Questions about starting out at Falcon?

[Wannabe Pilot]

Hi, I have always wanted to be a pilot growing up, but when i went into high school I kinda left my dreams. Im 19 and Im going to EMT-I school. But I really want to be a professional airline pilot. I like EMS but the starting pay where I live is $7.50 an hr. and I really dont think it is what I want to do for the rest of my life. I plan on finishing school and getting my Certs. Im wondering if Falcon Aviation Academy is right for me? I live in Newnan Ga, so the school is pretty close to my house.

1.What would i need to do to sucsefully achieve my goal?
2.Would i need some kind of Degree to get a job?
3.I know the program is around 45G, but i plan on working full time and getting a student loan.

[BobGibler]

Hi Wannabe. Those are good questions. I only know a little about your situation so I'll try to go easy on the career counseling.

I am a CFI at Falcon and have been a pilot since 1981.

It sounds like finishing your EMT certifications is the right thing to do. It will show future employers that you can stick with a program to completion. That same attitude will really help you in your flight training.

Most airlines want to see a college degree, but that does not mean you can't work in aviation until you have one in-hand. We have several CFIs who are completing their degrees as part of university aviation programs. Falcon expects to offer an aviation degree program in the near future, so that could be in place by the time you are ready to start.

Don't rule out the possibility of working as a corporate pilot. Many of the guys at Falcon go off to fly RJs, but we also have some that prefer flying freight or bizjets - even while working as CFIs. Of course, you even have guys like me who just enjoy flying for my own business and teaching on the side.

Don't underestimate the advantage of living near the school. The time and expense of traveling to school will start to wear you down. I am partial to Falcon, but it is a 2 mile drive to the flight line and I arrive ready to fly. That said, you should take a look some other schools before making such a big commitment. Look for customer focus, organization and quality of instruction and (of course) cost. When you are doing the cost comparison, make sure you take the fine print into account.

I'll let the guys in the offer discuss the price, mainly because you can control a big part of that with the amount of work you put into the program. Rather than going "zero to hero" as some people say, you might want to just want to take a Private Pilot program to make sure you want to do this as a career. Most schools look at a student's success at the Private level as an indicator of their career potential.

[MultiComm]

Sounds like you have already received a good response to your questions however I would like to add a little

As Bob mentioned, a degree is usually preferred but not a prerequisite for starting your training or even becoming employed in aviation. I am currently in college and have completed up through my multi-commercial rating with Falcon Aviation with plans to graduate this May. I am already working at Falcon in the Charter Division with ambitions to fly charter or corporate once I build enough flight time.

So look around and find the flight school that will best fit all your needs including time frame, price and a place that will give you the advice and guidance to either advance to your airline dreams or in the intermediate move up within the flight school that you actually did your training at. After all, those that train you know your abilities and skills and will be the one to help you pursue your dreams.

If you have any questions regarding Falcons programs you may send me a private message and I will be glad to talk further about your goals in aviation.