What path should I take to get to the majors

[ryan heiner]

Hello My name is Ryan I'm a Junior in high school about to turn 17 I want to make it to the majors but I am trying to decide the best path for me currently I found a flight school that would do my PPL part 61 at 11 grand full costs but I feel like this will add up quickly with all the upcoming certificates after that I'm wondering if I should buy my own airplane like a Cessna 150/152 and make it IFR compatible if I can would that save me money in the long run? and even use it for my commercial license any help is greatly appreciated.


Thanks - Ryan

 

[AggieMike88]

One path to consider at your age..... Air Force or Navy/Marine aviator

I did an aircraft check out today for a local club for a high school senior who got his private pilot license this summer. Throughout high school he has participated in AFROTC and the local CAP squadrons. Through these connections, he is working the scholarships angle to get additional flight time and eventually earn his instrument pilot.

He is also making searching for the right college (and scholarships) a part time job. A big criteria is a good ROTC program and active flight program. His goal is Air Force and getting into Transport or Tankers. He knows that this will provide him with a fast path to getting not just the hours required to get the attention of the air lines, but the quality type of time (aka turbine and turbo fan) that can put him ahead of others who have only piston time.

As a civilian, yes, you can get to the interview door of the regionals paying your way (or digging for scholarship money). But that could become a 6-figure spend over the years it takes to get there.

As a military pilot, and at a younger age, you're trading a commitment of a short period of your life to have the military train you, pay you while you are doing it, have access to bigger badder equipment that you may never see as a civilian, fly that bad ash equipment, get paid to do it, make a tone of important connections, gain a level of maturity that helps for the rest of your life, and all the time, get paid to do it.

Exit with just about everything you need to go straight to the majors, and do so with very little debt, if any at all.

 

[AggieMike88]

PS. Let us know what city and state you are in. The PoA crew might be able to suggest some folks local to you that would be valuable members of your professional network.

 

[ryan heiner]

PS. Let us know what city and state you are in. The PoA crew might be able to suggest some folks local to you that would be valuable members of your professional network.

Sorry! I’m from McKinney Texas airport I am hoping to fly out is either Addison airport or McKinney national

 

[AggieMike88]

Sorry! I’m from McKinney Texas airport I am hoping to fly out is either Addison airport or McKinney national

I'm not far from you in Denton. I can recommend a really good independent instructor in your area.

@Pilawt and I are meeting up next week near KTKI if you are available. We can talk more then.

 

[AggieMike88]

I would like to go the civilian way if I can but maybe this is a option too thanks for this option in my book I’m trying to just get there the quickest and cheapest the local flight club is booked out for 5 months and I found a guy for 175 a hour and he’s a part 61 school maybe I just get my private pilots license there and see what happens after?

Ick... runon sentence..... Time to improve communication to a professional level if you want to make a more solid mark on this world.

As said above, I can provide you with some good referrals in your general area that would help avoid Addison.

KADS has some good schools (such as Thrust, Monarch, and American Flyers). But their location and being a busy jet port can cause your overall expenses to rise in a hurry.

I am an indepedant CFI/CFII and have an opening for a student. Airplane is based at 52F near Roanoke.

 

[ryan heiner]

What are your rates?

 

[murphey]

Civil Air Patrol. No military service involved, just the uniforms. Both gliders and powered, with scholarship opportunities.

 

[bflynn]

One path to consider at your age..... Air Force or Navy/Marine aviator

Comparison - several years ago I did an extended project with a major airline, working with their training dept. In the hallway, pilots put up pictures of their flight history, how they got to here. Here and there were GA flight instructors, an aerobatic pilot, and one guy who built experimentals, but 90+% of the guys were military.

 

[AggieMike88]

What are your rates?

Will share privately…

Plus basing your decision solely on rates (and going with lowest cost) isn’t the best method. It should be based on quality of instruction and how well the instructor meshes his/her teaching style with your learning style.

And I need to introduce you to Quinn, the high schooler I was flying with today. He could be a good person to add to your network.

