MrToast
24th Jun 2016, 16:44
Guys, please help me out! Acute life crisis going on here!
I’m turning 24 this summer, currently studying Marketing & Sales in Vienna, Austria.
Always been fascinated by Aviation. Applied at Lufthansa and Swiss (back when they still paid the whole training), made it until the last round of the assessment center but not further.
So at least I know I’m not stupid, good logical/technical understanding, fit for the job etc.)
My biggest “problem”: I’m not one of those guys who are ONLY passionate about flying and know that’s the one and only way and nothing else.
Don’t get me wrong, I get excited every time I get close to an airport, I love the technology behind it and I can totally imagine doing it as a job.
But I also enjoy selling stuff (as in entrepreneurship), web development (i have a little company doing websites), photography (doing it as a part-time job), online marketing…..nothing I can imagine though doing for my whole life.
Now, my brother is an EK A380 FO for 2 years now, loves it. Loves dubai, loves “all the free time and huge wages”.
He’s really putting a lot of pressure on me to “finally start pilot training, not waste another minute or it will be too late and you’ll be too old to even get a job and then would never get an upgrade anyway because seniority is everything yadayada”.
Due to his enthusiasm it’s hard to get an honest opinion out of him though, that’s why I’m posting here.
My plan would be to finish my bachelors degree first, cause a degree certainly can’t harm, even as a pilot. then execute my flight training in Florida. seems to be cheaper and faster than in Europe.
Then get a job in europe. Wizz Air or Ryanair. Then, after 2000-3000h changing to Emirates. Hopefully A380.
I came here to find an honest, unbiased opinion.
- How realistic is that career path?
- I would be 27 by the time I receive my frozen ATPL license. too old for ryanair etc.? (as in “does it matter at all?”… I know there are 32 year-olds who got a job)
- Are florida flight schools (e.g. florida flyers) just as good as european ones? does it matter? Of course I’m aware that a big part of the success depends on my preparations and motivation.
Is Emirates really as ****ty as lots of people portray it on this forum?
I’ve been to Dubai (2 weeks only). not my kind of place, especially coming from beautiful Austria. but so far thought: “well that’s the sacrifices I have to make to work at best airline with the best benefits yey”.
(for a 30yo single guy who loves exploring countries and hates superficial conversations and laying on the beach for >5 days lets say)
How big is the difference btw 777 and 380?
- after reading this post, do you get the feeling “pilot” might not be the right job for me? is it not as glamorous as I might imagine it?
When I see a big crew rushing through the airport I always hold my breath! that must mean something!
Ok, long post. big thanks already if you made it this far.
I’m SO appreciating any response on the topic! I assume I’m not the only dude in this situation, so let’s bring uncertain newbies and experienced pros together.
Thanks! :rolleyes:
I’m turning 24 this summer, currently studying Marketing & Sales in Vienna, Austria.
Always been fascinated by Aviation. Applied at Lufthansa and Swiss (back when they still paid the whole training), made it until the last round of the assessment center but not further.
So at least I know I’m not stupid, good logical/technical understanding, fit for the job etc.)
My biggest “problem”: I’m not one of those guys who are ONLY passionate about flying and know that’s the one and only way and nothing else.
Don’t get me wrong, I get excited every time I get close to an airport, I love the technology behind it and I can totally imagine doing it as a job.
But I also enjoy selling stuff (as in entrepreneurship), web development (i have a little company doing websites), photography (doing it as a part-time job), online marketing…..nothing I can imagine though doing for my whole life.
Now, my brother is an EK A380 FO for 2 years now, loves it. Loves dubai, loves “all the free time and huge wages”.
He’s really putting a lot of pressure on me to “finally start pilot training, not waste another minute or it will be too late and you’ll be too old to even get a job and then would never get an upgrade anyway because seniority is everything yadayada”.
Due to his enthusiasm it’s hard to get an honest opinion out of him though, that’s why I’m posting here.
My plan would be to finish my bachelors degree first, cause a degree certainly can’t harm, even as a pilot. then execute my flight training in Florida. seems to be cheaper and faster than in Europe.
Then get a job in europe. Wizz Air or Ryanair. Then, after 2000-3000h changing to Emirates. Hopefully A380.
I came here to find an honest, unbiased opinion.
- How realistic is that career path?
- I would be 27 by the time I receive my frozen ATPL license. too old for ryanair etc.? (as in “does it matter at all?”… I know there are 32 year-olds who got a job)
- Are florida flight schools (e.g. florida flyers) just as good as european ones? does it matter? Of course I’m aware that a big part of the success depends on my preparations and motivation.
Is Emirates really as ****ty as lots of people portray it on this forum?
I’ve been to Dubai (2 weeks only). not my kind of place, especially coming from beautiful Austria. but so far thought: “well that’s the sacrifices I have to make to work at best airline with the best benefits yey”.
(for a 30yo single guy who loves exploring countries and hates superficial conversations and laying on the beach for >5 days lets say)
How big is the difference btw 777 and 380?
- after reading this post, do you get the feeling “pilot” might not be the right job for me? is it not as glamorous as I might imagine it?
When I see a big crew rushing through the airport I always hold my breath! that must mean something!
Ok, long post. big thanks already if you made it this far.
I’m SO appreciating any response on the topic! I assume I’m not the only dude in this situation, so let’s bring uncertain newbies and experienced pros together.
Thanks! :rolleyes: