Giving up the drugs to become a pilot...

Mateo303 · December 17th, 2007, 18:43

After a "long" 3.5 years I am giving up a comfortable, but boring life as a hospital pharmacist to pursue a career in aviation.

It seems I am typical of most that post in this particular forum. Im a bit "old" (32), but hopefully still have time to get somewhere in this field. Like most everyone else around here, I also dreamed of being a pilot all of my life. When I was a kid I always planned on doing this, but never really had the support to get there. Now after hundreds and hundreds of hours playing MS flight sim and staring at the sky I am going to do it for real.

My wife actually is the one that is making this happen. For a couple of years now she has tried to convince me I should make a career change to "whatever makes me happy". We are fortunate enough that she can support the two of us regardless of my income, so all of a sudden an aviation career has become much more practical and affordable. She also has a couple of friends with husbands that work for the airlines so she has an understanding of how this will effect her. She just keeps pushing me to do it.

So, the plan is to drop to 32 hrs/wk at work and spend the other three days off flying as much as possible. I'm hoping to get through my PPL as quick as possible. If all goes well with that I will switch my job to part time and start flying as much as I can to build hours. Does this seem a reasonable approach to getting through everything at a relatively quick pace? I would love to be applying with a regional in 1-1.5 yrs.

SO...Questions:
1)How often should I really plan on flying if I hope to have all the required hours to work for a good regional in 1-1.5 yrs.

2)Is winter a good time to start flying? (I live in the Denver area...the weather is actually a bit more stable this time of year except for some nasty winds that sometimes come off the mountains)

3)Is there such a thing as "part time" or as needed work for pilots? (in any area of commercial aviation)

4)As a FO with a regional do you have any ability to schedule in vacation time... (ie. can I take a month off to travel, or does that require years and years of seniority)

Im digging around and learning as much as I can. This site has been great and I just wanted to say hello and add my story.

Matt

Lead Sled · December 17th, 2007, 20:48

I'm in the exact same position as you. 32 and thinking of switching to a career in aviation. Since I'm higher on the age side I've been looking into schools like ATP to get things moving quicker. Very expensive but quick training from what I gather. I've heard people say they've gone from zero time to a regional job in one year and even less....but I'm fairly certain that would mean quitting your job.

Not sure how quickly things can be done if you keep working 32/hours a week.

Stay tuned for much better responses, you def don't want to take my advice.....I'm only here for support.

Good luck!

Lee D · December 18th, 2007, 02:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mateo303

SO...Questions:
1)How often should I really plan on flying if I hope to have all the required hours to work for a good regional in 1-1.5 yrs.
Matt

Just shooting from the hip, but 3 to 4 times a week to go through your ratings, then full time as an instructor. At the current hiring levels it is easy to get interviews at the regionals. Sooner or later hiring will slow and then it won't be so easy. Just keep that in mind, but you have a great fall back career if you need it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mateo303

2)Is winter a good time to start flying? (I live in the Denver area...the weather is actually a bit more stable this time of year except for some nasty winds that sometimes come off the mountains)
Matt

Other than during the nasty winter storms, yes. I did all my training in the Salt Lake area, and I flew all the time during the winter. You won't be flying on the crappy days or when your local runway is covered in snow/ice. Those are good days to do ground with your instructor.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mateo303

3)Is there such a thing as "part time" or as needed work for pilots? (in any area of commercial aviation)
Matt

Most airline jobs are considered full time. That said many airlines have scheduling systems that allow you to drop or trade parts of your schedule with other pilots. So in theory you might be able to "create" more days off than you were originally given by the company. However don't count on this, since it is usually dependent on your senority and how many reserve/ on call pilots, work for your company at the time. It certainly would not be reliable enough to work a 2nd job. If that is what you are thinking.

I don't know what to tell you about corporate flying, but I suspect most are also full time.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mateo303

4)As a FO with a regional do you have any ability to schedule in vacation time... (ie. can I take a month off to travel, or does that require years and years of seniority)
Matt

Yes. How soon you get vacation will depend on company policy. (Like everywhere else.) BUT you also will compete for vacation with other pilots based on your senority. For example: Most everyone asks for Christmas off but only the more senior pilots will get it. At least at SkyWest, we bid for our vacation once a year. (You can also ask for days off on a first come, first served basis each month. This depends on staffing too.) If you wanted the one continuous month of travel you would likely need to have higher senority, (Not to mention a bunch of vacation hours built up.) in order to secure four weeks off in a row.

