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You are here: Experts > Recreation/Outdoors > Aviation > Careers: Flying & Aviation > Aspiring Pilot needs guidance
Expert: Heiko Hanusch - 10/26/2009
Question
First off all,
THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME! I can't tell you how much I appreciate any and all input I can get to help with one of the biggest decisions for my future.
I am currently 21, male, and as you guess -an aspiring pilot. I am currently enrolled in a state college (first year) to get pre-reqs out of the way, and then onto university.
My first majour dilemma is that I can't decide between helicopter and aeroplane. Both really interest me, and while I know all the pros do you know where I can look to find out ALL the information on what the respective pilots like and dislike about their jobs?
One of my MAIN concerns is HOW to get to my dream job. I don't have the money for flight training, so I really only have two options:
a) Take out a loan (if possible) and
b) Join the service
Can you give me any insight on ways to pay besides this? (scholarships, grants?)
If I take out a loan and complete flight school, I am scared to DEATH of graduating with $40-$60k in debt and no airline will hire me.
Can you please give me some insight into the possible job market and anything pertaining to this?
The other option I may have is enlisting (ROTC perhaps) and becoming a pilot through the AirForce/Navy.
Unfortunately, I don't know what my odds are of becoming a pilot, I have NO idea what the job(s) is/are like, and the commitment term is 10 years.
Can you by any chance give me some advice on this?
I like the civilian route because I feel I can begin flying much sooner, and do what I like -flying people around, giving tours, etc
With that said, the Military is intriguing as well -(IF i can selected) serving my country, flying some of the most advanced planes/helis on the planet, flying experience like none other, good pay, no loans, paid rent, etc
If you've read this far, I think it is all too clear that I am a 21 yr old CONFUSED AS HELL college student. It is so frustrating and nerve-racking I can't begin to tell you.
Can you give me any advice, tips, or otherwise on any of this?
Again I really appreciate your time and any knowledge you share with me. I can't await the day I am in my dream job, happy, and enjoying life -however I get there.
ps I am from Austria and, if possible, would love to return to Europe (somewhere) to fly. Are there any good routes / possibilites for this?
Answer
Hi Stephen,
First of all, Thank you for your question.
I can tell that you have a lot questions and quite frankly his is very normal at your age and in your life stage. Well here it is in a nutshell...
As far as deciding Helicopter vs. Airplane, there is no central "comparison site" on the internet but you need to just search for either one and decide on your own or talk to Pilots who are currently flying and ask their opinion. Make sure that before starting flight school you know which one you want to do. Helicopter training is a lot more expensive than airplane and jobs are even harder to find for Helicopters vs. Airplanes.
This brings me to your next question about the job outlook...
Well, since 2001 airlines worldwide have laid off thousands of Pilots and most still have not gotten their job back. We are in the worst aviation crisis anyone can remember. There is literally 8000-10000 Pilots with each having more than 8000hrs.+ of flying experience out there looking for a job! So good for you for still being in College right now. One day all this will ease up, the problem is no one knows when. If I would guess, looking at upcoming retirements things should start improving in 3-4 years (unless Oil spikes again, then God help us all).
Anyway, going the military route may be your best option given this environment. The civilian route, even in good times, is very tough and expensive. besides having $60 - 80000 in loans you will not be making more than $25000-40000 for at least the first 10 years of your flying career.
Unfortunately flying is not what it used to be 25 years ago, every company is trying to hire people who, literally, fly for free.
Obtaining scholarships for flying is pretty much unheard of in this industry.
So, once again, military route is the way to go!
Having said all this, piloting an airplane is still the best thing I have ever done in my life and it becomes addicting. Just make sure you are prepared to work for very little for a long time until one day you'll get your break. Only people with the drive to WANTING to be a Pilot will make it in this industry.
Good Luck with your future and decision,
Cpt. H2
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