Expert: D. Norkus - 9/17/2004

Question
I am interested in becoming a commercial pilot, but I have been told most commercial pilots were military pilots.  Would it be hard to get a job without military experience?  Would college be required?  I would like to fly somewhat local, maybe twin engine charter flights.  I'm not exactly sure what I want to fly.  I'd like to fly airliners, but I don't want to be away from home all the time.  What schools would you recommend in Northern CA area?

Thanks

Answer
Mike

Would it be hard to get a job without military experience?
No. Increasingly, pilots are coming from the civilian sector. Times have changed since the Vietnam era, when the airlines took all the military pilots they could. The pool of civilian pilots has grown and the regional airliness are now flying jets that are often more advanced than many mainline aircraft. So, todays regional pilot has much more experience and it's often in jets. Many regional pilots going to mainline carriers have several thousand hours more time than some military pilots. The main advantage to going military is the free flight training.

Would college be required? Yes. I know of no major carrier that will hire without a 4 year degree in the US. The regionals require a two year degree at a minimum, but prefer a 4 year.


I would like to fly somewhat local, maybe twin engine charter flights. I'm not exactly sure what I want to fly. I'd like to fly airliners, but I don't want to be away from home all the time.

There are some flying jobs that do not take you away from home too much. Skywest and American Eagle both have bases in CA and crew go on 1,2, 3 or 4 day trips. Often if you are based in CA, you will get overnights where you live. I am based at LAX and enjoy three nights a week away from home at cities all within CA, but I also get overnights in my home city from time to time so it's almost like I am home even when I am working. Ameriflight is a small cargo operator based in Oakland. Their flying would be all local and usually within the state. The minimum experience to get hired at Ameriflight is 1500 flight hours and most small charter require the same. Any operator flying with single pilot (most small charter or cargo) can't hire them unless they have at least 1500 per FAA regulations. The regional airlines generally require 1000. See my website for some more in depth words of wisdom about becoming a pilot and flying careers:

www.geocities.com/av8trxx99/FAQ.html

There are also numerous links at bottom for everything you should know to help you get the 'big picture' about training and flying for a living.

What schools would you recommend in Northern CA area?
I have no experience with schools. I did all my ratings via flying clubs as they were cheaper. For information on schools or clubs in your area, try the message forums at www.jetcareers.com or www.flightinfo.com. You should also go to your local field and find out what is available to you. Most clubs are non-profit and for the membership, so they are not as expensive.

Between my page and these links (which are also on my page), your questions should be anwsered but if you develop more, let me know.

Dottie