Introduction

[LouisS-FL-609]

Hello,

I am Lou, I am 23 Years old with a full time career in IT making around 50k a year. I had some medical problems which are squared away and will be able to get my medical in August with no special issuance. I have about 23 hours and want to make a career change to become a pilot. The only problem is I decided I really wanted to do this after I got married and bought a house. Now that the market crashed I can't sell my house to move into a rental to save some money so I am in a tough situation. I can't take too much of a pay cut by switching careers and I have to work full time while training. Has anyone on here done this? I know it will be tough but it's something I really want to do, I don't want to be sitting at desk doing IT work the rest of my life. I didn't do much research on ATP but will they work with you on Part time training and having a full time job. I plan to have my Private before I would start ATP.

Thanks,

Lou

[CaseyC-GA-509]

Hey Lou

That's a similar situation to what I'm in now. I do not want to be at a desk, and I'm in agony right now knowing that I have to wait another year before I can restart my flight training. I too am in IT making a decent living, have just recently got married, and we are now considering purchasing a home instead of staying in our apartment. In today's market it seems that we can have a mortgage payment that is, if not the same, cheaper than our rent. I think my biggest concern now is whether or not I will be approved for a loan to fly if we go ahead and get into a mortgage before I start with ATP. But as far as working and going part-time with ATP, they have a self-paced program that may allow you to do what you're wanting. If you check out the website you should be able to find the self paced info.
Sorry JJ, not trying to moderate or attempt to fill your role! lol

Take care you guys!

Casey

[SkyWest JJ]

Casey--thanks for jumping in--that is always OK and appreciated.

Lou--Welcome to the forums! My background was originally in IT, also.

If you plan to have your private before ATP, then:

It will take a huge commitment of your time because the ATP program is basically like a full-time job on its own. It will take you 10 months to earn your instrument, commercial single and multi-engines, and your Flight Instructor Single, Multi, and Instrument. You will have tons to learn as you move along. You must be able to devote a minimum 10 days per month---so that might be all weekends plus you will need to fit in another 2 days each month.

It can be done--just know what you are in for!!

Make sure that you understand what sort of financial commitment flight training is. Make sure that you know what your first couple flying jobs will pay. Make sure your spouse is supportive of your career change.

At your age this is the perfect time to get yourself on the track of what you want to be doing. I waited until I was 29 to make the move. I don't regret that--but it sure would have been advantageous to start earlier!

Let me know how I can help along the way,

JJ