Introduction

[ClintonF-GA-708]

Hello,

I am a 28 year old Computer Information Systems major at Georgia State University. I live in Buckhead with my wife and two dogs, and will be graduating in December. Besides school, I work part-time at Lufthansa in ATL. I am currently awaiting results from my physical and also finance application. If all goes well, I will begin training at ATP in January. I would prefer to get a job with ASA since they are based out of Atlanta, but would not mind moving either. Long-term career goals include making captain and flying for ANA or JAL based out of Osaka or Hawaii.

Cheers! -Clint

[ClintonF-GA-708]

I would even consider a job with Korean based out of Atlanta, but that is a long way ahead. I met a captain once who lives in Peachtree city and flies for them. He said he enjoyed it, and did not even speak Korean.

[TerryN-FL-608]

Hi Clint,

How is Hotlanta? Just wanted to say hi and welcome to the forum. That's cool that your thinking about starting in January. I'll be starting ATP this October, if you want I'll keep you up to date on how things are going. How is working for Luftansa? I was born and lived in Germany for a couple years, but haven't flown on them. I currently work for ASA in Gainesville, FL as a ticket/gate agent, and also perform duties on the ramp and operations. I hope also when I'm finished with ATP to return to ASA as a pilot? Keep in touch on your progress, and nice meeting you.

-Terry

[ASA Matt]

Hey Clint!

Thanks for the intro! What do you do, exactly, for Lufthansa? I think they do both cargo and passenger out of ATL, right? I see that A340 on ramp 5 in the afternoons--cool plane!

Sounds like you're in a good position to dive right into this career. You're still young, you'll have your degree out of the way, and you're already familiar with the whole "airline thing." With your interest in overseas flying, I think you'll find a lot more options than those wishing to stay domestic. Atlanta is definitely a good place to be!

Will you be doing all your training in Atlanta? Do you have any flight time? Are you going to try and live at home?

As you probably already understand, the first step towards the "big boys" is usually at a regional. ASA would be the obvious choice. These days, it's hard to tell exactly what's going to happen as far as growth is concerned. I think we'll definitely have a better idea come fall and spring.

Please let me know if you have any questions! Welcome to the forums!

>Matt

[ClintonF-GA-708]

Terry,

You should be halfway finished when I start, good luck with that. Did you finance through Sallie Mae? I don't think that I will go that route since it is a variable interest rate. My wife and I are thinking about tying those funds into a mortgage since we are planning on buying a house soon any way. You really can't beat 5.8% fixed interest and the tax breaks associated with home ownership.

Cheers,

Clint

[ClintonF-GA-708]

Matt,
Lufthansa has cargo offices at the airport and in downtown Atlanta. Im a lowly check in agent, that's all. I had a job in flight operations for KLM that I left for higher pay and flight benefits. I will be completing all my training in Atlanta, while living at home. I have 9.5 hours logged in a C-152; I quit training to focus on college. I definately do not want to spend 80k to fly in North America for the next 20-30 years. If I were to do that I think the money would be better spent on an RV Seriously, my wife is Japanese and I lived in Okinawa for 2 years and fell in love with the region. I'm very interested in returning and working there. ANA has always had an exceptional ground product and in flight service, so they are naturally my first choice. I still have financing and my Medical to contend with before I worry about any of that though. How did ou pay for ATP?

Cheers,

Clint

[ASA Matt]

Just noticed on my way to the parking lot the other day that Lufthansa Cargo is the first section of the South Cargo Complex of Loop Rd South. Trust me, you'll always look back and think fondly of those jobs you had while in school.

With your desire to fly overseas, I think you'll find a lot of opportunities. The obvious advantage you have is that it doesn't really matter what the US carriers are doing if you're willing to work out of the country. That's exciting!

I got a loan for my training through Key Bank, which no longer offers loans to students going through flight training. I'm not sure how it compares to Sallie Mae. Whatever works for you. Keep me posted.

>Matt