I gotta say man, it’s not that you’re not smart enough, it’s your attitude and lack of discipline that’s keeping you from success. Flying is such a rewarding career precisely because it is difficult. It forces you to be disciplined and study and look things up and show up prepared. Just hearing you say things like “FFA” (it’s FAA btw) tells me you are kinda lazy and not as sharp as you can be. This business has a way of weeding out the non-hackers. Again, it’s not intelligence that’s required, it’s a combination of passion, attitude and discipline. Btw, I’m 38, no degree, and I fly for American.
Im a professional pilot, and there are lot of things I disagree with you here. 1. Bachelor degrees, while recommended, are not longer required due to the shortage. 2. Checkrides, especially your private, they’re not looking for perfection. At the end of the day, a PPL is a license to learn. They’re looking to see if you make a mistake, you fix it. There are a few other things but in order to succeed in this career, you have to have a real passion for it. From this video, it seems like your not doing it because you love it, but it’s just another career path. If it’s only the money, there are much cheaper alternatives than ATP. All in, I spent 50k for flying. That included my PPL, Instrument, Commercial, CFI, CFII and multi. I’m now at my first job making 80k/yr with pay only going up from here.
Agreed and the passion and drive is the most important! If you don't like the single act of flying, or don't enjoy looking at, hearing, smelling, and touching airplanes, then find something that does get you excited!
I agree. I’m very early into my PPL and every single time I pull back on the yolk it’s so awesome every time if we’re going out doing traffic patterns or simple maneuvers it’s just something I see myself loving doing for a sustainable period of time. I learn something new everytime. From this video I see no passion for the simple things in flight
Hey man, I’m starting my for my ppl in 3 days. Videos like this give me anxiety. I have several pilot friend that said a degree is absolutely no longer needed! I’d be interested in talking to you about your journey to where you are now and how long it took. I’m looking to get where you are hopefully within a year and a half if that’s doable. Let’s chat 🤙🏼
I really appreciate all the positive comments like this that help those of us who have a passion for flight know that videos like this probably don’t apply to us. I’m super excited to start flight training. The cost does scare me, but I’m willing to work for the ability to fly.
Professional pilot here. Don’t have a bachelors, that’s a thing of the past. The first 2-3 years suck! I started when I was 34, single dad, working a full time job. Recently I just wanted to start a new job and have 4 offers on the table all above 150k a year. Don’t go to pilot mills like ATP or any other school like that. Find a mom and pop school with an older instructor. And keep your expectations low till you hit 1500 hours. Watching the video, attitude is your biggest hurdle. If you want it bad enough you’ll get it. If not then quit now.
I always loved planes as a kid and never thought that I could be be an airline pilot. When I found out that I could do it on my own, I went for it. It took me awhile to get there because I worked full-time along the way. I tell younger people to do what they love and the money will come later. I made it because of determination and passion for aviation, not because of smarts. Now I’m a B767 captain. 😊
Could you elaborate on how you did it working full time? I want to pursue being a pilot been my dream since I saw top gun , but mortgage 💸 wasn’t calculated in my childhood dreams. Any advice would be helpful
@@ShawShank-kr9wqI worked nights so the days were free. I didn’t have much money either so I took a school loan. I did whatever I could to get through including washing planes in exchange for flight time. There’s a difference between people that want to be airline pilots because of the job title, current shortage and people like myself that used to go to airports as a kid and dream about it all day. It’s not for everyone. Top Gun was great and the military is a good option because the US government pays for all the training. But that’s a different avenue.
I’m 33 in the lift program doing a similar thing right now. It’s hard but I wake up excited to learn more and more each day. Practice and listen to my mentors. This job could pay minimum wage and you bet I’d still be going for it!
Bro, you got this. The first 40 hours of training is grueling. Once you get to the cross country portion of flying, you'll find a love for it again. If you stick with it, you can get through the training. Instrument flying is truly hard. But when you finish your Instrument add-on, you'll be CLEAN on your flight controls and you'll be fluent in Aviation. And just because you have your instrument rating doesn't mean you should go out and fly a 172 to minimums. Instrument flying takes a couple of years to become truly proficient. People who get their PPL in 40 hours don't have a job and are flying 5-6 days a week. Those are people who saved up for the entire cost up front (and if you have a full time job-you don't get to fly 5-6 days a week), took out a 120,000 dollar loan, or have wealthy parents/relatives. European airlines have to pay for training because it cost even more money to learn to fly on your own in Europe. You have to pay to use the Instrument system. Most airports have landing fees. It is expensive to train in the US but a lot of Europeans and European Airlines do their training in the U.S. because it is a lot cheaper. And a lot of Airplanes in Europe have U.S. registration because its cheaper to register and you can legally fly in the EASA system with a U.S. registered aircraft. The average time to get your PPL is about 70-80 hours. Nothing to snub your nose at. I would also make sure you have a flight instructor that you have good chemistry with. That, in it of itself will make all the difference in how you perceive the difficulty of your training. FAA Check airmen can be intimidating. But they also WANT you to pass. Your flight instructor is going to have to sign you off for the check ride in order for the Check Airmen to evaluate you for your license. That person will not do this unless you are absolutely ready because your failure will be against their certificate. When your flight instructor signs you off, you ARE ready (unless they are trying to humble you-doesn't sound like that's your problem). The check ride does NOT have to be perfect. And you are going to learn something about aviation from the DPE during your check ride just as you would a lesson. You have to fly the plane well and make good aeronautical decisions. When you get close to your check ride, your flight instructor should be having you read through the Private Pilot Airmen Certification Standards. You'll see that often times you have plus or minus 5 degrees, 10 kts and 100 feet on the maneuvers and flight regimes that you are tested in. If you go outside these boundaries, there is often times grace if you catch it and correct it (even in the instrument check ride). The reality is, we as pilots are all flying toward a failed check ride. As long as you fail 2 or less in your career, and you learn from your mistakes, a failed check ride is not the end of a career. While the Legacy Airlines require a Bachelor's degree (I believe Delta has "removed" their requirement), there are lots of career options as a professional pilot that don't require a bachelors degree. In fact, a lifetime career in a regional airline especially today can be very rewarding monetarily. The regionals don't require a Bachelor's degree; as well as flight survey, fire fighting, parachute operations, Part 91 charters, A Lot of Part 135 cargo operations, and air ambulance. Most of these career option pay fairly well. My final statement is flying an airplane is hard at first and there will continually be challenges and humble moments. It's also and industry and hobby where the pilot will constantly learn. Especially if they are going to continue to fly new aircraft. Not everyone can do it. BUT most people with average intelligence and decent hand-eye coordination that are dedicated can become a professional pilot.
This is the fairest, most honest, detailed, and encouraging comment for someone undergoing pilot training. You said it all, and you said it best. I remember back then when I was in a similar position and head space as this guy, paying from my pocket, along with other responsibilities on the side. It was thoughts and strategies similar to yours that got me through. A majority of those who had no responsibilities while training and / or were financially supported wouldn't understand where the guy in the video is coming from. Sadly, they make up the vast majority of pilots; skilled, but not intelligent enough to relate with anything else or other people's points of view, and if you took them out of a flying role like when covid hit or if they lost a job they couldn't survive any other way. 😂
I went through ATP with 2 jobs and 3 kids at 36 years old. I was a touring drummer for 18 years and got out of the industry while I was at ATP. Worked to stay alive I had no college and sucked at high school…it was boring to me. I got enough C’s and D’s to stay on the hockey team 😂. Aviation school was awesome to me. So studying became my hobby. I graduated as an MEI and instructed at ATP then went into corporate flying. I’m flying all over the world now making more money than I could have imagined. You DO NOT need college experience to get into the airlines or into corporate aviation. ATP was an actual blessing and the 100,000k loan came out to $599 a month payment. If you want it, go do it. But it is not a trade school. It’s not a Lincoln tech. It’s not plumbing school. And that’s the pit fall of the marketing strategy for this pilot shortage. It isn’t for curious people. It isn’t for people wanting to test the water. They all failed out within 2 months or so. Also, checkrides DO NOT and ARE NOT EVER PERFECT. But your confidence in the plane, if it’s the same on this video, won’t even get you out of the oral exam man. I’m totally being real with you. The DPE won’t want to sign that off. He’ll see it instantly. You can do it, but it’s gonna take a MASSIVE attitude change.
@@randomanon7040I checked a few days ago, seems the kinda school that wants you to co-sign and will boot you as soon as you fall behind Maybe look into block hour pricing schools
I was in your shoes earlier this summer and I came to the realization that the training is designed for a student to sink or swim. Stop sinking and start swimming. This is what makes good pilots.
I LOVE the realism of this. Nobody talks about this side of learning this profession. The truth is we've ALL felt like this. We've ALL got down on ourselves. We've ALL compared ourselves to other people. We've ALL had failures and difficulties with learning how to fly. And yes many of us have felt the burn of how much it costs to get our solo pilot but it's just like anything else, an INVESTMENT TO YOUR FUTURE. Chin up!
Hi ER, I applaud your candor and sincerity. Not everyone is cut out to be a pilot, nor should they be, think for a second the amount of responsibility they have, not only for themselves and their passengers but other aircraft in the skies and the people and property below them. For those reasons and many more I'm happy to hear it's tuff to make it through what sounds like a very challenging and through vetting process. I hope you find something that you enjoy doing and wish you nothing but happiness and success.
Dont let some of these people who dont understand your plight get to u bro! You got out of a bad situation before it became much worse! If something is immensely stressful and financially ruinous with a high failure rate its totally okay to calculate the risks and choose something else! U made the right choice!
I appreciate it that’s exactly my thoughts on it. I had a medical emergency right after I stopped flying, and just had enough money to get all of that medical work done. I got lucky for sure.
