Loan And Funding For Prospective Pilots In Nigeria

[Abbey Road]

I see flying as a hobby and not a job.

Okay, so you're happy to fly for free? In that case, I'm sure there are companies out there that will employ you ..... with no salary. But you will still have to qualify as a pilot first, and you will probably have to pay for that training.

[usman15gmail]

What i mean by that is i have passion for it and i will go extra miles to make the aviation industry a better place...

[MamaPut]

What i mean by that is i have passion for it and i will go extra miles to make the aviation industry a better place

If you genuinely have a passion for flying and want a sponsorship, you'd be prepared to be far more pro-active than you are now. Rivers State government has sponsored several indigenes for training both in USA and South Africa. You've already been told that Bristow sponsors pilots, but they only take graduates.

Going for a degree is not the issue but I would want you to also understand with me that what ever you have no interest in you can barely succeed and there is no joy,rather than doing what you are happy with,you will be ready to sacrifice a lot and give in your best to excel.

You don't need to be rich or come from a wealthy family. Whilst there are undoubtedly many Nigerian pilots who come from wealthy families, many also just come from ordinary families and one pilot who is with Bristow now is the son of a cook in an Aero Contractors guest house

You say you have no interest in a degree, but the majority of what you need to do to become a pilot is not just the fun of flying, it's the hard slog of studying for the ground exams: subjects like meteorology, navigation and aerodynamics, so why not study for a degree for a subject which could help you achieve what you claim is a passion (though you'd like to do it as a hobby ). Many of the Nigerian pilots who are now flying have degrees in mechanical engineering, aerodynamics, electrical engineering and similar science subjects relevant to aviation - some even have Masters degrees in Air Transport Management.

You should also learn to write in normal English, not text speak if you want any application letter to even get a consideration.

[usman15gmail]

i have also heard from your point of view sir,but talking about rivers state government sending people for pilot training,i would want you to know that they are only interested in people who are indigens of their state and would not pay a dime for anyone else...you also talked about bristow taking graduates with degree i would also want you to know that its not getting the degree alone also,but there is no guaranty of the sponsorship.you need high connections in anything you want to do in Nigeria,the system is corrupt...The rich gets richer and the poor gets poorer....I wish you can be in my shoes and view things from my side,then you know i am not joking,i am really trying my best with all the possible resources i can lay my hands on.its not just easy.....

[soggyboxers]

there is no guaranty of the sponsorship.you need high connections in anything you want to do in Nigeria,the system is corrupt...

... of there's no guarantee of sponsorship. Thousands apply and in a fair and competitive process the best get through. That's how the MD of Bristow changed course from being an engineer to being a pilot. Read what MP said; the son of an Aero cook is now a pilot with Bristow.

Everybody knows about corruption in Nigeria. However, there are thousands in every country who'd like to be pilots and never achieve their dream. I know that it's even harder in poor countries, but you can't just blame the system. You've been given some good advice here and if you follow it, get a degree, apply through the system, you still may not make it. Sadly,the reality is that although there are thousands within a passion for flying, of those there are a huge number who have no aptitude for it (and no matter how much you think you have, or how much your passion, you can't know until you either try or pass a complex co-ordination skill test) and of the rest only a lucky few will make it. If you want to be a pilot, it's always best to have a plan B

[BLUEJuice]

know what do you want first?

Oh and by the way USMAN....

You need to figure out what you want to do first.

Bristow is a Helicopter operation also known as Rotor Wing(examples: Bell, Sikorsky, Augusta Westland etc.) emphasing in contracts for the oil industry.

Air Nigeria, Arik andPartially Aero etc. Are Fixed Wing Airline operators(examples: Boeing, Airbus etc. )

The two Categories should not even be compared. As they are COMPLETELY Different altogether.

Honestly you need to have an idea of what you are dealing with.

I never wanted to touch a Helicopter until the mil. I forgot about all that mess.

[nickballack123]

USMAN

Hey bro. i really feel your pain.. becoming a pilot is really not a joke , it involve a lot of money and effort. with that said.. try gaining admission into NCAT Zaria, a least get your ppl. that should help you will selection process with the above airlines(bristow, aero) your state can then come in.. or even funds in the school can cover school fees if you make the class. but the NCAT management will not inform you .. I know guys who went to school for free as pilots in Zaria.......

[usman15gmail]

@BlueJuice,i know that already....i prefer a rotor wing than a fixed wing. and i want to be a helicopter pilot.

[eagleflier]

Usman,

Rotary wing training is almost twice as expensive as fixed wing training. Getting sponsorship will not be easy. My advise, go get a degree and Bristow will consider you. you DO NOT need connections to get into Bristow. I got selected for the cadet program without knowing anybody.
I must warn you though, not everybody can fly. I came across people in flight school who loved aviation but just couldn't make it through. Theres a lot of studying involved, some fly very well but just can't pass the exams and vice versa.
In the mean time, find something useful to do with your time while still looking for sponsorship. If you can get a non-pilot job in an airline, perfect, but that'll be hard without a degree.
I know a lot of pilots who have degrees, I can confidently say that most Nigerian pilots have university degrees. It's an added advantage and there's no such thing as wasted knowledge.
Besides that, speak to your state government.

