18 year old student pilot in need of career advice

[Alchemy]

Hello, I just graduated form High School and as a gift my parents bought me flying lessons at the local airport. Well I was never sure about what I wanted to do for the rest of my life until now. I cannot believe anyone could get paid to do something this fun. Although I currently only have about 10 hours dual and 10 hours solo toward my private liscense, I'm very interested in taking this all the way (becoming a professional). In about three weeks I begin college @ The University of Texas at Austin.

My main question is: At this university, is a degree in aeronautical engineering my best bet if I wish to pursue a career in aviation?

Would a degree from UT be seen as a plus by potential employers, (airlines etc) or should I consider transferring to a more aviation specialized college (I'd like to stay at UT if possible, but if not I'm willing to transfer). What should I look to major in?

I've been looking at the requirements that major airlines have for those who wish to obtain an iterview for flight officer, and massive amounts of flying time and numerous type ratings are necessary. Where and how do I get information about obtaining these credentials? What kind of a time commitment after my four year college degree should I expect?

Please refer me to any usefull sites you know, people I might be able to contact, etc.
Basically I just want an idea of what the best way to become an airline pilot is.

Any information is greatly appreciated!

[ 02 August 2001: Message edited by: Alchemy ]

[scroggs]

Alchemy,
the vast majority of Ppruners on this forum are Brits, and the US system differs a fair bit from ours, but I'll try and set you in the right direction.
As far as I understand it, a degree is a prerequisite for employment as a pilot with a US major. If engineering is your thing, then an aeronautical engineering degree would be just fine. However, I believe that there are a number of schools in the States that offer degrees in aviation and will take you through to a FAA ATPL as part of the course. You could try internet searches for the Pan-Am College, and Embury-Riddle (sp?) at Daytona for starters. I'm sure that the huge number of Brit hour-builders with US experience will come up with more!
I would advise that you do a lot of looking around before you make your decision, and ask around those who've tried the various schools for their opinions.
I also believe that the road to a B777 flight deck is somewhat longer in the US than in Europe, primarily because of the huge number of feeder lines you have, whose cockpits need filling! Pay on these lower rungs is pretty poor, which is what the Comair dispute was all about last month. Have a good look round with your eyes open, and make sure that you are prepared for the somewhat rocky road ahead.
One last thing, and this doesn't get mentioned very often. Light aircraft flying is great fun - that's why many airline pilots still do it. As you go up the ladder, the fun element gets subsumed into the overall professional experience. Flying a big jet is, at times, damn hard work, and at other times very boring. Once in a long while it's actually fun, but it bears little relation to what you do in your Cessna. I do wonder if sometimes some people (including some of our senior training captains!) would enjoy themselves more if they stuck to flying light aircraft and didn't bother with that career ladder to ever-more financial reward and ever-less fun? Worth thinking about! ;)

[nz_1nz]

My situation is similar above - I have NZ qualifications but am keen to go to States or Canada but not sure where to go.

I would like to come back to NZ later, fly overseas now while I am still young. :)

[Alchemy]

Whoops, I did not realize this was a primarily british Forum. Thank you very much for the reply, scroggs. It is very fun flying the cessna 172, but I realize that becoming a professional would be an arduous task. At this point, it still looks far more appealing than any other career option I can think of, especially since I keep hearing all the reports about upcoming pilot shortages due to retirement here in the states.

Does anyone know of any US forums similair to this one where my search for information might be better carried out?

[Iain]

Hey Buddy,
In the US what degree you get and where you get it really is not important. All that matters is on the application you can put an 'x' by college degree. I suggest doing something apart from aviation because if you do lose your medical or just want a career change later in life you have something to fall back on.
Basically the way it works in the US is you work up to your Instructor rating. Currently you need 1000TT and a 100 ME to be hired by a regional, and people generally fly for them for 2-5 years before moving onto the majors.
Once you have your degree and your CFI, inbstructing will be your job and the biggest effect that will have on you is you will only be making a tiny amount of money ($10 a flying hour, no flying no pay!).
There is a great site about becoming an airline pilot in US. Unfortunately I got an ear full last time I post the link, so send us a quick email ([email protected] <---big hint!), and I will send it to you. It will certainly answer your questions!
Iain

[scroggs]

Alchemy,
this forum's for anyone who wants to use it! It just happens to be run by Brits, and the majority of the users of this Forum are Brits, although that's not necessarily true of Rumours and News, for instance. Many of the British Wannabes carry out at least part of their training in the US, and may well be familiar with some of the schools you're interested in. Hopefully, some of them will come in with some useful info!