The Dream - How realistic?

[Muser]

I'm currently going into my last year of school and will, hopefully, be applying to aviational universities throughout the US. I currently have dual nationality, American and Egyptian.

I always thought that hopefully after university and racking up flight hours in the states I would come back to Egypt with my degree and use my connections to get a job flying for Egypt Air.

Since I am still young and otherwise have little information when it comes to the inside of the Aviational world, I'd like to ask if this sounds like a plausible plan or if this is just wishful thinking.

Any replies would be greatly appreciated, and if you need any more information to answer properly I would glady provide. Cheers!

[chongololo]

Well at least it's a plan, you have to start somewhere. Now you just have to do your research and work out the fine details to see if your plan will work out for you.
How will you fund your training? What are Egypt air's requirements? etc, etc.
Good luck.

[Muser]

Cheers, I was actually hoping maybe someone here could help me out with that. Struggling to find any information when it comes to Egypt Air and their hiring of pilots :confused:

[wangus]

Muser,
Look for a cadet program with one of the Middle east airlines. Check out FLIGHT publication every month. Getting a first job nowadays with a fresh licence is like winning a lottery. Yes somebody will, but the odds are against you. Saudi Arabian is recruiting now, for example. I believe F/O requirements are around 2500 hours with 1000 on glass-cockpit mulit-crew, jet.
I work in the industry, and I'm not convinced an aviation degree will help you. All management of airlines and handling agents have worked their way up through the ranks. Not things you'll learn in a classroom I'm afraid.
Chase the dream, but be aware that it's difficult. I've been job hunting for nearly two years with not a SINGLE interview. Add that to 4 years training (I worked full-time) and I've spent 6 years I'll never get back. I would actually go back in time and never do it given the choice.
I was unrealistic expecting to get a job straight away. I think most of us are. Most students leaving flight schools think there's a job waiting. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Have a plan B.
I'm not trying to be negative, just want you to have your eyes wide open!!!!!

[powdermonkey]

Yes it IS hard, but remember it can and does happen! Some have to wait a long time for a first job, some work their way from commercial flights on light twins etc etc. I was lucky and got 2 interviews within 2 months of finishing my training ( MCC) BUT I had friends in the industry. One made a call for me and I got the call within 10 mins the other interview was because I worked for the company on the ground as baggage handler and then check-in/boarding agent, I got to know the faces in the company and the chief pilot was one of my MCC instructors, so when a position became available, I got called. I was lucky in one sense as at the time the industry was in full swing a couple of years ago, but I also made sure that I was in a position to get to know people. Never thought until I did my first line flight that I would ever be a pilot, even after completing the type rating course for the airline!!! However when the industry is bad.....its REALLY bad! By the time you finish hopefully the upturn will be in full swing! As far as getting a degree...well it's not a must, and if you have the time and the money and the dedication then by all means, but it will take you a couple of years to get all your pilot licences together....I know aircraft engineers who fell right back into that role when they lost their jobs flying and so were able to keep working and supporting families so having something else is not a bad thing! Good luck