I want to become a pilot...?

Question

My dream is to become a pilot for a commercial airline (or something similar) but i really don't know anybody personally who is a pilot. I would really like to talk to one about how they got to where they are.
I am currently 17, and in my junior year of high school. I enjoy physics and trig, but hate english. I'm pretty sure that I want to fly planes. When i was 14, i was in the Civil Air Defense, and i learned a lot about planes (i only got to fly a plane twice). I had to stop going to CAP when i was 15 because of wrestling and soccer.
I was just wondering if there are any pilots out there who would like to talk with me about their carrer.

Also, if you happened to attend the U of I, i would really like to talk to you. Both my parents work there, so we get a huge discount if i go there. I'm also against joining the Air Force.

Answer 1

The aviation community is one of the last vestiges of "old America" where you can go to an airport, talk to pilots, and expect to be treated with respect. (Yes... Even though you are "just a kid".) Go and see.

Maybe offer to wash a guy's plane in exchange for a ride!

I strongly encourage you to follow your dream. I had the same dream at your age. I went to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University for college and that struck a flame where I only had some smoldering embers. I've never regretted it.

Answer 2

Well, you should have had some chances with CAP, depending on the pilots you had available.
Go out to the local airport and talk to the instructors between their flights. You will find a variety of experiences both from people on their way up and people who have been at the top of the skill and pay level and decided the hassle was too great and they backed out and down and teach because they like it.
Unless you can short circuit the process by getting someone to pay for it, you will have to come up with several thousand dollars for flight training and flying time for a pilots license (single engine), then for a multiengine rating, then for a jet rating. As we learned from the 9/11 killers, there are schools around the country that have simulators, etc., and can take you all the way through 727, 747, 777 etc. Normally, somewhere in the process, you start flying for pay in order to earn money for the next step or get hired by someone who trains you further.

Answer 3

My mom is a pilot. She didn't go to college, just to the local airport and took flying lessons. She told me not to get into the aviation business though, especially after 9/11. They are losing a ton of money and laying off a bunch of pilots. Some companies are luckier than others, but eventually you may not even be able to find a job in commercial airlines. Try going to a big company that uses planes to fly to meetings and talk with other clients. Go to a four- year college though and get good training in flying and get in the corporate flying instead.

Answer 4

I know how you feel. If you enjoy flying (i've take over only once) maybe you should start with ultra light aircraft. each plane will set you back only a couple thousand dollars, less if you can find a great deal on a used one. they require no plane registration and no license (no age limit too) and are great for gaining hours for the big licenses.
most commercial pilots have base airports that they have an apartment near, although much of your time would be spent flying, filling out reports and sleeping in motels waiting for you next flight out. you will only get a few days a week (if not month) off at home.

Answer 5

My father is a pilot. Get a 4-year degree from college, then join the Air Force. You go to OTS (Officer Training School) and then flight school. It is very expensive to fly in civilian schools, so the Air Force will pay you to learn how to fly jets. Good Luck!!!

Answer 6

Just go to your local airport, and just talk to pilots who dont seem very busy. If they dont appear preocupied, just walk up and introduce yourself. Most pilots are very willing and would be more than happy to help a prospective pilot get there wings

Answer 7

first, save up about $30k for all your ratings. become and instructor to get enough hours to apply to the regionals. get a job with the regionals and get abused as a flying bus driver. start at $20k gross, and end up at about $60k after 10 yrs. stay in the regional for the rest of your career because you don't want your salary cut in half as you enter the major at the lowest of the low on the totem pole. get abused more, have no retirement, benefits, or time with your family. enjoy!

Answer 8

You can connect to me on yahoo instant messenger. I'll give you my nickels worth.