Expert: David Bidwell - 7/14/2005

Question
Answer -
Hi Mike,
You are right about the industry being very competitive. The current trend is layoffs.  Some airlines and commuters have called back some of their people however, overall the airlines are in financial trouble.  With that said, there is no question that there will be a rebound.  We depend too much on air travel.  The airlines and commuters do require a college degree.  Some food for thought -  check out Embry Riddle Aeronautical University's Distant learning Program (www.erau.edu). You would be able to finish up your degree on line while you are obtaining your flying certificates. With any luck you should finish up about the time the hiring trend turns. I should also mention that this goes in cycles.  I have seen this happen before and then they couldn't get enough pilots!

There are other flying jobs also that you should look into, such as corporate, UPS, DHL etc.

All of these types of jobs do require a degree.  Don't get discouraged.  A friend of mine is an FAA inspector and he didn't start flying until he was 42.

If you want it bad enough, you can make it happen.

Good Luck,
Dave
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Thanks for answering so quickly, Dave.
How long did the previous cycle last?
I am obviously thinking that if it takes me 2 or 3 years
to obtain an ATP rating, I'll start climbing the career
ladder with only about 17 years to go before retiring, not to
mention the substantial student loan.  Any other factors
I might consider?  I am eager to proceed, but I want to
be smart about this too.    Thanks, again.       Mike.

Answer
Mike,
It seems to be about every 5 years.  9/11 has also hurt the industry.  It will take at least 3 yrs for that ATP plus you MUST have experience.  Every carrier requires it!  Each is different and maybe you should start checking with them.  You must also take into consideration that you will have low wages for a while as you climb the ladder.  Some start as low as 19 -20 thousand a yr. It really depends where you end up.
Dave