Post graduation/Training recommendations..

BrknWing4 · September 27th, 2005, 01:43

It’s almost 2am here on the east coast and can’t sleep. So I’ll ask some questions that have been on my mind….

Okay…I’ll be graduating this fall from Eastern Kentucky University with a BS in Aviation Administration. After completion of my degree I will enter ATP’s ACPP in mid January to fulfill all my ratings…Plan as of now at least.

From that point I plan on instructing to build time with either ATP, if offered a job or with an FBO. Now here is where I want to have an anxiety attack. Where in the heck do I go from there?? I know most go on to the regional airlines to build time for the majors, but with the airlines in so much financial trouble; I’m not even sure that will be an option anymore…

Sometimes I think I should just get the whole flying career out of my mind and pursue something else. I really don’t know anymore. Sometimes I wish I didn’t read all the posts on here from pilots getting laid off and what not; really a discomforting feeling for a 23 year old with aspirations of being a pilot one day. That’s the sobering reality of it all.

If there are any positives that someone would like to give if any, I would greatly appreciate it. I really want this career to work out, but I know one day I will have to support a family and I’m not sure if this is the right path to make that happen. The only thing I have going for me is I’m young, I’ll have a degree and I am willing to do everything and anything to make this work. All I want is some reinforcement that all this work won’t go to waste…..

I know during this time in the industry there are not many positives to draw on, but maybe someone can come up with some…Thanks.

Sorry if I bored anyone, just needed to vent a little.

PS: I really like the new look of the website!! See….Some positive!!

Steve

SharkFisher · September 27th, 2005, 08:23

haha I have to admit, you do sound like you were writing this at 2am! But anyway, I think after your first flying lesson or after an intro flight (if you never had one) your view will completely change. Trust me, the same thing happened to me. Your worries will go away and you will start to see many many possibilities. Good to know that you are getting a bachelors degree and then start earning your wings. I am also trying to decide whether or not I should wait until I finish college or do it while I am in college (right now I am a sophomore). Final word is, if you haven't done an intro flight, do it soon and find out for yourself if you really want this or not. For me after my intro flight I can't wait to get into a cockpit of a cessna again! Hopefully that day will come soon and I wish you the best of luck.

Swen · September 27th, 2005, 11:25

I'll bet you'll do everything to be a pilot, but don't say anything. You'll be asked to do things that you should down right refuse.

IMO you plan sounds good, just like most ppls. As for what to do after instructing or what to do after? Regionals are just one option as you know. But you can look into flying cargo or look at going corporate. Corporate will take some work to get into, but start the contacts early and you should find yourself in a good situation.

BrknWing4 · September 28th, 2005, 00:08

Yeah, sorry for the sporadic thought process. Again, it was early when I decided to ramble.

So…SharkFisher, I do have some flight experience (20 hrs.) in a 172. I know this is considered to a little green, but I know just from those few flight hours that this is what I am destined to do with my life. I truly enjoy every minute I’m up there with my instructor working on whatever. Thanks for your reply and insight on the matter. I also wish you the best of luck with school and maybe one day we will meet in the skies!!

Swen…. You’re exactly right when saying, “you'll do everything to be a pilot, but don't say anything”. That statement just comes from the passion of flying as well as my unwillingness to fail. I’m glad you brought up the “other” options out there to build time separate from the regionals; that’s what I’m looking for, more options! The thing is, I ultimately want to be a corporate pilot. I’m currently taking a corporate aviation course, and it just motivates me more to become one. I’ve read many posts’ on here about the difficulty of actually acquiring such a job without actually knowing someone. That’s where the critical networking comes into play. The main reason I’m a member of this website is to further my knowledge in aviation as well as networking with other pilots. I feel awkward networking because I feel somewhat inferior to those who are actually pilots with tons of time and experience. Where I have little time and very little experience. If there are any other suggestions that could help in my approach to networking I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks again for your reply.