 

[Racerx]

Always cheaper to buy a plane already certified for ifr than it would be to buy one then pay to upgrade it. Avionics shops are not shy.

But to add to the "quickest and cheapest". It takes however long it takes. Some things you can't and should not rush.

 

[NorthEast Ohio]

If you can self-fund your way to a major airline job — do it. Within the past year or so all of the biggest airlines have announced pilot career development programs that lead to a flight deck of an airliner. Pick a horse and ride it all the way to a majors seniority list and then rake in the sweet long green.

 

[wayne]

If you can self-fund your way to a major airline job — do it. Within the past year or so all of the biggest airlines have announced pilot career development programs that lead to a flight deck of an airliner. Pick a horse and ride it all the way to a majors seniority list and then rake in the sweet long green.

Piedmont to American has bonuses up to $180k (over several years) for people starting up with Piedmont and working up to American. That would go a long way to paying of student loans / debt if you had to go that way.

But to add to the "quickest and cheapest". It takes however long it takes. Some things you can't and should not rush.

To someone 17 years old, three years is a loooong time. One rarely realizes that a few years is not a big deal until much later in life.

 

[jordane93]

Right now I’d recommend one of the AA regionals that offer those big bonuses.

 

[Racerx]

Piedmont to American has bonuses up to $180k (over several years) for people starting up with Piedmont and working up to American. That would go a long way to paying of student loans / debt if you had to go that way.



To someone 17 years old, three years is a loooong time. One rarely realizes that a few years is not a big deal until much later in life.

I'm 32 and I'm still that way. I have these grandiose plans that 10 years down the road maybe I'll do this...well that 10 years is up and I might have got half the things done before I get to that big one. Flies by...no pun intended Just a reminder to enjoy the ride and don't rush anything. Don't put deadlines on something that can kill you when you overlook something.

Besides, maybe before the call up one might have "life" get in the way. Maybe realize you enjoy always being close to home and being a cfi and teaching. Who knows. Be open minded to opportunities that life might present.

 

[noahfong]

Hello Ryan! At your stage in life, you should focus on going to college and getting a 4-year degree in something. It's ok to also keep going in aviation, but college should be your first priority. Don't look at college as learning something for a vocation, but a chance to explore the world and peoples. So, go away from home if you can, live in a dorm, etc. It will make you a more well-rounded person and a better leader.

Speaking of which, that is what the majors are looking for in pilots. They are not interested in just a person who only manipulates the controls. Nor a person who can only be an FO. If you're not Captain material, they won't want you. And captains are leaders not just pilots.

It's a long road to becoming an airline pilot not just in developing the piloting knowledge and skills, but to become good in the "other things". It's easier if you have a natural love of knowledge and people and places.

 

[ryan heiner]

Will share privately…

Plus basing your decision solely on rates (and going with lowest cost) isn’t the best method. It should be based on quality of instruction and how well the instructor meshes his/her teaching style with your learning style.

And I need to introduce you to Quinn, the high schooler I was flying with today. He could be a good person to add to your network.

Hello Ryan! At your stage in life, you should focus on going to college and getting a 4-year degree in something. It's ok to also keep going in aviation, but college should be your first priority. Don't look at college as learning something for a vocation, but a chance to explore the world and peoples. So, go away from home if you can, live in a dorm, etc. It will make you a more well-rounded person and a better leader.

Speaking of which, that is what the majors are looking for in pilots. They are not interested in just a person who only manipulates the controls. Nor a person who can only be an FO. If you're not Captain material, they won't want you. And captains are leaders not just pilots.

It's a long road to becoming an airline pilot not just in developing the piloting knowledge and skills, but to become good in the "other things". It's easier if you have a natural love of knowledge and people and places.

Thanks for taking the time to write that thanks I have a new perspective on this now thanks.