@@earthroamer3832you absolutely made the right choice! Great warning to those who are only curious about a high paying gig. IT is booming and very easy. Met the laziest people I know in IT 😂
Start my training with ATP next week. I was in the bottom quartile of my high school class and chose to drop out of pre calculous because it was to hard for me [or so I thought, but really I was being lazy]. Eventually years later I went to college and found out that I wasn't eligible to enroll in some courses due to me not having the proper pre-requisites of which many ironically could've been satisfied had I stuck with the calculous route in high school. Anyways I end up somehow graduating college with a contradictory combination of hard work and laziness mixed together, leaving with a bachelors degree that I wasn't extremely passionate about or would allow me to earn a decent wage without additional schooling. I don't know anything about flying planes but I'm going to give it my best shot and in roughly 7 months [God willing I'm still on this earth] I should have completed their fast track program. In 7 months I plan to come back to this comment in order to report on how it went. Btw like the guy who posted this video I'm almost 30 as well. I hope to basically provide some encouragement to anyone who might see this that if I [the bottom quartile guy in high school] could get through sped up fast track flight school program knowing nothing about planes, then anyone can accomplish what ever they put their mind too as long as they're willing to put the time into doing it.
As someone with a Bachelors and working in a field I am no longer passionate about and am seriously contemplating flight school, I would love to hear an update. Good luck to you man
Average student debt for lawyers and PHD graduates: $160k. Average debt for med school grads: $205k. That's not even total cost of training, just the debt. So pilot ratings plus bachelors degree is about on par with these other high status careers. I saved for 10 years making 50-70k a year to fund my flight training and my total training cost is $90k including $50k of student debt. I went to ATP after getting my private pilot outside of ATP. Yes, all of that is really scary. I'm now employed as a pilot (survey), refinanced my loan and cut my payment by 30%. I also had a great career I could fall back on if I did not succeed or needed to build more cash to finish. It seems like the cost factor is the thing that's really messing with you. I would recommend finding the cheapest option you have. You could join a flying club with a cheap 152. If I did my training using my club's 152 at $70 per hour wet and $60 per hour for my instructor, and using the club's other airplanes for my instrument rating, I would have been able to do everything through CFI for about $30k and no debt. If you can find a situation like that, and slow down your training a bit, then I think you should keep pushing. Private pilot was hard. Instrument was just as hard. Commercial was easy, and multi engine was between those. I personally enjoyed my time at ATP, but I enjoy pushing myself that hard. In my opinion, once you're past the private pilot checkride, you'll gain a better sense of what you can do and you'll feel more empowered. Take some pleasure flights and relax in the plane on your own. I was there, I almost busted my maneuvers every time on altitude. Now I can hold altitude doing almost anything within 10-20 feet. Keep going dude, have faith, trust your coach, and get it there. The reward of landing my first full time pilot job was worth the two years of pain and triumph. Best thing I ever did. I hope you do it too.
If I got an accelerated 6 month BA in IT( information technology) from an accredited school would I be able to sign on with a major ? Or would they look at that and throw my application away ? I have 90k to put for ATP but I do not have a bachelors degree , I’ll do the accelerated degree if need be but 4 years would take me too long
@@PylotGuy here in the US, a bachelor's is no longer required. I know of pilots with no degree getting hired at United and Delta with no degree. You absolutely do not need a degree at the regional airlines like SkyWest, Envoy, etc. With the pay situation right now at the regionals (90k a year and higher) it is an extremely good time to become a pilot!
I'm in the process of starting my pilot training. Im coming from IT making 100k/y. I feel like this is the feeling most people get when beginning any career, especially once they're not passionate about. It often takes years before feeling confident in what you do. Everything gets better with time and experience under your belt. The question here is would you rather feel like this flying or would you rather feel like this with any other job you chose? I hope you're able to find your passion but statistically, this will be the same feeling anywhere you go. I think the lifestyle you can have once you have some seniority is worth every penny to me especially with the recent salary raises.
Hey man, I'm also working full-time in IT. I love aviation but money is always been an issue. Is there any way I can connect with you? I'm just curious to learn your process of pilot training.
I had to switch flight instructors 4 times and switch to 3 different planes to get my private. It just takes persistence,I've had nights questioning whether it was worth it but once you get your private you'll feel like it was well worth it. If its what you really want keep at it!
Just got my commercial going on to cfi. It’s been 2 years for me since I’ve started and I know the feeling. I think around that 60-70 hour mark you start to realize if your doing it for the passion or if your only focused on the money.
You should have done ground school 1st using an online ground school. That way you can focus 100% on flying They also have online training for all of the certifications you talked about. If you do a little research and maintain discipline, you will make it an aviation.
Before I put in my opinion, I'd like to congratulate you for something that you mentioned. You said that you have your bachelor's and are debt free. Oh man.... That right there puts you in with a very exceptional few. When I got mine, I worked hard to get finished without borrowing also. Well done. Now you want to be a pilot or at least think that you do. You also are smart for not wanting to end up mired so deeply in debt that you would never really enjoy life as you worried about repaying that staggering amount. I believe that you're on the right track and thinking clearly. Assuming that you are healthy with no debilitating issues, preferably unmarried, and truly willing to put in the effort needed to one day, get on with the airlines, I have a solution for you. All that you need to do is go down to your local recruiter and let that soldier, sailor, airman tell you the options. If you put in a single enlistment, you'll be eligible for benefits that include advanced flight training. Bingo! You have your commercial certificate with instrument, multi-engine, certificated flight instructor ratings and it's all debt free. I'd also advise that you narrow the entire process down to looking at a military occupation that aligns with aviation. Two that jump to mind, but there are obviously others, are air traffic controller and aircraft maintenance. If you like either one, chances are that you could continue working full time in the same field after you complete your enlistment and while you accumulate enough flying hours to go to the airlines. A not small consideration with either one, is that your paying job is actually feeding you information and training for your airline future. Right now (or at least when you submitted this video), all of the study and preparation is done in a vacuum of sorts. You generally do all of it alone and when one does that, you don't know what you don't know. It's difficult to stay motivated like that. If you were doing that aviation related stuff while part of a group situation, learning will feed on itself and you'll be exposed to a million little elements that you will never find on your own. At one time, I was totally pro military service for a person that was simply needing time to figure out what he wanted to do with his life. I'm less so now with the "new" focus. You don't quite fit into the lost category, but are only trying to achieve another goal without having financial security at the finish. Now, if you are reading this and thinking "what does he know", then here is why I think the way that I do. I did it. Or, I did part of it because I didn't know then what I do know now. I didn't realize that one could enlist for a specific occupation, so I just took what the Army gave me. Now, I know that there are flying clubs at almost every military post or at least near by. I could have built up a number flying hours cheaply while working toward my private license and certainly could have completed it well before me enlistment was up. I wasn't in that position because I had just completed getting my private right before I went into the Army. Six months after I got out of the Army, I was a flight instructor and didn't owe a penny to anyone. You could do the same thing. It's all up to you. Oh. If you worry about your age being a problem, it's not. It will be in a few years, but it's not one now. Time is the problem. You (or anyone reading this) can agonize long enough to where all of the training in the world isn't going to help because the so called shortage will have disappeared. Right now, it's still real. I know of one person that got picked up by a regional airline at 44 years old. She did have a lot of instruction time so that helped her get hired. She's a Captain now for United Airlines. If you go to the link... ruclips.net/video/59ST-K9vCZ0/видео.html , you'll see someone from the same flight school the the above United captain went to and actually became the chief pilot for. The school isn't affiliated with United Airlines. It just happens to have a similar name. The video is half informative and half business promotion, but the person that is giving the instruction is a full time air traffic controller and a part time flight instructor. He has no intention of going on with the airlines, but could have had he wanted to do so. He is simply one of those people that found that he loves what he does now in aviation and sees no need to go off on a tangent of sorts. You might find that air traffic control and instruction fills your bucket too. If it doesn't then you still have options, but they won't be there forever. I truly wish the best of luck to you.
Aviation is not for the faint of heart. You need to be 100% committed to this profession and line of work in order to succeed in your career (or have perfect timing and be well connected). You'll rack up significant debt, and even though college education is not required, it will set you apart from candidates who don't have a degree. Particularly at the big legacies. The biggest thing is the seniority game, the sooner you get yourself into a major carrier, the better. If you move to another company, you start from scratch. That's the painful reality of this entire profession. Good luck to everyone out there investing in their career. By 2024 / 2025 things will have slowed down quite a bit and I'm curious to see what kind of wages and improvement in QoL will have maintained from today's "pilot shortage" situation at the regional level and across the industry.
I have two guys that worked for me that both got their Private in under 45hrs. One was 26 with a new baby and his check ride was at exactly 40hrs. the other guy was a 35 year old former Marine with zero experience. It’s doable, but I counted at least 50x in this video you talked about money it costs. How much you spent etc. If you can’t afford it you don’t have to make excuses; just stop spending the money on it.
I’m not a fast learner and did it in my 40s. It was expensive, stressful and extremely difficult and filled with risk. I’m now an ATP and fly for a major airline 5 years in. It CAN be done, but only you can decide if it’s worth it. If that answer is yes, you must dedicate all of your energy into this. It’s a very rewarding career once you get through the early days. Takes some balls to jump into this. Just be sure you won’t live with regret if you quit.
And I’d add that going slowly is almost counterproductive. You’re less immersed in it and it’ll take way longer than just busting it out IMO. You have to continually revisit previous concepts since it was a eeek since you e practiced.
I've been on the fence as well. I've had few hours. I see someone mentioned only going into debt for $50k, way better than 100k. Health problems is whats stopping me. I have minor problems that are technically not disqualifying, but my fear is, it getting worse in the future. I've had days where I ask myself, "could I fly in my current condition? No way. I'm too fatigued" Spending 50k, then potientially having to quit, while still being in debt, because of not being able to pass a medical exam, the fear is too high for me.
I’m 37 and starting Flite school in May… I’m well aware of the challenge and the cost but I’m going to do it full-time… I wanted to do it all my life and despite the difficulty I know I’m going to succeed
Dude, I did the helicopter certificate in 65 hours. I did it while working a full-time career, 3 very young kids, and a hectic schedule. It got done. Took longer than some, but PPL completed, and now I'm at the tail end of CPL. My training has surpassed 100k, but it's the suck it up and push forward attitude that will finish it not the it's expensive, excuses and much more. Just push yourself further. I agree ATP isn't for everyone, even me. I'm a slow learner and I got this. You can too. Be optimistic and you too will reach your dream.
