Hi everyone,
My name is Yoann, I’m 23 and I’m planning to become a pilot.
Originally, my plan was simply to save some money and start flight training next year or the year after, while working in France. The problem is that I don’t really enjoy my current job. So I considered applying to become a train driver in France, and then starting pilot training later on while keeping that job.
However, last winter I went to New Zealand on a Working Holiday Visa and found a really good job working for Mr Whippy. I had a great work environment and an amazing boss. I’m now back in France, but she has offered me to return and work for her for 2, 3, 4 or even 5 years, as she’s close to retirement.
So here’s my question: which path makes the most sense?
- Staying in France, becoming a train driver, then starting pilot training?
- Or going back to New Zealand, working in a country I really love, and becoming a pilot there (training also seems cheaper than in Europe)?
My main concern is my future CV. Right now I don't have much that stands out for airlines (I only have a scientific high school degree). I assume that being a train driver would give me more relevant experience in terms of safety, procedures and responsibility. But what about doing my training in NZ or Australia instead? How is the job market over there?
I should also mention another option I'm considering: going back to New Zealand, working there for 2–3 years, and then returning to France to follow the train driver → pilot pathway. This way I could enjoy living in NZ for a while, save some money, and still come back to France to build a stronger aviation-relevant profile before starting flight school.
Both paths are long-term plans over the next 5 years. If everything goes well, I would probably enter the job market as a low-hour pilot around 32 years old. Is that still considered a good age for airlines, or could it become a disadvantage?
Thanks a lot for your help and advice!
Best regards,
Yoann