higney85
7th Mar 2003, 01:45
Hey guys and gals this is my first post on the forum so i may stumble over search criteria but im sorry. A short background: Im 17, senior in HS, Have my private and and working on the instrument. Have about 60 hours total time right now and am flying under part 141. My goal is to fly for fedex, my dad is a fedex MD-11 captain and i must say that i definately want to do the same. He went the air force route though and I am pursuing the civilian way. I have been accepted the MTSU and should hear back at the end of the month if i recieved a flight lab for the commercial slot this upcoming fall. This is where my question stems from. I have a 3.0GPA which is above minimums but it does not assure me of a flight spot. In the event that I do not recieve a flight spot I am really debating going to the local state university and getting a business degree and getting my commercial, multi, CFI, CFII, and MEI this summer/fall and having all my ratings by the turn into 2004. Ill be 18 and would try and get to instruct at the place where I have been working on my ratings (i would get all my ratings from this place). I really am having a hard time deciding which path to go if I dont recieve a flight spot for the fall. MTSU is very reputable but wouldnt it be just as good to get my ratings earlier and build up time- even if just instructing? I would be able to get my 4-year degree in 3 years (summer classes) and be 21 with hours, 4-year degree, and all the ratings. How did some of yall build up time and such? Im sorry if this is a stupid question but im wondering if actual hours or a rep is more important.
FlyingForFun
7th Mar 2003, 08:03
Higney,
First of all, welcome to PPRuNe!
Your post will probably get a better response on the Wannabes forum. Private Flying is just that - guys who fly around at the weekend for fun. Anything to do with wanting to get paid to fly really belongs in Wannabes. But since many Wannabes also fly for fun, there's plenty of overlap.
Here are a couple of general pointers. Yes, you definitely should get a degree, absolutely no question at all. What if you just can't get a flying job? There are very few of them around at the moment, and thousands of qualified pilots are without jobs. Or what if it gets taken out of your hands completely - for example, if you lose your medical? Then you will have no choice but to find another career. Aviation is very unforgiving, and, with your whole life ahead of you, you'd be stupid not to have a backup plan. Besides which, with the possibility of war looming, and recovery from September 11th not yet complete, there's a good chance that the market will improve in a few years time - just as you're finishing your degree.
You wondered whether actual time or rep is more important. The answer is that for a particular position, there will be minimum requirements. If you want to fly for FedEx, you should find out what their requirements are as one of your priorities. There's absolutely no point applying to them until you meet those requirements - and you might have to instruct or do banner-towing or whatever other work you can find until you meet the requirements. Once you've got the necessary hours, though, knowing someone within the company is the single most important thing in getting a job - and having your dad work as a captain will definitely count in your favour.
Good luck - but remember there's no rush, not with the way the market is at the moment!
FFF
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