 

[ryan heiner]

I'm 32 and I'm still that way. I have these grandiose plans that 10 years down the road maybe I'll do this...well that 10 years is up and I might have got half the things done before I get to that big one. Flies by...no pun intended Just a reminder to enjoy the ride and don't rush anything. Don't put deadlines on something that can kill you when you overlook something.

Besides, maybe before the call up one might have "life" get in the way. Maybe realize you enjoy always being close to home and being a cfi and teaching. Who knows. Be open minded to opportunities that life might present.

I completely understand thanks

Piedmont to American has bonuses up to $180k (over several years) for people starting up with Piedmont and working up to American. That would go a long way to paying of student loans / debt if you had to go that way.



To someone 17 years old, three years is a loooong time. One rarely realizes that a few years is not a big deal until much later in life.

Thanks

 

[AlphaPilotFlyer]

Ryan…. If your goal is airlines, I’d would suggest not going military due to commitment that is likely 8 years before you can get on with a carrier…..that’s a lot of seniority numbers.
The air guard and reserves May be a better way, as full time commitment is a lot less and you can complete military commitment while flying with the airlines. They do hire off the street now, and like taking guys that are already in non flying positions. So, many guys have gone in as a load master during college and maybe getting private pilots license that applying for a fly position with good results.

that said, I would suggest finding some way to par for the ratings even with debt to get thru it, while taking some courses at a jr college that will give you credit for the Faa licenses. I would say find a school that has plenty of airplanes and instructors so you can most often work around your work and school schedule. Flying clubs are excellent choices as well. Colleges can off you ability to get a restricted ATP cert in as little as 1000 hrs or 1200 hrs. If you go military air guard even lower, which accelerates to time to an airline. I recently touted colorado U Mesa which has a 2 yr degree and FAA approved for a 1200 hr ATP, AND you can transfer flying carts in for credit. I’m sure there are others in your area.

United airlines recently opened a primary flight school, look it up as they have financing available. My airline has a cadet program that gets you entry into the regionals as well.

Look into soaring clubs, also a great way to get cheap flight time, which counts towards ratings.

as far as buying an airplane….. as with drugs, just say no, at least till getting PPL. Your insurance will b a lot and you won’t be able to do even owner maintenance items so will be paying for A&P’s to do simple repairs. if you do buy, find a partner or 2 in your same situation, preferably one with an A&P. I’d also suggest looking at an experimental to keep cost low,….. I put my Cessna 172 into experimental and my cost dropped 60%, so it can make a big difference. I’m training my daughter in it now, and a buddy is taking his commercial check ride in it next month,….it cost $20 /hr compared to $135-150 local rental rates, so do a lot of research before buying anything.

one more thing, I’d suggest getting a first class medical cert just to make sure there’s no surprises years later when you really need it.

Airlines are nervous about getting enough qualified pilots over next 20 years. It’s a good career and wish you the best.

 

[ryan heiner]

Ryan…. If your goal is airlines, I’d would suggest not going military due to commitment that is likely 8 years before you can get on with a carrier…..that’s a lot of seniority numbers.
The air guard and reserves May be a better way, as full time commitment is a lot less and you can complete military commitment while flying with the airlines. They do hire off the street now, and like taking guys that are already in non flying positions. So, many guys have gone in as a load master during college and maybe getting private pilots license that applying for a fly position with good results.

that said, I would suggest finding some way to par for the ratings even with debt to get thru it, while taking some courses at a jr college that will give you credit for the Faa licenses. I would say find a school that has plenty of airplanes and instructors so you can most often work around your work and school schedule. Flying clubs are excellent choices as well. Colleges can off you ability to get a restricted ATP cert in as little as 1000 hrs or 1200 hrs. If you go military air guard even lower, which accelerates to time to an airline. I recently touted colorado U Mesa which has a 2 yr degree and FAA approved for a 1200 hr ATP, AND you can transfer flying carts in for credit. I’m sure there are others in your area.

United airlines recently opened a primary flight school, look it up as they have financing available. My airline has a cadet program that gets you entry into the regionals as well.

