Is now the right time?? + other questions...

[RichardT-CA-109]

Now for the questions: since I can't do this full time is it even worth going through the train right now? Should I wait for a while? Is there such a thing as a part-time commercial pilot? Can I work enough as a part-time pilot to pay down the astronomical student loan bill I'm going to rack up with ATP? I've gotta tell you, I feel strange racking up a large student load bill this late in life. Just one more question...do carriers look more favorably upon people with a college education? I've got a master's degree in exercise physiology. And, would you mind saying something to my wife...she scared to death something bad is going to happen to me. If SHE doesn't buy off on this, it may not happen.

[ExpressJet Bob]

Hi Richard,

I took the liberty of separating these questions from your Intro thread so that other's may benefit from a quick search to find questions that they may want answers to as well.

Here we go on the questions:

1. Worth going through the training right now?

That really depends on you and your own goals Richard. Many people believe that the journey is half the fun, and even if it takes several years... it can be very worth your time in personal experience alone. So... you can get all of your ratings now and build time over the next several years until you retire from your FF gig... or you can take those years and "enjoy the ride" if you will. Taking your time to get your ratings around a schedule that will work for you and your situation.

The benefits to getting your ratings now... would be lower insurance (with Commercial, Instructor, Twin, and Instrument Ratings), as well as more time over the next few years to build some quality flight time as maybe a part time instructor.

The benefit to taking your time would be... easier on the pocket book over the years instead of one lump sum, focusing on your primary job and family, and enjoying the learning process over the next several years.

So... should you wait? Well... it's really up to you.

2. Is there such a thing as a "Part-Time" commercial pilot?

You bet! There may be some opportunities at your local FBO for Instructors, Charter pilots & such, as well as local traffic pilots, jump pilots, photo pilots, etc... so I'd say that there are definately some opportunities to fly commercially on the side/part-time.

As for flying for a 121 commercial carrier like a major or regional airline though... not so much. The schedule requirements of most airlines really don't allow for "part time" pilots. But, with seniority... you have the opportunity to trade and drop your trips away if you so desire. So that would help, but it can take several months to a few years to get to that point depending on the airline

3. Do carriers look favorably upon applicants with a college education?

You bet they do... Take a trip over to www.PilotJobs.com and click on any of the carriers listed on the left. You'll see three main columns under "Qualifications". The first is the "Minimum" qualifications... you'll see that a college education isn't listed as a "minimum" qualification to get hired at most all Regional Airlines... however when you look at the "Competitive" and "Preferred" qualification columns, you'll definately see that a college education helps.

Basically... if it comes down to two equally qualified pilots with similar flight time/experience and similar personalities... and one has a degree and the other doesn't... the final decision will most always favor the degreed applicant.

4. Saying something to your wife...

Well... this is a unique question. Seriously though... the best thing you can do for her is keep her informed. Open communication is so important with your loved ones... especially when considering a major life changing career. She has the opportunity to be your biggest ally or greatest foe in this new adventure of yours. Obviously... an ally is best to have.

So, it's important that you cater to her questions, and be patient with her when responding to her concerns. Answer her questions with researched information vs. "ExpressJet Bob said..." or "UPSPilotGuy from AviationForums.com said...".

Don't assume she knows what you're thinking, or what your plans are at any given moment unless you've been specific with her about them. Quite frankly... you need her support.

I'd be happy to answer any of her questions that I can if I have the experience to do so... I can definately say that my wife was supportive and it helped me tremendously during my mid-life career change.

As far as "something bad" happening... you have to be honest and say that it's a definate possiblity, however not so much a probability if one practices safe habits whether flying for fun or for money. I would think that this would be a similar conversation that would take place if someone was talking to their spouse about becoming a firefighter. In any job... bad things can happen, but when individuals strive for perfection and professionalism... then that certainly minimizes the risks.

There are also plenty of pilot wives out there that quite possibly think that if there husband was a firefighter... then something bad would happen to them. So... it's just a mental process and requires time and information in order for her to become comfortable with the idea.

There's also a great website that offers support for wives, girlfriends, and SO's of pilots that she may be interested in. It's called http://www.jetgirls.net/ The woman who runs that site is a wife to a Delta 767 FO... who quite frankly also is in the habit of helping pilots achieve their dreams by answering questions and providing resources for them as well. I've met them both... and they are top notch people.

So... in summary... I truly believe that nothing I say will make her feel the comfort that she needs to feel for you to proceed with your goals in aviation. Instead... it needs to come from your informed perspective... allowing her to absorb the information at her pace, while she too makes some efforts to learn about this process herself.

Hope that helps,

Bob

[RichardT-CA-109]

Wow! I have to say, those were the best, and most honest answers to my questions I ever could have expected. Thanks so much. Oh, I sent you a post yesterday with some questions...disregard them; you've already answered them. I'm going to have my wife read your posts to me. I think she will certainluy appreciate your perspective since you're a neutral thrid party. And, it's funny, she worries far less about me running into burning building than learning to fly. I guess its all in one's perspective and experiences.

I have one more thanks to you. The length of your last post to me and the thought that went into it not only impresses me, it gives me gratitude toward you and comfort in the decision I am making to go with ATP as my flight school. This is what I call real coaching. I'm a coach myself, so I know how important it is to use the right words to motivate someone to move in the right direction to make them a better student, a better athlete, a better pilot, or a better person. I can only hope you will be with me, at least in spirit, through my journey at ATP. BTW, you should consider motivational speaking when you've retired from the airlines...you'd make millions! So...Thanks. Take care, be safe.

Rich

[ExpressJet Bob]

Richard,

Thank you very much for your kind comments... it's words like that, that make spending the extra time to do this so very worthwhile.

Richard, as long as I'm flying... I plan to be here. No matter where your aviation journey takes you, you are alway welcome here. Keep in touch along the way, and let us know how things are going with your wife too. I'm certain that your situation is not unique and that there are many more folks lurking here on the forums that can learn from you and your situation as well.

Be safe.

Bob