Seeking Insights on Pilot Careers at Different Companies: Advice for a 19-Year-Old Aspiring Delta Propel Candidate

[loganjvx]

Hello, fellow aviators,

My name is Logan, and I am a 19-year-old pilot currently working on my Commercial AMEL certificate at a certificated college PART-141 Program. I am passionate about aviation and have set my sights on building a fulfilling career in the industry. As part of my journey, I am exploring airline partnerships and evaluating different career pathways, particularly the Delta Propel program, which has captured my interest as a structured and goal-oriented pathway to becoming an airline pilot. This program is offered through my college program and is the flagship of their airline programs.

While researching, I realized that understanding what it’s like to work at various companies—whether regional airlines, corporate flight departments, or major carriers—is invaluable in shaping my decisions. I am reaching out to this community to hear directly from those who have firsthand experience.

Here are a few questions I would love insights on:

• Company Culture and Work-Life Balance:
  • What is the work-life balance like at your company, especially during the early stages of your career?
  • How would you describe the overall culture at your workplace?
  • What is the best advice you would offer to someone looking to start a family, and managing quality of life?
• Opportunities for Advancement:
  • What pathways exist for professional growth at your company?
  • Have you been able to achieve your career goals within your current organization?
• Mentorship and Support:
  • Did your company provide mentorship or pilot development programs?
  • How supportive was your company during your transition from entry-level roles to more senior positions?
• Advice for Aspiring Airline Pilots:
  • Knowing what you know now, what advice would you give to a young pilot working toward programs like Delta Propel or similar opportunities?
  • Are there aspects of the industry or specific career paths you wish you had considered earlier?
• Pay and Benefits:
  • How has pay evolved throughout your career, starting with your first flying job?
  • Do you feel your company offers competitive pay, and how does it compare to others in the industry?
  • Aside from salary, what benefits or perks have been most valuable to you (e.g., travel privileges, healthcare, retirement plans)?
  • Which pay structure that these companies offer is most conducive to the pilot?

I deeply value the knowledge and experiences shared in this community and believe it will guide me in making informed decisions about my future.

Thank you all in advance for taking the time to share your perspectives! I look forward to learning from this group and hope to one day join you in the skies professional.

Blue skies and tailwinds,
Logan

PS. If any of you would be interested in contacting me directly, I would love to speak with you about your experiences. Feel free to reach me at logans.business@outlook.com

 

[Tarheelpilot]

All of the legacy airlines are within 1% of each other for pay and quality of life. They all have something a little better and some a little worse than each other. The real differences come when looking at 137, 135, 91, 91K, ACMI and military/contract work etc.

The big secret for making a 121 amazing is living in base.

In general all jobs are manageable RE a family if you have the right partner. None of them will work with the wrong partner.

I would also caution looking at the recent years as any reasonable expectation for a career. There are so many uncontrollable factors that go into pilot career progression you may never have the opportunity to work at your most desired company.

If you can’t find satisfaction finishing your career at a second or third choice then you’re setting yourself up for disappointment. To be clear I’m saying if your first choice is a legacy airline you might not make it. I’m not saying you should find happiness working at delta when united was the first choice.

Keep your nose clean, pass check rides on the first go and see what opportunities present themselves. If you do this you’ll have a great career and it will likely end up very different than what you expected.

Edit:

Your post alludes to there being a choice of employment. Often in this business you don’t have the luxury of being picky. You’ll have to adjust your expectations to the market.

 

[TCABM]

Not an airline guy, but a military flyer. Let me bust the work life balance bubble right now. When flying scheduled ops, your job is to he at the appointed place at the appointed time, ready to go. The more junior you are, the less influence you have over that aspect.

The good news is you get more control as seniority grows. The other good news is if you can do that one thing (shown up on time, reliably) you’ve got a good chance of being successful.

The second piece of advice, I’ll echo from above. Be willing to move to the base you’re assigned. At a minimum, a drivable commute.

The last thing seems counterintuitive: learn the plane and learn to fly the plane, don’t be along for the ride as an automation manager. Be a professional aviator from day zero.