Expert: David A. NewMyer - 5/2/2004

Question
Hello, sir:

I would appreciate any advice you may have on starting a new career in aviation. My background is in the computer and networking industry; I have quite a bit of Flight Simulator experience, but have not had any actual flight training as yet. I would be very interested in knowing if there are feasable ways to pay for training. I have heard, for example, that it is possible to work as a CFI as part of the training program, once you have the appropriate certifications. I am 31 years old and in reasonably good health. I would consider just about any nonmilitary career flying fixed-wing aircraft.

Thank you in advance for your time and advice.
--Eric
eric@carrnet.net


Answer
Hi, Eric:

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

I assume from your position in the computer and networking industry that you already have a BS or BA degree....that is one of three elements you need to have to undertake a successful career in aviation flight.  The other two are:

1.  Certification...which you are aware of.  This means beginning with your Federal Aviation Administration Private Pilot Certificate, working up to your FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate (including Instrument and Multi Engine Ratings) and then your FAA Flight Instructor (Airplane and Instrument) Certificate.  When you reach 1500 hours Pilot in Command (PIC) you can then earn your Air Transport Pilot Rating.  Certification will cost you anywhere from $25,000 to $30,000 on the low end to as much as $70,000 or so on the high end (usually including some residential cost at this end of the cost range for living at the aviation training facility in Florida, Texas, Arizona, California, etc where you do the training).  Accelerated training is available from such flight training school operators as Flight Safety Academy, Delta Airlines Academy, Pan Am International Flight Academy, Southeastern Flight Academy and Sierra Academy of Aero.  You can get your certificates and ratings from some of these places in 12 to 18 months...maybe even a bit more quickly depending on money, weather and luck.  Also, most of these schools have excellent placement programs to get you that first job.

2. As far as paying for your training, unless you go through a college or university to do it, the best you can normally do is loans.  As you noted, some of the big flight schools might also hire you to do flight instruction but that would come toward the end of your certification.....just in case, check out the following sources on paying for flight training:

A.  this website:  www.AvScholars.com

B.  This publication:  Collegiate Aviation Scholarship Listing from the University Aviation Association at uaa@auburn.edu or 334-844-2434

3.  As far as careers, keep in mind that there are levels of flight time where certain career steps can take place:

Below 500 hours of PIC (Pilot in Command) flight experience the best job you can normally hope for is a flight insttuction job.

At 500+ hours you become insurable by most aviation insurance companies to do such work as flying charters (non-scheduled general aviation flight work in piston engine aircraft to start with)

At 1000 to 1500 PIC with 100 to 300 hours of multi engine time you will qualify to apply for a pilot position with a regional airline

At 2500 to 4000 PIC hours with 500 to 1000 PIC turbine (jet) time, you are ready to apply to the bigger national and major airlines that fly jets.

So, experience....both total overall PIC flight time AND the quality of flight experience (bigger, multi engine aircraft and then turbine equipment) is important to earn.

Best wishes to you,

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