Expert: D. Norkus - 8/3/2005

Question
Hi, I have been considering a career in aviation for a while, and I have a few questions. If I earned a pilot's license, how easy would it be to find a job flying? I live in a rather small town, so would I have to move to a larger town to find a job? I'm willing to spend as many years as I have to in school.

Answer
Rebekah

"If I earned a pilot's license, how easy would it be to find a job flying?"

Depends on what kind of job you are looking for (airline, corporate, general aviation).  I don't know what is available in your area or what kind of flying you are interested in pursuing so I cannot say how difficult it may be. Even the most basic job flying a small single engine aircraft requires you get your Private Pilot and Commercial Pilot certificates. You are not employable per regulations with only a Private Pilot. I can say that the more flight time you have, the more competative you are for a job. A newly minted Commercial pilot is severely limited in the kinds of jobs for which they are employable as they have such low flight experience.

"I live in a rather small town, so would I have to move to a larger town to find a job?"

Perhaps. Again, I don't know where you are or what kind of employment opportunities exist where you are but generally the smaller the town, there are fewer jobs are available.

"I'm willing to spend as many years as I have to in school."

You only need a 4 year degree to get hired with airlines and the regionals accept a 2 year. Other jobs may not even require one but most employers use the degree as a sorting tool to weed out applicants. You can go out and begin all the training you will need apart from your formal education in 18-24 months for about $40,000. No need for years in a special school to be a pilot. Just visit the local airport.

Please read my page about flight training and the airline career track. It will anwser many questions you probably have and help you understand how becoming a pilot works:

www.geocities.com/av8trxx99/FAQ.html

The links at bottom will also provide you with a lot of insight as to what is required. Let me know if you have further questions.

Dottie