Here`s one
As previously said, get going with your PPL. Good fun flying, which is what flying ideally should be like. Instructing is also fun, for those who enjoy the challenges of teaching, but you won`t get rich. If you can finish your PPL without taking on a loan, that`s great! As you say, a lot of pilots training nowadays have to fork up big amounts just to finish the CPL. Next step is to get a job, or more experience, with about 250 hours total. 250 hours is not a lot! Ready to fork up more cash then? A lot of flightschools will more than encourage you to buy a typerating on a jet, and might help you into a 6 month contract with a lowcost carrier, defined as "line training". BTW, often you`ll have to pay for this as well. and when the 6 months are up, you`re kicked off the apron, because there`s a new "hire" with stars and shiny jets and loads of disillusion in his/her eyes. Can you now estimate the size of the loan? And... you also have to have a roff and some food and clothes and transportation
. This is Europe anyway. South Africa sounds like a much better idea. I imagine the flying is a lot more fun than just programming an FMS and autopilot. That comes later. Not everyone knows this. There`s a lot of backstabbing, as well as whining. Long periods away from home and very little social life, because your friends know you`re away most of the time, and soon won`t bother calling you up for a pint and such, because they already have figured out the answer. Status is pretty low now, huh? Pay is just slightly higher
. But it does seem you`re doing some research, and you might also do some research about the T&Cs
. But all this hardship starts the moment you have completed your CPL and need to start paying your loans.
On the other hand, if you want some status, or at least some people admiring you... you now, the people with whom you socialize? Then get your PPL and take them flying
. Often! Make an annual trip with your mates to somewhere you can fly yourself. Part of the trip is getting folks together and do some planning. Maybe you can even get one of the lads to do a PPL as well? And it`s all about stick and rudder, which at he end of the day is what is really fun about flying
As you see, there are at least 2 sides to any situation. Depends on what you make of it
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Good luck!