Your path to the flight deck was?

[lumax]

All civilian via: first flight lesson in June 1993, fueled part 91 and 135 aircraft while working on ratings. Flight instructed for a year, then part 135 cargo for another year. Landed on the E-120 in Feb. 1998. Flew that for 3 ½ years and then landed with a major in Aug. 2001. Eight years from a C-152 to a B-737. ANYTHING is possible when you set your mind to it. As others have said, enjoy the journey!
Eight years to the majors is probably not possible today but be prepared for the next hiring boom. Just remember that getting hired at a major takes a little luck but it’s mostly “when preparation meets opportunity” (author of quote unknown)

 

[Homer J simpson]

5 years from c-152 to a330

started in '95 in US, got the license, went back to europe to fly for a commuter, got a comand with 1500hrs
3 years on the Emb120 and Atr 42/72. moved to the far east to fly big jets. where I am still today.

H.

 

[Alaskaairlines]

Hey there guys!


Well you are close - I'm 17 - just short of 18. Well even if it takes me 15 years to get to a stable major - I'm in for it.
I don't know what will be with this industry in 5-10 yrs down the rd, but I'd still be very happy with a good regional - seems many guys are staying with the regionals to retire - don't have much of a choice now-a-days.

Thanks for all the input guys! I really want to ge there one glorious day!

Keep it coming..........

 

[bobbysamd]

One other idea . . . . .

How about military flying?

Granted, you have to meet some stringent requirements, commit to your country's service, perhaps risk your life, and commit several years of your life, but you can almost write your own ticket as a former military pilot. Moreover, the military pilot system is one of the best airline pilot hiring networks around.

Aside from the first-rate flight training and experience, the miltary provides some the best personal development training around.

Another thing to bear in mind is that military service and not necessarily flying will be your career. Leaving the military for something else will be a career change.

Just more food for thought. Once more, good luck with your plans.

 

[Alaskaairlines]

Bobby,

Thanks man - but I am going the GA way.

 

[bobbysamd]

Bobby,

Thanks man - but I am going the GA way.

You're welcome. Good luck. Don't forget college.

 

[Flyingdutchman]

''5 years from c-152 to a330

started in '95 in US, got the license, went back to europe to fly for a commuter, got a comand with 1500hrs
3 years on the Emb120 and Atr 42/72. moved to the far east to fly big jets. where I am still today.

H.''

---

R (kliko)??...



g'day

 

[TriStar_drvr]

Got a B.S. Physics and a Private Pilot License in 1984. Went to work that same year as a computer programmer. During that time I continued to fly and picked up instrument and commercial (single engine) ratings. In 1990 I decided to make a go at flying for a career and earned my CFI rating. Taught part-time until 1992 when I quit my computer programming job and began instructing full-time. Got additional ratings (CFII, Multi, MEI, ATP) while building hours and looking for work. In 1994, got hired by a 135 company flying Navajo Chieftains. Did that for a year and a 1000 hours before getting hired by a commuter (that's what we called them back then) in 1995. Upgraded to Captain in 1996. Got hired by my present employer in 1999 into the right seat of a 727. Transitioned to the right seat of the L1011 in 2001, and I'm still here today. I'm hoping my company survives the next year. If it makes it, I may be a Captain on the 737 in a year or so. If not, I'll start all over again. The road to where I am wasn't easy, and it wasn't always fun, but it sure was always interesting. Good luck in your career, you'll need it.

 

[Homer J simpson]

flying dutchman...

it is me

h.

 

[Alaskaairlines]

Thanks fellas!

And college is also a priority. Got a scholarship and starting in the fall.

 

[ERJpusher]

If you have the chance to instruct, TAKE IT. It is unbelievable how much you learn about flying by instructing. Especially if you are doing CFII work.

Good luck

 

[StarrBuck]

I started flying in 92, earned my private.. After that I went to a college that offered flight training, and got my 4 year degree. Flight instructed for about 18 months after that... Got a job flying C310/402's (freight) and did that for about 8 months.. Left that 135 outift to work for a 135 "People charter"/Ambulance operation, and stayed there for about a year.. Got hired at a regional mid-98, upgraded to E120 Capt after 18 months, and will have spent almost exactly 5 years at the regional before going to class at SWA next month..

Now my middle name isn't "Kit Darby" and don't claim to be an expert on carreer advice, but I will offer what I have learned along the way..

1. If I had to do it all over again, I would have gone to a school and majored in something not related to aviation.. The 'cloud and propellor' classes were alot of fun, but didin't leave me with much should the flying thing not work out for me..

2. Be willing to take EVERY opportunity that will advance your experience. Times will come that you will find an opportunity that will take you out of your comfort zone, and you will really think hard about them.. "Do I really want to do this.." Just do it. I can't count the number of senior First Officers I've flown with in the last few years who could be flying in my seat! Many say "ahh, its not worth it, my schedule is good right now.." or offer a host of other reasons why they don't want to be a capt..

Good luck, if you want it bad enough, it will happen.. This business is more a battle of patience than anything else!

S.B.

 

[Timebuilder]

StarrBuck, it's a good thing you aren't Kit Darby.

I like the advice above labled "1)", and to "2)" I'd add: "don't compromise on safety".

 

[StarrBuck]

Timebuilder,

Thanks for pointing that out.. somethings I assume go without saying.. Obviously you wouldn't want to put yourself in a dangerous situation..

S.B.

 

[BRA]

My first flight lesson was in fall 1998 at ERAU daytona beach. I was 19. Graduated in dec 2000 with private, instrument, commercial, multi. At 200tt was a CFI. Got CFII, MEI while instructing till summer 2002. Hired by a regional with 1570/550 multi. 1200 hours of it was instructing. 500 of the multi was instructing. And now that is where i still am.

You can compare yourself to others, we all do. But there is so much luck and timing involved. Someone that starts aviation 2 years after you can easily pass you up quick because the airline that decides not to furlough hired them and your airline dumps you. Or your friends airline expands, and yours doesn't. I have no doubt i will see several of my students in the future with better jobs and situations then me, and run into some of my old instructors down the road with less luck then me. So the seniority system only exists within each airline.....not always in the whole industry as a whole. If that makes sence.