Expert: David A. NewMyer - 4/13/2005

Question
I am 33yo, with a BA, a career in planning and management, extensive amateur meteorological experience, and a strong desire to become a commercial pilot.  What are my options..do I have any options?  My vision is excellent, if that makes a difference.

Thanks for your time.

-Josh

Answer
Hi, Josh:

Certainly you have options....everyone does, but, it will depend on how flexible you are to pursue further training and education, as well as some "experience building."

The bottom line is that it will take you a year to two years to obtain the necessary Federal Aviation Administration Certificates:  The FAA Private Pilot Certificate is first, followed by the FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate with Instrument and Multi Engine Ratings.  Then comes the FAA Flight Instructor (Airplane) Certificate, which you would obtain so that you can build flight time early in your career by teaching others to fly.

Including obtaining your certificates and building the needed experience (500 to 1000 hours of Pilot in Command flight time with 100 to 300 hours of multi engine flight experience) to obtain a job at a "regional airline" you can spend as much as four to seven years.....this is pork and beans and tofu time, as I call it.  You pay out money for the training and, once you begin earning money as a flight instructor, the salaries are not too great......they improve when you arrive at a regional airline.

As far as WHERE to obtain your flight training, there are three options:

1.  Locally at any flight school at a local airport (this may be more flexible for you to help you keep your current job longer than the other options below).  Look in your local telephone book for these companies;

2.  At a nationally-known flight school such as Flight Safety International, Delta Air Lines Academcy, Southeastern Flight Academy, Regional Airline Academy, etc.  This option may be considered to be the "accelerated" option in that these schools will train you as fast as you can handle it.....and some of them have decent placement programs with regional airlines, etc.  These companies advertise in FLYING magazine which is available at any local Barnes and Noble or Borders magazine rack....

3.  Through an aviation-oriented university or college....some of them have excellent direct hire programs with regional airlines OR they have excellent flight operations internships that lead to job interviews.  The University Aviation Association publishes a COLLEGIATE AVIATION GUIDE which lists virtually all of the college and university aviation programs in the nation.  Contact UAA on the web at www.uaa.aero or by email at uaa@auburn.edu or by phone at 334-844-2434.

I hope that this answer is of assistance to you!

Sincerely,

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