Hi everyone,
I'm a 25-year-old lawyer from Kyiv, Ukraine, seeking guidance from commercial pilots regarding my aviation career aspirations. Here's a bit about my background:
I've been working concurrently at one of Ukraine's major UAV (drone) manufacturers and a US-based IT company. Over the past couple of years, I've been earning between $2,000 to $3,000 per month. While this may not seem like much, it's higher than the average salary in Ukraine, which hovers around $500, especially amidst the ongoing full-scale invasion by ruzzia.
Ever since my childhood, I've held a fascination for aviation, dating back to when my grandfather introduced me to an Aircraft Modeling Club at the age of 12. We built free-flying and remote-control models, and those memories have stayed with me. However, like many teenagers, I didn't give my future career much thought at the age of 16, and I ended up pursuing a conventional path as a lawyer.
It became clear to me a while ago that practicing law wasn't my true passion, and I began contemplating a career change. While working in the design department of a drone manufacturer as a patent lawyer, I got to know people who were deeply passionate about aviation. During this time, I also delved into the theory of aerodynamics, UAV mechanics, engines, and more. I realized that aviation is a field that genuinely interests me, and I'm willing to pursue it at any cost, even if it means starting from scratch. I've gathered a wealth of public information about a career as a commercial pilot and recognized that I need a strong desire to learn (which I possess) and approximately $100,000 for training in the US or the EU. This is a substantial amount for me, especially given the challenging economic situation and ongoing war. Securing a loan on favorable terms here is currently unrealistic, and accumulating such funds in my current role would be exceptionally difficult.
The sole viable option that comes to mind is to consider working as a truck driver in the US for a few years to save up for my aviation education and living expenses. This is a rather unconventional decision for me, as it would mean trading my warm office for a truck cabin. Furthermore, the US trucking industry is also facing its share of challenges, so there's no guarantee I'll be able to amass the necessary funds. Nevertheless, I'm more willing to make this sacrifice if I have a clear understanding of the prospects of changing my career to something I'm genuinely passionate about.
I would greatly appreciate the community's input on my thoughts, particularly regarding:
- Should I pursue aviation training in the EU or the US, considering that I do not have a green card and am unlikely to work in the US after graduation?
- What options are available in the EU after obtaining a CPL, aside from becoming an instructor? What is generally the most cost-effective and high-quality path?
- Am I correct in understanding that working in the EU may not necessarily require accumulating 1,500 hours to secure a job in the airline industry?
- How much money should I realistically budget to go from zero to my first job in the aviation industry in the EU?
I extend my gratitude in advance for any valuable information, constructive criticism, and general advice, and I wish all of you peace during these turbulent times.