Expert: David A. NewMyer - 7/15/2004

Question
Hi sir, to give you a brief background on me: I flew on P3C Orions in the Navy for 5 years as an Acoustic Operator. I 'hunted' for 1200+ hours, listening for submarines, to say the least. I separated and got my Associates so far and I'm waiting to start college again in a month. My ultimate goal is to become a pilot for a company. I truly don't have a preference. The problem I have is I don't have the money. I couldn't get financed through Pilot Finance or my Bank, and the VA doesn't pay for a private license. I bought the Jeppesen starter kit and I study it as if I'm starting training soon when I actually don't have any idea when I can start. It's a great kit too. I wrote a letter to the local airport owner here in Wichita and volunteered to work for free, if I can just be around the airplanes while people work on them and I volunteered to run errands, etc. I asked could I later "work for training." What can I do to help this problem. Are there any unconventional methods you can suggest? I am working but to try to pay as you go just doesn't work for me. I tried that. Worse case is just to wait until I get back into the Navy since I know I'll be going back anyway. I just wanted to get as much flight time as possible before I went back. I'll stay persistent and diligent though. Thanks.

Answer
Hi, Kenneth:

It was good to hear from you.  I will try to assist.

There are two key references/sources of information on money for aviation training and schools.  They are:

1.  This website:  www.avscholars.com   This website has really good financial aid advice and has some aviation scholarship listings.

2.  This publication:  Collegiate Aviation Scholarship Listing.  This is available to order from the University Aviation Association.  They may be contacted at:  uaa@auburn.edu or by calling (334) 844-2434.   The cost is around $20.

You have found that it is not easy to get started in an aviation career....the Private Pilot Certiifcate is just the first of several barriers you will face.  I think you have been very creative so far.  Normally, a rationale amount of persistence pays off.  I would be persistent about visiting local airports in the Wichita area and asking them about the "work for flight training" idea.  I know that this idea has worked for a large number of people nationwide, particularly at the smaller airports.  It will take time for people to get to know you and to begin to trust you. Once they do, the aviation industry is filled with people with big hearts and you will find someone to take a chance on you.  From the sound of it, they will get a "winner" in picking you.

As for the corporate and business flying world, it is a great portion of the flying career field.  It is also expanding in that many companies and businesses are wanting to have their executives and managers avoid the delays and inconveniences experienced at large hub airports.  Therefore, they are using corporate and business aircraft (either owned by them wholly or via a "Fractional ownership" company) more and more.  The key for anyone entering this segment of civil aviation, or any segment for that matter, is building up one's experience level to the point where such employers will be interested in interviewing and hiring you.  Remember that most large corporate flight departments will begin looking at you when you have 2500 hours total flight time and 500 hours multi engine pilot in command flight time.  

Good luck with your career and in obtaining your Private Pilot Certificate.

Sincerely,

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