The guy clearly doesn’t have it. I really think he made the right choice. I’ve seen pilots down like that but still pressed on. You explanation, examples are perfect to show what passion and drive gets you through. This is a weed out for the industry. I could see this guy wake up, call in sick and leave a plane canceled on passengers. If the schooling get you like this. The jobs gonna be worse for you. If they offered minimum wage and you’ll still do this career? Your in the right program. But if it’s only the money, your gonna fail
This is a great warning to those who are looking at this as a curious job. You have to have drive and passion for this. I’m going through lift flight academy to fly for republic. Yeah 100k? But you make way more than that yearly and can pay it off. Also school programs after your cfi can go towards the loan without the interest hit because your still in school. It’s really not that bad. UNLESS they are in your situation where your probably better sticking with GA. For those serious on this, small sacrifices for what’s coming ahead. I wanna encourage those of you in these programs and are worried now after seeing this. Keep your nose to that grind stone and ignore these videos, they do no good for your drive, Stay Flying! As for those of you looking at this as a cool high paying job? Best to find something else like IT or something. Your gonna find out it’s too much work like this guy is. But if your born for this and have the passion, your gonna make it! Your CFIs and mentors WANT you to live your dream. Take it pilots! It’s yours!
Dude I totally feel where your coming from. But if I can give any motivation I can give you my story. I’m currently 31 started flying at 30. I got my degree in history to be a history teacher. Let alone to become a teacher in my state (TX) cost a couple Thousand and a good year of training. I started flying as a cool hobby because as teachers we get so much time off. But I just now realized after all my college education and post grad work I don’t want to be a teacher anymore. So I put my focus and pockets towards aviation. I’m at 33 hours so far and like you my pockets are feeling that pain. I’ve been looking into ATP also and damn that shit hurts my soul with that ticket price. But from my research this is what I found. ATP is so damn expensive because it is a rapid track program so your getting what your paying for. There are schools that are a whole lot cheaper. In my city we have a Sky Safety Flight School there about almost half the price of ATP because they are not a rapid track and will take any where from 10-12 months from 0 to heel. So back to the money because that seems to be your big hump right? Your going to have to make sacrifices. Luckily I don’t have kids so I can make them different than other might can. I have a beautiful apartment which I live with my girlfriend and we pay like 2k a month for. I’ve explained to her this is what I want to do so moving back to my moms house would be a logical plan. Luckily my moms house is a good size with a lot of space but how embarrassing is it to ask my girlfriend to move with me to my moms so I can fly right? But lucky she’s down and will save some cash also. But overall from what I have learned while learning Aviation it’s seems to be a lot about Sacrifices. So I hope you find what your looking for homie.
I like your story because I can relate. I have a bachelors that I don’t plan to use for a career anymore and instead use it to afford flight training. I assume you’re in San Antonio like me because I’m also at Sky Safety for PPL and instrument. Not sure what to do after in regards to commercial and ATP licenses but I’m sure I’ll figure it out.
To the interested in becoming pilots, don’t be scared of check-rides! It’s not the end of the world if you fail, the examiner would just send you back to your instructor to train the areas that need more work and then take the check ride again, without repeating the maneuvers that you did correct. Is not like your career is over and the airlines won’t hire you in the future.
It’s tough man, just hang in there and concentrate on the tasks at hand, don’t think about the outcome. Look at your private pilot requirements and work on reducing what is required. I promise you one day it will click. Don’t think about instrument now… finish your private. What city do you live in? I would also suggest using a home simulator to prepare for your flights.
I live in Nashville. I’m taking a break from flying because of how expensive it got. I never got around to getting Microsoft flight simulator I bet that would’ve helped a lot. Thank you for your support
If you think that you can't become a pilot, you are right; however, if you think that you CAN become a pilot, you are still right. It is all about how you think.
I feel you man, I got my private, instrument commercial and ground instructor certificates and even after getting all of them I cannot find any job opportunities to work or advance my training to gain experience, this is financially difficult and even more now that pilots are required 1500 hours of flight experience, plus all the other requirements, and even after spending thousands of dollars in training only a small group can get an opportunity for a job, it is like a pyramid scheme maybe that is why they call this the pilot shortage because they need more people to enter the game, but anyways just finish what you've started get your private and enjoy flying for fun! all the best to you!😏
Join the military, do three years, then get out. You will then have the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill to fund the rest of your training. The only thing it doesn't cover is your private lincense
I got my private in 52 hours. That was a breeze compared to the instrument. It’s very intense. I did it debt free by buying a plane and leasing it back to the flight school. I got to write it all off on my tax’s. When I did it, the costs were $70 per hour wet plus $25 hr for the instructor back in the early 2000’s.
I think you are looking at the problem(s) the wrong way: 1. On the financial side of things, the benefit of getting to the airlines this way is that once you get your CFI - you make money flying (albeit not much). so there is an upfront cost but you offset it later. Whereas ATP schools are faster but are cost only. 2. For your training, you need to dive in, not slow down: the more you fly the best eye-hand-feet coordination you will have. Everytime I had to pause my training for personal reasons I started below the level I stopped at. 3. You are correct PPL is just the beginning and IFR is a lot harder, then multi, commercial, CFI,... 4. No checkride is ever perfect, I've done mistakes are each of mine. But as long as you tell your DPE: correcting for altitude/heading/trim,... and you demonstrate that you are a safe pilot, you will get it. Good luck on your journey, don't give up, soon after your PPL you will be able to pick a fellow PPL friend and go fly "under the hood" whithout having to pay an instructor.
If you have taken your written and pass the medical, you should be able to complete your training in about 8-10 weeks, flying about 4-5 hours per week with an instructor and a couple solo practice flights. Condensed training works better.
I’m starting my PPL very soon doing ground school right now. 1500 hours seems grueling but I’m already looking at it one step at a time. Keep your head down and keep pushing.
At least you're honest with yourself but no duh it's hard. Success is not earned without sacrifice. You wanna go make 300k at an airline you gotta earn it. That's why the salary is so high. It's why pilots are so respected. The dedication, time, effort and money to get there is a high price for a reason. No different from being a doctor, expensive school, a lot of time and very challenging to earn the title. Either set your goals lower and stay average or lock in and find a way to do it. When the going gets tough the tough keep going.
I 100% fully agree with you on all your points about how expensive flight training is I think a big misconception is also how 61 schools will say that it’s cheaper and then give you no structure which I get but then milk your time away with everything else.
I'll be 40 in September and I'm studying for my written exam before committing to the flying portion. You gotta have the passion. You can do this!! Change your mindset!
If it was easy, then anyone could do it. If you want to play, then you have to pay. It takes extreme dedication because your life and the life of your passengers may depend on it one day. You are young and have the rest of your life in front of you. Flying takes discipline and dedication. You can not go into it half heartedly. Accept the challenge! Do not take the path of least resistance! Stop talking about the money it costs and making excuses.
It cost me roughly $32k to get my PPL in a Diamond DA40. When I got my PPL I was at 118hrs. 20 hrs was cross country trips I flew to other states with my instructor just for fun. Its frigging expensive and now I'm doing instrument training. Trust me I'm no brain but if you dedicate you're time you can do anything. It's just about how much you're willing to spend
And yeah its expensive, but there are kids getting 100k in debt for social sciences degrees that make 30k a year. At least this will pay in the 6 figures pretty quickly once you get on an airline
You should get a simulator setup and spend a lot of time on it between flight hours. There is a lot of information to process, but you need to develop your system for checking your way through what you’re doing
"FFA approved" told me everything I needed to know. Seriously though, I think you can make it. 40 hrs in is a lot of time to know this is something you really want to do. I know this is a year later but I hope you got back into the cockpit
I received my private pilots license in the early 2000’s and that day was my last day flying an aircraft because it was too expensive to go on. It took me $9,000 to get my 40 hours. I passed EVERY test and I’m horrible at complex math but I’ve always wanted to be a pilot since the age of 9. I’ve visited schools in Texas and Florida but the major loan that has to be used for all expenses including the apartment rental during training discouraged me. I kinda wished I’d have gone to the air force or pilot school when I was younger. I still want to fly but I’m going to pick it back up here in my state where I earned my private license. I’ve networked with airline pilots when I worked here at our airport and they were very knowledgeable. A couple of my friends took the slow route and went over to the school when they got off work or had a day off to fly and now they’re employed with airlines. The older I get the more discouraged I become on continuing my pursuit of flying.
I am a commercial pilot working on my cfi. I’ve been flying for 17 years and a bachelor’s in Aviation Science. By the time I get to where I am employable due to FAR and Insurance, I will have invested $280K for a job that pays about $120k per 121. 135 opps want 1200 hrs for IFR/PIC requirements only paying about $35/hr seasonally. If I had to start over again, it’s not worth it.
Ignore all the pretentious haters here. This is so refreshing to hear. 200hr private pilot here. Had some mind to make it the rest of the way while working fun seasonal jobs but the cost-benefits for aviation is not favorable. I kept finding myself considering if I should spend say $1500 on a month in Europe or on 7 flight hours. Which brings me greater joy? Which developers me more as a person? Easy choice. It's disgusting what the regulations have done to aviation. 1500 hours is completly arbitrary and irrational. Mass manufacturing aircraft is essentially illegal unless you've been doing it since the 1950s, making aircraft ownership nealry impossible for most of the public. And if we do overcome all that, is the reward worth it? Look at thoes zombies in uniform next time you get off the airline. Gererally unhealthy, unhappy, sleep deprived, stressed, divorced, and obese. Like college, some of these cram schools are an absolute rip-off. They will keep changing more and more until enough people wise the hell up and stop taking on these massive debts for a shot at indentured servitude. I'm about out. Still debating the path forward. Maybe I'll try saving up for an aircraft so I'll at least have SOMETHING at the end of the road. Maybe I'll just finally give up and abandon this dream. Maybe I'll ignore my gut feeling and knowingly dive right into the debt trap. Alright, I'll stop whining. Cheers.
