Originally Posted by
Emil Veliyev
Hello,
I am a Georgian citizen currently living in Azerbaijan and aspiring to become a pilot. I am very passionate about aviation but have some concerns and questions due to my situation. I would greatly appreciate insights from experienced pilots or aspiring ones, especially regarding the following:
1. What is the biggest motivation for choosing a career as a pilot?
What inspired you the most when starting your career?
2. What are the main challenges of being a pilot?
Are there any significant difficulties I should know before choosing this profession?
3. How high is the unemployment rate among pilots?
Do you think it’s really hard to find a job at an airline?
4. How does being a foreign citizen impact the chances of finding a pilot job?
As someone without citizenship in the countries where I may apply, is it harder to be hired?
Are there airlines that are more open to hiring foreign pilots?
5. What is the process like for a newly graduated pilot to find a job?
Is it possible to get hired immediately after graduation, or does it take a long time?
6. Which licenses and training are most advantageous in aviation?
Do you have recommendations about CPL, ATPL, or other certifications?
7. What skills are important for someone who wants to become an international pilot?
Especially regarding language proficiency, simulation experience, or other aspects?
8. What would you suggest to someone torn between computer engineering and pilot training?
How should I make a decision between these two careers?
Your responses would be incredibly valuable to me as I try to shape my future career, especially in understanding how to navigate potential challenges as a foreign pilot.
Thank you in advance!
Best regards,
Emil
Where do you want do you want to be a pilot? If you do not have citizenship/working rights then that would be hurdle number 1 to figure out.
finding a job can be very very difficult even with those rights. Do not expect to be hired at the airlines straight away, it could take years after training maybe never. Be prepared to be a flight instructor for your career or at least for a very long time. Some people may dismiss this - they will tell you they got jobs quickly or only after a couple of years. Read up on survivorship bias.
Also do not listen to anyone that suggests there is a “pilot shortage.” There may be for very very experienced pilots but not for you. Flight Schools and the press always trot this out - it’s not true and is designed to get you excited to spend money.
and that all said I do not recommend it at all. There are lots of industries that actually want people. Aviation is not one of them. Supply and Demand. If they needed you, you would not have to pay 100k€ for the pleasure.
But if you are determined to do it anyway, Like rudestuff suggested I would go into a more in-demand field to save money first. Get yourself secure enough where you can save for training and if changing jobs would be worth it to be a flight instructor your whole career.