With regards to senority, you will only compete for schedules and vacation with the pilots who share your seat, (captain or first officer) aircraft type and base. How fast you move depends on a lot of things. At SkyWest, Brasilia F/O's usually move up the senority list quickly. Once they go to the RJ the upward movement slows. Then when they upgrade to captain it usually slows further. IF hiring stops and growth slows then your senority would move much slower.

You are not going to match the type of $$ you make as a pharmicist until you at least make captain at a better paying regional. But you probably already know that and suffer from the same disease that the rest of us on this site have.

Unless you have a HUGE chunk of change saved up I would not sever the "drug trade"

connections until you have to, even as a CFI.

Doug Taylor · December 18th, 2007, 02:15

We have another guy on site that left the pharm-o-topia to go into aviation.

If you get a chance, talk to Meritflyer.

ComplexHiAv8r · December 18th, 2007, 11:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doug Taylor

If you get a chance, talk to Meritflyer.

I thought he just sold drugs, and drug equipment!

Mateo303 · December 19th, 2007, 00:54

Thanks everyone for the information. Lee D I appreciate you answering my questions one by one.

Today I had a good experience checking out the school I will be flying with. It looks like I'll get going with this in late Jan or early Feb.

One thing I had not realized that perhaps others may benefit from reading here is that you can work on your PPL at night. For some reason I was under the impression you can not fly at night until after you have your PPL. So, training frequently and having a full time job should be no problem.

cignaguy · December 19th, 2007, 18:35

Welcome and howdy from another career changer! I started my PPL in January of this year and just had my instrument rating checkride today. I am also in Denver, but am moving to Atlanta next week.

What school will you be flying with here in Denver?

Best of luck and keep us updated!

Gulfstream IV · December 19th, 2007, 21:46

[quote=cignaguy;756757]Welcome and howdy from another career changer! I started my PPL in January of this year and just had my instrument rating checkride today.

Cignaguy, I am glad to hear you're moving along pretty well. Quick question for you; How many months did it take you to complete your PPL and how often were you fying per week? I'd like to finish my PPL and Instrument within one year. My plan is to fly 3-4 times per week if the weather permits. Other than the basic literature from CB Kit, which I purchased as part of the self-study ground school, I have not purchased any other material/books. What other books or materials do you recommend that I look into for my PPL? I do plan on buying the FAR/AIM, but am not sure what else I will find helpful. Any suggestions will be very appreciated.

Thank you!

Gulfstream IV · December 19th, 2007, 22:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mateo303

One thing I had not realized that perhaps others may benefit from reading here is that you can work on your PPL at night. For some reason I was under the impression you can not fly at night until after you have your PPL. So, training frequently and having a full time job should be no problem.

That is very true! The Chief Pilot at my flight school actually completed his entire PPL at night.

Mateo303 · December 20th, 2007, 13:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by cignaguy

Welcome and howdy from another career changer! I started my PPL in January of this year and just had my instrument rating checkride today. I am also in Denver, but am moving to Atlanta next week.

What school will you be flying with here in Denver?

Best of luck and keep us updated!

Thanks...

It looks like I will be flying with McAir. Expensive, but a nice fleet and I have read nothing but positive things. Any experience with them?

cignaguy · December 20th, 2007, 14:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mateo303

Thanks...

It looks like I will be flying with McAir. Expensive, but a nice fleet and I have read nothing but positive things. Any experience with them?

No experience with McAir. I did my PPL and Instrument at Flights, Inc at Centennial airport (KAPA). Awesome school, great instructors and the best rates I have seen. The maintenance is top notch and they have a ton of planes. If you aren't deadset on McAir, give them a look. I can also recommend some instructors if you are interested.

I believe some others on the forum have experience with McAir. Do a search if you haven't already. Good luck!