Look into soaring clubs, also a great way to get cheap flight time, which counts towards ratings.

as far as buying an airplane….. as with drugs, just say no, at least till getting PPL. Your insurance will b a lot and you won’t be able to do even owner maintenance items so will be paying for A&P’s to do simple repairs. if you do buy, find a partner or 2 in your same situation, preferably one with an A&P. I’d also suggest looking at an experimental to keep cost low,….. I put my Cessna 172 into experimental and my cost dropped 60%, so it can make a big difference. I’m training my daughter in it now, and a buddy is taking his commercial check ride in it next month,….it cost $20 /hr compared to $135-150 local rental rates, so do a lot of research before buying anything.

one more thing, I’d suggest getting a first class medical cert just to make sure there’s no surprises years later when you really need it.

Airlines are nervous about getting enough qualified pilots over next 20 years. It’s a good career and wish you the best.

Thanks i will look into this thanks for taking the time to write that. there’s a lot of flight track programs out there and it’s just finding the right one right now I’m talking to a part 61 local flight school he has two planes and I’m number one on his list he’s charging 7000 for 40 hours and I did all the calculations for everything I would need, it’s going to cost me around 10 thousand. I think your right about buying my own airplane. I think I will stick with the local cfi and see what happens. I just have the find the right flight path program for me im Currently looking at United ups fedex and American thanks.

 

[AggieMike88]

I’m talking to a part 61 local flight school he has two planes and I’m number one on his list he’s charging 7000 for 40 hours and I did all the calculations for everything I would need, it’s going to cost me around 10 thousand.

Can you break down the $10,000 line item by line item? So many folk fall to victim to “you don’t know what you don’t know” when being quoted costs and think the price quoted is fixed, when it isn’t. Then they stall out because the money runs out.

Keep in mind $10,000 you mentioned will get you to private pilot, and just that.

Next is Instrument Pilot and getting to checkride ready is likely another $8,000 to $10,000 plus/minus a bit.

Then you need to build time to 250 hours total time to be eligible for commercial pilot. Plus cost of instruction to teach the maneuvers and certify you losses the ground knowledge to pass oral exam. So rental or ownership costs will tally up quickly.

Rinse repeat for the remaining certificates, ratings, and required time.

Cost to go from Zero to airline job can quickly climb to $100,000 and more. Please be aware of that.

—————————1

Before committing to anything, you should start the process of obtaining your medical certificate (third class is just fine at this stage). You will be asked to detail your medical history and even at 17, there are some pitfalls, traps, and land mines that can derail your dream and timeline. Mainly history of being labeled ADD, and being treated (with medication) for depression and anxiety. There are a few others too.

One of the better AME’s in the region is Dr. Stephen
Kramer in Frisco on Preston Road. My suggestion is to use him and go first as a consultation to determine if you can obtain the medical with zero difficulties, or will there be additional steps and expenses required.

———————————

On the subject of airplane ownership, one of the independent instructors nearby to you I would recommend is selling a very nice Cessna 152. This is a small training airplane. I have flown it and it is a good one. Paul is also a very good instructor. Paul and airplane are at AeroCountry near HWY 380 and Custer.

—————————————

Financing your dream: for $10, you can get an e-book that has over 400 scholarship opportunities collectively valued at over $10,000,000. Visit http://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/scholarships/

 

[ryan heiner]

Can you break down the $10,000 line item by line item? So many folk fall to victim to “you don’t know what you don’t know” when being quoted costs and think the price quoted is fixed, when it isn’t. Then they stall out because the money runs out.

Keep in mind $10,000 you mentioned will get you to private pilot, and just that.

Next is Instrument Pilot and getting to checkride ready is likely another $8,000 to $10,000 plus/minus a bit.

Then you need to build time to 250 hours total time to be eligible for commercial pilot. Plus cost of instruction to teach the maneuvers and certify you losses the ground knowledge to pass oral exam. So rental or ownership costs will tally up quickly.

Rinse repeat for the remaining certificates, ratings, and required time.

