I've been browsing web site about studying to become an airline pilot. It seems that one need to be a millionaire to learn how to fly. Does anyone know how best to become a pilot without having to rob a bank job first?

join the military and let them teach you.

I would have. But i am already 35, too old for that. Also, if I start now, how long would it take before I get to command A380.

become a millionaire.

Sorry for the sarcastic response, but from two ex-pilot friends of mine for the majors who were non-military, I believe you are SOL.

If you truly desire to become a pilot for the majors, get your various certifications and try and become a charter pilot to get your hours up. But be honest, by the time you get your hours up, the next wave of military pilots will be avaliable to the airlines and you won't look that impressive next to them.
I'm not saying it can not be done, but my next door neighbor is convinced that he can pitch for a major league team............

maybe you should start visiting

http://www.pprune.org

Professional Pilots RUmour Network. It's an interesting site for Professional Aviators and wannabees.

So does that mean that the vast majority of pilots are ex-military? I mean, I know they're mostly former USAF, but are we talking 70-80% or more like 99%?

Listening to ATC on UA channel 9, I've noticed that lots of overseas pilots sound like they're American. Which made me wonder if the supply of ex-military pilots in the US exceeds the supply of domestic airline jobs.

cnk

The supply of pilots is greater than the demand. Its hard to get a job with the majors. A lot of folks start out on RJ's.

There are a few colleges that have programs--La.Tech and Embry Riddle, but most get their training in the military due to the cost.

Please. There are *plenty* of civilian trained pilots flying for the majors. Plenty.

This is the route. Get a 4 year degree. It can be in anything. Start flight training. Get the private ticket, instrument rating, get the commercial. Now, you can get the CFI ticket. Once you have that, instruct to build hours. Get them hours. When you get a chance to fly "scheduled" flights, take it. It might be somethign like hauling checks in a Bonanza. The pay will suck. Try to get multi time. If you can get a paying job flying multi, take it. If you can get a chance to fly turbine, take it.

When you get the hout minimums, apply to one of the regional carriers, like American Eagle. If you get hired, take it. Pay will continue to suck. But you will be on your way, and will be getting *paid* to fly, and that is 1 billion times better than *paying* for an airplane ride, even if it is in super ultra premimum class.




Good luck!


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Jeff

DFW AA PLT
Sofitel Gld. Priv. Guest

Apparently we have a very good flight school here in PHX, based at the Deer Valley Airport (not where the bad guys trained at). I mention it, as I've met a couple living here from Australia, and he is at the flight school in training. He mentioned it as desirable in relation to reputation, but said nothing about price.

JP

Arizona is a good place to train. Lots of clear weather year round.

Try paging FT user Seiple, he's in training at the moment, I think he might have some good tips...

Do you want to learn how to take off and land, or do you just want to learn how to handle level flight?

perhaps this is not right on topic, but i will offer these comments.

friends of mine tell me that if you want someone in the right seat that there is no shortage of people who will do it for nothing so they can log the time.

in ~ 1946, a friend and me would ride our bikes about 10 mi's to a grass strip. we could get a half hour flight/instruction for $3. $6 for an hour. they only charged for the plane time. it was really a lot of fun [except coming up with the $3] there were wires at the end of the usual approach to the short field & he taught us to side slip in.

1946 is a long long ago.

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[This message has been edited by Beef or Chicken? (edited 07-04-2002).]