Also remember you keep referring to the chevkride… you’re not ready to take the Checkride yet. Stop worrying about the chevkride. When you’re ready for your chevkride you’ll know it. Right now you’re not quite ready for it.
I am a Skilled Tradesman in Canada who is currently making approximately 150,000$ Canadian. Guess how much I invested into my education and training? 0. Because the Government fully subsidizes it and recognizes they have to or no one would want to do it. There is no pilot shortage. This is a fabricated narrative that feeds people's egos and creates profit in the form of pilot wanna bes. I see thousands of people pouring their resources into flying in Canada but guess what there are not and can't be thousands of available jobs. It's about as useless as a University Degree because it's 50 people applying for 1 airline or corporate job. If there was, in fact, a dire shortage of pilots the education would be free and subsidized as it was for me. It is not. That tells me it's an industry that feeds of career changers, people's emotions, and seeks to profit. I bet you out of every 20 private pilots, only 1 or 2 will ever work for an airline. If that's your dream job understand the reality of what it will cost (100,000+) plus the probability of you making it (5-10%). Much better odds in much better career paths.
From what I can tell you're talking about a 141 program. That is a tough program from what I understand, not to mention that if you don't pass your stage checks you'll be put into part 61 anyway. Also most airlines are taking pilots without bachelors degrees now.
You didn’t quit, you were wise enough to walk away from something that would have destroyed your life- financially, if it didn’t kill you! On a side note, you would make a good project manager or estimator for a construction company or Design Build Architect. Whether it's residential or commercial. You're sincere and honest and people appreciate that in an employee or sub contactor. I wouldn’t fly again until you really want to. Again, you didn’t quit, you walked away. Big difference. Marc Somewhere in Alabama...
The entire problem is your attitude…..my guess is you will fail at whatever you try to do with the negative attitude. You will always find excuses. You seem to be a pretty smart…..regroup and start with a spark!
I agree. I always wanted to be a pilot... but yes.. I don't think I'm going to do this. You say you are 30... I'm 50.. not in cards for me.. I'm thinking.. yes, America will have to do something about that cost...I also don't think it cost that much for a school to ask for that much in tuition
100k for flight training is the least expensive way to have a shot at $1000-2000/day. That's just if you shingle your own CFI or get your own type rating and become a contract pilot. I know doctors and pilots, and guess which one makes more with about 10% of the 'loan'.
Where are you based out of? Let me take you STOL flying in Utah. You need to remember what it’s all about. Everyone gets discouraged. Your smart enough! Let me know
ATP is not the end all. Finish your private and have some fun. There are a lot of ways to make a living in aviation. Flying the airplane is easy part. If you don’t like flying you’re wasting your time and everyone else’s. It’s not about driving your Mercedes to the airport with a trunk load of money. It’s about getting your eyeballs above the horizon. The sky is a big place and there’s room for everyone. Get the private.
You need to take a break from flying for a bit. I went through burnout towards the end myself. I was working full time and going to college full time as well. I had to take a break from flying for a bit to get my head in the right place to finish. Flying is not that bad once you understand the basics. The science and ops need to be etched in your habits in order to be successful. If you haven’t already, take your written test asap. That will help immensely. By the way, the check ride was NOT bad at all. I was sooooo surprised. The truth is that the dpe wants you to pass. I spend about 17k on my ppl, all out of pocket, no debt. It took me about 50 hrs of flying, and the rest, 10-20hrs, was spent on ground instruction. Everything after the ppl is cake in my opinion. Good luck brotha, you can do it.
It sounds like you’re not “all-in” on becoming a pilot. If you’re medically qualified, go get the education if it’s the job you wanna do. It’s a skill-set that can be learned… but it will take commitment.
Start off as a RPAS/drone pilot training is about $500-$1000 and aircraft/drones about 1k-5k in Canada Commercial Drone Pilots make $50-70k and aviation is trending UAM Urban Air Mobility
You don’t need a bachelors but it’s a good idea to have something marketable to fall back on in the event you lose your medical or the industry takes a shit. These guys who go straight into the airlines with zero fall back options are batshit crazy imho and probably have a bit of a “it will never happen to me” mindset
Great video man. This gave me lots of insight. I’m a nurse and I’ve been burned out I guess and I thought about trying to get a pilots license and doing some sort of career change. I hear it hard and expensive so I’ve debating to give it a shot but if I do I’ll try the private pilots license first to see if it’s for me .
If you're feeling this upset and unmotivated, im just saying on behalf of us who have been instructors, your instructor is failing in their responsibility. You're only as technically proficient, knowledgeable and motivated as your instructor. REMEMBER THAT
It’s so long ago, man, it doesn’t even matter anymore. I’ve just finally finished paying off my private pilot license loan, a couple weeks ago officially
ATP flight school isn’t the only option. I live in the “most expensive city” in California and you can get flight instruction for way cheaper than you’re saying. As a CFI with 17 sign offs my students averaged about 73 hours. No one does it in the requirements, it’s not supposed to be easy. I’m glad it’s hard because it filters out people like this. It’s not stressful if you’re proficient. A good cfi with wait until your ready….
Majority of the people hate the books, you like the books, the flying part only requires practice… money is the solution to many problems so solve the problems with money and the result will generate you money.
Remember there are high school kids that are certified pilots. Maybe flying just isn't your thing. I suck at skiing. You're surely right about the expense.
I’m not sure where you live, but 10k for 40 hours is high. Also, there are people that finish in 40 hours and some have 140 hours and still have not finished. In 2018 I finished in 50 hours at a total of $7,500. Choosing the plane you learn on has a lot to do with the cost of getting your license. If you are doubting yourself now you should quit because it will only get more difficult.
Very few airlines are requiring a bachelor's degree. I'm flying a 767 and haven't seen a bachelor's degree requirement in a very long time. I DO NOT have a bachelor's degree.
Im from a low income family and currently in school for my bachelor of science in aviation and working on my private license as of now. I am lucky because if have some scholarships that cover about 20% of the cost. I love flying but ive never been one for studying and thats my biggest issue. I think anyone can be a pilot but it just takes alot of hard work. Im gonna try my best because i know this is gonna be worth it.
Brother, choose another career. Don’t get into flying because there’s a shortage and you think you can make good money. Get into flying because you love it. Thankfully you realized it’s not for you before going all in. A PPL is a great thing to have even if you don’t get any other ratings. It seems like your heart is not in it at all. I completed my PPL in 41 hours, cost me under 11k out the door. It’s a whole lot of studying and work outside of the cockpit just like any other skill. If you love it, it won’t feel like work.
Based on your current attitude I would say definitely don’t become a pilot, but let me qualify that statement and make a few other observations that might be helpful. 1. The ACS standards are not perfection. You are just required to meet those standards most of the time and make corrections if you exceed those standards. 2. If you get a disapproval on a checkride you can retest again only on the part where you didn’t meet the standard. Most pilots will get a disapproval on one of their checkrides. It’s not the end of your career. 3. The Oral part of the checkride is mostly open book. In real life you will never know everything, and the most important thing is that you are the type of person who knows how to find information that you don’t currently have. It may be the case that you are not intelligent enough but I get the sense that you have other issues that are preventing you from reaching your potential. I would recommend that you see a good therapist and find out why you relate to the world the way that you do. If you don’t aviation won’t be the only thing that you quit because it seems too difficult. I am a private pilot that has about 400 hours, most of that in a Mooney M20 that I own. I’m currently working on my instrument rating and am almost ready for the checkride. It does seem like an enormous amount of knowledge until you know it and then it’s just stuff you know. Getting your pilot ratings is easily more work than an entire bachelors degree. I’m not sure why you think after 40 hours you should have all the knowledge and skills of a professional pilot. Lastly, it’s not my responsibility or anyone else’s to pay for YOUR education and training. If you aren’t willing to pay for it yourself then you are probably not the type of person who would be a good investment for others to put 150k into. Most pilots make 200k+ a year, they can pay for their own training.
Got my ppl in 46hrs at 36, total change of career. Bought a plane and got all my ratings thru commercial then sold the plane for a profit. Did cfii and Did cmel/mei after. Full time demanding job with odd hours and schedule. Do contract flying and instructing waiting to retire from my regular job in a year or so and go into corporate/fractional flying full time. I wish I did it when I was “almost 30” how is that a hinderance at all to you?
@@davicchanned7335 $35/hr gas and probably $10-20/hr maintenance reserve, tie down was $100/mo, insurance was $1300/yr I took care of small issues during the year so my annual was under $1500 because I didn’t defer maintenance. I made money on the sale of the plane and bought a larger plane.
I gotta say man, it’s not that you’re not smart enough, it’s your attitude and lack of discipline that’s keeping you from success. Flying is such a rewarding career precisely because it is difficult. It forces you to be disciplined and study and look things up and show up prepared. Just hearing you say things like “FFA” (it’s FAA btw) tells me you are kinda lazy and not as sharp as you can be. This business has a way of weeding out the non-hackers. Again, it’s not intelligence that’s required, it’s a combination of passion, attitude and discipline. Btw, I’m 38, no degree, and I fly for American.
thanx mom
@@robertd7073 shut up why you hatin
@@juangonzales-mr9oe He says he went to fly, did not get degree.....i think he is smart for that tactic....there, i said something positive.
Your a G whoever wrote this. Thanks 👏🏾👏🏾
@@joeywright2706 thanks mom...now i will go fly tubo props for 14k per year....
Im a professional pilot, and there are lot of things I disagree with you here.
1. Bachelor degrees, while recommended, are not longer required due to the shortage.
2. Checkrides, especially your private, they’re not looking for perfection. At the end of the day, a PPL is a license to learn. They’re looking to see if you make a mistake, you fix it.
There are a few other things but in order to succeed in this career, you have to have a real passion for it. From this video, it seems like your not doing it because you love it, but it’s just another career path.
If it’s only the money, there are much cheaper alternatives than ATP. All in, I spent 50k for flying. That included my PPL, Instrument, Commercial, CFI, CFII and multi. I’m now at my first job making 80k/yr with pay only going up from here.
Agreed and the passion and drive is the most important! If you don't like the single act of flying, or don't enjoy looking at, hearing, smelling, and touching airplanes, then find something that does get you excited!