Cost to go from Zero to airline job can quickly climb to $100,000 and more. Please be aware of that.

—————————1

Before committing to anything, you should start the process of obtaining your medical certificate (third class is just fine at this stage). You will be asked to detail your medical history and even at 17, there are some pitfalls, traps, and land mines that can derail your dream and timeline. Mainly history of being labeled ADD, and being treated (with medication) for depression and anxiety. There are a few others too.

One of the better AME’s in the region is Dr. Stephen
Kramer in Frisco on Preston Road. My suggestion is to use him and go first as a consultation to determine if you can obtain the medical with zero difficulties, or will there be additional steps and expenses required.

———————————

On the subject of airplane ownership, one of the independent instructors nearby to you I would recommend is selling a very nice Cessna 152. This is a small training airplane. I have flown it and it is a good one. Paul is also a very good instructor. Paul and airplane are at AeroCountry near HWY 380 and Custer.

—————————————

Financing your dream: for $10, you can get an e-book that has over 400 scholarship opportunities collectively valued at over $10,000,000. Visit http://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/scholarships/

I will definitely look into that ame about the Cessna 152 I don’t think I would be able to buy it right now all I have is that 10 thousand dollars. It’s going to be hard for me to be able to afford the 100 thousand dollars I just bought the 400 scholarship opportunities book hopefully I can land a scholarship. Thanks lots here’s what I’m doing right now



I’m 1/3 done with flight ground school

I did a discovery flight 2 days ago in a piper Cherokee the plane they said I would train in out of Addison airport

the only thing that is scaring me is the cost and your right private pilots license is just the first step and there’s a marathon after that.


I’ll copy and paste this what he sent me
Private Pilot Training Package

Includes 40 hours of flight time, and 10 hours of personal ground instruction. All required FAA flights will be included. This package is a $500 savings.

***Many students will require more than 40 hours before a checkride endorsement is given, this will be at the student's expense***

$7,000

I know the average is to get your license is higher then 40 hours and it should be 1500$ more and it came out to 10 thousand.

If there’s any more steps you think I should take right now please inform me I’m starting my training mid October and working jobs with my parents to try and save for instrument license now I’m 16 right now turning 17 in 4 months. Also I clocked the discovery flight in my flight log book. Thanks for all your help today

 

[AggieMike88]

If there’s any more steps you think I should take right now please inform me

I received permission from Quinn to share his contact info. I recommend you give him a call or meet in person. He is a senior in high school and has started on the professional pilot track. He should have some good wisdom to share. I’ll send the info via private message

Regardless of which school or independent instructor, the big important thing is that you pair up with an instructor who is the best one for you. This often means they

• Are organized with a syllabus and a plan of action tailored to your needs
• Have the ability to modify their teaching style to the way you learn
• Listen to your needs and adapt as necessary
• Never lose their cool even when something frustrates the ever living *bleep* out of them, causing them to take it out on you
• Are always professional in demeanor
• Are willing to provide more value than what you are paying for.
• Are willing to put in the added effort needed to ensure you develop in to a competent and safe pilot.

 

[AggieMike88]

Includes 40 hours of flight time, and 10 hours of personal ground instruction. All required FAA flights will be included. This package is a $500 savings

“40 hours of flight time”

Is this just the airplane rental cost with fuel included? Or does this include the instructor hourly fee?

Can you provide a break out of what they are charging for the airplane and then the instructor as separate items?

 

[AggieMike88]

An additional thing regarding the “how much this costs” discussion.

Not yet mentioned is the need for a college degree. So keep that in mind too

 

[RyanB]

Hello My name is Ryan I'm a Junior in high school about to turn 17 I want to make it to the majors but I am trying to decide the best path for me currently I found a flight school that would do my PPL part 61 at 11 grand full costs but I feel like this will add up quickly with all the upcoming certificates after that I'm wondering if I should buy my own airplane like a Cessna 150/152 and make it IFR compatible if I can would that save me money in the long run? and even use it for my commercial license any help is greatly appreciated.


