Zero hours to RPT pilot within five years - How?
It's definitely possible, I've done it!
First flying job at 30, RPT jet FO at 35.
Not an easy road though, had to sacrifice A LOT. But wouldn't change a thing, had a ball and met some of my best mates along the way.
The best advice I would give is to stay in touch with the people you come in contact with along the way. So often I've found it's not what you know but who you know that can help you along. And a little bit of luck is handy...
ENJOY!!!
First flying job at 30, RPT jet FO at 35.
Not an easy road though, had to sacrifice A LOT. But wouldn't change a thing, had a ball and met some of my best mates along the way.
The best advice I would give is to stay in touch with the people you come in contact with along the way. So often I've found it's not what you know but who you know that can help you along. And a little bit of luck is handy...
ENJOY!!!
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I did it in 6 years..
If I wasn't so unlucky I could have done it sooner..
In fact I know a few people in my current airline.. Who did it in 3... Which makes me jealous but oh well..
Its possible luck plays a huge role..!
In fact I know a few people in my current airline.. Who did it in 3... Which makes me jealous but oh well..
Its possible luck plays a huge role..!
Sprucegoose
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The Virgin cadetship
Its possible luck plays a huge role..!
Now lets look at this, do you want to fly, or do you want to make money. Well, if you just want to fly, then the people that are saying get your own aeroplne and have some fun are spot on. At $200k p/a, sounds like you can afford it, actually, from experience, I can tell you that you can. Now do you want to make money, arrrr, then you have to get into the shiny jet. But is sitting in a block of flats letting a silicone chip do all the work what you really want. What I am saying is, think about what you want from aviation, any sensible person would look at what aviation has to offer as a career (these days), and run like hell in the opposite direction. Maybe you think that being in aviation will give you great cudos in the community, all I can say to that is, Ha.!
Sprucegoose
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Maybe you think that being in aviation will give you great cudos in the community, all I can say to that is, Ha.!
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At $200k p/a, sounds like you can afford it, actually, from experience, I can tell you that you can. Now do you want to make money, arrrr, then you have to get into the shiny jet.
So if you decide to make this move, when is your break even point; not when will you earn what you are now, but when will you have cleared the deficit between your current pay and what you are going to be earning following your dream. Just another thing to consider...
Last edited by Falling Leaf; 15th Dec 2012 at 19:43.
I did it, but I took each licence as it came, knowing that not everyone wants to do it for a job. Unfortunately for me, that was exactly what I wanted to do. 
Started at about 30, and did not have anywhere near the resources you do and it took about 4 years to get through all training up to instructor due mainly to financial shortages. Could have done it all in two(while still having a life). Then only 18 months from there to a regional (I kinda got lucky with the hours I went in at) which I currently enjoy immensely and I'm not sure the majors are for me. I chose instructing because I wanted to stay with family in the city.
If you have the bug for it, then you're screwed. I'm sure it calls out to you, but be prepared for a challenging road and a major drop in income for quite a while.
With your background skills and quals you will be hired in a flash before many other candidates because a lot of flying organisations, particularly with your first jobs need everyone doing other roles as well. The nature of small business .
Research your training options and DON'T put money upfront unless you can get small reductions in cost for certain sections of your training. Definitely not the whole lot.
Good luck. For me it's been hard here and there, but the best ride and I love my job.
Started at about 30, and did not have anywhere near the resources you do and it took about 4 years to get through all training up to instructor due mainly to financial shortages. Could have done it all in two(while still having a life). Then only 18 months from there to a regional (I kinda got lucky with the hours I went in at) which I currently enjoy immensely and I'm not sure the majors are for me. I chose instructing because I wanted to stay with family in the city.
If you have the bug for it, then you're screwed. I'm sure it calls out to you, but be prepared for a challenging road and a major drop in income for quite a while.
With your background skills and quals you will be hired in a flash before many other candidates because a lot of flying organisations, particularly with your first jobs need everyone doing other roles as well. The nature of small business .
Research your training options and DON'T put money upfront unless you can get small reductions in cost for certain sections of your training. Definitely not the whole lot.
Good luck. For me it's been hard here and there, but the best ride and I love my job.
Last edited by Homesick-Angel; 16th Dec 2012 at 03:30.
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A mate of mine started his training at 30, I was 19. Three years later he was starting 747 conversion at rat HQ, I started CT4 course at Tamworth on the same day. We are both still with the same company's 9 years later...he has a fatter wallet (though I am catching him) and I have more multi command hours. Both are happy as.
Last edited by Rogan82; 16th Dec 2012 at 00:10.
