Intro.

[AlanG-NJ-509]

Hey, what's up...My name is Alan, I'm 15 and I was born in Colombia but then moved to Dover, New Jersey. I'm currently attending to Dover High School and hoping to achieve my diploma in 2012, am a freshman. But what I want to do is to at least to get started in any type training before i graduate from high school cause i know this would be the best career for me, and well yea i really dont have much to say but i was wondering if you can help me out here.

[ExpressJet Adam]

Hey Alan,

Moved from Columbia to Jersey huh? Talk about culture shock! Nothing wrong with getting an early start. Unfortunately you're a little young to run off and join the circus with ATP. However, there are a ton of local FBO's with flight schools all over New Jersey. You can get your student pilot certificate at 16 and your Private Pilot License at 17. Not sure what you or your family's financial situation is (unfortunately flying ain't cheap), but if you can swing it, you should go for a flight. Many schools offer Discovery Flights at a good price to get you hooked. Another alternative is the Civil Air Patrol. It's a great way to serve the community, looks great on a college application and you will get to do some flying. Check it out.

Anyway, pleasure chatting, anything else feel free and good luck.

Adam

[AlanG-NJ-509]

Yea tell me about it, but I got used to it already. And alright where can I start to get my student pilot certificate when 16. Yea, I know flying aint cheap but am willing to pay anything to get me started in my future career. And I check out that Civil Air Patrol to see whats it about. Thanks for the help Adam

[ExpressJet Adam]

Alan,

Getting a Student Pilot Cert is cake, you just find yourself an AME (aviation medical examiner, they're everywhere), you take a 3rd Class Medical exam and they'll hand you a combo 3rd Class Medical Cert/Student Pilot Cert.

Keep in touch and let me know how you make out.

Adam

[AlanG-NJ-509]

Well Adam, I looked one aviation medical examiner thats in Morristown,NJ and he said I needed to be 16. I should keep looking right ??

[ExpressJet Adam]

No Alan,

As I said you can get your Student Pilot Cert AT 16, not before. The AME is correct. If he was pleasant and convenient, no need to go elsewhere.

Cool?

Adam

[AlanG-NJ-509]

Ohh alright I got you. Thanks Adam. and also I got a question.

[ExpressJet Adam]

OK? Whatcha got?

[AlanG-NJ-509]

Okay my question is that, Do you think joining the military to become a pilot would be much better than just becoming am airline pilot straight up?

[ExpressJet Adam]

Great question Alan,

BUT, very difficult to answer. "Better" is a subjective term and there are obviously advantages on both sides. Let me say that I didn't go the military route and that's actuallly one of my only regrets in my life. Although I LOVE MY JOB, whenever I see an F-16 taxiing out I have to admit I get a pang in my heart.

The military is a 4 year (min) commitment and there's always the chance you could get shipped off to defend this fine country of ours (not that that's a bad thing, just the reality). That being said there's no question you would a) save a ton of money, b) probably receive some of the finest aviation training available in the world, d) get to fly some very very cool equipment and finally, the Majors love the military guys.

That being said to fly in the military, YOU MUST HAVE A DEGREE. Also, you are IN THE MILITARY and everything that goes along with it (discipline, early wake ups, boot camp, short hair and again the chance that someone might be shooting at you). Me, I like that stuff but it's not for everyone. I never would encourage anyone not to get a degree, BUT, if you opted for the civilian route, you could start training immediately, get hired at a Regional (start building seniority), finish your degree while you're already working and be that much ahead of the game.

Again, "better" is a tough word, but Alan you're young and (although it may not feel like it) a whole lotta time. No need to make a hasty decision. I would get as much info as I could, talk to military guys, get a feel and figure out what's best for you.

Adam