Expert: D. Norkus - 8/13/2006

Question
Hello,
First, I'd like to give you some background information about myself.  I just finished high school, and I am looking to invest in an education that will give my a secure career as well as something I enjoy doing.  

Would you discourage investing the time and money in a 2 year flight school with the expectation of becoming a well-paid commercial pilot on the premise that job availability for commercial pilots is low ?
Thanks
Sincerely,
Shawn Crespi  

Answer
Shawn-

"I am looking to invest in an education that will give my a secure career"

In the airlines, "secure" is a relative term. This industry is very cyclical and +/- every decade or so experiences an economic slump. Depending on when you were hired, you may or may not be spared the "un-secure" part of the job: getting furloughed (laid off) during a downturn as you are junior in tenure with the airline.

My first stint as an airline pilot lasted only 5 months as I was furloughed after 9/11 when the industry tanked. Thankfully, I had another job to go back to until I got recalled 2 years later. There are some pilots who have been through 3 or 4 furloughs in their careers. There are still a few thousand pilots on furlough from United, American and Delta post 9/11 who do not know when they will get recalled. That is something that you must be aware can happen.

"Would you discourage investing the time and money in a 2 year flight school with the expectation of becoming a well-paid commercial pilot on the premise that job availability for commercial pilots is low ?"

1) Firstly, after leaving that 2 year flight school, you will NOT be a "well paid" pilot! Even after 4-5 years in the airlines, many First Officers still barely make $35,000 to 40,000/year. First year pay at the regionals is generally $18-20K. Not very much considering flight school costs will probably be $40,000 if not more depending on the school. Becoming a "well-paid" pilot only happens with seniority.

2) "Low availablility" is also a relative term. There is always availability, it's just that the competition for the openings is stiffer when there are a lot of applicants to chose from compared to openings available. A few years a go (pre-9/11) any pilot with a pulse could get a regional interview because of expansion and staffing was needed. Today, the airlines can afford to select applicants who have a much higher experience level as they don't have a desperate need to fill their positions with candidates that meet only the minimum qualifications. Right now, there isn't nearly as much growth in the industry as there is a slow recovery.

I suggest investing in it only if you have seriously conidered all the factors in an airline pilot career. (But it also helps if you get you Private PIlot first and try that on for size.) The personal and fincncial sacrifices you will make along this road cannot be underestimated.

Do you mind missing holidays with family for a many years? How about working rotating shifts? Can you stand living in hotels 3-4 nights per week? Can you get by on low pay for a few years until you start to get some seniority? How about being based in a place far away from your home? Thess and so much more are things you need to evaluate.

To help you learn about all the things you need to consider, I ask that you read over these resources to help give you the "big picture" of what to expect.

http://www.geocities.com/av8trxx99/FAQ.html
http://www.jetcareers.com
http://www.alpa.org/Default.aspx?tabid=123
http://www.airlinepilotcentral.com

The first is a site I made to help address common career questions. It also has many, many more links for good career info near the bottom. I also included links from my page to the career pilot message forums on the web. Jetcareers.com is much larger site with the same goals created by a Delta pilot. The ALPA link is the pilots union careers page. The last is a site created mostly for pay comparisons but it also has a message board. My site explains how pilot pay works a bit more in depth, so you can calculate the figures found there.

Also, on my site I touch upon flight school costs and the routes to getting your certifications. I don't know what 2 year school you are considering, but there are many options that can cost as much as $100K.

Please read over these resources and let me know what questions you have that are uncovered or any new ones.

Dottie