It shall begin

[future777captain]

I am a 28 (almost 29) year old career changer. My training in B.C. Canada is set to begin full time in September. I've scrimped and saved since I finished university 5 years back and now I have the funds available to get me there. But I tell you being a wannabe pilot in North America is the toughtest thing in the world. If you consider European and Asian pilots who are trained by their own airlines and work for life there compared to here where it is all on you to graduate the programs on your own dime with no guarantee of a job.
As my avatar says I am a future 777 captain. I don't even want to work in North America really. The best jobs are with carriers like Singapore Airlines or Emirates. Naturally speaking those jobs are hard to get. Nowadays Air Canada is hurting for pilots so there is a good place to start.
Compared to the minimum wage jobs that got me here I can hardly wait to have a job I look forward to going to and gives me pride. A few months ago when I was studying part time my instructor let me do the take off, landing, turns, navigation, and tower talk all by myself. For you pros I know it is just another day at the office but for me that day is when I felt I became a real pilot.
I can hardly wait to be professionally certified.

[skidz]

Originally Posted by future777captain

I am a 28 (almost 29) year old career changer. My training in B.C. Canada is set to begin full time in September. I've scrimped and saved since I finished university 5 years back and now I have the funds available to get me there. But I tell you being a wannabe pilot in North America is the toughtest thing in the world. If you consider European and Asian pilots who are trained by their own airlines and work for life there compared to here where it is all on you to graduate the programs on your own dime with no guarantee of a job.

I wouldn't agree on this, because these guys you talking about are selected few with engineering degrees and pulls hired from a pool of thousands. They are the lucky ones. I figure the rest of the average Joes over there probably have less chance than most of us here in America. I'm originally from a small European country, I wouldn't have a chance in hell to do there what I can do here unless my brother is a president. Grass is not greener over there trust me

[skidz]

Btw, congratulations on your decision...painful decision but very rewarding as most of the folks here will tell you. I think you've come to the right place, there are many professional pilots, and some not quite professional like me here to help you.

[future777captain]

Thanks skidz. Who do you fly for? How did you fund your training?

[skidz]

Originally Posted by future777captain

Thanks skidz. Who do you fly for? How did you fund your training?

I'm not flying for a living yet, I'm just a private pilot but I stayed at Holiday Inn Express last night
Just kidding, well, I learned a lot by reading this msgboard so I'm just suggesting you should browse around and search for questions being asked and you will find a lot of good answers.
As for my training, I am planning to use VA benefits.

[future777captain]

I see, you are new to the field like me. My dad is a pilot and he says companies can't keep up with the retirements so for sure we will be heading to the airlines within the next few years.

[future777captain]

VA benefits? Which branch of the military were you? I was in the Canadian army for a while but VA benefits are non-existent up here.

[skidz]

Originally Posted by future777captain

I see, you are new to the field like me. My dad is a pilot and he says companies can't keep up with the retirements so for sure we will be heading to the airlines within the next few years.

I'm glad it's like that and I'll try to make it happen as quick as I can.

[skidz]

Originally Posted by future777captain

VA benefits? Which branch of the military were you? I was in the Canadian army for a while but VA benefits are non-existent up here.

I'm in the US Navy, but all the other branches Army, Air Force, Marines, Coast guard even the weekend warriors (reserves) have VA benefits.
It's a great deal and it will save me a bunch.
The way it works, when you join the military you can sign up for GI BIll and pay something like $100 a month for a year and after 2 years you get access to $34,000 that you can use only for education. Flight training is covered at 60%
They also pay for college while you're in. I am almost done with BS degree and didn't even touch GI BIll yet.
It's a pretty good deal for young guys who want to get some military experience and education and are determined to get it.
VA benefits expire 10 years after you leave the service though.

[future777captain]

You guys are lucky in America with the GI Bill stuff. Do you have a preference for airlines you want to work? My choices for airlines to work for are Singapore, Korean Air, Asiana, Quatar Airways, Saudi Arabian, Emirates, Swiss Air Lines, or Air France. Not all of them at once, but they are my preference for a future company. Well, Saudi Arabian is good money but not a fun life in Saudi Arabia.

[dc3flyer]

Welcome to the board 777 and good luck with training!!!!!!

[skidz]

Originally Posted by future777captain

You guys are lucky in America with the GI Bill stuff. Do you have a preference for airlines you want to work?

I would love to fly routes to Europe, any airline. Right now I have no clue how am I gonna achieve that, but...well, maybe something works out.

[sweber1987]

I don't think I'll have a problem getting hired by Luftansa because I retain German citizenship, or: USairways or even Delta because I've got connections at those companies. So I think that I might have it made,hopefully...Cheers..