What are the chances of getting a Job as a Pilot? Good Job?

Question

After attending schools like Midway Aviators, Phoenix East, or any others like that?
I keep hearing that YOU need college degree+3-4000 flight hours to be hired by any major companies and/or Airlines <
Will the Coast Guard , or Air National Guard be interested in a Pilot from those(or similar) schools ,,,,, maybe the P.A.C.????
I'm kicking the Idea of Army Warrant Officer Pilot training, BUT I don't want to go to war , and I definitely don't want to kill anyone ..... Help Protect the HOME (U.S.) from within the borders,shores, or do some Search and Rescue, now that is a great way to earn a paycheck ...+ Talk about job satisfaction!!!!
I would like to hear from people who have or had experience in this sort of thing?!


>>>>Thank You all for good answers in advance!!!!!!!

I am hoping for the best........!!!

Answer 1

Great question and its all really about competition. Most major airlines like Southwest, Fedex, UPS, United etc. still require a four year degree to apply. These are the highest paying pilot positions and command the best applicants. However, to get a job with a regional airline (Skywest, Mesa, Mesaba) you don't need a degree. In fact, most regional airlines will hire you with minimal experience. Some with as little as 500 hours total time and 50 hours mult-engine! That's nearly right out of flight school!

As for being a pilot for US Customs, Border Patrol, FBI etc., its a little different. I would say these jobs don't pay as well as a major airline, but much better than the regional airlines. And where else can you chase people down and fly at low altitudes? And get to carry a gun?

If you wanted fly for the government, I would say your best option is to fly as a warrant officer for the army.

You must choose carefully. Airlines like Southwest won't consider your experience in helicopters, as compared to someone in the Air force flying large aircraft.

All the initial flight schools are pretty much the same. I would choose one based on your situation, how much can I afford versus how quickly you want to finish? Weather can be a factor if you are constantly fogged in and can't fly, this will delay your training. Housing--how much is accommodations? Look at the whole picture.

Good luck!

Answer 2

I was inducted into the army in 1967, went to warrant officer flight training and flew medivac helicopters until I got out in 1976. Those nine years were some of the best and worst of my life. Even in Vietnam I have memories that make me grin and others that make me cry. After the army I went into a small flying business with a friend that worked out well. I ended up using my VA training benefit to obtain an Airline Transport ranting with a Lear Jet type rating. I've been an executive pilot ever since and in my latest job I am chief pilot for a two jet international operation.

As far as I know, a HS diploma will get you into Warrant Officer flight training in the army. But if you can't stomach the thought of going to war, you'd best look somewhere else. If you do decide to serve our country, I thank you in advance.

Answer 3

Being a pilot is a little out of my field. A few things to remember. Take some computer courses as in the future all things will be connected to a computer. Remember that the CO. must make a profit. To get paid well they must make good money. Have confidence in your self. The part about going to war is not that bad. It is better to fight them over there than to have them come here. Good hunting

Answer 4

The answer given by Dan KoKo is the best answer. and If you join the coast guard they will pay for your college education, when I was in the military, for every year of college that the military paid for you owed them 2 years service. Which, when you think about it, that is really not a bad deal.