Expert: D. Norkus - 3/31/2008

Question
Hi Dottie,

I am an aspiring pilot of 17 years living in Jamaica. I have started flight training here and im planning to study at Embry Riddle University in Florida. I know it's top of the line. Although finance is a major obstacle, it is not my primary concern in this letter.

I know that airlines are always expanding to accommodate greater number of passengers flying in and out of airports every day. The last time I checked, a well known international airline in the U.S. just ordered 30 new planes and will be hiring over 126 pilots during the course of the year. Just by these statistics alone, i was convinced that the job of an airline pilot was in abundance.

My Grandmother went up to Orlando the other day and was talking to a relative about my career decision. He replied by saying "It's very hard to become an airline pilot because the rate of employment is very low." Reflecting on his answer, i am very confused.

1)What are the factors that affect rate of employment?

2)What subjects or courses (in highschool and college) do you suggest i do to increase my chances?

3)Do you suggest going to Embry Riddle University straight, or go to some other school first then Embry Riddle.

Your reply will be greatly appreciated and a load off my mind.

                                       Justin


Answer
Justin

1)What are the factors that affect rate of employment?

The economy is the biggest factor that drives the ebb and flow in the airline business. With oil prices continuing to go up, the industry is entering a contraction period. Airlines have to pay more for fuel so the additional cost often results in airlines stemming growth plans or even shrinking. (This airline contraction also happened right after 9/11 when airlines were struggling to slim costs.) For instance, Delta just announced they were parking less fuel efficient planes, abruptly stopped interviewing and cancelled plans for pilot hiring.

One thing is for sure, if you intend to enter this industry, just know that it is always in flux! You must simply hope you enter it on a high so you move up quickly and have some cushion of people hired under you in case of a downturn and the airline starts to furlough pilots. You just never know. Quite often the airlines hire right up until the day they furlough! I know a pilot who was hired at Aloha about 4 weeks ago. Two weeks into his class he was let go and the airline collapsed a week later.  

Currently, almost all of the majors have ceased hiring in the past 3 weeks (since 3/30/08) and many of the regionals have slowed or stopped as well as fuel costs continue to rise.

Other factors are pilot attrition (retirements or resignations) and  aircraft deliveries (expansion requiring more pilots).

2)What subjects or courses (in high school and college) do you suggest i do to increase my chances?

Take what you will do well in. The airlines really don't care what subjects you take, they just want you to have an education. Many think they should take aviation related courses but what is in your logbook (flight experience) matters more than what you took in school.

3)Do you suggest going to Embry Riddle University straight, or go to some other school first then Embry Riddle.

I don't necessarily recommend ERAU. (Even though I attended their Extended Campus program and liked it then did my flying off campus with a local club). True, they are a great school but they are also very expensive. I fly with a pilot who did their 4 year program and would not do it again if they had a chance to do it over as they are now $130,000 in debt for their bachelors. Unless you have the ability to finance that kind of education or can get some scholarships I DO suggest looking into other routes as well. Starting out with as little debt as possible will become very important when you are a new hire first officer making under $25,000 for the first couple years!

While ERAU seems to market themselves as the "best" way to go, they are not so for everyone! (Take all their hype with a grain of salt, please and research all options to find the best and most affordable route for YOU.) You may also want to consider a regional airline affiliated academy program for less than half the cost and you will get a guaranteed interview.

Please read my page for more info, then get back to me with further questions!

http://www.pilotcareer.info

These links may help as well:

http://www.jetcareers.com
http://www.airlinepilotcentral.com

Dottie