I agree. I’m very early into my PPL and every single time I pull back on the yolk it’s so awesome every time if we’re going out doing traffic patterns or simple maneuvers it’s just something I see myself loving doing for a sustainable period of time. I learn something new everytime. From this video I see no passion for the simple things in flight
Hey man, I’m starting my for my ppl in 3 days. Videos like this give me anxiety. I have several pilot friend that said a degree is absolutely no longer needed! I’d be interested in talking to you about your journey to where you are now and how long it took. I’m looking to get where you are hopefully within a year and a half if that’s doable. Let’s chat 🤙🏼
💯
I really appreciate all the positive comments like this that help those of us who have a passion for flight know that videos like this probably don’t apply to us. I’m super excited to start flight training. The cost does scare me, but I’m willing to work for the ability to fly.
Professional pilot here. Don’t have a bachelors, that’s a thing of the past. The first 2-3 years suck! I started when I was 34, single dad, working a full time job. Recently I just wanted to start a new job and have 4 offers on the table all above 150k a year. Don’t go to pilot mills like ATP or any other school like that. Find a mom and pop school with an older instructor. And keep your expectations low till you hit 1500 hours. Watching the video, attitude is your biggest hurdle. If you want it bad enough you’ll get it. If not then quit now.
How do you make the single dad part work with a job like that (with the days you're on the road, etc)?
@ a great support system from family and a great wife now.
I always loved planes as a kid and never thought that I could be be an airline pilot. When I found out that I could do it on my own, I went for it. It took me awhile to get there because I worked full-time along the way. I tell younger people to do what they love and the money will come later. I made it because of determination and passion for aviation, not because of smarts. Now I’m a B767 captain. 😊
Could you elaborate on how you did it working full time? I want to pursue being a pilot been my dream since I saw top gun , but mortgage 💸 wasn’t calculated in my childhood dreams. Any advice would be helpful
@@ShawShank-kr9wqI worked nights so the days were free. I didn’t have much money either so I took a school loan. I did whatever I could to get through including washing planes in exchange for flight time.
There’s a difference between people that want to be airline pilots because of the job title, current shortage and people like myself that used to go to airports as a kid and dream about it all day. It’s not for everyone.
Top Gun was great and the military is a good option because the US government pays for all the training. But that’s a different avenue.
I’m 33 in the lift program doing a similar thing right now. It’s hard but I wake up excited to learn more and more each day. Practice and listen to my mentors. This job could pay minimum wage and you bet I’d still be going for it!
Similar boat, working full time, but I an doing at the same time. I will keep pushing myself until I am at Airline FO
❤
Bro, you got this. The first 40 hours of training is grueling. Once you get to the cross country portion of flying, you'll find a love for it again. If you stick with it, you can get through the training. Instrument flying is truly hard. But when you finish your Instrument add-on, you'll be CLEAN on your flight controls and you'll be fluent in Aviation. And just because you have your instrument rating doesn't mean you should go out and fly a 172 to minimums. Instrument flying takes a couple of years to become truly proficient.
People who get their PPL in 40 hours don't have a job and are flying 5-6 days a week. Those are people who saved up for the entire cost up front (and if you have a full time job-you don't get to fly 5-6 days a week), took out a 120,000 dollar loan, or have wealthy parents/relatives.
European airlines have to pay for training because it cost even more money to learn to fly on your own in Europe. You have to pay to use the Instrument system. Most airports have landing fees. It is expensive to train in the US but a lot of Europeans and European Airlines do their training in the U.S. because it is a lot cheaper. And a lot of Airplanes in Europe have U.S. registration because its cheaper to register and you can legally fly in the EASA system with a U.S. registered aircraft.
The average time to get your PPL is about 70-80 hours. Nothing to snub your nose at. I would also make sure you have a flight instructor that you have good chemistry with. That, in it of itself will make all the difference in how you perceive the difficulty of your training.
FAA Check airmen can be intimidating. But they also WANT you to pass. Your flight instructor is going to have to sign you off for the check ride in order for the Check Airmen to evaluate you for your license. That person will not do this unless you are absolutely ready because your failure will be against their certificate. When your flight instructor signs you off, you ARE ready (unless they are trying to humble you-doesn't sound like that's your problem).
The check ride does NOT have to be perfect. And you are going to learn something about aviation from the DPE during your check ride just as you would a lesson. You have to fly the plane well and make good aeronautical decisions. When you get close to your check ride, your flight instructor should be having you read through the Private Pilot Airmen Certification Standards. You'll see that often times you have plus or minus 5 degrees, 10 kts and 100 feet on the maneuvers and flight regimes that you are tested in. If you go outside these boundaries, there is often times grace if you catch it and correct it (even in the instrument check ride). The reality is, we as pilots are all flying toward a failed check ride. As long as you fail 2 or less in your career, and you learn from your mistakes, a failed check ride is not the end of a career.
While the Legacy Airlines require a Bachelor's degree (I believe Delta has "removed" their requirement), there are lots of career options as a professional pilot that don't require a bachelors degree. In fact, a lifetime career in a regional airline especially today can be very rewarding monetarily. The regionals don't require a Bachelor's degree; as well as flight survey, fire fighting, parachute operations, Part 91 charters, A Lot of Part 135 cargo operations, and air ambulance. Most of these career option pay fairly well.
My final statement is flying an airplane is hard at first and there will continually be challenges and humble moments. It's also and industry and hobby where the pilot will constantly learn. Especially if they are going to continue to fly new aircraft. Not everyone can do it. BUT most people with average intelligence and decent hand-eye coordination that are dedicated can become a professional pilot.
he likes money....he made the right choice
@@robertd7073yep, anyone going for this career for money only is gonna fail
This is the fairest, most honest, detailed, and encouraging comment for someone undergoing pilot training. You said it all, and you said it best.
I remember back then when I was in a similar position and head space as this guy, paying from my pocket, along with other responsibilities on the side. It was thoughts and strategies similar to yours that got me through.
A majority of those who had no responsibilities while training and / or were financially supported wouldn't understand where the guy in the video is coming from. Sadly, they make up the vast majority of pilots; skilled, but not intelligent enough to relate with anything else or other people's points of view, and if you took them out of a flying role like when covid hit or if they lost a job they couldn't survive any other way. 😂
I went through ATP with 2 jobs and 3 kids at 36 years old. I was a touring drummer for 18 years and got out of the industry while I was at ATP. Worked to stay alive
I had no college and sucked at high school…it was boring to me. I got enough C’s and D’s to stay on the hockey team 😂. Aviation school was awesome to me. So studying became my hobby.
I graduated as an MEI and instructed at ATP then went into corporate flying. I’m flying all over the world now making more money than I could have imagined.
You DO NOT need college experience to get into the airlines or into corporate aviation.
ATP was an actual blessing and the 100,000k loan came out to $599 a month payment.
If you want it, go do it. But it is not a trade school. It’s not a Lincoln tech. It’s not plumbing school. And that’s the pit fall of the marketing strategy for this pilot shortage. It isn’t for curious people. It isn’t for people wanting to test the water. They all failed out within 2 months or so.
Also, checkrides DO NOT and ARE NOT EVER PERFECT. But your confidence in the plane, if it’s the same on this video, won’t even get you out of the oral exam man. I’m totally being real with you. The DPE won’t want to sign that off. He’ll see it instantly.
You can do it, but it’s gonna take a MASSIVE attitude change.
Do they offer any sign on bonus' $100k is no joke.
@@randomanon7040I checked a few days ago, seems the kinda school that wants you to co-sign and will boot you as soon as you fall behind
Maybe look into block hour pricing schools
@@randomanon7040envoy!
What year was this. $600 a month ain't bad. What was your intrest rate?
The best part I found within this video is wanting all of the rewards, without taking on any of the risks. Very honest.
Right?
I was in your shoes earlier this summer and I came to the realization that the training is designed for a student to sink or swim. Stop sinking and start swimming. This is what makes good pilots.
I LOVE the realism of this. Nobody talks about this side of learning this profession. The truth is we've ALL felt like this. We've ALL got down on ourselves. We've ALL compared ourselves to other people. We've ALL had failures and difficulties with learning how to fly. And yes many of us have felt the burn of how much it costs to get our solo pilot but it's just like anything else, an INVESTMENT TO YOUR FUTURE.
Chin up!
This is one of the very few honest comments here. Well said.
Hi ER, I applaud your candor and sincerity. Not everyone is cut out to be a pilot, nor should they be, think for a second the amount of responsibility they have, not only for themselves and their passengers but other aircraft in the skies and the people and property below them. For those reasons and many more I'm happy to hear it's tuff to make it through what sounds like a very challenging and through vetting process. I hope you find something that you enjoy doing and wish you nothing but happiness and success.
Appreciate the positivity, thank you
Dont let some of these people who dont understand your plight get to u bro! You got out of a bad situation before it became much worse! If something is immensely stressful and financially ruinous with a high failure rate its totally okay to calculate the risks and choose something else! U made the right choice!
I appreciate it that’s exactly my thoughts on it. I had a medical emergency right after I stopped flying, and just had enough money to get all of that medical work done. I got lucky for sure.
@@earthroamer3832you absolutely made the right choice! Great warning to those who are only curious about a high paying gig. IT is booming and very easy. Met the laziest people I know in IT 😂
Start my training with ATP next week. I was in the bottom quartile of my high school class and chose to drop out of pre calculous because it was to hard for me [or so I thought, but really I was being lazy]. Eventually years later I went to college and found out that I wasn't eligible to enroll in some courses due to me not having the proper pre-requisites of which many ironically could've been satisfied had I stuck with the calculous route in high school. Anyways I end up somehow graduating college with a contradictory combination of hard work and laziness mixed together, leaving with a bachelors degree that I wasn't extremely passionate about or would allow me to earn a decent wage without additional schooling. I don't know anything about flying planes but I'm going to give it my best shot and in roughly 7 months [God willing I'm still on this earth] I should have completed their fast track program. In 7 months I plan to come back to this comment in order to report on how it went. Btw like the guy who posted this video I'm almost 30 as well. I hope to basically provide some encouragement to anyone who might see this that if I [the bottom quartile guy in high school] could get through sped up fast track flight school program knowing nothing about planes, then anyone can accomplish what ever they put their mind too as long as they're willing to put the time into doing it.
