Is anyone here a pilot?

[SuperBowlNachos]

I am looking into getting my pilots license. What do you have to do in terms of a normal college degree? What other vital info do I need to know? I would want to pursue a career in flying to, not just flying for fun on my free time

[Cebby]

Re: Is anyone here a pilot?

What are you trying to fly?

[superjames1992]

Re: Is anyone here a pilot?

My dad is a Captain on the Embraer 190 and flies out of Charlotte, NC for US Airways.

I believe you need a college degree to fly, but I don't think there is any particular field you must major in. My dad majored in political science, so I don't think that trained him to fly planes whatsoever. Any college degree is fine if I remember correctly.

The airline industry is probably not the best to get into now, though. The chances are that you will have to work for a commuter carrier (US Airways Express, Delta Connection, Horizon, ect.) on a Dash 8, or other RJ for the foreseeable future and express pilots (who technically work for another airline than the Express title since they are chartered out) do not make much money at all for the tough job they have.

But, if you love flying, then that is the important thing!

[youvalss]

Re: Is anyone here a pilot?

I was offered to be one in the army but didn't want to (and I would have got kicked after awhile anyway because it's nearly impossible to pass). I went to the first exams and failed myself on purpose. The army thought I was meant to be something I didn't even want to be. In my way, I eventually got what I wanted (and don't ask me how).

[The GIGGAS]

Re: Is anyone here a pilot?

I believe you can get a non-commercial pilot's license when you're 13.

[countryboy]

Re: Is anyone here a pilot?

Is anyone here a pilot?

No, but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express.

[Chaos81]

Re: Is anyone here a pilot?

I am looking into getting my pilots license. What do you have to do in terms of a normal college degree? What other vital info do I need to know? I would want to pursue a career in flying to, not just flying for fun on my free time

Get a 4 year degree in something that you are interested in. Don't get a flying degree.

How old are you? That will makes a difference with regards to advice I would give you.


I should add, I'm not a pilot, but I've read/talked about it quite a bit and consider myself knowledgeable about what it takes.

[SuperBowlNachos]

Re: Is anyone here a pilot?

18 freshman in college

[Chaos81]

Re: Is anyone here a pilot?

18 freshman in college

Four year or two year school?

If it's a two year, make sure you take classes that can transfer, and transfer to a four year school. If it's a four year, stay in school and get a degree that doesn't have anything to do with aviation. Obviously make it something you enjoy so you can fall back on it if needed.

The first thing I would do, if you haven't already, is go and look into the cost involved for all of this. It's not cheap, and many people have to stop simply because they can't afford it. Make sure this is really something you want to do, and it isn't just a phase. I don't mean to offend you with that, but many people want to be a pilot, until they realize what all is involved. Namely how expensive it is, how hard of a job it is, and how long it takes you to work your way up.

Once you've decided you really want to do this, and can afford it, go and look at local flying schools. Once you find one, just stay with it and do what you can. Try to fly and go to school at the same time, as flying isn't something you can do for a couple days, take a week off, and do it again. If you're really serious about this, you'll want to be flying a much as you can afford just to build hours.

Once you are sure you want to attempt this, go and get your first class medical. You won't need it right away, but it does you no good to go through everything and spend all this money if you can't get a first class medical.


This is all just my opinion of course, but I think it's sound advice. Good luck, and if you have any questions, PM me or just post here and I'll try and answer.

[Sportsforever]

Re: Is anyone here a pilot?

I am looking into getting my pilots license. What do you have to do in terms of a normal college degree? What other vital info do I need to know? I would want to pursue a career in flying to, not just flying for fun on my free time

I'm a military aviator, but I'm also licensed commercially. What kind of flying are you interested in (fixed wing/rotary wing, military/civilian)? Does a career in the military interest you at all? If so, that may be the way to go. If not, there are a lot of ways to get a commercial license.

A technical degree always helps, but isn't required. I have an engineering degree and it definitely helped in going through military flight training, but I also had classmates who were political science majors who did fine. You also are going to have to be physically qualified, and that's regardless of military or civilian flying (although military is more stringent).

[countryboy]

Re: Is anyone here a pilot?

18 freshman in college

whats the punchline? Or is this the punchline?

Not a very good joke.