How To... Be a Pilot?

[Scorpiоn]

When I was five I wanted to be a Paleontologist, when I was in Junior High I wanted to be a Entomologist, so when I wanted to be a pilot after I found out about flight simulation, I didn't think too much of it.  However, it's been a long time since I've even used the flight simulator, and the notion of flying an aircraft still fascinates me.  Half a year out of high school and still with no real bearing on what I direction I wish to take myself, the option that has always been too lofty, dreamy and expensive looks ever-more attractive.  Although I still remember that Air Force guy at school telling me some 3-5 out of every 100 potential pilots make it.  Fortunately I have no interest in military aviation.

I keep playing with the idea, but I'm not quite so sure it's for me.  Then again, I have no idea about the road to be a pilot.  So what exactly does it take to be a pilot? Of course 20/20 vision, but the notion of say, flying a Concorde or an F-22 isn't quite as thrilling to me as flying a Beechcraft.  I'm most worried about the education and attitude one needs.

[Hagar]

Have you done any real flying Scorp? Before considering taking it up as a career you might like to spend a few dollars on a trial lesson from your local airport. You might find that you love it or hate it. Most pilots that I know have dreamed about it all their lives & feel passionately about it. They didn't wake up one day & suddenly decide to take it up. Unless you're accepted by the military or can get sponsorship from an airline, getting a commercial licence costs a great deal of money. It can be done but only if you feel strongly enough about it to make sacrifices. If you really want to do it you will find a way.

PS. From the age of about 6 the only thing I ever wanted to do was to be a pilot. I achieved that aim & could have taken it up as a career but ended up in engineering with both feet firmly on the ground for most of the time.

[Scorpiоn]

I've been meaning to do so, but with vacation preparations I've had little time to arrange a demo flight.  I intend to make it a priority once I return from my vacation.  I made up my mind several years ago I would fly an aircraft (be it for 30 minutes ) before I drove a car.  Don't get me wrong, I didn't just decide on this on a flight of fancy (no pun intended). I've always loved flying and aircraft from the moment I set foot in one, but I never considered it as a career because of the elitist (for lack of a better word) image of pilots.  It only occurred to me when I got to seriously thinking about career paths, and I realised there are very few things I would like to vigorously pursue.

In short, I'm saying that I've always wanted to be a pilot, but I always thought that "that" could never be me.  Now I'm thinking, could that be me?

[Hagar]

I can sympathise with your predicament but find it hard to understand as there was never any doubt as to my choice of career. The only thing I ever wanted to do was to become a pilot in the RAF. Everyone knew that from a very early age & it was all I ever thought about. In the event it didn't turn out that way. I was very fortunate to get a job with the local flying club. The wages were very poor & by working all hours including every weekend & public holiday I lost touch with all my friends & had no social life to speak of. In return I got the occasional flying lesson from possibly the most experienced instuctor in the world at the time & a man I greatly admired. If I'd stayed there I would have got my instructor's ticket & been set for a career as a commercial pilot. I stuck this for 2 years & thoroughly enjoyed it but by this time I was almost 20 years old & realised that pilots jobs were scarce (as I believe they are now) & decided to concentrate on a career in engineering instead. This meant that I would still be close to my beloved aeroplanes & could still fly them if I wished, but only for the pleasure of it. This is a decision I never regretted.

[H]

I... ended up... with both feet firmly on the ground for most of the time.

What's the for most of the time in there for, Mr Gregarious?
I was into medievel and some sci-fi stories until I read The Hurricane Storyabout 6th grade. There was a small airport nearby (I was stationed at a remote site by the USAF) where I took lessons. An emotional mishap cut that short, unfortunately.

[Hagar]

What's the for most of the time in there for, Mr Gregarious?

Well I did get the occasional test flight. All part of the job & the people working on them are naturally expected to show confidence in their work by actually flying in the darned things.

PS. I could tell you a few stories about that. Most aircraft engineers can fly better than most pilots.

[beaky]

Step 1: take an intro lesson. Then ask the CFI or any other pilot hanging around the airport what they wanted to do, how they went about it, did they get what they wanted,what their future goals are, etc.
There are many flying jobs other than airline pilot or military pilot; not many pay well or have much security, but if you really want to fly as much as possible, you can prepare yourself for that gypsy lifestyle and follow your bliss.
And remember: to fly commercially, perfect eyesight and a college degree are not requirements.
 The "attitude"develops itself as you go forward with your lessons, and there are as many variations on it as there are pilots. Forget every stereotype you've seen or heard of... not all pilots are "elitist". The only things all professional pilots have in common are a love of flying and a willingness to be self-disciplined, at least when it comes to one's training.
Go for it, and ask lots of "stupid" questions- most pilots are more than happy to talk about flying- you may have trouble shutting them up!!