Thanks - Ryan

I used to be in your shoes a few years ago. As someone who recently graduated with a four year degree in a non-related field, in hindsight, I wish I would’ve gone to a college with a collegiate aviation program. Knock out the degree and the ratings in one shot. Something to consider…

 

[RyanShort1]

Hello Ryan! At your stage in life, you should focus on going to college and getting a 4-year degree in something. It's ok to also keep going in aviation, but college should be your first priority. Don't look at college as learning something for a vocation, but a chance to explore the world and peoples. So, go away from home if you can, live in a dorm, etc. It will make you a more well-rounded person and a better leader.

Speaking of which, that is what the majors are looking for in pilots. They are not interested in just a person who only manipulates the controls. Nor a person who can only be an FO. If you're not Captain material, they won't want you. And captains are leaders not just pilots.

It's a long road to becoming an airline pilot not just in developing the piloting knowledge and skills, but to become good in the "other things". It's easier if you have a natural love of knowledge and people and places.

I'm going to partially disagree.

First off, really, really look at what you want when you are 50 years old, not what you want when you are 30, and I guarantee you, with the country in the state it's in right now, it probably won't look the same as it does right now, but your choices right now will put you on differing paths.

I know that some airlines really want the degree, so if the airline job, and everything associated with it lifestyle-wise, is really what you want, then focus on a practical degree that will provide you with real backup employment options if you get sick and fail a medical, or if your airline management runs the place into the ground. Get to know more than one airline pilot and really find out though if that is the life you want. For me, I decided that I didn't really think the airline life was what I was looking for. Life hasn't worked out the way I thought it would, but I want to be present for as much of my kids' life as possible, and that looked incompatible with the airline lifestyle to me.

For myself, if I could start over, I'd do less random jobs (beekeeping, warehouse operations, small aircraft engine shop, helicopter place, line service, etc) and focus on a trade track that would compliment my aviation path - definitely wish I'd have stuck with a place where I could have earned enough experience to put towards an A & P or a good entrepreneurial side job. None of us has any guarantees on our health or the health of the industry we work in, but some jobs will never completely go away - like people will always need food and shelter. Figure out your life purpose and values first, then see if an aviation career is really the best choice for you. If not, you can always enjoy aviation as a hobby, and trust me, there will be plenty of days along the way where doing aviation as a job can suck the life out of it, and you wish you could go back to the days when it was just fun to go grab a plane and do something different. That's one of the reasons I really enjoy being able to go fly my Luscombe sometimes and kind of hit my "reset" button. The airline pilots I know who I am happiest around are the guys who really love to go grab a small plane and fly for the joy of just doing it, while other airline guys I know just live for the checks and frankly couldn't be bothered to go fly a small plane if it was offered to them.

 

[ryan heiner]

I'm going to partially disagree.

First off, really, really look at what you want when you are 50 years old, not what you want when you are 30, and I guarantee you, with the country in the state it's in right now, it probably won't look the same as it does right now, but your choices right now will put you on differing paths.

I know that some airlines really want the degree, so if the airline job, and everything associated with it lifestyle-wise, is really what you want, then focus on a practical degree that will provide you with real backup employment options if you get sick and fail a medical, or if your airline management runs the place into the ground. Get to know more than one airline pilot and really find out though if that is the life you want. For me, I decided that I didn't really think the airline life was what I was looking for. Life hasn't worked out the way I thought it would, but I want to be present for as much of my kids' life as possible, and that looked incompatible with the airline lifestyle to me.

