Simviation Forums

Let me introduce myself, I am 16 years old from Northern New Jersey (USA), and I have a Dream!

I will, no matter what it takes, become a Professional Airline Pilot! I am dedicated and willing to spend the rest of my LIFE chasing that dream! My plan is to go to a good - no GREAT aviation college, I've already been looking at a few, but my primary state I would love to go to is Flordia, because I know that is a pilots paradise! Next year is my senior year in highschool, I am an honor-roll student, I've taken my SAT's, and I will be taking flight lessons this summer! If any experience pilots, or just any aviation buffs can give me any usefull advice that I can really use to persue my dream, I would really appreciate it  :D I look up to each and every pilot, because I hope to see my self in their shoes in the future!

First thing I'd advise you to do is to find a commercial pilots' forum, and seek advice there, if you haven't already.

Not being even a commercial ticket holder, let alone an ATP, I'm not the best source of advice, but what I've gathered from airline pilots is that it's not really the reputation of the college, or even a degree related to aviation, that will get you where you want to be. In fact, a degree in something completely different is a wise choice, because airline flying is not exactly the most secure career going nowadays.

[quote]First thing I'd advise you to do is to find a commercial pilots' forum, and seek advice there, if you haven't already.

Not being even a commercial ticket holder, let alone an ATP, I'm not the best source of advice, but what I've gathered from airline pilots is that it's not really the reputation of the college, or even a degree related to aviation, that will get you where you want to be. In fact, a degree in something completely different is a wise choice, because airline flying is not exactly the most secure career going nowadays.

have fun, chase your dreams and dont let anyone tell you it cant be done.

because it can.

Just know what your getting yourself into... the profession is not what its cracked up to be  :-/

I've been attending TSTC (Texas State Technical College in Waco) for a year now, learning to fly.  I will tell you that it has the best program for pilot training in the state.  Baylor sends it's students to us for training.  If you're at all interested in living in Texas, you should go here.  However, if you can somehow manage it, definitely go to Florida.  One of my instructors spent some time there getting his CFI, and said it was one of the best times in his life.  However, living expenses are a bit on the steep side.

Every airline I have heard of requires a bachelor's degree (4 year study) in ANY field.  It could be Basket Weaving, they won't care.

As for how to support yourself while trying to get interviews and getting your bachelor's, you would be surprised at the number of jobs available to someone with a private license, especially once you get your multi-engine rating.

[quote]I've been attending TSTC (Texas State Technical College in Waco) for a year now, learning to fly.

[quote]I've been attending TSTC (Texas State Technical College in Waco) for a year now, learning to fly.

Just become an instructor, and deliver pizza part time.

You'll get paid to fly.. have a healthy schedule, and make more money.
(I'm not kidding)

Great Luck on your dream!!

Here is a pilot forum I go on all the time.  
http://www.airlinepilotforums.com/

Cory

If you really want to go through the motions of becoming a commercial pilot, check out the County College of Morris. They offer a great two-year aviation program, credits are transferable to most four-year schools, and they fly out of MMU. If you're willing to commute from Newark to Randolph, it's a great way to start flying and get your foot in the door without a commitment of going to a four-year school. And the price tag.

wow, I have to go check that out..

I just signed up to get some info on taking my first flight lessons this summer at Essex County Airport in caldwell

I just signed up to get some info on taking my first flight lessons this summer at Essex County Airport in caldwell

I'll likely see you around then. I work at Avantair at CDW.

I just signed up to get some info on taking my first flight lessons this summer at Essex County Airport in caldwell

I'll likely see you around then. I work at Avantair at CDW.

Oh, alright awesome! I think the school name is Century Air if im not mistaken

Jersey, I was an airline pilot for 10 years up until last summer.  If you want to know a bit more about "living the dream", send me a PM.  I also attended a 4 year aviation program.  

[quote]

Every airline I have heard of requires a bachelor's degree (4 year study) in ANY field.