Introdution

[MarkS-AE-609]

Hi,

My name is Mark. I'm 25 and aviation has been my life. I've been an Aircraft Mechanic for 9 years now and I have approximately 40 hours flight time in everything from Cessna 421, Barron 58 to a C-150 I bought for my 18th birthday. Unfortunately I haven't had the time or money to finish my private. I'm currently in the army, stationed in Iraq and plan on using my G.I. Bill to either attend ATP or a 4 year college upon my return. I think i would enjoy being a flight instructor, but the money the majors offer is too good to turn down. I can't wait to get home!!

[Republic Airlines Ken]

Hi Mark,

First off, stay safe out there! So you bought a C-150 when you were 18. That's a pretty exciting. Do you still have it? A few flight instructors and I had pooled some money together a few years back with the same intention, but just never were able to make it happen.

You know, if you find, like many people, that you enjoy the flight instructing aspect of flying, there are ways to stay involved one way or another whether or not you're in the airlines. If you want to work on your 4 year degree (which is a very good idea), you can possibly flight instruct on the side during this time. Another way to attack flight training and a Bachelor's Degree is to complete an online degree that you can work on while accomplishing something else. It takes a steady effort but it can potentially cost and time effective.

You're right though about instructing... it is easier to find higher paying jobs in the airlines. Keep in mind that it can take some time (a few or quite a few years in some cases) to reach the higher salaries in the airlines. On the other hand, there are instructor type opportunities in many facets of commercial aviation including the airlines.

As I mentioned in another thread, I'll be traveling for about the next 2 weeks, but I'll check in from time to time, as will other coaches on the forums here. So, let us know what's on your mind and we'll try to help as best we can!

[MarkS-AE-609]

Thanks Ken, I definitely will be safe as I can.

Unfortunately I sold my C-150 about 6 months after buying it. I owned 1/3 share and the other guys wanted out. Since I couldn't buy them out we had to sell it. I plan on buying another somewhere down the road. Being an A & P keeps a lot of the cost down. I'm shooting for a piper arrow of some sort.

After a lot of research I've pretty much settled on a Bachelor's Degree from Embry-Riddle. The new Post 9/11 G.I. Bill will pay for all, including flight training. So long as my wife finds a job out there to help support the kids.

Also I'd like to thank you for taking time for me as well as others to share your insight and experience. It's people like you, sharing your love of aviation, that have given me a career that has been a wonderful experience.

[Republic Airlines Ken]

Hey Mark,

I've always thought that fractional ownership of an aircraft could be a tricky thing to juggle. But, since most of us don't fly for fun at the rate of 70+ hours a month it also seems to make a lot of sense, under the right circumstances.

I have to do more research on the full details of the new G.I. bill., but if it can help you through your 4 year degree and flight training, then that's probably a pretty good option. Have you considered other ways to make that work well for you?

Let me know what else is on your mind.