Expert: D. Norkus - 8/14/2009

Question
Hi - I am a 37 yr old mother of four children (13, 11, 6 and 3) and I have always wanted to be a pilot.  My goal is to become an airline pilot, but I have not yet started in a flight training program.  I do not have a Bachelor's Degree either.  Any advise that you could give me as far as how to get started, which type of school to choose, and costs (will an airline pay of training?)would be greatly appreciated.  It's not too late, is it?  Is it necessary to have a degree?

Thanks so much,

Pam

Answer
Pam

Since yours is a common career change question I got so much, I decided to make a website to address the enormous amount of info one needed to know as it was difficult to put it all in this medium. Please visit it and then let me know your more specific questions.

http://www.pilotcareer.info

It isn't too late for you (I know people that have started in their late 40's) but you can expect to fund $35,000-$60,000 in training and time building costs depending on the route you take as airlines do not cover any costs. The regional airlines don't require a bachelors degree like the majors do, but it does make you a more competitive candidate. Hopefully you have at least an Associates degree. Airlines are not currently hiring, so you have a few years to get to the 1,000 to 1,500 hours needed where you can apply when the hiring begins again.

Since you are a woman, I highly suggest joining the Ninety-Nines: International Organization of Women Pilots as a student pilot. They offer support, friendship, mentoring, career advice ("Pro 99s") and even flight scholarships. I am a 17 year member and scholarship winner. Getting involved in a chapter near you, and especially in the Pro 99s contingent, would be a blessing as you progress in your flight training. After 1 year of membership (prior to Dec 1st each year) members may apply for an Amelia Earhart Flight Scholarship that will pay the cost of an entire pilot certificate or advanced rating (including jet type ratings).

http://www.ninety-nines.org/

Specifically, I suggest you register for their eMail Network as you can post your questions and concerns from a mom's perspective there. They have many pro pilot moms on the network who can advise you on the path that lie ahead, family life and how to juggle it all if you pursue this career. Sign up at-

http://www.ninety-nines.org/index.cfm/email_networks.htm

If you are on Facebook, the "99s" have a group there-
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Ninety-Nines-Inc-International-Organization-of...

There are also other organizations that support women pilots like

Women In Aviation International-
http://www.wai.org

&

International Society of Women Airline Pilots / "ISA+21"
http://www.iswap.org/

ISA+21 also offers this "Tips on Becoming an Airline Pilot Guide"-
http://www.iswap.org/html/tips.html

Both offer flight scholarships for more advanced aviatrixes as well.


Hope this gets you started and answers the majority of your questions,
Dottie