Mateo303 · December 20th, 2007, 15:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by cignaguy

No experience with McAir. I did my PPL and Instrument at Flights, Inc at Centennial airport (KAPA). Awesome school, great instructors and the best rates I have seen. The maintenance is top notch and they have a ton of planes. If you aren't deadset on McAir, give them a look. I can also recommend some instructors if you are interested.

I believe some others on the forum have experience with McAir. Do a search if you haven't already. Good luck!

If you dont mind me asking, what did you spend total for your PPL (and how many hours). Mcair is quoting around $9-10k for about 54 hours.

cignaguy · December 20th, 2007, 15:43

Yowsers, that seems expensive. Pretty sure I spent between $6,000 - $6,500 for mine. That includes flying the older Cessna 172P models at about $78/hour (no need to fly anything newer really unless you just want to spend the money). Instructors are $30/hour (might have changed to $35/hour recently.) Medical of $80, Cessna Private Pilot Kit for $250, written for $90. I finished in 48 hours.

I did it Part 141 and the ground portion is homestudy, no formal class that meets or anything. You study at home with DVD's and the book, and then clarify anything you need wiht an instructor. This system works great for me, but everyone is different.

Do yourself a favor and shop around a bit. That honestly sounds like a rip, but i can't honestly say without seeing everything in the quote.

Mateo303 · December 20th, 2007, 18:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by cignaguy

Yowsers, that seems expensive. Pretty sure I spent between $6,000 - $6,500 for mine. That includes flying the older Cessna 172P models at about $78/hour (no need to fly anything newer really unless you just want to spend the money). Instructors are $30/hour (might have changed to $35/hour recently.) Medical of $80, Cessna Private Pilot Kit for $250, written for $90. I finished in 48 hours.

I did it Part 141 and the ground portion is homestudy, no formal class that meets or anything. You study at home with DVD's and the book, and then clarify anything you need wiht an instructor. This system works great for me, but everyone is different.

Do yourself a favor and shop around a bit. That honestly sounds like a rip, but i can't honestly say without seeing everything in the quote.

It does sound like maybe I should look into the school you went to. Really, the only difference I see is that with McAir you have comprehensive insurance while flying their aircraft. They also have a very new fleet, most of which are equiped with a G1000.

It would be nice to do this for close to $6-7k rather than $10k.

cignaguy · December 20th, 2007, 20:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mateo303

It does sound like maybe I should look into the school you went to. Really, the only difference I see is that with McAir you have comprehensive insurance while flying their aircraft. They also have a very new fleet, most of which are equiped with a G1000.

It would be nice to do this for close to $6-7k rather than $10k.

Definitely take a look at Flights, Inc. and some others. I think the Flights,Inc website is www.flights-inc.com The chief pilot is Mike Underriner, great guy and great pilot.

No reason to pay a ton of money for G-1000 glass cockpit stuff. I haven't done any of that yet. Make that transition later and save yourself some money now, a lot of money. Also, it is my opinion that it is better to learn on real instruments vs. the glass cockpit. Easier to transition to the glass later if need be. Don't let them sell you on that, completely ridiculously.

Gulfstream IV · December 20th, 2007, 21:51

Just got back from my 1st flight- YES! It is a feeling that I cannot describe. There is not doubt in my mind that flying is what I want to do. I flew from about 5.30-7pm, and by the time we're cleared to land, I was so overwhelmed with everything from trimming, straight & level, descents, climbs, turns etc. I thought I was going to get sick at first but did just fine. It is amazing how little you have to do to get the airplane to do what you want it to do....great discussions everyone. I am learning and taking every bit of it in. Cignaguy thanks for your PM. So far I have 2.5hrs logged including the intro flight hehehe...

PatrickCPS · December 23rd, 2007, 12:43

Save your money and fly the older planes. Provided they are well maintained (read: safe) you are only going to accomplish one thing by flying the new pretty planes: spending more money. I would not be at all concerned about getting glass training at this time in your career, and the money you save now will be put to much better use later in your training.

Flying at night is an amazing experience by the way, I still love it when I get time to fly at night!

Mateo303 · May 10th, 2008, 09:51

Just an update, I got my PPL at the end of April (55 hours total) and finally feel well on my way. Im going to take a break from training for a short while, have some fun, then move on to instrument!

