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.

 

[CrazyJ628]

I might reconsider it. I do plan on getting my single engine CFI rating simply b/c I want to own my own airplane someday and I think renting it out might help pay for it. Also I want to be able to teach people how to fly. As far as being a fancy jet pilot-- I don't really know.

 

[Toy Soldier]

CrazyJ628

Don't get discouraged by the "profession going downhill" outlook that some have. Some of those folks are airline pilots and might be facing some career challenges because of the unfortunate current state of the industry.

I am corporate and am doing quite well for myself with the future looking bright. I have only been flying four years and have 2200 total with 1200 multi. It might not be a whole lot - but it was gained in a short time. I have also been called to interview for two jobs paying $60,000 or better this month. NO, it's not some whopping six-figure salary like some airline pilots make (or used to make). But I am happy with it...

I had a midlife crisis at 40 and began flying. I was tired of being in management and needed a career change. I have been flying professionally for two years and am having the time of my life. And, I would encourage my sons to fly if they wanted to!

Remember, you can make your own path - to a degree. I did. I also know of a few friends that have "earned" themselves some pretty cushy jobs by netwoking, etc. My buddy and I both have pretty nice corporate jobs and we both created the opportunities. I have also been told that I am next in-line for a Falcon 10 co-pilot job with another "friend" of mine.

I mean NO disrespect to anyone that is or wants "union solidarity" when I say this, but I do my own negotiating, networking, etc., and don't have to wait for my "seniority number" to come up.

I am already grooming (have selected) my replacement pilot and, guess what, he is only a private pilot working on his instrument! Like I said earlier - knowing folks helps - It's working for him. I also have hired two friends to fly as relief pilots.

NEway, keep your chin up, don't listen to the naysayers, and give it all you got. I'm not saying it's gonna be easy or that you will walk into a cush job right off the bat - but you have the same chance anyone else does...

Good luck..

 

[CrazyJ628]

The main problem is $$$$$. I can save money by getting a lot of my training with my current CFI then going to FSI. FSI is the cheaper of some of the academies i've looked at at $44,000 for tuition. However this is a big desicion and I will be usuing my degree for a few years before making it. I do have some connections though which is always a plus

 

[illinipilot]

CFIing

I know that there are tons of posts and opinions about CFIing but so far its been better than I could have imagined. Very rewarding with flexible hours. I don't get paid much but it seems that the longer that a CFI teaches the more he/she can expect to make. I recomend becoming a professional pilot. I'm new in the industry but if it's as good as it has been so far.........

 

[cdog]

Never heard of a "Master CFI" rating.

 

[Toy Soldier]

cdog

It is through NAFI - National Association of Flight Instructors. Here is the link with more information.

http://www.nafinet.org/mastercfi/index.html

It is similar to the Gold Seal (GS) in that it shows "accomplishment" in certain areas. GS means that 10 have gotten goes in two years while the MCFI shows that you have met certain requirements within two years as well. The MCFI is a lot of work however and must be renewed every two years.

Your packet goes before a board for review - then selection. The GS is automatic if you have the required "goes". More or less.

The FAA will count the MCFI towards a CFI renewal as well.

I am simpifying things here for brevity.... I hope this helps.

 

[Pipeliner606]

Well it never ceases to amaze me that some will preach doom and gloom no matter what the situation is. Some of the same people I see talking about how bad things are now, are the same ones who werent satisfied with things the way they were before 9/11. Guess you just cant please everyone all the time. Yeah, things are tough right now, but they are just as tough in other professions also. It's not just the aviation industry that is suffering. There are some guys here who seem to think the "airline industry" is the only facet of professional aviation, and that is so far from the truth it is unreal. There ARE jobs out there if you want to get out and beat the bushes and look for them. Not everyone wants to fly for a major or regional. The guys that do, CHOOSE to put up with the airline management problems and increasing government stipulations so they can chase that six figure salary. I have no problem with that if that is what they want out of life. Personally, I am happy to make less money and look forward to going to work every day and not put up with all that mess. I think that in the not too distant future you will see areas of the aviation industry that once were pretty small and obscure, start moving to the forfront, while the majors are still sitting there with their thumbs up their butts trying to figure out why they cant turn a profit. If you really want to be a professional pilot, dont limit yourself to aiming solely for an airline seat. Check out all the options, then make your decision based on what is best for YOU, and not because some furloughed airline pilot who is mad at the whole world because of his situation "told" you the industry is in a graveyard spiral to its final death.

 

[172driver]

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

If I were you, I would seriously reconsider retiring then. In this post and others, you sound extremely bitter. While your points are valid, you have apparently lost perspective on some of the good things that make the job worthwhile.

I bet a year of 60 hr weeks in a windowless office with no travel benefits would make you rethink.

Managements in ALL industries are trying to cut costs, lower wages, overwork employees. That's their job. It's no better anywhere else.

To give a newcomer this doom and gloom is not right. It's just as bad as the Kit Darby optimism but on the opposite side of the spectrum.

I understand that your perspective will differ from mine with you having years more experience in the business. However, I know many pilots who have been doing it for decades and love it despite the BS involved in any job. You're bound to be more jaded than I but I hope to keep some perspective on how nice it is to fly airplanes for money, to appreciate a nice sunset from the cockpit, a beautiful view, a greased crosswind landing.

The BS from management is part of the total package. We will all fight it tooth and nail, but meanwhile, we're flying airplanes for a living. Not a bad gig in my book. Just have to adjust your attitude accordingly, appreciate what you do, enjoy it. Same goes for any other career and life in general.

 

[Toy Soldier]

As for me... even at the end of a "bad day" at the office I can say that my job is tied to an airplane. There are many that would give their left nut to have my job.

When I feel like complaining, I just remember the last two jobs I had in factories chasing 65 mulldoons that didn't wanna work.....

 

[bobbysamd]

Flight career optimism, pessimism and realism

Read some of my other posts. I could be branded as being negative, bitter, and having a bellyfull of sour grapes. Perhaps. Having said that, and bearing in mind professional aviation is not an easy vocation in which to advance, if aviation is something you really want to try and you are willing to put forth the effort to make it work, you should try. Otherwise, you will always have regrets. If I could roll back the clock thirty years, I would have tried back then.

You are a young person. Being young is the best time to start in aviation. This isn't the best time to be seeking jobs, but hiring in aviation always gets better. You can graduate from college and then be trained. The key is getting that first flying job. That is tough because of all the other new pilots seeking jobs. But after you're in a place you are building hours. Every compensated hour you fly puts you that much closer to meeting your career goal.

If aviation doesn't work out, you will still be young enough to pursue journalism. And, you will always have your flight time.

Good luck with your plans. I would check again on FSI's website about its cost. I think it's more than $44K, and that's just a minimum quote. Most people ending up spending more than that.

PS-I decided to check the FSI site. According to this brochure, $44K is accurate, but that's only for the Commercial-Multi-Instrument course. People also need a single-engine Commercial, which is extra. If they get their CFI (recommended) and get it at FSI (recommended, because you put your foot in the door for a job), that pushes the cost way up.