The right path?
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Join Date: May 2003
Location: Sydney
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The right path?
Hi all,
I have a dilemma regarding which it the best approach to pursuing a flying career.
I am 28, no degree, have been working in finance for the past 10 years and hate it. I have decided, life is too short and am taking baby steps to achieve my dream of becoming a pilot.
My dilemma is that becoming a pilot is an expensive and life changing experience and one I am willing to take. However, I want to get it right and not waste my time doing my CPL with a company that will not give me the best possible qualifications. My thoughts at this stage is to move up north begin my CPL, then build up hours doing whatever work I can possible get my hands on (as I understand it's slim picking at the moment)Is this wise?
Can anyone recommend a good place in Townsville? To do my CPL and should I opt for a diploma at the end? I want a career but not sure if it's in commercial, regional or charter. Are there schools up there that'll give me qualifications for all so I can decide while I'm gaining my license? or should I go to Uni?
Any advice will be greatly appreciated.
V
I have a dilemma regarding which it the best approach to pursuing a flying career.
I am 28, no degree, have been working in finance for the past 10 years and hate it. I have decided, life is too short and am taking baby steps to achieve my dream of becoming a pilot.
My dilemma is that becoming a pilot is an expensive and life changing experience and one I am willing to take. However, I want to get it right and not waste my time doing my CPL with a company that will not give me the best possible qualifications. My thoughts at this stage is to move up north begin my CPL, then build up hours doing whatever work I can possible get my hands on (as I understand it's slim picking at the moment)Is this wise?
Can anyone recommend a good place in Townsville? To do my CPL and should I opt for a diploma at the end? I want a career but not sure if it's in commercial, regional or charter. Are there schools up there that'll give me qualifications for all so I can decide while I'm gaining my license? or should I go to Uni?
Any advice will be greatly appreciated.
V
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Sydney
Age: 44
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the right path
I definately agree... thinking back now the biggest mistake I made was doing my CPL at a place that only offered instructing, ie no charter. I have been out of the industry now for about 10 months, and very close to getting back in, but after looking around there are big schools that offer charter as part of their business also - though you won't find these in Sydney. I have had knockbacks from a few, saying that they will only employ pilots that they have trained.
Having a degree will help, but as I am about to start one, I am not going to pursue one in Aviation. Everyone will tell you always to have something to fall back on, incase you loose an arm or a leg and you no longer fit to fly. I am commencing a Bachelor of Commerce, via correspondence, followed by an MBA.
My last piece of advice is get your theory done early! ATPLs are a pain the behind when you are working 8am to 6 pm, and earning hardly anything to show for it. Beleive me the last thing you will want to do when you get home, or on your days off is study.
Good Luck with it all.
Having a degree will help, but as I am about to start one, I am not going to pursue one in Aviation. Everyone will tell you always to have something to fall back on, incase you loose an arm or a leg and you no longer fit to fly. I am commencing a Bachelor of Commerce, via correspondence, followed by an MBA.
My last piece of advice is get your theory done early! ATPLs are a pain the behind when you are working 8am to 6 pm, and earning hardly anything to show for it. Beleive me the last thing you will want to do when you get home, or on your days off is study.
Good Luck with it all.
Go for a charter business that has a school attached if you can, rather than a school with some charter business. While they may not have the glossy brochures or slick PR of the big flying colleges (read pilot factories) you will come out at the end with a "real" commercial license, and a fair chance of some work.
Definately do the ATPLs early, it was the best thing I did (not that I've used it yet, but soon
) I've got quite a few mates who are finding it very difficult to get time to do them while they're working (you know who you are you silly ba$tards 
)
If you want to do a degree, I wouldn't bother with a purely aviation focused one. As long as you have Yr 12 maths n physics any airline will give you a go, so whats the point. Like aero said, do one in another field so you've go something to fall back on.
grrowler
Definately do the ATPLs early, it was the best thing I did (not that I've used it yet, but soon
) I've got quite a few mates who are finding it very difficult to get time to do them while they're working (you know who you are you silly ba$tards )If you want to do a degree, I wouldn't bother with a purely aviation focused one. As long as you have Yr 12 maths n physics any airline will give you a go, so whats the point. Like aero said, do one in another field so you've go something to fall back on.
grrowler