[beefhole]

It should be noted that anyone with a pulse and the majority of their limbs can obtain at least a PPL, so if you can muster the time and money it's definitely an excellent stepping stone, I'd tell ya to go for it

[Nexus]

I like what rottydaddy said.
"only things all professional pilots have in common are a love of flying and a willingness to be self-disciplined, at least when it comes to one's training"

With emphazis on DISCPLINE.

I can tell you that things will be tough, the CPL is basicly a 7month NON-STOP study course. Forget about time-off during weekends.
You have to be sure that this is what you want, because otherwise you will probably not make it.
I love aviation as much as anyone, and I really dont like school at times, at times I hate it  :-/

I dont want to step on anyone's toes, but aviation is not for everybody. People who are like "Oh, maybe I should try to be a pilot, that looks fun" wont make it. You need the right mentality, and attitude. And to have the Class 1 medical ofcourse.  :)

[Hagar]

[quote]I dont want to step on anyone's toes, but aviation is not for everybody. People who are like "Oh, maybe I should try to be a pilot, that looks fun" wont make it. You need the right mentality, and attitude. And to have the Class 1 medical ofcourse.

[TacitBlue]

For as long as I can remember I have simply wanted to fly airplanes. I don't care about having an aviation career, or flying for an airline, I just want to fly. Until last May I was in the same situation. My advice to you is: If you want to fly, then do it. Go take that introductory flight, see how you like it. On the off chance that you don't like it, then no harm done, but if (and when) you do, then sign up for lessons. As Rotty said, talk to pilots, or your instructor and find out what it takes to be a commercial pilot. Don't be dicourraged. You can do anything if you put your mind to it.

[Boss_BlueAngels]

Hagar... we have similar backgrounds... I too was one that was completely obsessed with military aviation and always sort of knew that was what I was going to do.  Well, things have changed and grades have suffered. haha  


I agree with what everyone else said.  Success in aviation is absolute attention to  detail and perfection.  There are times when it is frustrating as heck, but it is also extremely rewarding.  I mean, I love the fact I can call up the airport, and go get in an airplane, and fly virtually anywhere I want, almost whenever I want.  It is truely an amazing gift.  And nearly every lesson I've learned through aviation is applicable to every day life.

Give the intro flight a try and see if that isn't for you.  

[Brett_Henderson]

I don't want to start a thread with the dirty word "insurance" in the topic line.. So this seems a good place to insert this data.

I've been flying on and off for a 1/4 century now.. quite a lot in the last two years. Many things have changed over the years.. most of them good, technological and safety related. I'll make this brief and you'all can do your own research:

It used to be that a plane owner (club, school or FBO) insured his plane AND ANY renter for any damage the plane or said renter might cause, to that plane or anything or person damaged/injured... and then simply passed that expense on, reflected in the hourly rental rate. When you rented a plane.. you also paid for your share of insurance.. damage AND liability. This is not true anymore and after calling several FBOs and flight schools.. I'm learning that it's GA's dirty little secret.

Most plane owners insure themselves and their aircraft on THEIR behalf. Protecting themselves and their investment. You would be told to take out a "non owner" (renter) policy to cover their deductible on the plane itself and cover YOU for liability in case you crash into someone's house or injure a passenger.. or damage other aircraft or airport stuff.

The key word nowadays is: "waiver of subrogation"

Today.. only one in ten schools/clubs/FBOs

[TacitBlue]

...you as a renter flying naked.

I always fly naked, I find it very liberating...

In all seriousness though, I hadn't even thought about insurance. I'll definately make it a point to ask my instructor about it as he would be the one to handle all of that. It's a very small airport owned and operated by one guy.

[Scorpiоn]

Many thanks for that info Brett, I'll be sure to keep that in mind when I go calling up for an intro. I'm not exactly in a position to dish out $80,000!  Considering wherever I intro will probably be where I pursure my PPL (if I do).

Don't get me wrong; I have no illusions of grandeur, and I have no real desire to fly commercially.  If it was the only way to fly, I'd do it in a heartbeat. (I can not say the same about military aviation) While I'm sure some captains and aircraft pilots put it out of their minds, I cannot help to think that I'd be overwhelmed with the responsibility of that many souls in my hands.  All I really hope to do is fly.  That's it.