When did you start your training, and where are you at now?
 

For some reason i'm feeling quite survey-frenzy today ;)

When did you start your pilot training? and Where are you at now? (ie flying 737 for xxx airline)

I'm 25 now, and for some odd reason I am starting to feel too old to start my journey into this industry :S

energie, does it matter? What counts is you not everyone else! You have to weigh up the eventual benefits against the costs of getting yourself there. At the moment it seems the Canadian industry is in great doldrums benefits-wise, and that should be included in your deliberations, but better to make your own decisions based on you rather than draw too much on experience that is probably irrelevant to you.

Depends
 

Hi there
Well if thats the case folks like me should rather pack my bags and go. I've been involved in aviation for 18 years now, started when I was 18 and am a licenced aircraft engineer who didn't have the money or a rich dad, I only started flying when I was 26- finished my PPL over 4 years, I was told these words by a fellow "just fly, dont worry about the hours, they will eventually come" that is exactly what I did. I am now 36 and am writing my last ATPL subjects. As for work prospects well I have close to a 1000 hours now and being involved in maintenance I have been lucky getting hours, but never the less I'm living a dream. I am now currently unemployed as I have taken some time off to study and complete the exams.

What you must bear in mind, the aviation industry is full of surprises, there are various ways to get to your goals. Not all pilots start flying with the Airlines. Easy jet are amoung a few who take on low hour pilots amongs others, alot come out of the the charter industry. I met pilots who fly for the airlines who were crop sprayer's and lots more that were bush pilots. Airlines employ pilots up to the age of 45+. Its demands, a shortage of pilots and they shake the tree and if you fall out with the right hours they will employ you.

Aviation is a demanding job, and alot of folks dont realise it, if you dont like learning, well you not going to have alot of fun being a pilot. Once you start you will never stop, its like you never left school, there are always exams to write, getting new ratings on your licence and flight tests not to mention the costs. Aviation is a bottomless pit, you will pour alot of money in and it never ends. It boils down to spending a large fortune to make a small fortune,but the rewards, I'm sure alot of pilots will agree are worth every penny right down to the last cent.

I think if you read up you will find that being a pilot, it seldom happens where you just get a lucky break, but some do. Most have to go the long way, I am in no way trying to discourage you, merely trying to show you and highlight some of the pro's and cons. At 25 you still young and you have alot of flying ahead, I wouldn't give up so easily, if you really want to fly you will make a go of it, but bear in mind it takes alot to get to the top.


Have fun and enjoy your wings

Got my JAA CPL/FI at the tender age of 46, FAA CPL/multi/IR the year before. Doing my JAA IR and IRI this year, am now 49. I wanted to fly from the age of 9 but allowed various diversions to be too effective.

Bottom line- if you want to do it enough you will, if not the flying world will get on fine without you! Who's loss?

PF

Not sure of your goals as a pilot but if you enjoy flying I'd say go for it, if you are a highly motivated type you can move up quickly, I am kind of a lazy type and still managed through the years, can't remember a flying job I didn't like!:ok:

Do as much networking as possible, aviation is a very small world.

energie!

just go for it!
are U kidding? not to say that You may be too young but definitely (!) not too old, young bloke.
a friend of mine started his aviation carrer at the age of 32 with PPL and through his 30ies became ATP for some carier operating turboprops in Europe.He is the cpt now as far as I know ( haven't heard from him for 2 years or so).

stop pullin' our legs and move Your a....s.
good luck!

Sorry guys.

Enough fishing for comforting words from me. I'll tackle these licenses one at a time! or by selling a limb at a time :)

but i have to say, it's nice to hear success cases, so keep them coming if you don't mind sharing!

1957 Scottish Flying Club, Perth, DH82A Tiger Moth. Just about to retire after almost 50 years of productive flying and I would do every minute of it all over again.

If you really want to do it then get out there and bl**dy well do it whatever it takes! Good luck.

I started flying at the age of 27 and after 10 years, I am now flying right seat on the 744 for a major airline in Asia. It's never too late, but I felt the same way when I was doing my commercial pilot training, I remember telling my instructor not to give me extra lessons because I don't have much time to waste. :)

Hey start4&3,

Just curious where in Asia are you a pilot? ive always have a dream of flying in asia in the future. Would you say ill have the opportunity after i finish my integrated course?

Thanks

energie

I didn't graduate from uni till I was 24 and then spent 5 years in an office job! Did my PPL in 2000 (age 29) and went on (after selling everything I owned - and then some) to get my fATPL in 2002. Did an FI course and some instructing in 03 before RHS with regional operator. Now RHS 757 with large charter company and lovin it!!!:D

If only I'd started at 25!!!:rolleyes:

W-S

I fly for a major airline in Taiwan and my airline currently hire expat pilots with lots of experience; average total time of 4,000hours with some jet time.

25 eh? Well I started my training at 25, and I'm 26 now and almost finished the course! (Cabair integrated student) ... Get out there and go for it! HSBC may pull the Professional Studies loan, so be quick! They may have already pulled it but worth a look or a chat with a local aviation friendly branch. i.e. Bedford or the central Oxford branch.

