Scared to get in the aviation industry

[RogerM-TX-509]

My name is Roger. I have been dreaming of becoming a pilot since i was a little boy. I am now 23 years old and still cannot find a career that will make me happy. currently i am an automotive technician and it is paying me poorly. I have doubts on becoming a pilot. First of all, how hard will it be to find a job? Second, how secure will that job be when i have it? Third, will i be away from home all the time? I guess what i want is to be a pilot that is home every day with a good income and job security.

Please help with information. My life is at stake!!!

[Compass Mitch]

Originally Posted by RogerM-TX-509

My name is Roger. I have been dreaming of becoming a pilot since i was a little boy. I am now 23 years old and still cannot find a career that will make me happy. currently i am an automotive technician and it is paying me poorly. I have doubts on becoming a pilot. First of all, how hard will it be to find a job? Second, how secure will that job be when i have it? Third, will i be away from home all the time? I guess what i want is to be a pilot that is home every day with a good income and job security.

Please help with information. My life is at stake!!!

Hi Roger-

Finding a career that makes you happy is certainly important, you are right.

If you start your training now, when you become qualified for the airlines or corporate work (a couple years -/+ from now) the job market will be pretty different in my opinion. As you follow our economy, you see the cycles and I personally believe that we are on the rebound at this point.

What will set you apart is your training, hours, and experience- and this is what will set you ahead of other applicants when applying for pilot jobs. This is why it's important to take a look at all flight schools and see which ones will get you the best experience, and fly you the most.

As far as being away from home, you can expect this, especially at first. Currently, with my job I am home 11-14 nights per month, sometimes more. As you gain seniority with certain airlines, you can eventually expect to hold schedules where you can be home more often- sometimes every night if you fly day trips. (That is just around the corner for me). As with pay and job security, those increase over time as well.

You've gotta be ready to commit and be devoted, but it sounds like you are if you have been thinking about flying since you were young.

[RogerM-TX-509]

Thanks for the information. Also, is it true that it would be much easier if i join the military? Do I need a bachelor's degree? If so, do you know of any flight schools in dallas tx area that offer a bachelor's degree as well?

[Compass Mitch]

Originally Posted by RogerM-TX-509

Thanks for the information. Also, is it true that it would be much easier if i join the military? Do I need a bachelor's degree? If so, do you know of any flight schools in dallas tx area that offer a bachelor's degree as well?

The military vs. civilian routes are very different and both very difficult. A job at the major airlines down the road might be easier to attain, but military flying commitments are usually 9+ years.

A bachelors degree is recommended for employment and certainly makes you more marketable, but it is optional for many regional airlines.

Google search aviation colleges/universities. I am not familiar with the TX area, but I am sure you may be able to find something.

Another option is to go to college for a degree in something other than aviation (business, liberal arts, etc) and then do your flight training on the side. Most airline pilots have degrees but not all are in aviation.