I am cosidering getting a commercial pilots license and have many questions.

 

Yep. Glider at 16, Private and commercial at 18. The latter so I could make some money towing and giving joy rides.

 

Great, I have some questions for you if you don't mind. I'll pm you tomorrow.

 

My uncle flies for united, it took him a while to get there. But thats what hes doing now. He loves it, and so do i, buddy passes kick ass!

 

My advice is don't. There are better ways to make a living.

The industry is on it's ass right now with dramatic changes taking place for labor. Wages and work rules are making the job not worth it and many pilots are quitting the major's to pursue more rewarding work. Post 9-11 labor contracts have pilots on the road (up to) 20 days per month (away from home) for WAY less pay and reduced benefits. That means you can plan on being home 120 days per year, that's a lot of crappy hotel rooms my friend. Add in dealing with the TSA, a traveling public that is "angry" at the airlines for a thousand reasons, and a slim chance of recovery (for labor) anytime soon and you'll find you'd do better vacuuming farts outta seats at the local car wash in terms of job satisfaction. The industry has over 5000 high time, fully qualified pilots on furlough (with recall rights). My guess is that it will be 4-5 years before they are all called back, and they will all be called back AHEAD of any new applicants.

It used to be that the major airlines were the pinnacle of the piloting profession. In the 70's, airline captains wages allowed them "to buy a new Cadillac" every MONTH. Then in 1978 deregulation, and the rest is history. For wages and work rules, it's a race to the bottom which trickles all the way down the piloting food chain. Over the next decade, you'll see foreign ownership of US domestic airlines, and "modular" capacity control, neither bode well for labor.

I've had a decent career in aviation, but this by far the worst downcycle the I've been through. I'm working on several plans that will allow me to leave the airlines, when they click, I'm outta there (you can have my seat!).

With that said, flying airplanes IS fun! I strongly encourage you to learn how to fly, it will be one of the most rewarding things you've ever done. Just get over this silly idea that you want to do it for a "living"! It's not the job it used to be.

So everybody, next time you jump on an airplane just remember your pilots are probably tired and fatigued, pissed off, and maybe even well armed.

Have a nice flight!

PS. 1a-race PM if you have any questions, I'd be happy to answer them. You know how I feel about embarking on this "profession" in light of all the changes in the last 5 years, but I'll try to be unbiased.

 

Actually, the only reason I am pursuing a commercial license is because the Montgomery GI bill won't pay for anything less. I do not intend to make flying a career.

 

Govt. assisited flight training! Go for it!

If there is an aviation university near you, I'd pursue that avenue for training. You'll have MUCH better quality and continuity of training with an FAA Part 142 training program.

PM me if you have specific questions on training etc. I have over 3000 hours as an instructor pilot, and at last count over 10500 hours total. I've flown military, corporate, and commercial jets ranging from a Cessna 152 to a B-747-400. I love to talk airplanes, and I always have a blast once I'm "away from the gate" and underway. But as you know, I'd discourage anyone from pursuing a career as an airline pilot in today's business climate.

Cheers -

 

I've read though half of a book called Your pilots license and it answered all of my questions except two.

If your goal is to get a commercial license, do you have to take a course for every level of license under commercial?

Must you get a certification on the type of aircraft for every one you intend on flying? For example If I fly a cessna regularly and then decide I want to fly a light sport plane, can I without needing training in that type of aircraft?

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by 1a-race
If your goal is to get a commercial license, do you have to take a course for every level of license under commercial?

 

If you're gonna fly, you have to drink!

1/2 my friends are Pilots - They are all alcoholics
1/2 my friends are Aviation Technicals - They are all potheads

That being said...Do you feel safe flying?