DREAM

[andrewgeorge60]

Hi folks, its my life long dream to become a commercial pilot for an airline company.  I'm 18 and dont have enough money to spend on frequent lessons.  

I go on flight simulator every day, and ive become obsessed.  I live in england....

Does anyone have any ideas, or what directions i should go, in order to accomplish this dream....

Its not about money or lifestyle, i would do this job for next to no wage....

Any ideas would be greatfull, and thanks...

ANDY

[Craig.]

Do what we all have to do when we cant afford it.
Start out by going to college. then look out for sponsorship schemes. The other option is always the airforce. free training, a job for years and then you'll be near the top of the list for commercial jobs hen you leave.

[jrpilot]

If you go to a college, go to one and get a 4 year degree, better if not aviation related but doesn't matter.  Also ask if the school has an aviation area.  The school I am going to has a course for pilots where I will graduate a CFI.  From there I will become a MEI and hopefully get a job at the flight school or corporate job and gain hours.

[andrewgeorge60]

Thanks people, your help is much appreciated

[Rocket_Bird]

The way im doing it, and im sure im probably as poor as the poor can get here.  I just keep working, and put that paycheck into flying.  I mean, im doing it differently, first off, theres no real good/cheap pilot option for me here in terms of college.  I finished college as an aircraft maintenance engineer (maybe that helps when I get my commercial=  ??? dunno), but im really exploring my options cuz i don't know what to do yet.  The options given out by Craig and jr works too.  

Just plan ahead, plan your funding, and go for it.  Theres many routes you can take.  :)

-Andy (same name lol)

[TacitBlue]

I don't want to be an airline pilot, but I am working on my PPL. The way I do it is basically what RocketBird said. Work, save, work. I managed to find the lowest cost CFI in my area ($60/hour= gas, oil, plane rental, CFIs time) and I watch my spending. I have to sacrifice a little, but to me the privilege of flying is well worth it.

[jrpilot]

My flight instructor and teacher told me not to wait and let it pass up, do what you want, since you may never get to do it.  Since aviation is my life I am going to go $30,000-$35,000 in debt for college to reach this goal.  The way I look at it is although aviation is NEVER a guarantee if I start young then the better chance I have on making it to the bigger airlines and aircraft such as being a B777 captain.  Aviation has its high and low times.

[beefhole]

I really am placing a lot on flying in the airforce, because I really don't want to come up the civilian way.  But for me, if I do have to go civilian, I always have mommy and daddy to fall back on when I run out of money, a luxury that I know many people don't have.

[C]

I'm feeling pretty low at the moment because of it but I'm going to write to airlines like BA and Easyjet to see if they can help with training schemes and such, not sure what sponsorship schemes are available but dunno

Hard to come across nowadays. I'm fairly sure BA may have pulled there scheme altogether. The last I remember seeing was the CTC MacAlpine scheme (EasyJet, Thompson/Brittania) and I think FlyBe still may run the scheme in coinjunction with Cabair every now and then.

[andrewgeorge60]

Thanks folks, like i said before, the info really is helpful.  I think il b taking the sponsorship route, thanks again.

Would it be best to just send a C.V. And a covering letter, or is there a special form to fill in, to request sponsorship.

Andy