Expert: D. Norkus - 8/22/2004

Question
Hello Dottie,

I am working on my private pilot license and I am considering being a pilot as a career.  What do you think the outlook is for the future of pilots?  What is a good airline academy to consider?  What is the starting salary for a regional airline?  What is the increase?  

Thanks for your time!  

Answer
Geoff-

"I am working on my private pilot license and I am considering being a pilot as a career. What do you think the outlook is for the future of pilots? "

There will always be a need for pilots, however, there really isn't a "pilot shortage" as many like to claim. What they really mean is a shortage of QUALIFIED pilots, so companies must lower their mimimum qualifications to get more applicants. There should be quite a few retirements in the coming years though. Many Vietnam era pilots who went the airline route after getting out of the military must retire at age 60 and most are very near that now.

I would encourage you to get your PPL and even your instrument before commiting $30K+ to any school or academy. (Academies are the most expensive way to go.) Flying the line every day is a bit different than when you are flying more for pleasure. It's a great job, but the flying is only half of what you need to do on the flight deck. There are so many additional tasks! Check out my site about training and careers for some additional info-

www.geocites.com/av8trxx899/FAQ.html

"What is a good airline academy to consider?"

Personally, I wouldn't risk so much money to attend one. They only promnise an interview and NOT a job when you finish. A big gamble. Training at any local club or FBO will get you to the same experience level and for less cost. See my page for some links about that.

"What is the starting salary for a regional airline? What is the increase?" Starting pay is very low! This is a prime reason you want your debt to be as low as it can be going into this career. A new hire regional pilot will be lucky to make $20K their first year. My friend is a new hire and makes $900 month.  The regional pay scales are also linked via my page so you can see the pay progression. After 5 years one might expect to make closer to $30K, especially if they upgrade and are on Captain pay.

After reading my site over, let me know what other questions you may have. I created it to help peole like yourself with all the things I think are need to know about getting into aviation. The links at the bottom are also MUSTS for resources!

Good luck,

Dottie