Expert: David A. NewMyer - 10/22/2004

Question
Hey David,

I have a bachelors degree from Florida State University and have been working in the real estate industry for the past 3 years.  However, I am very interested in pursuing a career as a pilot.

Searching for information on the internet has left me with more questions than answers.  There is a significant range of costs for aviation schools.  I don't want to attend a less expensive school if it will hurt me when I am job hunting.  What/who is good to talk to concerning the "best" aviation schools.

If I graduate from a school like Embry Riddle, what should I expect as far as the job market?  What is the career timeline for a pilot?  What is the market oulook?  

Is there any scholarship money available for someone in my situation?

Thanks for your help!

Answer
Hi, Frank:

Nice to hear from you...I will try to assist.

1.  To answer your last question first, yes, there is scholarship money out there for someone in your situation.  Check the following sources:

A.  this website:  www.avscholars.com  It has some good aviation financial aid and scholarship information.

B.  this publication:  The University Aviation Association Scholarship Listing, which is available for about $25 from the UAA at (334) 844-2434 or by emailing uaa@auburn.edu

2.  There are two ways to tackle your training.  One is to go to a "pure" flight school such as Delta Academy, Flight Safety Academy, Southeastern Flight Academy, Pan Am International Flight Academy or Sierra Academy.  At these schools you are paying for flight training and subsequent placement into the aviation industry.  All of them have some sort of placement program, but, you have to determine for yourself which one is best for you BEFORE you sign on the dotted line.

The second way to tackle the flight training that you desire to obtain is to attend an aviation-oriented university such as Embry Riddle, FIT, Jacksonville State, or, one of a bunch of other such schools.  A complete listing of such schools is available from the University Aviation Association and is entitled THE COLLEGIATE AVIATION GUIDE. The contact information for the UAA is above.  This guide lists over 100 post secondary institutions that offer aviation degree programs nationally.

Of course, the question you are asking is which option do I recommend to you?  Well, it is difficult to know what to recommend given how little I know about you.  But, the first option of just going to a flight school is faster and will get you your ratings within a year.  The other option will take approximately two to 2 and 1/2 years.  So, if speed is the issue, choose option one.  

On the other hand, the second option will allow you to take coursework that will support your flight training with some classroom study of the aviation industry.  That coursework will give you some valuable information for structuring your job search and for understanding which segments of the industry are places where you will want to work in the future.  This second one is the "full meal deal" where as the first option is just flight training with a bit of placement thrown in.  

And, of course, all of this depends on how much time and money you have to invest.

As far as the timeline for a pilot to get to a "good job"...it will depend on the placement arrangements that a particular flight school will have, etc.  But, conservatively, the timeline is as follows:

1.  A year to 2.5 years to get your ratings all the way up to CFI (A) and CFI(I).  You  should have 250 to 350 flight hours at this point.

2.  Another year or two to get over 500 total pilot in command flight hours....500 hours of PIC flight time is the minimum required for insurance purposes to someone to fly for an air taxi operator or for a charter company.

3.  Also, at 500+ hours and 100 hours of multi engine time, some regional airlines may hire you.

4.  You have to have around 4000 hours with at least 500 to a 1000 of that pilot in command of a jet aircraft to be considered for a job with a large airline such as jetBlue Airways or Southwest Airlines.  To get to that point will take at least four or five more years.

5.  So, 7 to 10 years from beginning training to the BIG jobs....

I hope that this information is of assistance to you.

Best wishes,

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