Thank you for writing this. I have found great use in this. Good luck
Hey man how is ATP going?
Yeah I’m curious too how’s it going?
As someone with a Bachelors and working in a field I am no longer passionate about and am seriously contemplating flight school, I would love to hear an update. Good luck to you man
rooting for you
Average student debt for lawyers and PHD graduates: $160k. Average debt for med school grads: $205k. That's not even total cost of training, just the debt. So pilot ratings plus bachelors degree is about on par with these other high status careers. I saved for 10 years making 50-70k a year to fund my flight training and my total training cost is $90k including $50k of student debt. I went to ATP after getting my private pilot outside of ATP.
Yes, all of that is really scary. I'm now employed as a pilot (survey), refinanced my loan and cut my payment by 30%. I also had a great career I could fall back on if I did not succeed or needed to build more cash to finish.
It seems like the cost factor is the thing that's really messing with you. I would recommend finding the cheapest option you have. You could join a flying club with a cheap 152. If I did my training using my club's 152 at $70 per hour wet and $60 per hour for my instructor, and using the club's other airplanes for my instrument rating, I would have been able to do everything through CFI for about $30k and no debt.
If you can find a situation like that, and slow down your training a bit, then I think you should keep pushing. Private pilot was hard. Instrument was just as hard. Commercial was easy, and multi engine was between those. I personally enjoyed my time at ATP, but I enjoy pushing myself that hard. In my opinion, once you're past the private pilot checkride, you'll gain a better sense of what you can do and you'll feel more empowered. Take some pleasure flights and relax in the plane on your own. I was there, I almost busted my maneuvers every time on altitude. Now I can hold altitude doing almost anything within 10-20 feet.
Keep going dude, have faith, trust your coach, and get it there. The reward of landing my first full time pilot job was worth the two years of pain and triumph. Best thing I ever did. I hope you do it too.
If I got an accelerated 6 month BA in IT( information technology) from an accredited school would I be able to sign on with a major ? Or would they look at that and throw my application away ?
I have 90k to put for ATP but I do not have a bachelors degree , I’ll do the accelerated degree if need be but 4 years would take me too long
@@PylotGuy here in the US, a bachelor's is no longer required. I know of pilots with no degree getting hired at United and Delta with no degree. You absolutely do not need a degree at the regional airlines like SkyWest, Envoy, etc. With the pay situation right now at the regionals (90k a year and higher) it is an extremely good time to become a pilot!
@@GregoryEvansRacing
Thank you so much for your insight Greg ! Hope you prosper in life 🙏
I'm in the process of starting my pilot training. Im coming from IT making 100k/y.
I feel like this is the feeling most people get when beginning any career, especially once they're not passionate about. It often takes years before feeling confident in what you do. Everything gets better with time and experience under your belt.
The question here is would you rather feel like this flying or would you rather feel like this with any other job you chose? I hope you're able to find your passion but statistically, this will be the same feeling anywhere you go.
I think the lifestyle you can have once you have some seniority is worth every penny to me especially with the recent salary raises.
Hey man, I'm also working full-time in IT. I love aviation but money is always been an issue. Is there any way I can connect with you? I'm just curious to learn your process of pilot training.
I had to switch flight instructors 4 times and switch to 3 different planes to get my private. It just takes persistence,I've had nights questioning whether it was worth it but once you get your private you'll feel like it was well worth it. If its what you really want keep at it!
"It's 15% flying, and 85% knowledge, my ass. It's the flying." I freaking died laughing man 😂😂😂😂😂
😂 it’s true
Just got my commercial going on to cfi. It’s been 2 years for me since I’ve started and I know the feeling. I think around that 60-70 hour mark you start to realize if your doing it for the passion or if your only focused on the money.
Congratulations on getting your commercial.
You should have done ground school 1st using an online ground school.
That way you can focus 100% on flying
They also have online training for all of the certifications you talked about.
If you do a little research and maintain discipline, you will make it an aviation.
Before I put in my opinion, I'd like to congratulate you for something that you mentioned. You said that you have your bachelor's and are debt free. Oh man.... That right there puts you in with a very exceptional few. When I got mine, I worked hard to get finished without borrowing also. Well done.
Now you want to be a pilot or at least think that you do. You also are smart for not wanting to end up mired so deeply in debt that you would never really enjoy life as you worried about repaying that staggering amount.
I believe that you're on the right track and thinking clearly.
Assuming that you are healthy with no debilitating issues, preferably unmarried, and truly willing to put in the effort needed to one day, get on with the airlines, I have a solution for you.
All that you need to do is go down to your local recruiter and let that soldier, sailor, airman tell you the options. If you put in a single enlistment, you'll be eligible for benefits that include advanced flight training. Bingo! You have your commercial certificate with instrument, multi-engine, certificated flight instructor ratings and it's all debt free.
I'd also advise that you narrow the entire process down to looking at a military occupation that aligns with aviation. Two that jump to mind, but there are obviously others, are air traffic controller and aircraft maintenance. If you like either one, chances are that you could continue working full time in the same field after you complete your enlistment and while you accumulate enough flying hours to go to the airlines. A not small consideration with either one, is that your paying job is actually feeding you information and training for your airline future.
Right now (or at least when you submitted this video), all of the study and preparation is done in a vacuum of sorts. You generally do all of it alone and when one does that, you don't know what you don't know. It's difficult to stay motivated like that. If you were doing that aviation related stuff while part of a group situation, learning will feed on itself and you'll be exposed to a million little elements that you will never find on your own.
At one time, I was totally pro military service for a person that was simply needing time to figure out what he wanted to do with his life. I'm less so now with the "new" focus. You don't quite fit into the lost category, but are only trying to achieve another goal without having financial security at the finish.
Now, if you are reading this and thinking "what does he know", then here is why I think the way that I do. I did it. Or, I did part of it because I didn't know then what I do know now. I didn't realize that one could enlist for a specific occupation, so I just took what the Army gave me. Now, I know that there are flying clubs at almost every military post or at least near by. I could have built up a number flying hours cheaply while working toward my private license and certainly could have completed it well before me enlistment was up. I wasn't in that position because I had just completed getting my private right before I went into the Army. Six months after I got out of the Army, I was a flight instructor and didn't owe a penny to anyone. You could do the same thing. It's all up to you.
Oh. If you worry about your age being a problem, it's not. It will be in a few years, but it's not one now. Time is the problem. You (or anyone reading this) can agonize long enough to where all of the training in the world isn't going to help because the so called shortage will have disappeared. Right now, it's still real. I know of one person that got picked up by a regional airline at 44 years old. She did have a lot of instruction time so that helped her get hired. She's a Captain now for United Airlines.
If you go to the link... ruclips.net/video/59ST-K9vCZ0/видео.html , you'll see someone from the same flight school the the above United captain went to and actually became the chief pilot for. The school isn't affiliated with United Airlines. It just happens to have a similar name.
The video is half informative and half business promotion, but the person that is giving the instruction is a full time air traffic controller and a part time flight instructor. He has no intention of going on with the airlines, but could have had he wanted to do so. He is simply one of those people that found that he loves what he does now in aviation and sees no need to go off on a tangent of sorts. You might find that air traffic control and instruction fills your bucket too. If it doesn't then you still have options, but they won't be there forever.
I truly wish the best of luck to you.
Aviation is not for the faint of heart.
You need to be 100% committed to this profession and line of work in order to succeed in your career (or have perfect timing and be well connected).
You'll rack up significant debt, and even though college education is not required, it will set you apart from candidates who don't have a degree. Particularly at the big legacies.
The biggest thing is the seniority game, the sooner you get yourself into a major carrier, the better. If you move to another company, you start from scratch. That's the painful reality of this entire profession.
Good luck to everyone out there investing in their career. By 2024 / 2025 things will have slowed down quite a bit and I'm curious to see what kind of wages and improvement in QoL will have maintained from today's "pilot shortage" situation at the regional level and across the industry.
I was looking for this comment.
Flying 1 time a week and taking 2 years is honestly why you aren’t grabbing it. It is a skill you have to keep practicing.
I have two guys that worked for me that both got their Private in under 45hrs. One was 26 with a new baby and his check ride was at exactly 40hrs. the other guy was a 35 year old former Marine with zero experience.
It’s doable, but I counted at least 50x in this video you talked about money it costs. How much you spent etc.
If you can’t afford it you don’t have to make excuses; just stop spending the money on it.
I’m not a fast learner and did it in my 40s. It was expensive, stressful and extremely difficult and filled with risk. I’m now an ATP and fly for a major airline 5 years in. It CAN be done, but only you can decide if it’s worth it. If that answer is yes, you must dedicate all of your energy into this. It’s a very rewarding career once you get through the early days. Takes some balls to jump into this. Just be sure you won’t live with regret if you quit.
And I’d add that going slowly is almost counterproductive. You’re less immersed in it and it’ll take way longer than just busting it out IMO. You have to continually revisit previous concepts since it was a eeek since you e practiced.
I've been on the fence as well. I've had few hours. I see someone mentioned only going into debt for $50k, way better than 100k. Health problems is whats stopping me. I have minor problems that are technically not disqualifying, but my fear is, it getting worse in the future. I've had days where I ask myself, "could I fly in my current condition? No way. I'm too fatigued" Spending 50k, then potientially having to quit, while still being in debt, because of not being able to pass a medical exam, the fear is too high for me.
Oh 100% agree on the health problems issue also. They can take your license away so fast if something goes wrong with your health
Flight training is very tough man but push through and finish it! You need to finish it even when it sucks. Dont let the money you put in go to waste.
I’m 37 and starting Flite school in May… I’m well aware of the challenge and the cost but I’m going to do it full-time… I wanted to do it all my life and despite the difficulty I know I’m going to succeed
Bro I’m 34 and I’m thinking I’m old to start, u gave me motivation to.
