Expert: David A. NewMyer - 9/16/2005

Question
Hello David,

I was wondering what the best route was for a 23yrold wannabe pilot to take to a career in aviation. I am u.k based, with basic flying experience, but have looked at studying in Canada for a CPL, but is this an international qualification or would it require conversion? If I wish to fly, and to put it simply, earn money, will this be possible with a CPL or are there insufficient jobs going within the industry at this 'basic' skills level? Thanks for taking the time to deal with this! Regards, David Worsley

Answer
David,

Thanks for your question.  I will try to assist.

First of all, depending on where you want to fly, you will probably have to convert your licenses to that particular nation.  So, if you are studying in Canada but wish to fly in Europe, make sure the place in Canada can train you to European Standards.

As for the question of qualifications (flying with "basic skills"), the three largest aviation markets in the world are North America, Europe and Asia.  North America and Europe are fairly old and stable markets and not growing as fast as Asia....all tend to have jobs, but, North America tends to have more "entry level" jobs where you can build flight time...that is key since the three things you will need to work for a larger airline and have a long career are:

CERTIFICATION

FLIGHT HOURS/QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

So, I guess I am saying that you will need to build flight time somewhere and the best places for that are generally north America because of the wealth of smaller, general aviation operations and smaller regional airlines with which you can fly and build time.

The other thing that I would say is to look for a flight school that has a proven track record in terms of placing its students in the industry.....

Best wishes,

David A. NewMyer, Ph.D., Professor and Chair
Aviation Management and Flight
Southern Illinois University Carbondale