Expert: David A. NewMyer - 10/24/2008

Question
First off I want to say that I love everything that has to do with flying. I've always wanted to be a pilot and would love to have it as a job. I was wondering if you could put me on the right track when it comes to schooling, locations of good places to get a pilots license, and what kind of jobs are associated with being a pilot. I would rather fly fixed wing aircraft rather than a helo.

Also with schooling and getting a pilots license, do you know an rounded estimate of how much I would be looking at? I am currently in the USN and havn't spent my GI Bill yet, but I'm not sure if I'll be able to use that for a pilots license.

I really appreciate any help you can give me.

Justin

Answer
Hi,

When it comes to schooling for a pilot career, you have to focus on three things:

1.  Formal edcuation (a degree)...which can be obtained at an aviation university.  Check www.uaa.aero for a listing of aviation colleges and universities entitled THE COLLEGIATE AVIATION GUIDE.  This listing is very comprehensive and will give you a good list to start with.  I recommend a university or college aviation degree program because you can obtain the degree while you are also obtaining your FAA certificates and ratings.

2.  Second, you need to obtain your Federal Aviation Administration ratings and certificates.  The Private Pilot Pilot Certificate will be the first you will obtain and the cost of that will vary between $6000 and $9000 depending on where you go to school.  There is also the Commercial Pilot Certificate with Instrument and Multi Engine Ratings and that can cost as much as $25,000 to $35,000 again depending on where you go to school.  Finally, you will need to get a Flight Instructor Certificate to teach others to fly aircraft, and that cost is $5000 to $6000.

3.  Third, you will need to build flight experience, both total flight time and quality of flight time (time in instrument conditions, time at night and time in multi engine aircraft).

I hope that this information helps.  Please follow up if you have other questions.

Sincerely,

David A. NewMyer