Dude, I did the helicopter certificate in 65 hours. I did it while working a full-time career, 3 very young kids, and a hectic schedule. It got done. Took longer than some, but PPL completed, and now I'm at the tail end of CPL. My training has surpassed 100k, but it's the suck it up and push forward attitude that will finish it not the it's expensive, excuses and much more. Just push yourself further. I agree ATP isn't for everyone, even me. I'm a slow learner and I got this. You can too. Be optimistic and you too will reach your dream.
sucks to be your kids...do a video on your paycheck
The guy clearly doesn’t have it. I really think he made the right choice. I’ve seen pilots down like that but still pressed on. You explanation, examples are perfect to show what passion and drive gets you through. This is a weed out for the industry. I could see this guy wake up, call in sick and leave a plane canceled on passengers. If the schooling get you like this. The jobs gonna be worse for you. If they offered minimum wage and you’ll still do this career? Your in the right program. But if it’s only the money, your gonna fail
This is a great warning to those who are looking at this as a curious job. You have to have drive and passion for this. I’m going through lift flight academy to fly for republic. Yeah 100k? But you make way more than that yearly and can pay it off. Also school programs after your cfi can go towards the loan without the interest hit because your still in school. It’s really not that bad. UNLESS they are in your situation where your probably better sticking with GA. For those serious on this, small sacrifices for what’s coming ahead. I wanna encourage those of you in these programs and are worried now after seeing this. Keep your nose to that grind stone and ignore these videos, they do no good for your drive, Stay Flying! As for those of you looking at this as a cool high paying job? Best to find something else like IT or something. Your gonna find out it’s too much work like this guy is. But if your born for this and have the passion, your gonna make it! Your CFIs and mentors WANT you to live your dream. Take it pilots! It’s yours!
Dude I totally feel where your coming from. But if I can give any motivation I can give you my story. I’m currently 31 started flying at 30. I got my degree in history to be a history teacher. Let alone to become a teacher in my state (TX) cost a couple Thousand and a good year of training. I started flying as a cool hobby because as teachers we get so much time off. But I just now realized after all my college education and post grad work I don’t want to be a teacher anymore. So I put my focus and pockets towards aviation. I’m at 33 hours so far and like you my pockets are feeling that pain. I’ve been looking into ATP also and damn that shit hurts my soul with that ticket price. But from my research this is what I found. ATP is so damn expensive because it is a rapid track program so your getting what your paying for. There are schools that are a whole lot cheaper. In my city we have a Sky Safety Flight School there about almost half the price of ATP because they are not a rapid track and will take any where from 10-12 months from 0 to heel. So back to the money because that seems to be your big hump right? Your going to have to make sacrifices. Luckily I don’t have kids so I can make them different than other might can. I have a beautiful apartment which I live with my girlfriend and we pay like 2k a month for. I’ve explained to her this is what I want to do so moving back to my moms house would be a logical plan. Luckily my moms house is a good size with a lot of space but how embarrassing is it to ask my girlfriend to move with me to my moms so I can fly right? But lucky she’s down and will save some cash also. But overall from what I have learned while learning Aviation it’s seems to be a lot about Sacrifices. So I hope you find what your looking for homie.
I like your story because I can relate. I have a bachelors that I don’t plan to use for a career anymore and instead use it to afford flight training. I assume you’re in San Antonio like me because I’m also at Sky Safety for PPL and instrument. Not sure what to do after in regards to commercial and ATP licenses but I’m sure I’ll figure it out.
To the interested in becoming pilots, don’t be scared of check-rides! It’s not the end of the world if you fail, the examiner would just send you back to your instructor to train the areas that need more work and then take the check ride again, without repeating the maneuvers that you did correct. Is not like your career is over and the airlines won’t hire you in the future.
If you fail a check ride twice, you're going to have a very hard time getting a job with the airlines.
FYI for perspective airline pilots. A degree is no longer required, just preferred.
I’m opposite lol. I can fly like a mofo. I was solo at 8 hours. The books is the tough part.
It’s tough man, just hang in there and concentrate on the tasks at hand, don’t think about the outcome. Look at your private pilot requirements and work on reducing what is required. I promise you one day it will click. Don’t think about instrument now… finish your private. What city do you live in? I would also suggest using a home simulator to prepare for your flights.
I live in Nashville. I’m taking a break from flying because of how expensive it got. I never got around to getting Microsoft flight simulator I bet that would’ve helped a lot. Thank you for your support
@@earthroamer3832 sure. Good luck in the future.
You've already talked yourself out of it and made up your mind. Move on. Maybe you'll make a fine flight attendant. One piece of advice; quit chewing.
😂 Jesus
@@earthroamer3832 No. Just sound advice.
If you think that you can't become a pilot, you are right; however, if you think that you CAN become a pilot, you are still right. It is all about how you think.
I feel you man, I got my private, instrument commercial and ground instructor certificates and even after getting all of them I cannot find any job opportunities to work or advance my training to gain experience, this is financially difficult and even more now that pilots are required 1500 hours of flight experience, plus all the other requirements, and even after spending thousands of dollars in training only a small group can get an opportunity for a job, it is like a pyramid scheme maybe that is why they call this the pilot shortage because they need more people to enter the game, but anyways just finish what you've started get your private and enjoy flying for fun! all the best to you!😏
Join the military, do three years, then get out. You will then have the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill to fund the rest of your training. The only thing it doesn't cover is your private lincense
You going to have a rude awakening when you realize the G.I bill only covers federal institutes. flight schools are private
Lol 😂thank you for this video! I’m 46 - and I want to become an atp pilot even more now! Not everything is financial man.
Good luck bro spending 100k in this current economy. If it’s what you want to do go for it though!
I got my private in 52 hours. That was a breeze compared to the instrument. It’s very intense. I did it debt free by buying a plane and leasing it back to the flight school. I got to write it all off on my tax’s. When I did it, the costs were $70 per hour wet plus $25 hr for the instructor back in the early 2000’s.
Thank you for sharing your perspective. It's different from everyone else's on youtube and definitely something to consider.
I think you are looking at the problem(s) the wrong way: 1. On the financial side of things, the benefit of getting to the airlines this way is that once you get your CFI - you make money flying (albeit not much). so there is an upfront cost but you offset it later. Whereas ATP schools are faster but are cost only. 2. For your training, you need to dive in, not slow down: the more you fly the best eye-hand-feet coordination you will have. Everytime I had to pause my training for personal reasons I started below the level I stopped at. 3. You are correct PPL is just the beginning and IFR is a lot harder, then multi, commercial, CFI,... 4. No checkride is ever perfect, I've done mistakes are each of mine. But as long as you tell your DPE: correcting for altitude/heading/trim,... and you demonstrate that you are a safe pilot, you will get it. Good luck on your journey, don't give up, soon after your PPL you will be able to pick a fellow PPL friend and go fly "under the hood" whithout having to pay an instructor.
If you have taken your written and pass the medical, you should be able to complete your training in about 8-10 weeks, flying about 4-5 hours per week with an instructor and a couple solo practice flights. Condensed training works better.
If you push through you will not regret, if you give up you will regret for the rest of your life:
I’m starting my PPL very soon doing ground school right now. 1500 hours seems grueling but I’m already looking at it one step at a time. Keep your head down and keep pushing.
At least you're honest with yourself but no duh it's hard. Success is not earned without sacrifice. You wanna go make 300k at an airline you gotta earn it. That's why the salary is so high. It's why pilots are so respected. The dedication, time, effort and money to get there is a high price for a reason. No different from being a doctor, expensive school, a lot of time and very challenging to earn the title. Either set your goals lower and stay average or lock in and find a way to do it. When the going gets tough the tough keep going.
I 100% fully agree with you on all your points about how expensive flight training is I think a big misconception is also how 61 schools will say that it’s cheaper and then give you no structure which I get but then milk your time away with everything else.
I'll be 40 in September and I'm studying for my written exam before committing to the flying portion. You gotta have the passion. You can do this!! Change your mindset!
If it was easy, then anyone could do it. If you want to play, then you have to pay. It takes extreme dedication because your life and the life of your passengers may depend on it one day. You are young and have the rest of your life in front of you. Flying takes discipline and dedication. You can not go into it half heartedly. Accept the challenge! Do not take the path of least resistance! Stop talking about the money it costs and making excuses.
It cost me roughly $32k to get my PPL in a Diamond DA40. When I got my PPL I was at 118hrs. 20 hrs was cross country trips I flew to other states with my instructor just for fun. Its frigging expensive and now I'm doing instrument training. Trust me I'm no brain but if you dedicate you're time you can do anything. It's just about how much you're willing to spend
And yeah its expensive, but there are kids getting 100k in debt for social sciences degrees that make 30k a year. At least this will pay in the 6 figures pretty quickly once you get on an airline
Sister just got 45k in debt for a anthropology degree and no jobs lined up college rn is a joke
You should get a simulator setup and spend a lot of time on it between flight hours. There is a lot of information to process, but you need to develop your system for checking your way through what you’re doing
"FFA approved" told me everything I needed to know. Seriously though, I think you can make it. 40 hrs in is a lot of time to know this is something you really want to do. I know this is a year later but I hope you got back into the cockpit
Yes the Future Farmers of America are flying all the planes… I have considered later in life redoing this venture when my money is right, we will see
@@earthroamer3832 good luck with everything man.
Thank you for this video & good advice. I’m looking for the worst of the worst of what it could be like before I start…excited about what’s next❤
I received my private pilots license in the early 2000’s and that day was my last day flying an aircraft because it was too expensive to go on. It took me $9,000 to get my 40 hours. I passed EVERY test and I’m horrible at complex math but I’ve always wanted to be a pilot since the age of 9. I’ve visited schools in Texas and Florida but the major loan that has to be used for all expenses including the apartment rental during training discouraged me. I kinda wished I’d have gone to the air force or pilot school when I was younger. I still want to fly but I’m going to pick it back up here in my state where I earned my private license. I’ve networked with airline pilots when I worked here at our airport and they were very knowledgeable. A couple of my friends took the slow route and went over to the school when they got off work or had a day off to fly and now they’re employed with airlines. The older I get the more discouraged I become on continuing my pursuit of flying.
