Approximate cost of training

[Clyde]

Well, Clyde, I am actually getting my degree as we speak. I will graduate in May/2005 (where did the time go?!) with a B.S. in Biology and minor in Chemistry from Denison University. I have that much covered. And if I go to a local FBO, I will work (hopefully nights like I did 2 summers ago) at the post office to offset a few of my expenses. That's what I was asking, though. I wasn't planning on using my degree in my job field, just using it for a back-up plan, so to speak. I need to know how much others spent up to like CFI, where they could then get paid and train at the same time. I want to go to the airlines, but I might consider staying in a regional due to family concerns, chiefly that I want a big one and I want to be there for my kids. Start flying single, move my way up in the airline, start a family, and hopefully be able to bid day-trips. It's a long-shot, I know. I know how bleak and challenging the industry is, both in moving up the ranks and on families. But hey, if I wanted an easy job, I'd be a college Physics professor! I am doing this b/c I love flying. THanks for your help, though, Clyde. What was your degree in, and what ratings do you have? Everyone else, keep the replies coming!! Thanks all!

My degree is in Aviation Tech. Hold and ATP with type ratings on the DA-20, B-757, B-767. Also, Flight Engineer Turbojet Rating. Commercial, SEL. Class of 1996 from college.

Glad to hear about your degree pick, sounds really good. Wasn't sure if you were working on one or not, so that is why I posted it. Good choice.

 

[PropsForward]

I started out not trying to be anything big and hence did not spend a whole lot.

50hrs - $3650 - Private Pilot (Summer special at a flight school in 1999 50hrs flight/30hrs instruction, got my license in about 42, used the last 8 on my High Performance/Complex endorsement)

200hrs - $4000 - Got very involved with Civil Air Patrol. Did "sundown patrols" and flights to and from clinics, SarEx's, etc. Lots of free or super cheap flying.

40hrs - $1600 - Instrument - Again did it with the CAP. Cheap airplane to fly ($35/hr)

15hrs - $2000 - Commercial / CFI - Quick and easy ratings. CFI is mostly ground. not a whole lot of flying here. Just a lot of home study.

12hrs - $2400 - CFII / MEI - Went to All ATP's. Pretty wild. Ernest Strange, DPE gave me my easiest checkride ever (CFII), and hardest checkride ever (MEI).


800hrs - $3000 - 1st rung of Aviation carrier ladder. Mostly Instructing. Some spilt time.

Currently on the 2nd rung of the Aviation carrier ladder on a Single Pilot IFR 135 operation. Getting paid for this flying!

Took me 5 years to get here, and I spent around $20k.

 

[Twasilew]

Consider Military

1) Training cost - 0$
I took home about $3500-3800 a month during training as a 2LT with
dependents
2) Location - Laughlin AFB, TX and Corpus Christi NAS, TX
3) I logged 195 hours from the time I showed up until graduation
- Also had about 75 sim hours
4) T-37, C-12 (BE200 King Air)
5) Ratings - Received Commercial-Multi, Inst. and a type rating

Not trying to be a smart ass, just something to consider. I still can't believe they pay me as much as they do. Although, getting shot at sucks! Thats my only problem. Good luck.

Also, the USAF will pay for a private license before you show up.

 

[JAFI]

My pre solo Cessna 150 was $14 an hour (with instructor) and my first class 2 medical was $6.50. God, I feel old......

 

[SloDoDriver]

Figure 45k, wether it is at your local FBO or at someplace like ALL-ATPS. I bought an Apache almost 20 years ago to get Twin Time....The Apaches sold for 20k or less then.