Steve

September 27th, 2005, 01:43	#1
BrknWing4 Newbie Join Date: May 2005 Location: Spotsylvania, VA Posts: 18	Post graduation/Training recommendations.. It’s almost 2am here on the east coast and can’t sleep. So I’ll ask some questions that have been on my mind…. Okay…I’ll be graduating this fall from Eastern Kentucky University with a BS in Aviation Administration. After completion of my degree I will enter ATP’s ACPP in mid January to fulfill all my ratings…Plan as of now at least. From that point I plan on instructing to build time with either ATP, if offered a job or with an FBO. Now here is where I want to have an anxiety attack. Where in the heck do I go from there?? I know most go on to the regional airlines to build time for the majors, but with the airlines in so much financial trouble; I’m not even sure that will be an option anymore… Sometimes I think I should just get the whole flying career out of my mind and pursue something else. I really don’t know anymore. Sometimes I wish I didn’t read all the posts on here from pilots getting laid off and what not; really a discomforting feeling for a 23 year old with aspirations of being a pilot one day. That’s the sobering reality of it all. If there are any positives that someone would like to give if any, I would greatly appreciate it. I really want this career to work out, but I know one day I will have to support a family and I’m not sure if this is the right path to make that happen. The only thing I have going for me is I’m young, I’ll have a degree and I am willing to do everything and anything to make this work. All I want is some reinforcement that all this work won’t go to waste….. I know during this time in the industry there are not many positives to draw on, but maybe someone can come up with some…Thanks. Sorry if I bored anyone, just needed to vent a little. PS: I really like the new look of the website!! See….Some positive!! Steve

September 27th, 2005, 11:25	#3
Swen Old Skool Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 2,614	I'll bet you'll do everything to be a pilot, but don't say anything. You'll be asked to do things that you should down right refuse. IMO you plan sounds good, just like most ppls. As for what to do after instructing or what to do after? Regionals are just one option as you know. But you can look into flying cargo or look at going corporate. Corporate will take some work to get into, but start the contacts early and you should find yourself in a good situation. __________________ "Smith & Wesson - the original point and click interface"

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September 27th, 2005, 08:23	#2
SharkFisher Junior Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: CH PA Posts: 238	haha I have to admit, you do sound like you were writing this at 2am! But anyway, I think after your first flying lesson or after an intro flight (if you never had one) your view will completely change. Trust me, the same thing happened to me. Your worries will go away and you will start to see many many possibilities. Good to know that you are getting a bachelors degree and then start earning your wings. I am also trying to decide whether or not I should wait until I finish college or do it while I am in college (right now I am a sophomore). Final word is, if you haven't done an intro flight, do it soon and find out for yourself if you really want this or not. For me after my intro flight I can't wait to get into a cockpit of a cessna again! Hopefully that day will come soon and I wish you the best of luck.

September 28th, 2005, 00:08	#4
BrknWing4 Newbie Join Date: May 2005 Location: Spotsylvania, VA Posts: 18	Yeah, sorry for the sporadic thought process. Again, it was early when I decided to ramble. So…SharkFisher, I do have some flight experience (20 hrs.) in a 172. I know this is considered to a little green, but I know just from those few flight hours that this is what I am destined to do with my life. I truly enjoy every minute I’m up there with my instructor working on whatever. Thanks for your reply and insight on the matter. I also wish you the best of luck with school and maybe one day we will meet in the skies!! Swen…. You’re exactly right when saying, “you'll do everything to be a pilot, but don't say anything”. That statement just comes from the passion of flying as well as my unwillingness to fail. I’m glad you brought up the “other” options out there to build time separate from the regionals; that’s what I’m looking for, more options! The thing is, I ultimately want to be a corporate pilot. I’m currently taking a corporate aviation course, and it just motivates me more to become one. I’ve read many posts’ on here about the difficulty of actually acquiring such a job without actually knowing someone. That’s where the critical networking comes into play. The main reason I’m a member of this website is to further my knowledge in aviation as well as networking with other pilots. I feel awkward networking because I feel somewhat inferior to those who are actually pilots with tons of time and experience. Where I have little time and very little experience. If there are any other suggestions that could help in my approach to networking I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks again for your reply. Steve