Expert: David A. NewMyer - 4/19/2004

Question
Hello Sir,
  I have been interested in a career in commercial piloting for some time.  I am seeking advice on the best appoaches to take.  How much demand is there for commercial pilots in the future? Where would I search for scholorships for education if I were unable to afford it and what requirements are there for such scholorships?
  Thank you for any response.


Answer
Hi, Grady:

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

1.  Demand for commercial pilots in the future.

A.  The aviation industry is recovering from a downturn since 9-11 and before....the economy has been tough on the aviation industry.  However, pockets of the industry such as corporate and business use of general aviation aircraft have generally done better than the majority of airlines.  So, the recovery in the aviation industry is actually better in some segements than others.

B.  The size of the aviation industry in terms of employment is about 2.2 million, of which about ten percent or so are commercial pilots.  That means that the other 90% of people in the industry do something else besides flying jobs.

C.  To verify the above, there are about 650,000 certificated pilots in the USA of whom about 160,000 hold the Airline Transport Pilot Rating.  This gives you the idea that there are about that many pilots out there flying for airlines or flying transport sized aircraft for some sort of aviation company.  In addition, there are quite a number of pilots who hold flight instructor certificates and a commercial pilot certificate who fly for a living.....

D.  Finally, many regional airlines and low cost carriers have been hiring during this latest downturn, both in pilot and mechanic categories.  This reflects some intentional AND unintentional (market loss) diversion of some flying responsibilities from larger to smaller airlines.  The low cost carriers such as Southwest, jetBlue, Midwest, ATA and Frontier have made some inroads into the major airline markets as a result.  Therefore, there are some hiring possibilites there when one gets the needed experience.

2.  Scholarships:

A.  Order the Collegiate Aviation Scholarship Listing from the University Aviation Association....cost is $20 or so.  Their email address is uaa@auburn.edu or call them at 334-844-2434.

B.  Check out this website: www.AvScholars.com  for some good aviation-related financial aid and scholarship information.

3.  Best approach to take....

You will need the following three things to get into, and grow in a commerical pilot job in the future:

A.  Education, a BS or a BA degree, preferably in aviation (so that you can "kill two birds with one stone" by earning a degree while you fly).  If you already have a BS or BA degree, then, skip to the next two items.

B.  Earn your Federal Aviation Administration Certificates and Ratings, such as:

Private Certificate
Commercial Certificate with Instrument and Multi Engine Ratings
Flight Instructor Certificate

C.  Gain flight experience....you will soon learn that, as you build flight time (quantity and quality), you will begin to qualify for more and more in aviation.  For example:

Below 500 hours:  The likely job you will get is a flight instructor job teaching others to fly to build your own time

500+ hours:  The 500 hour level is usually the minimum that an insurance company will insure you as a charter pilot

1000 to 1500 hours total time with 100 to 300 hours of multi engine time:  Minimum normally needed to gain an interview with a regional airline

2500 to 4000 hours total time with 500 to 1000 hours of multi engine pilot in command (Captain ) time in a turbine aircraft:  Needed for a pilot interview with a major airline or with most corporate flight departments.

I hope that this is of assistance to you.  Best wishes and ask a follow up question via Allexperts if you need anything else.

Sincerely,

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