You say flying is a hobby, we all love flying but when you work as a pilot, trust me, it becomes a chore. 6 landings in bad weather coupled with fuel delays is no joke. If I could rewind, I'd PROBABLY have worked with my Geology degree and saved up for a PPL and a Beechcraft Baron and just fly for leisure.

You need passion to survive in this industry and you seem to have it which is a good sign. I wish you the best of luck in finding a sponsor but you should realize its also possible without sponsorship. If you really love flying, explore other avenues to raise funds.go to school, get a degree, get a job, save a lotta money, get ur licenses and in the end you'll be fulfilled. You did it all by yourself.

Godspeed mate

[usman15gmail]

Thank you all and also people who sent pm's to me thank you also,most people who are not Nigerians or are not Nigerians didn't seem to understand the situation but i thank GOD that the Nigerians who commented and also sent me pm's understood how the thing works,its not like other countries...i would still welcome more advise from people who really understand how things work here in Nigeria...Thank you

[flareout BC]

Degree helpful, but not essential

In fact the bulk of pilots who flew for Nigeria Airways in the seventies were trained in Zaria.
They were admitted with "O" Levels in Maths, English, Physics, geog, and another subject (perhaps they did entry exams in addition). They were good pilots, and kept a spotless record until the mismanagement of Nig Airw and frustrations of the larger society caught up with them.
I suppose the refinements of university education can polish the attributes of a pilot, apart from earning him valuable skills. But the truth is, you can become a good pilot without one.
That increasing numbers of Nigerian operators demand one nowadays may be a reflection of the equally increasing number of new pilots asking them for work.

[5N-OSA]

Priceless advice from everyone. I be referring alot of guys to this thread.

[AS332L Pilot]

WELCOME TO THE CLUB

Nice to see all your comments, its good to share ideas. For someone aspiring to be a helicopter pilot there are a couple of ways to start your journey of a thousand miles. Begin with a bold step.
Firstly, Usman I can refer you to Landover Aviation Training School in Lagos, they have a short training program this July on Helicopter Landing Officer Course. You will learn how to direct a helicopter landing and disembark the passengers. With the certificate you can look for a job in the oil industry and or with operators in Nigeria and begin to actualise your dream. Just start from there and get in touch with helicopters and their pilots, watch the spinning rotors, hear the engine sound, watch it hover, lift and taxi. Enter the field! It is high time you stop dreaming, wake up and begin to actualise it before it fades away. You can visit the school and make enquiries I saw their advert two weeks ago and just decided to share it with you.

Secondly, if you are looking for sponsorship, getting a degree is not a bad idea. If an operator like Bristow invites you for an interview you will simply mess yourself up because you require a very sound knowledge of Mechanics, Aerodynamics and calculation to scale through. For those who argue about relevance of degree in flying, the truth remains that aviation is very dynamic; it changes like British weather. In those days with your O'Level you can still get your sponsorship and forge ahead but now in the helicopter industry your degree is essential for sponsorship but if you are self sponsored, your CPL, IFR, turbine Transition and 1000 hours will make a way for you. In this case, degree may not be necessary but you must possess the relevant qualifications, skills and attitude.

Thirdly America still remains the best country in the world for pilot training. As a permanent resident or citizen, you can easily get a student loan, go to any school of your choice out of thousands of flight schools therein. Then you do your internship after graduating from the flight school with just 300 hours. You will be able to log up to 1000 hours during this period and you can either continue your career as a Flight Instructor (during your internship you must work as a Flight Instructor) or look for job with the Operators in the Gulf of Mexico; of which Bristow (Air Logistics) is the major operator with over 100 helicopters. So don't limit your mind on Nigeria alone, Bristow is in over 13 countries spread across the globe. God will surely help you achieve your dreams. Good Luck.

[usman15gmail]

Flight Dispatching

Thank you very very much sir,i currently have purchased a form for flight dispatcher course in ZARIA which is currently on sale and the course is set to start by July 27th 2012 so that i can start from there,even if i dont end up getting a sponsor,i will work and get money to pay for my training alone.what are your views about this???please your replies are needed..Thank you

[BALEWA]

So Sad...........

Usman AS332L gave you sound advice. Starting from dispatch is a good way to achieve ur dreams..
I wish you well and God's speed...

Let's keep the mockery away from this one guys .

[usman15gmail]

Thanks to All

Thank you sir,i appreciate.i am greatful to veryone who has contributed in my topic so far,i am really happy with your advise,i will endevour to do my part now.thanks