Expert: David Bidwell - 11/22/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hi David.

Greetings.

I have always wanted to become a pilot, right from my school days. I want to pursue a career in commercial flying. However, I need some guidance and advice. I have the following questions:

1. I am 26 years old. Do you think it will be a good move to shift my career at this point in my life? I mean I see people going for pilot training as early as 18! I have no doubts about the fact that I will enjoy working in this field. However, this is an apprehension I do have. Please advise.

2. What would be the job scenario once I get my CPL? The aviation industry is going through a scary downturn. Do you reckon I will be able to secure a job after I finish my training, assuming I get into an institute by January 2009?

3. Getting a CPL is a very costly affair. I plan to get it by taking a bank loan. Therefore, I need to ensure that I get my CPL from a good institute. Please recommend some.

4. What are the prospects of Pilots from India getting jobs in airlines outside India? Especially fresher like me? My preference would be to secure a job in India, but I really cannot afford to be out of work in case I cannot get a job in India as I would have to start paying back my bank loan. please advise.

I am really looking forward for the answers and I am in a confused state as of now. I want to pursue a dream I have nurtured ever since I was 14, but the current scenario is very discouraging, if not intimidating.

Thanks and Regards,
Shashank Agarwal

ANSWER: Hello Shashank,
I will do my best to answer your questions.
1. You are young! Go for it.  Your age is no problem at all.  A friend of mine started at age 45 and landed a great corporate flying job.
2.  I afraid that no one can honestly answer this one.  You are right about the industry in a downturn.  Keep in mind that we will always need pilots.  Hopefully this is just a cycle that could easily end about the time that you are ready.
3.  Do you have a college degree?  Get back to me on this before I can recommend.  It will make a difference.  Also, please understand that I am only familiar with institutions in the US.
4. Don't expect much at first.  You may want to work as a flight instructor at first.  This will help your resume and allow you to build up hours.  Also, flight schools always need instructors.  You may get lucky and land something at a commuter.  It depends on the industry at the time.

In closing let me say that I think that if it is your passion then you should pursue it.  No one has a crystal ball to see the future but I am optimistic that if you want this as you say, you will have success.
I hope that I was able to help a little.
Good Luck,
Dave Bidwell

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi David,

Thanks for answering my questions.

Yes I have a college degree. I am a Bachelor in Science with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as main subjects.

As you mentioned, in case I am unable to secure a job, I can work as a flight instructor. I don't mind doing that really, in fact I will enjoy it thoroughly! What salary can I expect as a flight instructor? I ask this question for the same reason - paying back the bank loan.

I really appreciate you taking time for answering my queries. I am making a big decision that will change my life completely!

Thanks and Regards,
Shashank

Answer
Hello again,
Since you have a degree already (which is great) You may want to look a couple of schools such as the following:

http://www.deltaconnectionacademy.com/

http://www.flightsafety.com/

http://www.atpflightschool.com/

These are just a few of the highly regarded training institutions.  There are others, of course, but this should get you started.  As for salary for CFIs (flight instructors) it varies greatly.  I have seen salaries from 10.00 per hour up to 30.00 with benefits at some of the academies. This is something that you will have to research when the time comes.  Often, the facility that you train at will offer you a job.  You should also inquire if the training facility offers job placement assistance. I can't answer that one for you as they are all different.
Good luck with your quest!
Dave Bidwell