Hello there...

[MichaelX-WI-110]

My name is Michael Xiong, from Milwaukee, WI your home base. I'm in my late 30's (39) with my private pilot certificate 5 years ago and in btw jobs (dead end jobs). Now I'm committed 100% to pursue my aviation career training. I have a passion for flying and hoping some day (I hope not too long.. become a commercial airline pilot like you. My main goal is to fly commercial airlines as First Officer and go from there...eventually I hope Capt. someday, lol.

Anyway, what is your opinion on flight training? What is the best route for me to take and how long will take me to get there? Do I need a college degree to fly...etc? I'm thinking AZ for my flight training, good weather. Your thoughts is greatly appreciated my friend. Keep up the good work and may the good Lord be with you through out your flying career.

Thank you so much for your time and I look forward to your respond. Take care.

Michael

[SkyWest Clint]

Michael,

Welcome to the forums. If you're in between jobs and looking to jump right in ATP offers a great program that will get you all your licenses which includes a multi-engine private, Instrument, multi-engine commercial, Certified flight instructor (single-engine, multi-engine, and instrument), and single-engine commercial in 90 days. For more information about that program see this link here.

A college degree is not required when starting out, but will be needed down the line. I recommend to many people to first get the training and then obtain a degree at an online college when working. ATP also has an affiliate program for that as well. Follow this link here.

Any location is great for training. They each have pro's and con's. For example AZ is good because of the good weather year round for VFR training. When it comes to IFR training you could also miss out on some great experience flying in clouds and dealing with real weather, which you'll definitely encounter in your career. It just depends on what works best for you.

Thanks for taking the time to make your first post. These forums are a great place to get up-to-date information from professional pilots. I wish I had this tool when I was starting out. Please take the time to post all your questions and I’ll do my best to answer them. With me being on the road and traveling a lot it might take me a couple of days to answer you. The only request I have is to separate out each question into its own thread so others searching can easily find it.

Thanks,

Clint

[MichaelX-WI-110]

This Michael Xiong again, I want to thank you for your time to help me out in attaining my career goals. I really appreciated for your advices/coach. I talked to Michael C. at HQ (admissions) for a possible starting date in April or May of this year in AZ. At this point, I'm committed to ATP program. I have all financial in placed for the training... good for me. I know it's a lot of sacrifice but I know it will pay-off in the long run.

However, I have another question for you. I hope you will be able to help or at least point me to the right directions. Back in 2006, I have filed for bankrupcy. Does my credit history/records effect my career path with the airline? What are my chances of getting hire? I don't want to complete the program and I find out my credit history will be a major factor in my career path to become an airline pilot. OUCH!

Your thoughts and any suggestions will greatly appreciated or perhaps, you know anyone in the airlines industry with similar situation and got hired.

Thank you again for your time and patience. I look forward to hearing from you soon. If you happen to be in the Milwaukee area, let's get together and have lunch or dinner. I'm buying.

Take care,

Michael

[SkyWest Clint]

Michael,

I don't know too much about it. I believe that would be a concern getting a loan for training and not disqualifying you from getting a job. It sounds like you have the fiances all taken care of. I think you'll be fine when it comes time to get a job.

Clint

[MichaelX-WI-110]

Clint,

It was nice talking to you and thank you so much for all your help. I've learned a lot from this forum. As we speak, I will be conducting my flight training in AZ this May. I'm so excited about my new adventure. I will keep you update of my training. Until then, safe flying.

Michael

[SkyWest Clint]

Michael,

Congratulation! I'm so glad I could help you. Please take the time to ask questions, even if its during the program. I'm always here. Everyone on these forums would love to hear updates. I would love them as well. Please start a new thread with program updates. Congratulations and I'm very happy for you.

Clint