Career advice needed. From UA lawyer to commercial pilot
 

Hi everyone,

I'm a 25-year-old lawyer from Kyiv, Ukraine, seeking guidance from commercial pilots regarding my aviation career aspirations. Here's a bit about my background:

I've been working concurrently at one of Ukraine's major UAV (drone) manufacturers and a US-based IT company. Over the past couple of years, I've been earning between $2,000 to $3,000 per month. While this may not seem like much, it's higher than the average salary in Ukraine, which hovers around $500, especially amidst the ongoing full-scale invasion by ruzzia.

Ever since my childhood, I've held a fascination for aviation, dating back to when my grandfather introduced me to an Aircraft Modeling Club at the age of 12. We built free-flying and remote-control models, and those memories have stayed with me. However, like many teenagers, I didn't give my future career much thought at the age of 16, and I ended up pursuing a conventional path as a lawyer.

It became clear to me a while ago that practicing law wasn't my true passion, and I began contemplating a career change. While working in the design department of a drone manufacturer as a patent lawyer, I got to know people who were deeply passionate about aviation. During this time, I also delved into the theory of aerodynamics, UAV mechanics, engines, and more. I realized that aviation is a field that genuinely interests me, and I'm willing to pursue it at any cost, even if it means starting from scratch. I've gathered a wealth of public information about a career as a commercial pilot and recognized that I need a strong desire to learn (which I possess) and approximately $100,000 for training in the US or the EU. This is a substantial amount for me, especially given the challenging economic situation and ongoing war. Securing a loan on favorable terms here is currently unrealistic, and accumulating such funds in my current role would be exceptionally difficult.

The sole viable option that comes to mind is to consider working as a truck driver in the US for a few years to save up for my aviation education and living expenses. This is a rather unconventional decision for me, as it would mean trading my warm office for a truck cabin. Furthermore, the US trucking industry is also facing its share of challenges, so there's no guarantee I'll be able to amass the necessary funds. Nevertheless, I'm more willing to make this sacrifice if I have a clear understanding of the prospects of changing my career to something I'm genuinely passionate about.

I would greatly appreciate the community's input on my thoughts, particularly regarding:

1. Should I pursue aviation training in the EU or the US, considering that I do not have a green card and am unlikely to work in the US after graduation?
   
2. What options are available in the EU after obtaining a CPL, aside from becoming an instructor? What is generally the most cost-effective and high-quality path?
   
3. Am I correct in understanding that working in the EU may not necessarily require accumulating 1,500 hours to secure a job in the airline industry?
   
4. How much money should I realistically budget to go from zero to my first job in the aviation industry in the EU?
   

I extend my gratitude in advance for any valuable information, constructive criticism, and general advice, and I wish all of you peace during these turbulent times.

Oleksandr,

"The sole viable option that comes to mind is to consider working as a truck driver in the US for a few years to save up for my aviation education and living expenses."

So you have the legal ability to come here and work ?

From what I read, there is a big shortage of truck drivers here but are trucking companies sponsoring drivers from outside the USA ?

Hi, I still able to use U4U program, that’s provide legal ability to stay and work in the US for 2 years

A friend of mine was telling me about an acquaintance of his who worked for 1 year in the EU as a truck driver (to gain 'minimum experience') then self sponsored under the NIW to get into the US. That must be quite a truck driver shortage they are having if this works.

It seems it is but it's not clear about using expats. But it may be like pilots and things are going on behind the scenes. Anyway, back to pilot stuff:


"Employ foreign drivers – there’s no shortage of foreign drivers interested in working in the United States. Overseas drivers are more than happy to work in America under these conditions and fill in the shortfall. However, at present, we cannot bring them here to work."

https://www.ajot.com/news/the-truck-...e-us-continues

I'm not familiar with the U4U program but as a lawyer you're better able to read/understand these issues.

From my understanding of the trucker lifestyle, a driver is on the road for long periods of time.

I admire your determination.

Thanks! You're right; it's complicated and dangerous work. My school friend is a truck driver in the US, and he told me a lot about the issues and difficulties. He's rarely at home, etc. My lifestyle is radically different now – remote work, a relatively free schedule, etc. All of this is disrupted by the war, rocket attacks, and the feeling that I`m not be in the right job for me

Now, I would like to understand how much money I need to study for my first job. The only adequate information I received is from the owner of Sky Eagle Aviation Academy. He says that such a path will cost around $100,000 USD. However, I would also like to hear alternative opinions, perhaps from those who have studied in other schools in the USA and the EU.

Good day,
well here is one possibility that is outside of box:
move to finland and finf a job. You will easily get 4000€/month minimum if you find a job with your expertise and education. Work 2 years, learn finnish to fluent while you at it. Fluent is not perfect but enough that you understand and can talk. Its possible and ive seen it done even in less than year.
While you work and study finnish try to save 10k per year.
Plan A: apply to finnish aviation academy. Mandatory requirement is that you can speak Finnish. If you get in you have to pay only 17,500€ for entire education. Rest is covered by finnish government. In addition you can most likely be hired by Finnair after your school as it is also ”finnairs flight school”.
Plan B: If you dont learn finnish or you cant get past selection to finnish aviation academy then apply to some european school that does vfr flying in usa. Expect to pay around 80k€ for Frozen ATPL.
worst case scenaril you got better paid job in safe country, you learned new language and you saved some money.