Sky

That's great. it looks like after finishing the Cabair program, you will have your CPL + IR right? what's your next step?

Got my CPL at 26.....first flying job at 30 (with 430 hours)...first job was bush flying in Oz(flew 182,206,PN68 and BN2), did that for 2.5 years.......then Caribbean for 9 months(flew 402/Aztec/Seneca)....now at 36 I am Captain on a Beech 1900 in the Middle East with over 4000 Hours.
Every job I had I knocked on the door. It took me 4 years post training to get my first job and in that time I spent every penny I had on flying/gaining hours......so dont give up!

Started PPL in 1997, age 29. Now 737 Left Seat wth Thomsonfly having previously been 757 rated with jmc, then Air 2000 and DHL before joining Britannia on 757 and 767 before moving to the left seat last summer. The 'full monty' story of my journey through training is a sticky on the Professional Pilot Training forum.

It can be done and you are younger than most starting out on this road!!

Good luck

PP

PPL in NZ 1991...CPL NZ 1996..flew the Bandierante, stopped flying went to university..emmigrated to the UK in 2000, converted licenses in 2002, Got a job flying B200, then full time C208, now right seat B757 ATPL...767 course on the horizon, and job offers all over the place:} !

Haughtney1, we must be related! Did my PPL in NZ early 90's, went to University and continued flying completeing CPL/IR and FIR in '96. Did a bit of instructing and flew a C208B ad hoc, emigrated to U.K. in '98. Spent 2 years converting licenses (couldn't afford to do it any faster), instructed for a year after that, now a Training Captain on a B737-800. My how things change!

Yeah!!

You probably grew up down the street from me:}

Yep! You finish the course with a CPL + IR (with a multi-engine rating Only), and an MCC course. You can't go wrong with any of the major flying schools really, as they're all top notch. One thing that helped me with the ground exams was a login to Bristol Groundschool (http://213.48.96.23/atponline/jalo/index.asp. The feedback there is excellent, and *mostly* correct. It's my understanding that the Oxford feedback cd has been updated to fix some errors in my older cd, so that wasn't as useful to me personally.

I will be adding the single engine rating to my license, as it's not included in the package. That will let me do the normal single jo-blogs flying at the weekend thing, rather than having to hire a twin!

My next step? First time I/R pass please! I'm on a course with the flyBE sponsoree's from last year, and it sounds such a good airline to work for (perhaps not in money terms initially), so they will be receiving my first application. There is presently a BA scheme where, if you average 85% or better in your groundschool exams, I *think* 75% in flight tests after PT2, and a first-round I/R pass, your flying school can recommend you to them. First-round I/R pass includes if you Partial-pass then pass the resit.

The one thing I've found annoying is the Da-40 aircraft. They are much better now but, during the first block, more were in Maintenance than online so getting a flight could be difficult. They are lovely things to fly though, and powerful for a training aircraft, with a good panel. The DI's can precess quite a bit as they're air driven, and I swear they're ordered with Weetabix tokens. If you're thinking of starting with Cabair soon, you may do your twin training on the new Diamond Twin-star (Da-42). I know most of the instructors have trial-flown one brought in, but they're still on order I *believe*. The ones I've seen are fully EFIS equipped, and probably fly your I/R for you.

Overall, I personally recommend visiting all the schools and see how each works with you, and go with the one you like. 25 isn't too old... :)

Sky

Started flying at 28. Took a year to complete my PPL while working. Took a year out did my professional licences. Began working for my old employer again until I got my first commercial job @ 31.5 yrs young (don't you just hate that phrase?).

Got my first jet job @ 33.5.

You are nowhere near too old. Organise yourself and tackle each hurdle in turn.

I started my training when i was 20. 4 years later got fATPL and ME/IR. After more than a year of unemployment (and 8 hours of flying) i managed to get a contract as a pilot flying multipilot/turboprops.I had almost given up with hope of getting a job as a pilot:{ but im glad that i didnt take any of the other jobs.So my advice would b Keep looking and sending ur CV to as many places as u can:ok:
lennu

Started as a glider pilot in 1970, at 15. Started training on jets in the RAF in 1977, age 21. Became a captain on Hercules in 1983, age 27. Became an RAF QFI (instructor) in 1987 on Bulldogs and, later, back on Hercules. Joned Virgin on the B747-200 in 1998. Moved to the A340 in 2002. Currently doing command conversion.

Have somewhere around 14000 hours (must do my logbook!), but only about 10 types: Jet Provost T3/5, Hawk, Hunter FGA9/T7, Jetstream T1, Hercules C1/K/3, Bulldog, Chipmunk, B742, A343, A346. Flown (but not operational on) several others: Lightning, VC10, Tristar, Tucano, Robin, Seneca, Chinook, Sea King, HH53, and probably a few others!

In other words: been there, done that, got the T-shirt!