I really enjoyed training and love the flying whole thing more than ever. I was really lucky and got along great with my CFI. I appreciate how really important that is now.

Mostly due to weather it took me a bit longer to complete the training than I planned, but I'm in less of a rush now. Im going to take my time, build hours and experience, and see what the price of oil does to the industry. Hopefully in 1.5 - 2 years I will be where I need to (and people are hiring) and can make a smart decision about the jump to a new career.

Thanks to all for the advice and information. This site has been a great resource.

cptnmarcus · May 10th, 2008, 11:46

Seriously by buddy just left aviation to go back to practicing pharmacy. He did aviation as his 2nd career. He was a captain, check airmen, sim check airmen, and a non-commuter. All of that wasn't good enough to keep him from being home every night and making a six figure salary. He says he'll miss flying, but when he does he'll just go to the airport and rent a plane.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mateo303

After a "long" 3.5 years I am giving up a comfortable, but boring life as a hospital pharmacist to pursue a career in aviation.

It seems I am typical of most that post in this particular forum. Im a bit "old" (32), but hopefully still have time to get somewhere in this field. Like most everyone else around here, I also dreamed of being a pilot all of my life. When I was a kid I always planned on doing this, but never really had the support to get there. Now after hundreds and hundreds of hours playing MS flight sim and staring at the sky I am going to do it for real.

My wife actually is the one that is making this happen. For a couple of years now she has tried to convince me I should make a career change to "whatever makes me happy". We are fortunate enough that she can support the two of us regardless of my income, so all of a sudden an aviation career has become much more practical and affordable. She also has a couple of friends with husbands that work for the airlines so she has an understanding of how this will effect her. She just keeps pushing me to do it.

So, the plan is to drop to 32 hrs/wk at work and spend the other three days off flying as much as possible. I'm hoping to get through my PPL as quick as possible. If all goes well with that I will switch my job to part time and start flying as much as I can to build hours. Does this seem a reasonable approach to getting through everything at a relatively quick pace? I would love to be applying with a regional in 1-1.5 yrs.

SO...Questions:
1)How often should I really plan on flying if I hope to have all the required hours to work for a good regional in 1-1.5 yrs.

2)Is winter a good time to start flying? (I live in the Denver area...the weather is actually a bit more stable this time of year except for some nasty winds that sometimes come off the mountains)

3)Is there such a thing as "part time" or as needed work for pilots? (in any area of commercial aviation)

4)As a FO with a regional do you have any ability to schedule in vacation time... (ie. can I take a month off to travel, or does that require years and years of seniority)

Im digging around and learning as much as I can. This site has been great and I just wanted to say hello and add my story.

Matt

Mateo303 · May 10th, 2008, 12:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by cptnmarcus

Seriously by buddy just left aviation to go back to practicing pharmacy. He did aviation as his 2nd career. He was a captain, check airmen, sim check airmen, and a non-commuter. All of that wasn't good enough to keep him from being home every night and making a six figure salary. He says he'll miss flying, but when he does he'll just go to the airport and rent a plane.

There is no doubt pharmacy has a lot to offer and is not necessarily a bad gig for many.

Despite all the perks and positive aspects of the job, I simply do not enjoy the day to day work. In fact, Im quite miserable most days.

My plan is to give the flying thing a try. There is certainly a chance I will end up back in the pharmacy, but at least I gave it a shot. Perhaps flying will give me a big dose of perspective that will make me appreciate my current career. Or, perhaps I will be moving into a career where I am happier. Hopefully it will be a win win situation.

darrenf · May 10th, 2008, 12:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mateo303

Perhaps flying will give me a big dose of perspective..

JA Yawd Bwoy · May 10th, 2008, 21:46

When I first saw this thread, I thought this had something with a druggie!

turbomax97 · May 11th, 2008, 14:07

I used to work in a Pharmacy as a Pharmacy Tech initially, and then managed the IS side.

I'll tell you now - the money in the pharmacy is good, real good as a matter of fact for the QOL, but I'm glad I made the career move. I'd definately still complete your CE's and things like that - and maybe do it part time if you want, but follow your passion.