looking to start a career in flying

[dell30rb]

I just hit 21 years old and just finishing up my sophomore year in business school at nc state. I have never done anything so boring in my life. I did well in high school, had great SAT scores but am struggling here because its just not something that excites me. Business school was just the wrong choice for me, I knew it but I went along because it was a good opportunity, my parents wanted me to do it and would pay for it. Few of my graduating friends are finding well paying jobs, and the idea of a desk job is just not appealing to me. Growing up my dad was a pilot (although he has not flown in several years) and I used to go flying with him in his Cessna 172 RG. I went to many air shows as a kid and used to build kit r/c planes and gliders.

Now I'm considering my options as a pilot for a career. I want to do this because I think it is something I can get excited about, and would be more than willing to work hard at to succeed. I guess I would want to end up flying for an airline or something like netjets one day, but I think I might want to do something different now than just pay out the ass for flight school, then try to land a job with a commercial airline. I am the adventurous type; I've been racing motocross since I was 12. I am also an experienced sailor and would honestly rather be out in a storm than perfect weather. Not to say I'm reckless, I just enjoy a challenge, and I like it when things are maybe a little dangerous.

That said what kind of alternatives would I have to flight school/commercial airlines? Last time I flew anywhere, I spent some time talking with a pilot for AA. I told him I was interested in flying, and he said that he got into flying by working for NOAA. He spent a year on a boat, then somehow got into flight training. They trained him and footed the bill, and he flew for a couple years on research/data collecting missions, then wound up taking a spot flying the p-3 on hurricane hunter missions. That sounds awesome to me, but I really couldn't find any info on NOAA's website about flight training, jobs for pilots or any of the like. Just low paying positions on boats. Another option that seems appealing to me is flying in the mountains (Colorado) or a sea-plane... something like that. As of now I don't need something well paying (I want to do it for the fun) but I want something where I can gain experience and hopefully land a well paying job with an airline or the like a few years down the road. What kind of jobs are available in these areas and how can I go about getting training to get them?

Military is probably not an option for me, I don't know if I want to deal with the whole system.
Also could someone define for me exactly what an FBO is? I see this is an alternative to a fast track school.

Sorry for the long post, any advice is appreciated.

[charlie1017]

Originally Posted by dell30rb

Also could someone define for me exactly what an FBO is? I see this is an alternative to a fast track school.

Sorry for the long post, any advice is appreciated.

Welcome to JetCareers!

To answer your question, FBO means Fixed Base Operator, which is essentially your local flight school.
About the other stuff... From your post I gather that you're at NC state. One bit of advice: if your goal is the majors/Netjets, GET THE 4 YEAR DEGREE! Not just for the sake of being more competitive to get a job at a major, but to have a "plan b" in case things don't work out. A furlough (layoff) or losing your medical is all it takes to be on the street without a job in this biz.
I don't know of any alternatives other than military service in order to get your training paid for. If you do go for the FBO route, then get your ratings while you finish your degree. With some work and sacrifice you could be a flight instructor by the time you finish college. Avoid flight training loans at all costs! First year pay at regional airlines can be as low as 20K a year so you want to be prepared.
One last thing... the sooner you can start training the better. Who knows what the cost of gas will be a year from now...
Good luck!

[dell30rb]

Yeah I know the four year would only help me, even for getting a job as a pilot, but honestly I'm tired of busting my balls in school learning things I am not the least bit interested in. I know written exams and other parts of ground school aren't going to be fun and games, but at least they are on the right subject. I was born here in Raleigh, have been here all my life and just looking to "get the hell out of dodge".

Thanks for the reply!

[Ian J]

If you are interested in the NOAA, have you seen this? All the info you could possibly need about joining the NOAA Officer Corps:

http://www.noaacorps.noaa.gov/

[charlie1017]

I know it's hard to major in something that you're not interested in; I've been through that myself! Have you thought about going somewhere else or switching majors??? I really stress the 4 year degree because airline HR departments look very favorably upon applicants with the degree. It shows them you're trainable and have good study habits. So unless you plan to make your entire flying career at the regionals or the lower paying charter/freight jobs, you should seriously consider getting the 4 year degree at some point.
From the website Ian just posted:
Educational Requirements

• Completion of a baccalaureate degree in a major course of study in engineering, mathematics, or science related to NOAA's mission, conferred by a college, university, or academy listed in the most recent edition of the Directory of Post Secondary Institutions (Volume 1).

Good luck!

[Cptnchia]

Originally Posted by dell30rb

Yeah I know the four year would only help me, even for getting a job as a pilot, but honestly I'm tired of busting my balls in school learning things I am not the least bit interested in. I know written exams and other parts of ground school aren't going to be fun and games, but at least they are on the right subject. I was born here in Raleigh, have been here all my life and just looking to "get the hell out of dodge".

Thanks for the reply

While I fully empathize with your desire to"get the hell out of Dodge," do yourself a huge favor and finish your degree. You may be bored, but years from now, you will appreciate the fact that you have that degree.

[Hypersonic_Wings]

If business is that boring then you can always switch to a different major. You're already a sophomore now, so just hang in there a little longer and obtain that degree. Best of luck to you

[Tld]

Originally Posted by dell30rb

I want to do this because I think it is something I can get excited about, and would be more than willing to work hard at to succeed.

If you THINK it is something you can get excited about, go out for a lesson. Get started WHILE staying in school. I know it sucks right now studying for something that doesn't really interest you in school, but once you start flying, perhaps you become more motivated to finish up your degree. In my experience, when you are doing something you enjoy at least part time, it makes doing the things you don't enjoy a little easier. But definately finish your degree. Even if you hate it, take summer school, bust it out, get it done with, and THEN get the hell out of dodge.

[juskl]

The need for Passion in one's life is huge. You must have passion for what you are studying, working at, love, etc.... If not, then you are just teading water and that gets old quick.

I majored in Communicative Disorders (got bored), became a police officer for 13 years (did the everything I wanted to do there, became a Sergeant, about to test for Lieutenant... and got bored), now I am a flight instructor (may get old, but deffinitely not boring as of yet, but I could see that happening).... But I always make it a point in life never to let myself get stagnant....

Study what you want, not what you think you need. But a four year degree is the door to many options, that you will not get otherwise in all aspects of life.

Right now the aviation industry is in what one would call a down turn and the price to get into the profession is steep. But I wouldn't trade it for the world. There are many directions to go in aviation, with airlines being just one part.

Go for what excites you, and for the love of all that is holy, don't go into a profession where you are just chasing the money. In the end you will hate doing what ever it is you are making that money at.

Do what you love and the money will follow.....

Good luck.

[pilot@32]

You're on the right track. Get your degree and get into flight school. I'm kind in the same boat except that I've already got my BS in Business/Marketing form CSU Chico and have grown up responsibilities. I'm working on my private and trying to figure out how to make this dream come true. There's now a house to take into account, no available help from family, bills, etc. For me, it looks like the Air National guard or a sugar momma are my only options. Good luck.

[pilot@32]

I agree TLD. Now that I've taken the first step and at least get to put around in a 150 on the weekends, work doesn't seem so bad. It's easier to do what you "have" to do if you're doing or working towards what makes you happy.