Hello from Dallas - Page 2

flyboi74 · April 21st, 2008, 14:07

I have run into a pilot who recently graduated for 90 day ATP program. He said as right now they would hire you right after graduation. He didn't even have to be an instructor for a day. He said the flying is great but the hotel sleep sucks as he is currently flying for American Eagle. I agree there will be alot of debt and the certaincy for a job is slim. Gas price keep going up, airlines keep cancelling more flights. Pilots were on strike agaisnt American Airlines. Sometimes I wanted to stop but I already got 25 hours on my PPL through a local club calls Texan Flying club. Someday I feel really good when practicing landings, some day I feel like #### and just want to get out the cockpit. I do have nausea issue even though I ate just a little 3 hour ago before flying. I found a tip to help reducing this problem but letting the air vent flows directly to my face. ATP way is fast and expensive but you have an option for loan versus FBO way you need to use credit card, no loan, longer. I am working 2 jobs now and am training 2 times a week .

Please advise.

woodreau · April 21st, 2008, 23:43

This is what I tell people who want to learn to fly - whether for personal reasons or to go into a commercial pilot career.

It take time and money - that's it - if you develop problems, like have a little trouble understanding landings, slow flight or NDB holds - just throw more money and time at the problem - the problem will go away ... eventually or maybe not. Ideally the problem goes away before you run out of money and time. It depends on how much money or time you throw at the problem.

With the fast track kind of programs like ATP, you're on a schedule and you're limiting yourself on time. The FBO / Part 61 training is more open ended. And when you do finally get hired as a pilot and go through the company's training program, you definitely don't have the luxury of extra time if you have a hard time understanding something.

There are some FBOs out there that do have some sort of financing programs. you have to look around - but the best way to go about getting into flying is to pay as you go. If you don't have the money for training, how are you going to get the money to still fly after getting your private certificate to stay current, so that your hard earned flying skills don't deteriorate?

flyboi74 · April 29th, 2008, 17:02

Thank you woodreau for your comments and suggestions. I think everything you said is true, really true. I have learned a hard lesson and with they way the airlines job market is going right now. Things are crazry and unpredictable as if one can land a job after obtainning his ratings. Inflations are going up and pilot on strike with AA. I am tagging more debt which would take years o pay off and no job quaranty? I really want to continue but I think the risk is too much to overcome.

killbilly · April 29th, 2008, 17:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by flyboi74

Thank you woodreau for your comments and suggestions. I think everything you said is true, really true. I have learned a hard lesson and with they way the airlines job market is going right now. Things are crazry and unpredictable as if one can land a job after obtainning his ratings. Inflations are going up and pilot on strike with AA. I am tagging more debt which would take years o pay off and no job quaranty? I really want to continue but I think the risk is too much to overcome.

Then consider flying as a hobby, pay as you go, and enjoy it as something you love. You can always turn pro later, y'know...