Getting ready....

[no1pilot2000]

I am going to use SWA as an example here. Here's a question for all you SWA pilots. If a young person approaches you about wanting to become a pilot for a carrier such as Southwest. And despite all the good and bad news they hear about the airline industry today, they are determined and ready to become an airline pilot...no "ands, ifs or buts" about it" attitude. What would you recommend that they do to get the right experience to eventually apply as a first officer at SWA? Regionals, Military, or any other options to get that Turbine PIC experience.

 

[Quimby]

This might get interesting.

 

[shagadelic]

Get a guard unit to send you to pilot training. Don't go active duty, you'll end up flying a Predator.... with the guard/reserves you get a great job you can always fall back on, AND you can still get a civilian job. It's the best of both worlds.

 

[CesnaCaptn]

What would you recommend that they do to get the right experience to eventually apply as a first officer at SWA?

Regionals, Military, or any other options to get that Turbine PIC experience.

Sounds like you already know the answer.

 

[snow-back]

I think Shagadelic nailed it.

 

[Mr.B]

Go in the military. Hands down....if I had to do it over again.

 

[no1pilot2000]

Juat asking people's opinion.

 

[Rez O. Lewshun]

Guard unit is good, but the available slots are few....

Fact is, the regionals are where the future of the airline pilot profession will be tapped. Nothing wrong with going to the regionals.....

We can't expect future generations of the profession to simply snub the regionals when for such a large percentage of pilots that will be the only way to be a pilot.

If the majors are to take back regional flying... then fine.... until then.....

 

[Phrogs4ever]

Get a guard unit to send you to pilot training. Don't go active duty, you'll end up flying a Predator.... with the guard/reserves you get a great job you can always fall back on, AND you can still get a civilian job. It's the best of both worlds.

If I had the foresight when I graduated high school I would have enlisted in the Guard and worked as a jet engine mech or crew chief...anything in an aviation unit you would eventually like to fly. You have a part time job, have access to state/federal education benefits, have working relationships with pilots, and once you get your degree you will be a shoe in for a commission and flight school slot unless you are a dirt bag. After getting your wings, evaluate your situation and determine if you want to go full time with the unit or remain part time and try to find a commercial job somewhere. You will always have a pay check and a fall back plan, and you can't put a price on the memories, experiences, and personal rewards of serving in the military.

 

[RedDogC130]

Get a guard unit to send you to pilot training. Don't go active duty, you'll end up flying a Predator.... with the guard/reserves you get a great job you can always fall back on, AND you can still get a civilian job. It's the best of both worlds.

works for me

 

[FlyinGuy]

Go get an education and get a job that pays you good money. Then you can buy a plane and fly for enjoyment!

 

[FLYLOW22]

Sully said it best.

No vote.

 

[Sandhawk]

Sully said it best.

No vote.

I thought Sully said it best with his little "Daddy, what does integrity mean?" speech on the stand........

 

[skywiz]

big commitement for mil route

Eventhough I am not an airline pilot, I would use caution in becoming a miltary pilot just to get PIC time to go to an airline. While it may be advantageous to do this, it will probably be a long time until you get enough hours to apply to a place like SWA.

Not sure how guard units operate, but being a military pilot is alot more than just flying. Good amount of BS to put up with, non flying jobs, deployments, etc. I would definitely do a gut check (talk to other mil pilots and do research) before jumping into it to make sure it is something you are going to be happy with for several years before you get a shot at the civilian job of your dreams.

 

[Scrapdog]

I am going to use SWA as an example here. Here's a question for all you SWA pilots. If a young person approaches you about wanting to become a pilot for a carrier such as Southwest. And despite all the good and bad news they hear about the airline industry today, they are determined and ready to become an airline pilot...no "ands, ifs or buts" about it" attitude. What would you recommend that they do to get the right experience to eventually apply as a first officer at SWA? Regionals, Military, or any other options to get that Turbine PIC experience.

Military - period. There is no where else where you can fly supersonic, pull G's, and make some great life long friendships with a true bond of brotherhood.

No flame - I'm being 100% honest. Flying fighters has been one of the most enjoyable and rewarding things I've ever done in my life.

 

[Scrapdog]

Military - period. There is no where else where you can fly supersonic, pull G's, and make some great life long friendships with a true bond of brotherhood.

No flame - I'm being 100% honest. Flying fighters has been one of the most enjoyable and rewarding things I've ever done in my life.

And to caveat about the predator thing and active duty - I wholeheartedly disagree. If you do well, study hard, and have a good attitude in UPT, you WILL get your first choice (if you desire to fly fighters). It's amazing what hard work will do for you - it worked for me. I wasn't the best stick in the class, but I worked my tail off.

 

[GuppyWN]

I chose the civilain way.

The military doesn't just let you build your time and leave. They get you for, correct me guys, 7 years minimum before you can get out. Those 7 years could leave you behind the next hring wave.

The civilian route, if timed and lucky, could be as short as 2 years to get hired, upgrade and get your 1500 turbine PIC. Today it is nowhere NEAR that easy and I suspect the downturn has turned many guys into lifers that thought they'd only be there a couple years...... and that's not a bad thing. But make no mistake the next hiring wave IS coming. Retirements will pick up in velocity by December 2012 (Age 65) and I still suspect you're going to see a major player exit the market - either throught merger or bankruptsy.

Bottom line, for me, this is the best job in the world. I'm glad I did it but your results may vary.

Gup

 

[no1pilot2000]

I would like to thank everyone for their useful and informative commentary. If one doesn't mind the military route, then look into that. If you're not the military type, then the regionals are your primary option.

 

[chimichanga]

Starting putting $10 a week towards your 737 type rating...

 

[HalinTexas]

As long as you don't depend on making a living at it, be my guest.