Full Careers - Really need help with starting a career as a pilot?

Really need help with starting a career as a pilot?

here's the deal, I am 16 and want to know how I can get a job as a pilot asap. I did want to double major in physics and math, get a career there, but my family is too selfish and nonsupporting for that to be possible. Anyway, since that isn't I am trying to plan out my second career choice, one as a pilot. Here is what I know so far. I need: Private pilot license (after 40+ hours of flight training, health exam, written test passed) Instrument rating Commercial rating I really don't know any details, or where I could get a job as a pilot. If anyone knows a lot about this, would you mind if I emailed you with any more questions? Thanks

Public Comments

I think some 90% of commercial pilots are former military pilots, so perhaps look at what it takes to be in military avation
Well I am 15, and I kinda want to do the same thing as you. For a while thats all I wanted to do. But what I do know is that it's a lot easier for pilots to get jobs after they have much more experience. One of the best ways that people do this is by use of the military. The military will give you the best training, best pay, best benefits, and everything you could want in a job. Some people may not see the military as a good choice, because some people say it's just signing your life away. But still its only a minimum of three years anyway, its doing something you love, and it gives you just that much more experience. One really good thing about the military is that they basically give you a list of good companies that will hire you after you get out. Also, many companies would rather hire someone with military experience. But yeah, I hope that helped a little. I don't know though, thats just basically what I plan on doing.
Hum, well it is very hard to become a pilot without support because of the cost. I'm currently in the process of obtianing my PPl, while going to school and working full time. ITs VERY EXPENSIVE and school loans add up quick. right now the school i got charges 7200 just for a ppl, you still have to get your instrument, comm, ATP and instructors lic. In then end you pretty much fork out at min. 50g... There are many programs through two year universitys (one being Midland CC, in Midland texas which have connections with airlines (i.e. Mesa has on with midland, and some school in arizona). with them they will hires you and train you once you reach 250 hours... The only thing is u get paid really cheap for the first couple of years (16-20 dollars an hour). What I am personally doing is putting the flight trianing to the side an going to school to finish my Bacholors degree (you need on to fly for the big boys or the military) If your really smart, and good with physics I HIGHLY recommend you get a degree in that... then gone the military as a pilot... I think that is the best route, They pay for you flight school and have excellent training, and once your done with your commitment you can fly for the major airlines and make 70+ a year... Try to talk to other pilots in forums and stuff see what they did. I really recommend focusing on school first, you need the BA to make the money, so take care of it first... BTW you can only get a job as a pilot once you have your PPL, but there are not many jobs out there for ppl with ppl, and you can no transport people for money (pay) until you have your commercial lic. I hope this helps, I have sturggled with these same questions and have done a lot of research and have over 45 hours of flight time. Your best best is to finish school first...
I think it depends on what type of pilot you're looking to be. Either a commercial pilot for an airline or a private pilot for some joe shmoe or small company. Most have indeed been x-military. If you're not looking to join the service, then I would ask around at some reputable Aeronautics schools. Hope that helped some.
Don't know where everyone's getting this information. Most commercial airline pilots are NOT from the military now - they come from flight schools such as Embry-Riddle, Flight Safety, or one of the college schools (e.g., Auburn or Southern Illinois University). If you go to, for example, FSI in Vero Beach, FL, it can cost you upwards of $50,000 for all your ratings, including instructor ratings. However, many of the flight schools have programs jointly with regional (really, national) airlines in which you can streamline your training and get hired with very low time. These programs can take you from 0 flight hours to the airlines in a matter of months. You do need a college degree, but physics and math are unnecessary. Flight schools will teach you all the physics you need, and a calculator will do your math for you. You do need a good sense of direction and the ability to mentally orient yourself in space, however. Hand-eye coordination and basic common sense are musts! BUT! Think long and hard before you plan a career in commercial aviation. The starting pay is around $18,000 a year and you'll have little or no job security. Your second-year pay will average $30,000. Airlines are having a very hard time finding and keeping qualified pilots now because the industry is AWFUL. Many very senior pilots are leaving flying completely to pursue other careers. If you insist on flying, look into corporate or charter, as well. Don't limit yourself to the airlines - in most cases, it's not worth it anymore. Pilots have taken huge pay and benefits cuts in recent years. The job simply is NOT what it used to be. Whatever you decide, good luck.
I work for an airline and at 16 work on math and physics and english. Work on your pilots license and at 18 when you go to college because you have to or they won't consider you get a job at your local airport working with a carrier, fbo or service provider preferably on ground work to get used to being around planes. Than see who is hiring in 6 years. More than likely a regional airline and work your way up. It takes time but well worth it.