Scroggs

Started flying in 1997 aged 18. Flew heavy turboprops at 19 then A320's and A330's. Now RHS on A340-300/600's.
You are not too old but you're not too young either. In fact you're probably about the best age to start.

Just about to turn 29, CPL/IR finished in 2004. First job after 6 months flying C172 for aerial photography outfit (great fun, no pay). Now flying large multi piston (C402b & 404) for survey company. No wish to join an airline anytime soon, real flying is far too much fun.

PPL aged 18.
ATPL(f) aged 21
Flew PA31 for an air taxi company aged 23
RHS 737 aged 24

CPL 1995 aged 18
First Job 1997 aged 20
ATPL 2000 aged 23
Currently LHS B737NG last 3 yrs
aged 29 7000 hrs

I started flying in Norway when i was 23. I am now 29 with around 4500 hours and currently RHS on the B737-800 for a US Airline flying charter all over the world. I did the flight instructor route followed by light twin and turboprops before moving on to the EMB-145 for a US regional airline. Who knows where i'll go next....

Been ages since I checked back here... I hope you're still going for it Energie!

As for t-shirts... I've earned quite a few brown-stained ones while gliding, and usually involving cb's. I think I've learn't those essential gliding survival lessons now; i.e. big stinking line of black looking grot coming your way, then get away or get down and in the bar.

If you see this Scroggs.. just wondering where you did your gliding? I remember you saying Years back that you operated at Lyneham, when I was still stuck in Shrivenham.

Sky

Thanks for the reply!

I am still going at it. I tried for a cadet interview but failed. I am taking lessons privately towards my own PPL and onwards.

Since then I have changed jobs into a consulting role just so I get the chance to fly more. This is actually quite a big change and is giving me a feel for the pilot lifestyle. I am enjoying it and can see myself living this lifestyle :)

thanks again!

Ha! Yes it's always fun to fit the job around the flying, although (for me) less rewarding in the money stakes. Any job offering more would not be flexible enough to cope with the flying (I'm sure there are exceptions! I certainly know of a few IT consultants who work for a few months then have the rest of the year off ... they must be very very good!). For myself, I had to pull my finger out and go all out towards a frozen atpl as I'm a total monkey in a non-flying office.

Keep it up, and pay Cranfield a visit if you can and I'll buy you a beer! A non-alcoholic one so you can fly back again of course! :}

Sky

Edit: Ahh! You're in Vancouver eh? That's a fair way from Cranfield.. I'll have to fedex you that beer!

Started age 15
Solo: 16
PPL: 17
CPL (A): 18
Instructor:18.5
First job out of instructing 400hrs and 19, in the NT flying Singles (Great fun)
Current age 20, 750hrs, Flying PA31/C310 and a bit of instructing on the side. :ok:

Go for it
 

30yrs old started 25 got my solo with 10 hrs ppl at 25 JAR atpl 27 CPL/IFR/ME 28 got my first job as a BAE JS32 f/o with 216 tt from wich 113 wher me plus CRM and 85 be C-190 simulator FNTP II just got 30 with 613 tt when i was call for b-757/767 f/o course (after all the test and interviews of course); bottom line your still have plenty of time set t/o thr and go for it!!

RAF Wattisham, 1969-71.

Scroggs

Started Flying 1996 (18 years old)
PPL at 19
CPL/IR 20
Instructor for two years from 23 -25
Dash 8 First Officer 25 - 27
A320 First Officer 27 until present (28).

Currently 3000 hours ish and loving every minute of it.:)

Started flying in 96 (28 years old) in the US ,till 98 with some multi and turbo prop experience. Moving to Portugal to convert licences and doing the ATPL-A (2000) first pay job in 2001 for SATA (BAe-ATP),then unemployment for 1,5year, get a self sponsored QT on L-1011 and I am flying since then.Today I am 38 RHS on L-1011 and 2500TT.

:ok:

Started: PPL 18
Frozen ATPL 20
RHS 737 UK Charter 21

I was graduated from Southwind aviation on brownsville texas,u.s.a on 1997 when i was 21 yrs with CPL and start my journey on 2000 with major airlines in indonesia till now with 3500 hrs on 737,still waiting for 2nd interview with air hongkong..

"..... I believe i can fly..I believe i can touch the sky.." ( R.Kelly)


FlightSafety737

PPL - 1994
ATPL ground exams - 2003
CPL - 2004
IR and MCC - 2005

First job flying a heavy turboprop - Dash8 Q400 - Sept 2005 at age 32

ATPL ground exams, CPL, Instrument rating and MCC all completed whilst working full time.

Hmm, now this has been an interesting read, making me think things over again!
Me to date:
Motor Gliding solo at 17
PPL at 18
Aero. Engineering degree at 21
MSc Air Transport Management at 23
Now a Marketing/Sales Manager with large airline-related company at 24.
...but still want to be a commercial pilot =)
Maybe I'll finally make the big decision next year.
Good to hear others have took the jump and done well and nice to see mid-twenties is far from being too old to start :cool: