engineer to pilot?
Guest
Posts: n/a
engineer to pilot?
As a 40 yr old multi X licensed engineer working line maintenance, i am getting a bit fed up with grubbing around in the freezing cold at god knows when in the middle of the night. i am seriously thinking of forking out for flight training and going for ATPL. I am considering going to the US for the hours and then doing the distance learning modular course for the exams. What i would like to know is, (A) are there any ex engineers who have made the switch and how did you do it. also, how easy/difficult was it given your theoretical knowledge. And (B) what are these modular self study courses like. Thanks in advance.
Guest
Posts: n/a
Squitter.I,m a thirty something ground engineer,and in the process of converting to the other side.Youre doing the right thing,by getting out of aircraft maintenance.As far as the written exams are concerned,the technical subjects are heavy on the A&C side of things,but as an techie type of person you should have no problem.The navs,well there a different story!.Best advice here is use ATA COVENTRY.I didnt, and ended up taking brush up courses from there instructors, who teach at weekends,and well! they were brilliant.As far as the age things concerned,im not sure how well placed youre be for the job side of things?There are guys on this forum of fourty something that have achieved there goals,so maybe there better placed on that subject.As far the training and studying concerned,if youre working full time on some crap shift pattern,then give your self 2 years.And good luck!!!!!!!
Guest
Posts: n/a
Hi squitter,
been a G/M (grease monkey) for 20 years. Then at age 41 decided to have a go as a flight manager, ooops, pardon, meant to write pilot
Ok, already had 800+ hours, all VFR single...
Back to your question, did the background help? No, not a lot. It only helps in the technical part of the PP/CPL/ATPL course. And then, once on the line, you are probably more aware of the environment. One plus point is if you are later able to fly something you're already qualified now as G/E.
Otherwise, it's a LOT of work, LOTS of money and time, and there is still some uncertainty as to wether you'll be hired in the end.
Was it worth it, you may ask? You bet. A trillion times
I earn much less than before, but have so much fun that I don't call that work...pssst, don't tell my boss
------------------
... cut my wings and I'll die ...
been a G/M (grease monkey) for 20 years. Then at age 41 decided to have a go as a flight manager, ooops, pardon, meant to write pilot
Ok, already had 800+ hours, all VFR single...
Back to your question, did the background help? No, not a lot. It only helps in the technical part of the PP/CPL/ATPL course. And then, once on the line, you are probably more aware of the environment. One plus point is if you are later able to fly something you're already qualified now as G/E.
Otherwise, it's a LOT of work, LOTS of money and time, and there is still some uncertainty as to wether you'll be hired in the end.
Was it worth it, you may ask? You bet. A trillion times
I earn much less than before, but have so much fun that I don't call that work...pssst, don't tell my boss
------------------
... cut my wings and I'll die ...
Guest
Posts: n/a
Have a master of science in materials and engineering and worked several years in the electrical industry. Was a great job, liked it very much. However, with 33 decided to become an airline pilot. Now, 36, after 230 hrs flight time and CPL/IR/Multi/frozen ATPL will start June 5th with CROSSAIR. All my training performed paralell to a 100%job. Was tough but fully paid off. I would do it again. My technical background helped me in the technical areas. At this age you can also benefit from some life experience and good common sense which is also useful in a modern cockpit. Can't wait to start my childhooddream !!!! Just go for it ! Life your dream !
Cheers
rtt
Cheers
rtt
Guest
Posts: n/a
Hi squitter,
I did it. It was all the time my dream to become a pilot. But there was no chance to start directly. A good job is also a insurance in case you you will lose your pilot license.
When I was 21, I did start as a line mechanic for B-737. With the money I earned, I slowely started the pilots education step by step. There was even a chance to slow down in case the job market is not that good. I mostely worked on nightshift to have the daytime for learning and flying. I spend my holidays in flight schools. Ther was not much sparetime.
After three years I got the chance to convert within the company to a first officer postion. Today I´m captain.
My experiences help me in termes of deep system knowledge, when talking to mechanics about problems and to understand the system of flight operation.
I would do it again. But remember, it´s a hard time. There is actually no time for things beside (girl friend, parties, etc.).
The other mechanics did alot of my work, while I was learning. Needless to say, that we had a big party at the end.
[This message has been edited by Gominder (edited 12 May 2001).]
I did it. It was all the time my dream to become a pilot. But there was no chance to start directly. A good job is also a insurance in case you you will lose your pilot license.
When I was 21, I did start as a line mechanic for B-737. With the money I earned, I slowely started the pilots education step by step. There was even a chance to slow down in case the job market is not that good. I mostely worked on nightshift to have the daytime for learning and flying. I spend my holidays in flight schools. Ther was not much sparetime.
After three years I got the chance to convert within the company to a first officer postion. Today I´m captain.
My experiences help me in termes of deep system knowledge, when talking to mechanics about problems and to understand the system of flight operation.
I would do it again. But remember, it´s a hard time. There is actually no time for things beside (girl friend, parties, etc.).
The other mechanics did alot of my work, while I was learning. Needless to say, that we had a big party at the end.
[This message has been edited by Gominder (edited 12 May 2001).]
