Expert: D. Norkus - 7/3/2008

Question
i AM a 40 year old male. I own small business in construction. I was aircraft maint in the navy for 3 years and always interested in aviation (Pilot) Never had financial means to follow thru, now with much better $$ I want to start a serious career as pilot. I see many 'schools" saying 8months..16months. What would be my best step forward tword Good paying pilot jobs?

Answer
Mark

What would be your best step forward toward good paying pilot jobs?
Simply getting your foot in the door in the industry. Pay scales are based on "seniority" (tenure) with the airlines, so the sooner you start you will be on your way to a better income.

It may come as a surprise to you, but starting out the pay for a regional pilot is about $22,000 and after a couple of years you can expect to make $30-35K. Not exactly a well paid position in the beginning. There is a lot of "dues paying" in this business to get to the better paying jobs. Once you have made captain at a regional you will be looking at closer to $50-60K. However, if you chose to leave and go to a major after several years, know that is often a pay cut to start as well.

Regarding the 8-16 months and we will 'make you an airline pilot' academy programs:
Only a few months ago, such pilots were still being getting hired with the regional airlines as they advertise. Program grads are guaranteed an interview only after completion but most get hired. Currently (7/08) hiring has slowed to a crawl or stopped at most carriers. The fuel crisis is causing the airlines to cut flights and even cut crew. During harsh economic times the lowest seniority pilots may find themselves furloughed or laid off. United just announced 950 pilot furloughs. Once the majors stop hiring, the regional pilots looking to move on are stagnated, so with little attrition academy grads will find it harder and harder to land a job out of their guaranteed interview.

Keeping that in mind, you might consider the route of training locally for less cost over 24-36 months. Although seniority is important, you can't start the clock when airlines are in a hiring slump. Maybe by the time you have completed your certification and built up some hours the industry will have picked up again. If I were you, I'd also keep your business going on the side if at all possible. Pay cuts in the industry have made side business a more common thing for pilots. The extra income will be a blessing when you finally make the transition.

Visit this site and it's links at bottom for lots of need to know career info - http://www.pilotcareer.info

Hope this helps
Dottie