how many of you

[CrazyJ628]

Hi all this is my first post on this board but i've been a long time reader. I'm in my final 3 semsters as a journalism major at my college and I'm currently working on my PPL. I am interested in maybe becoming a professional pilot and i was wondering something. How many of you on this board are pros? I don't want to sound rude but my journalistic instinct must know . I hope to eventually get my single engine CFI with my current instructor and maybe go on to FSA. I hope to hear your replies.

 

[bobbysamd]

Radio news, then aviation

I was a professional pilot for six years. Before that I was in journalism, as a radio newsie for twelve years. Although I've been away from flying for many years and have no plans to get back to it anytime soon, I still consider myself to be a professional pilot.

I have a question for you. Which school is FSA?

 

[midlifeflyer]

Re: Radio news, then aviation

Although I've been away from flying for many years and have no plans to get back to it anytime soon, I still consider myself to be a professional pilot.

So, when =are= you coming up with me for a flight review?

 

[acaTerry]

I think that about 65% would claim to be Pro pilots. Of this, 45% REALLY are. And then there are the 5-7% who will start a thread that goes for 86 posts that argues over "what makes a pilot a professional". Of that, 68-74% of those participants will be private pilots.
Take that by the square root of the remaining side of an isocoles triangle with side A being 2 feet, and side B being 4 feet, and you get.....about 40% of those who consider themselves professional pilots really hold the credentials and have the experience to say....they are professional pilots.

 

[Flyingtoohigh]

I don't have exact figures, but I wager a guess from two-thirds to half of the pilots frequenting this board are current or former professional pilots. Professional pilots include flight instructors, cargo, charter, ground school instructors, and just about anybody else who spends most of their time in or teach others about airplanes. Yes, somebody will post a thread about "What Constitutes a Professional Pilot" shortly.

If you are looking for experience and advice from pilots involving every corner of the industry from training all the way through the airlines and beyond, you have come to the right place.

Which school is FSA? If you are refering to FlightSafety, I believe they are officially titled FlightSafety International and the abbreviation of FSI is used on these boards. (For friendly clarification purposes only )

If there is anything at all you would like to ask a fellow pilot, please feel free!

 

[CrazyJ628]

I meant to type FSI. that's what happens when you're writing a paper and typing a post at the same time

 

[bobbysamd]

Thread creep, sorry . . .

So, when =are= you coming up with me for a flight review?

I dunno . . . . after some of the discussions we've had on the FAR side of the board I think you'd bust my chops on the oral!!

Seriously, it's in the plans, eventually. . . . .

 

[bobbysamd]

FSI

I meant to type FSI. that's what happens when you're writing a paper and typing a post at the same time

I instructed at FlightSafety eleven-twelve years ago. Excellent program, with good facilities, good equipment, and good training. Great name recognition and reputation. Plenty expensive, too, but I feel you get value for your money.

Run a board search for ample commentary.

Good luck with the rest of J-school and with flying, if that's what you choose.

 

[Toy Soldier]

I have only been flying four years - two professionally . I left management because I needed a change. Chasing 65 knuckleheads and productivity reports wasn't fun anymore.

 

[Draginass]

If I were you I'd seriously reconsider a career as a "professional pilot." What's left of the "profession" is quickly going downhill, along with compensation and quality of life. The government and airline managements are quickly moving to undo any and all progress that the "profession" has made in the last 20 years. You have to realize that airline managements do not look upon you as "professionals." While there are a few pilots unions that are holding tough, many have caved-in to management's threats and bluster. Union "solidarity" is non-existant.

I could go on about the competency and honesty of union leadership and company mangement, but that's pretty well shown itself in the last year or so.

Thankfully, my son has shown zero interest in commercial aviation. If he did, I think I'd kick his **** into next week.