Introduction

[KeithL-NJ-808]

Hi Todd,

My name is Keith, I'm 17 years old, and going into my senior year in high school.
I have been interested in a career in aviation since I can remember, but I haven't had any guidance with it until I found ATP and here I am now.

I have talked with ATP on the phone briefly and they gave me certain information like I should attain some sort of college degree first (which I am more than willing to do) to get me in the right path, and open my opportunities.

I appreciate you taking the time to help me, and I really look forward to hearing from you.

-Keith

[SkyWest Todd]

Hi Keith,
Nice to hear from you. You're on the rite track with exploring options now. 17 is a great age to get your feet pointed in the direction you want to go for a career.
School / College is a must. Get that done an maybe get your private pilot license to see if it is something that you want for sure. If you like it, you can fly a little with your buddies to build a little time and continue to pursue your goal as an airline pilot. If you find that you don't want to go the airline route, you'll always have your private license to do some weekend flying or whatever.
Get started in a college or university that you like and find a flight school that you can work on your private license. ATP is great because it allows you to pour yourself into the program with no other worries. It's faster and cheaper than most flight schools but you pretty much need to devote all of your time and energy to it. If you get your private while you're going to college, it would allow you to have your degree and your private when you come to ATP and go directly into the career pilot program.
Good luck to you and get your degree for sure!
If you have other quetions, don't hesitate to ask. It may take me a day or two to get back to you but I'll always respond.
Talk to you later, Todd

[KeithL-NJ-808]

Hey Todd,

Thanks for the quick response, much appreciated!

One question though- by degree, do you mean a 2 or 4 year?

And I believe there is a small airport in Millville, NJ that does private pilot lessons. I think I saw a sign that said $8,000. Is that a deal, and if so am I too young to start that?

Thanks again Todd!

[SkyWest Todd]

Keith,
You aren't too young to start your Private License, you should at least stop by and talk to the instructor. I'd shop around a little bit and basically "interview" your potential instructors. Have a list of questions and see who you think you'll be most able to "click" with in a training environment.
$8000 seems a little high but it depends on how many flight hours they will include for that price and how much one on one class room instruction will be given and how much learning they will expect you to do on your own.
Shop around for sure and as far as the degree goes.... A 4 year is the best if you eventually want to go to the major airlines. Some of the regionals require a 4 year degree as well. The other thing to look at is if some unforeseen event happens and you can't at age 30. Then what?? At least with a degree you will still be able to market yourself in another job market.
Good luck, Todd

[KeithL-NJ-808]

Hey Todd,

Like I said before I always wanted to be a pilot, but I always had my mind set as a second option as being in law enforcement. And I'm kind of now after looking at everything I need to do to become a pilot, growing discouraged. So having said that, I have come up with a couple more questions for you, and if they are too personal or you find them unnecessary, don't feel obligated to answer.

1.) How is pay in the airline industry? Is it worth all the training and everything else?
2.) How is social life? Do you have time for friends and family or are you always away from home or working weird hours?
3.) I saw somewhere that a pilot can expect to often work weekends, nights, and holidays. Is that true, or at least accurate?
4.) Any insight on your job such as likes dislikes would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you in advance Todd.

[SkyWest Todd]

Hi Keith,

1.) How is pay in the airline industry? Is it worth all the training and everything else?

Honestly, Like any other job...The pay the first year is a little tough but it gets much better as time goes on. You can look up pilotpay.com or research ATP's website and see the varity of pay scales. Typically, first year 18-28K, second year 35K, upgrade to Captain by 3rd year and 60-80K is pretty average. It continues to go up from there.

2.) How is social life? Do you have time for friends and family or are you always away from home or working weird hours?
Once you have some seniority, you will be able to get about 15 days off per month. It's all about seniority!! Senior guys can get 18 days off per month and don't work weekends unless they want to. As far as hours go... You're pretty much gone for 1,2,3,4.. sometimes on a rare occasion you'll be gone for 5 days at a time.

3.) I saw somewhere that a pilot can expect to often work weekends, nights, and holidays. Is that true, or at least accurate?
That is absolutely true. But again it's all about seniority. You can expect to work most nights, weekends and holidays for the first year or so.

4.) Any insight on your job such as likes dislikes would be greatly appreciated!
I love to fly, that's why we do what we do. The pay is pretty good after the first year and the money is nice but you've got to love your job.

Your quality of life is going to be based on your seniority and the work rules at the airline you work for. The quickest way to get your seniority is to get a job quick. The quickest way to obtain your ratings is with ATP. Research them all and you'll see that your decision will continue to point to ATP based on price, time and quality instruction.

I hope that helps you a little bit.
Talk to you soon... Todd

[KeithL-NJ-808]

Thanks, Todd. I appreciate it.

Like I said above, I am also interested in law enforcement.

For college, I could go to a close to home college for Law Enforcement, or I could go a little farther away for Flight Operations. Would it look better on my resume for a career in the airline industry if I had flight operations or doesnt it really matter as long as its a degree?

[SkyWest Todd]

Hi Keith,

Several of the regional airlines do not require a degree. Most if not all of the majors do require a degree. Most pilots work for the regionals for a few years and move on to the majors, thus a degree would be required. Some stay with the regionals with or without a degree in their pocket.

Most majors don't have specific requirements as to what your degree is in. If I was in your shoes, I'd get a degree in something that you could fall back on in the event of a tragedy.. be it loosing your medical and can't fly commercially or a set back in the industry that would result in a furlough or something like that. If you have a degree in something else that interests you, you would be able to fall back on plan B. A degree in Criminal Justice opens many doors from Enforcement, Probation, Federal Jobs (FBI, CIA, DEA, ICE) etc. A degree in Business or something of that nature would open several doors in the regular world.

The bottom line is if you have the opportunity to get your degree... Take it! ATP is for sure the way to go to get your flight training and open the door to the airlines but a degree in something is like a High School diploma used to be.

Decisions, Decisions, Decisions..... Keep your chin up and researching, it sounds like you're on the right track.

Talk to you later, Todd

[SkyWest Todd]

Hi Keith,
I haven't heard from you in a while and wanted to drop you a quick email to check in and wish you a Merry Christmas! Any progress on the Pilot research? If I can be of assistance, please don't hesitate to email me.
Talk to you later, Todd

[KeithL-NJ-808]

Hey Todd, Merry Christmas to you too!

I do appreciate your continued enthusiasm in guiding me to my future career.

I am still very interested in becoming an airline pilot. I am trying hard in school to get good grades so I can go to college, and after that ATP.

I think about it a lot. I know for sure it's what I want to do.

I think I am going to start looking for a place to get my PPL. I just have to talk to my parents about it (money wise).

How much of an advantage would I have when I go to ATP already having my PPL?

Also- I know it's kind of broad but do you think you could give me a brief depiction of what its like on a day to day basis being a pilot? Is life flippin' sweet or what??