Expert: David A. NewMyer - 9/10/2007

Question
QUESTION: Hello David,

I am a 36 year old information technology professional contemplating a career change into the aviation field. With over 10 years experience in the computer industry I feel my ability to understand complex issues, react quickly to changing situations, and constant exposure to new technologies would would aide in this transition. I have saved up $60,000 to fund my career change and I really want to figure out how best to allocate it for my education/training. My dream has always been to become a pilot but I am also interested in aviation operations. As a result I am currently working toward my Private Pilots License (8 hours) as well as pursuing an online Masters degree in Aviation Operations with Embry Riddle. In addition to complementing each other I thought that by going after a masters and private pilots license ,simultaneously, I would increase my options if one path didn't work out. Maybe even giving me an advantage over other pilots. Or if I couldn't find work as a pilot I could find a job in aviation operations. I was hoping you could give me some feedback regarding my plan. The masters program at Embry will cost roughly $15k leaving me $45k to spend on my flight training. With so many options and schools out there I'm really not sure where to start. My goal would be to work as a corporate pilot or maybe a regional airline. I would also love to eventually be able to fly VLJs. Do you recommend spending $90k on CAPT training or something like ATP’s Airline Career Pilot 90 day Program for $50k? A more reasonable program like the link below? Or something completely different? What certs are most important?

http://www.professionalpilottraining.com/programcost.htm

Sorry for such a long winded question. I really can't afford to waste any of my saving on unnecessary expenses. Any advice you could give would be greatly appreciated. Especially is you think my goals are realistic.

Thanks so much,

Steve

ANSWER: Hi, Steve:

Yes, you are right, this is a big question....it is a life question, really.

The problem is that you probably need to make up your mind as to your career goal:  Is it to FLY?  If you want to fly, then, you will need to pursue that goal without hesitation and with lots of energy.  On the other hand, if you want to pursue a job in something related to aviation management, then, pursue that.  To pursue both at this time will dilute the effort in each area.

Also, you will want to "strike while the iron is hot" in the area of flight:  And, it is hot right now.  Hiring is at a peak and will stay there for a while (unless, as I write on the eve of the 9/11 anniversary, I have to say it, we have another terror attack.....).  You will be able to go through a flight training program in 90 to 180 days, depending on where you go, and then start flying for a living in some way or another.

As far as the key ratings and certificates to have, they are:

The Private, which you are working on

The Commercial Certificate with Instrument and Multi Engine Ratings

And, if you intend to build flight time by flight instructing, the Flight Instructor (Airplane) Certificate

If it were me, I would choose the ATP 90 day program or something like it where you could get your certificates and ratings from someone reputatble and get it done and on your way to the industry.  Whoever you pick, make sure that they have some sort of placement program to help you get a job after you finish training.

Best wishes,

David A. NewMyer, Ph.D., Professor and Chair
Aviation Management and Flight
Southern Illinois University Carbondale


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi David,

Thank you so much for your quick response. I just have a couple of more questions.

1. If I was able to swing it do you think that a Master from Embry would offer any advantages for the pilot route (show a certain level of maturity etc...)? I forgot to mention that this was an online master program so the schedule is very flexible. I was going to take only one or two courses a semester. I was also thinking that a master in aviation would be a good fall back in case the demand for pilots ever slowed down. Atleast I would still be able to work in the aviation industry. Or on the flip side I thought I would be more marketable on the operations end with a masters and my CFI. A CFI would give me a little more street cred:)

2. The age old question;) Do you recommend the ATP program because of my age? I just returned for visiting a few local FBO's who said I could go from 0 to CFI/MEI in about 10 months for about $22k cheaper then ATP's program. Would you still go with ATP?

Thanks again,

Steve

Answer
Hi,

I answered your question yesterday as sort of an "either-or" situation due to the money you had available.....if you are interested in a master's and have the money and time to do both flight and the masters, I would agree that it is a great fall back and is something that would help you in general.  However, with a pilot career right now, they are mainly concerned with you being able to get through training at a regional airline (knowing basic instrument procedures, etc).

As far as the local FBO, sure, they would be cheaper and they would be giving you the same ratings...however, do they have any placement help, etc?   The ATP program or something like it will likely be faster and a more direct route, but, definitely more expensive.  And, read on-line blogs from people who have just gone through ATP to make sure that the ATP experience in your area is going to be a good one.  Any flight training choice comes down to the decision that YOU make about how YOU fit into the flight training organization, etc.  The fit is key in that you need to fit into the organization and feel comfortable during your flight training:  If you feel best at the local FBO, then, that is the place to do the training!

I hope that this helps,

Dave NewMyer