Expert: David A. NewMyer - 11/12/2007

Question
how much money do they make?
how long do they have to go to school?
what are some of the risks?
what are your three favorite things and least favorite things?
what dose a typical day look like?
what is your most exciting day on the job?

Answer
Hi, Kristin:

Thanks for your question.  I will try to assist.....

1.  How much money do pilots make:  More as they get more experience.  For example, beginning flight instructors might make $8 to $10 an hour while senior captains at Southwest and AirTran or at United Airlines will make something like $180,000 to $200,000 a year.  A few airlines have captains who make more than that....but, that would be after 15 to 25 years in the industry....

2.  School:  If you attend college for your flight ratings and certificates (which is recommended for competitive reasons), it will take four years to get a degree in aviation and your basic Federal Aviation Administration Commercial Pilot Certificate with Instrument and Multi Engine Ratings.  In most cases you will also graduate with a  Flight Instructor (Airplane) Certificate.

3.  What are some of the risks....no riskier than driving your car on a freeway, and, in many ways, less risky than that.

4.  Not sure how to answer favorite/least favorite.  I would answer it this way:  A career in aviation makes the most sense if you LOVE airplanes and you love a challenge....

5.  What does a typical day look like?  Most beginning regional airline pilots have a day that typically begins checking in at least 90 minutes before your flight (depends on the company and any labor contracts) so that you can check weather, dispatch your aircraft, etc.  Then, with a regional airline, you might fly four to six "legs" during the day...a leg would be one take off and one landing.  Typically, this would be the beginning of a three day trip, meaning three days away from home.  In many cases, you will repeat trips to the same airports, but, not always.  That depends on the size of the airline you are working for and the aircraft you are flying.

6.  Most exciting day for pilots:  When they pass their check ride to move up in aircraft size or when they pass their check ride to become a Captain (moving up from First Officer or co-pilot).

I hope that this helps.

Take care and best wishes,

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