parents died many years ago in the plane crash for which Captain Kouda feels he is responsible. What follows is a story of 21st century love, dreams, and passion. http://sensasian.com/view/product.cgi/EN/V6610 Its funny cause in the movie ANA pilots use white gloves when they fly...and i was looking at pics on airliners.net...they really do wear white gloves haha i just found that funny and cool Please do let us know how it goes for you! Good Luck!

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