For myself, if I could start over, I'd do less random jobs (beekeeping, warehouse operations, small aircraft engine shop, helicopter place, line service, etc) and focus on a trade track that would compliment my aviation path - definitely wish I'd have stuck with a place where I could have earned enough experience to put towards an A & P or a good entrepreneurial side job. None of us has any guarantees on our health or the health of the industry we work in, but some jobs will never completely go away - like people will always need food and shelter. Figure out your life purpose and values first, then see if an aviation career is really the best choice for you. If not, you can always enjoy aviation as a hobby, and trust me, there will be plenty of days along the way where doing aviation as a job can suck the life out of it, and you wish you could go back to the days when it was just fun to go grab a plane and do something different. That's one of the reasons I really enjoy being able to go fly my Luscombe sometimes and kind of hit my "reset" button. The airline pilots I know who I am happiest around are the guys who really love to go grab a small plane and fly for the joy of just doing it, while other airline guys I know just live for the checks and frankly couldn't be bothered to go fly a small plane if it was offered to them.

I agree I know my health probably won’t stay the same and that’s just life and I know the airlines are a bumpy ride but it’s really my dream and I don’t see my self doing anything else but yes I’m going to get my degree in business so I can have that backup if all else fails. Thanks for your enlightenment and it really opened my eyes. Any Thing in aviation is my dream even that being a cfi or running a flight school thanks for your story have a great day.

 

[ryan heiner]

I used to be in your shoes a few years ago. As someone who recently graduated with a four year degree in a non-related field, in hindsight, I wish I would’ve gone to a college with a collegiate aviation program. Knock out the degree and the ratings in one shot. Something to consider…

I have looked at that option but it’s so much more expensive to go that route I can do 4 years of Collin college for 57 dollars a credit hour compared to 350$ a credit hour maybe if I can find the right school that is cheap enough that I won’t be in debt till I’m 65 I will definitely think about it

 

[ryan heiner]

I received permission from Quinn to share his contact info. I recommend you give him a call or meet in person. He is a senior in high school and has started on the professional pilot track. He should have some good wisdom to share. I’ll send the info via private message

Regardless of which school or independent instructor, the big important thing is that you pair up with an instructor who is the best one for you. This often means they

• Are organized with a syllabus and a plan of action tailored to your needs
• Have the ability to modify their teaching style to the way you learn
• Listen to your needs and adapt as necessary
• Never lose their cool even when something frustrates the ever living *bleep* out of them, causing them to take it out on you
• Are always professional in demeanor
• Are willing to provide more value than what you are paying for.
• Are willing to put in the added effort needed to ensure you develop in to a competent and safe pilot.

Sure thing thanks for all the info I have a lot of buddies at my school that are just starting out like me my high school has a aviation programs and we get donated plane kits to build them and then sell them and do the same thing over and over again

 

[AggieMike88]

I have looked at that option but it’s so much more expensive to go that route I can do 4 years of Collin college for 57 dollars a credit hour compared to 350$ a credit hour maybe if I can find the right school that is cheap enough that I won’t be in debt till I’m 65 I will definitely think about it

If you're going to eyeball community colleges, take a look at Tarrant County Community College and their aviation programs (both flight and A&P).

 

[ryan heiner]

If you're going to eyeball community colleges, take a look at Tarrant County Community College and their aviation programs (both flight and A&P).

Thanks! I’ll definitely be looking into that, thanks for all your help so far it’s really helping me find my way.

 

[Albany Tom]

Really good advice, all the way around. I'll just add to the Community College thing. In this area, a lot of them are not only less expensive, but completely transferable to a 4 year school if you want to do that later on. Or, you can do that online. The other is before pre-paying for aviation hours, make sure you're 100% comfortable with the outfit and training. Business degree makes perfect sense. Along those lines, consider that most of the business world is easier if you have good skills in written communication, time management, project management.

You're asking all the right questions, in my view. Best of luck!

 

[AggieMike88]

Regarding pre-paying an instructor or flight school....

Pre-paying small blocks of dollars in order to get a discounted rate: Good and worth doing.

Pre-paying the entire amount required for that round of training: Bad idea and history is littered with students who did that and had their flight school vaporize into the night with all their money (and sometimes training records) in hand, lost for ever.

 

[ryan heiner]

Regarding pre-paying an instructor or flight school....

Pre-paying small blocks of dollars in order to get a discounted rate: Good and worth doing.

