Expert: David A. NewMyer - 1/20/2009

Question
I am 30 right now and am an electronics technician. I
recently  realized that I always wanted to be a pilot,
personally I dream of having my on airplane. What would be
a reasonably path to follow right now in my case(more
less). I work supporting the 911 system in Florida and I
feel that I can do more. Thank you.

Answer
Hi,

Thank you for your question, I will try to assist.

There are many different paths to becoming a pilot and, of course, it depends on whether or not your goal includes becoming a professional pilot (working for an airline or a corporate flight department, for example).  I will assume that you want to become a professional pilot.  In that case, you will need to do three key things:

1. Certificates. Become a certificated pilot via the Federal Aviation Administration, starting with the FAA Private Pilot Certificate.  After the Private, you will need to move on to the FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate with Instrument and Multi Engine Ratings and then add your Flight Instructor (Airplane) Certificate.  The last certificate mentioned will allow you to build flight time by teaching others to fly.  There are many local flight schools, depending on where you live, that can provide this certificate training.  There are also some national flight schools as well.....they can provide a certificate/training package and get your training done on an accelerated basis (for a price).  Some of the national schools are Delta Airlines Academy, Flight Safety International and others.  See a recent issue of Flying Magazine for their advertisements.

2. Flight Experience. The second thing you will need to do is to continually add to your aviation experience....meaning flight time.  Not only total flight time will need to be increased, but, also, you will need to increase the quality of your flight time by adding to the night flight time, the instrument flight time and the multi engine flight time....particularly pilot in command (PIC) multi engine turbine flight time.

3.  Education.  It is very helpful for you to have a bachelor's degree...if you already have one, that is great.  If you do not have a bachelor's degree, plan on getting one since most of the people with whom you will compete for professional flying jobs will have such a degree.  Even better, get an aviation-related degree (this might also include flight training if you go to the right school).  See the website of the University Aviation Association for information on how to order the COLLEGIATE AVIATION GUIDE which is a publication that lists aviation colleges and universities.

If you plan to just fly on your own and own your own aircraft but not fly for an airline, then, the first two items above are critical:  Get your FAA Certificates AND get lots of flight experience.  Make sure that you have the right certificates and experience for any aircraft that you decide to own.  One of the largest safety problems out there are aircraft owners who buy something that they are not ready to fly.  Don't make that mistake.

All best wishes to you in your plans to become a pilot.

Sincerely,

David A. NewMyer, Ph.D., Professor and Chair
Aviation Management and Flight
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
http://www.aviation.siu.edu