Careers: Flying & Aviation/money for flight lessons

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Expert: - 11/28/2005


Question
Dear David,

I'm fifteen years old and I want to become an airline pilot when I grow up. I'm trying to find a job so I can save up money for flying lessons so I can earn a PPL when I'm older. My parents said they can't help pay for flying lessons but would let me do it. I figured out that I would have enough money to afford flying lessons if I worked for two years. However, I've been applying all over town for a job for a while and havn't gotten anything. I was interviewed once but didn't get the job. I don't think its because of me doing something wrong. I think its bad luck and timing. Do you have any sugestions of what I can do or know of any scholerships I can obtain that would help.

Thanks,
Eric.

Answer
Hi, Eric:

Very nice to hear from you.  I will try to assist.

As for working to earn money for flight lessons, keep trying, it will come to you.  If you live near a local airport, why not try asking around the airport for a job.  Have you seen the bumper sticker that says "Will fly for food?"  Well, in your case, it will say "Will work for flight lessons!"  Give it a try.  Most local airports will work with an enthusiastic young person.

Check out this website for further ideas:

www.beapilot.com

There are discount coupons on that site for an Introductory Flight that MIGHT work for you at a local airport near you.

In addition, you asked about scholarships.  There are two really good sites for you to consider:

For overall financial aid and scholarship advice, check this website:  

www.avscholars.com

For university and college aviation scholarship programs, check this website:

www.uaa.aero

The link to the scholarship listing on the UAA site is on the left hand side of the main page.

I hope that this information is of assistance to you.  If you need more information, please ask in an additional question via AllExperts.

Sincerely,

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

Careers: Flying & Aviation

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David A. NewMyer

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Can advise people thinking about beginning and aviation career and espcially those thinking about an aviation university program. Can also help with aviation scholarship questions. I am particularly strong in questions related to starting a flight career, choosing a university flight or aviation management program, aviation internships and aviation scholarships. Also, I can assist with questions about airport management and planning careers and oveall aviation industry employment questions.

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Prepared In addition to aviation education, I work at a major university, I have worked as an airport planner preparing airport system plans, airport master plan and environmental assessment reports for the Chicago area in general and for several individual Illinois airports.

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