Pre-paying the entire amount required for that round of training: Bad idea and history is littered with students who did that and had their flight school vaporize into the night with all their money (and sometimes training records) in hand, lost for ever.

Thanks for that info! I completely agree and thanks for the help!

 

[ryan heiner]

Really good advice, all the way around. I'll just add to the Community College thing. In this area, a lot of them are not only less expensive, but completely transferable to a 4 year school if you want to do that later on. Or, you can do that online. The other is before pre-paying for aviation hours, make sure you're 100% comfortable with the outfit and training. Business degree makes perfect sense. Along those lines, consider that most of the business world is easier if you have good skills in written communication, time management, project management.

You're asking all the right questions, in my view. Best of luck!

Thanks and yeah I did not even know these type of schools existed in community college form anyways. I’m definitely going to look into these and maybe go to a couple of expos if they offer them thanks for your help! I really appreciate everything this forum is doing for me.

 

[AlphaPilotFlyer]

Ryan, one more thing….. have you been in a small airplane much? I have seen more than one person dream about flying all their life only to discover they were terrified once off the ground, or quickly got sick (this you can get used to for most that stick it out). Maybe some members here are near by and can offer a ride. EAA has a program for introduction rides, as well. Either way, get in the air to make sure you dig it before blowing money. In meantime, there are plenty of free PPL ground schools online that have the actual test questions….work on it in spare time and get your written exam out of the way (it’s good for 2 years)….this will save you time and money.

As far as an aviation degree, like I said jr college way to go as you can get lower ATP hour requirement than work on a 4 yr degree online…. No one cares what your degree is in and you will likely be picked up by a regional without one. I have flown with NASA test pilots and real astronauts at the airline, as well as guys with only a high school diploma. Find quickest way to ATP and flow thru program with mainline. Half of our new hires are flow through from regional partners.

 

[ryan heiner]

Ryan, one more thing….. have you been in a small airplane much? I have seen more than one person dream about flying all their life only to discover they were terrified once off the ground, or quickly got sick (this you can get used to for most that stick it out). Maybe some members here are near by and can offer a ride. EAA has a program for introduction rides, as well. Either way, get in the air to make sure you dig it before blowing money. In meantime, there are plenty of free PPL ground schools online that have the actual test questions….work on it in spare time and get your written exam out of the way (it’s good for 2 years)….this will save you time and money.

As far as an aviation degree, like I said jr college way to go as you can get lower ATP hour requirement than work on a 4 yr degree online…. No one cares what your degree is in and you will likely be picked up by a regional without one. I have flown with NASA test pilots and real astronauts at the airline, as well as guys with only a high school diploma. Find quickest way to ATP and flow thru program with mainline. Half of our new hires are flow through from regional partners.

I agree with everything you are saying I have been up in a small airplane twice once In a piper Cherokee and another in a Cessna 172 and it lit the spark it was amazing in my opinion. I’m going to start looking into junior colleges that offer flight programs and compare them to not only get that lower hours but get the lower age as well I might even go checkout some of them in real life as well. Thanks for helping me out.

 

[AggieMike88]

@ryan heiner ….

At age 17, you have a limited time clock to take advantage of an EAA Young Eagles flight. Once you’re 18, you no longer are eligible because of being too old.

Both the Denton and McKinney chapters have active Young Eagle programs, and I am the coordinator for Denton’s program.

Once you have done the flight(which is zero cost to you), you qualify for lots of free stuff, including the full Learn To Fly ground school system from Sporty’s (a $250.00 value)

 

[ryan heiner]

@ryan heiner ….

mar age 17, you have a limited time clock to take advantage of an EAA Young Eagles flight. Once you’re 18, you no longer are eligible because of being too old.

Both the Denton and McKinney chapters have active Young Eagle programs, and I am the coordinator for Denton’s program.

Once you have done the flight(which is zero cost to you), you qualify for lots of free stuff, including the full Learn To Fly ground school system from Sporty’s (a $250.00 value)

Thanks will look into it