Man, you've never had to take The Cheesecake Factory menu test for servers! I'm an honors grad from a top university, but that test was INSANE!
I am a commercial pilot working on my cfi. I’ve been flying for 17 years and a bachelor’s in Aviation Science. By the time I get to where I am employable due to FAR and Insurance, I will have invested $280K for a job that pays about $120k per 121. 135 opps want 1200 hrs for IFR/PIC requirements only paying about $35/hr seasonally. If I had to start over again, it’s not worth it.
Ignore all the pretentious haters here. This is so refreshing to hear.
200hr private pilot here. Had some mind to make it the rest of the way while working fun seasonal jobs but the cost-benefits for aviation is not favorable. I kept finding myself considering if I should spend say $1500 on a month in Europe or on 7 flight hours. Which brings me greater joy? Which developers me more as a person? Easy choice.
It's disgusting what the regulations have done to aviation. 1500 hours is completly arbitrary and irrational. Mass manufacturing aircraft is essentially illegal unless you've been doing it since the 1950s, making aircraft ownership nealry impossible for most of the public.
And if we do overcome all that, is the reward worth it? Look at thoes zombies in uniform next time you get off the airline. Gererally unhealthy, unhappy, sleep deprived, stressed, divorced, and obese.
Like college, some of these cram schools are an absolute rip-off. They will keep changing more and more until enough people wise the hell up and stop taking on these massive debts for a shot at indentured servitude.
I'm about out. Still debating the path forward. Maybe I'll try saving up for an aircraft so I'll at least have SOMETHING at the end of the road. Maybe I'll just finally give up and abandon this dream. Maybe I'll ignore my gut feeling and knowingly dive right into the debt trap.
Alright, I'll stop whining.
Cheers.
Weather you think you can or think you can't.., you're right.
Also remember you keep referring to the chevkride… you’re not ready to take the Checkride yet. Stop worrying about the chevkride. When you’re ready for your chevkride you’ll know it. Right now you’re not quite ready for it.
I am a Skilled Tradesman in Canada who is currently making approximately 150,000$ Canadian. Guess how much I invested into my education and training? 0. Because the Government fully subsidizes it and recognizes they have to or no one would want to do it.
There is no pilot shortage. This is a fabricated narrative that feeds people's egos and creates profit in the form of pilot wanna bes. I see thousands of people pouring their resources into flying in Canada but guess what there are not and can't be thousands of available jobs. It's about as useless as a University Degree because it's 50 people applying for 1 airline or corporate job.
If there was, in fact, a dire shortage of pilots the education would be free and subsidized as it was for me. It is not. That tells me it's an industry that feeds of career changers, people's emotions, and seeks to profit. I bet you out of every 20 private pilots, only 1 or 2 will ever work for an airline. If that's your dream job understand the reality of what it will cost (100,000+) plus the probability of you making it (5-10%). Much better odds in much better career paths.
How can I contact you Sir. Would love to learn a lot from you.
From what I can tell you're talking about a 141 program. That is a tough program from what I understand, not to mention that if you don't pass your stage checks you'll be put into part 61 anyway. Also most airlines are taking pilots without bachelors degrees now.
I love these comments, interesting and encouraging.
You didn’t quit, you were wise enough to walk away from something that would have destroyed your life- financially, if it didn’t kill you!
On a side note, you would make a good project manager or estimator for a construction company or Design Build Architect. Whether it's residential or commercial. You're sincere and honest and people appreciate that in an employee or sub contactor.
I wouldn’t fly again until you really want to. Again, you didn’t quit, you walked away. Big difference.
Marc
Somewhere in Alabama...
The entire problem is your attitude…..my guess is you will fail at whatever you try to do with the negative attitude. You will always find excuses. You seem to be a pretty smart…..regroup and start with a spark!
I agree. I always wanted to be a pilot... but yes.. I don't think I'm going to do this. You say you are 30... I'm 50.. not in cards for me.. I'm thinking.. yes, America will have to do something about that cost...I also don't think it cost that much for a school to ask for that much in tuition
I don’t even think the financial risk is worth it at age 30, age 50… no freaking way man.
100k for flight training is the least expensive way to have a shot at $1000-2000/day. That's just if you shingle your own CFI or get your own type rating and become a contract pilot. I know doctors and pilots, and guess which one makes more with about 10% of the 'loan'.
Where are you based out of? Let me take you STOL flying in Utah. You need to remember what it’s all about. Everyone gets discouraged. Your smart enough! Let me know
ATP is not the end all. Finish your private and have some fun. There are a lot of ways to make a living in aviation. Flying the airplane is easy part. If you don’t like flying you’re wasting your time and everyone else’s. It’s not about driving your Mercedes to the airport with a trunk load of money. It’s about getting your eyeballs above the horizon. The sky is a big place and there’s room for everyone. Get the private.
You need to take a break from flying for a bit. I went through burnout towards the end myself. I was working full time and going to college full time as well. I had to take a break from flying for a bit to get my head in the right place to finish.
Flying is not that bad once you understand the basics. The science and ops need to be etched in your habits in order to be successful. If you haven’t already, take your written test asap. That will help immensely. By the way, the check ride was NOT bad at all. I was sooooo surprised. The truth is that the dpe wants you to pass.
I spend about 17k on my ppl, all out of pocket, no debt. It took me about 50 hrs of flying, and the rest, 10-20hrs, was spent on ground instruction. Everything after the ppl is cake in my opinion. Good luck brotha, you can do it.
Very nice honest video. I encourage you not to stop. If it was easy.......we wouldn't have a pilot shortage.
It sounds like you’re not “all-in” on becoming a pilot. If you’re medically qualified, go get the education if it’s the job you wanna do. It’s a skill-set that can be learned… but it will take commitment.
This career isn’t a right.
It’s not meant for everyone.
Some folks can’t do the work necessary.
I’m a private pilot with an instrument rating and I never got over a C in high school. You just have to want it bad enough and have a passion for it.
Start off as a RPAS/drone pilot training is about $500-$1000 and aircraft/drones about 1k-5k in Canada Commercial Drone Pilots make $50-70k and aviation is trending UAM Urban Air Mobility
You don’t need a bachelors but it’s a good idea to have something marketable to fall back on in the event you lose your medical or the industry takes a shit. These guys who go straight into the airlines with zero fall back options are batshit crazy imho and probably have a bit of a “it will never happen to me” mindset
Do not listen to this guy. Knows nothing. Go to a part 61 school and do what he is talking about for half the money.
Sounds like for your flying right rudder and trim will fix 95 percent of your concerns.
Great video man. This gave me lots of insight. I’m a nurse and I’ve been burned out I guess and I thought about trying to get a pilots license and doing some sort of career change. I hear it hard and expensive so I’ve debating to give it a shot but if I do I’ll try the private pilots license first to see if it’s for me .
Good luck sir. Hope you find your wings and soar.. whatever you decide to pursue
If you're feeling this upset and unmotivated, im just saying on behalf of us who have been instructors, your instructor is failing in their responsibility. You're only as technically proficient, knowledgeable and motivated as your instructor. REMEMBER THAT
It’s so long ago, man, it doesn’t even matter anymore. I’ve just finally finished paying off my private pilot license loan, a couple weeks ago officially
ATP flight school isn’t the only option. I live in the “most expensive city” in California and you can get flight instruction for way cheaper than you’re saying. As a CFI with 17 sign offs my students averaged about 73 hours. No one does it in the requirements, it’s not supposed to be easy. I’m glad it’s hard because it filters out people like this. It’s not stressful if you’re proficient. A good cfi with wait until your ready….
Majority of the people hate the books, you like the books, the flying part only requires practice… money is the solution to many problems so solve the problems with money and the result will generate you money.
Remember there are high school kids that are certified pilots. Maybe flying just isn't your thing. I suck at skiing. You're surely right about the expense.
I’m not sure where you live, but 10k for 40 hours is high. Also, there are people that finish in 40 hours and some have 140 hours and still have not finished. In 2018 I finished in 50 hours at a total of $7,500. Choosing the plane you learn on has a lot to do with the cost of getting your license.
If you are doubting yourself now you should quit because it will only get more difficult.
maybe its the school you're attending? A lot of this seems like its the school
Thanks for your honesty. Flying isn't for everyone.
Very few airlines are requiring a bachelor's degree. I'm flying a 767 and haven't seen a bachelor's degree requirement in a very long time. I DO NOT have a bachelor's degree.
Good video. I like that give us an unvarnished view
I appreciate it!
After basic training I thought you then make a little being a trainer, accumulate hours, and the trainees pay for the rental?
There isn't a pilot shortage...never was...they was a pay shortage for starting regional pilots...they fixed that...
I didn’t realize the FFA was into flying. I thought they were about showing off farm animals at your local county fair!
Im from a low income family and currently in school for my bachelor of science in aviation and working on my private license as of now. I am lucky because if have some scholarships that cover about 20% of the cost. I love flying but ive never been one for studying and thats my biggest issue. I think anyone can be a pilot but it just takes alot of hard work. Im gonna try my best because i know this is gonna be worth it.
Brother, choose another career. Don’t get into flying because there’s a shortage and you think you can make good money. Get into flying because you love it. Thankfully you realized it’s not for you before going all in. A PPL is a great thing to have even if you don’t get any other ratings. It seems like your heart is not in it at all. I completed my PPL in 41 hours, cost me under 11k out the door. It’s a whole lot of studying and work outside of the cockpit just like any other skill. If you love it, it won’t feel like work.
Thank you. Some people can’t be surgeons for similar reasons. No one cares as long as they get that payment. SMH
Thanks for the insight. Great video.
Idk keep working on the instrument rating, then get a cfi, then get paid hours as a cfi to build up the minimum hours maybe
Whoever said flying was easy never flew a plane themselves.
Based on your current attitude I would say definitely don’t become a pilot, but let me qualify that statement and make a few other observations that might be helpful.
1. The ACS standards are not perfection. You are just required to meet those standards most of the time and make corrections if you exceed those standards.
2. If you get a disapproval on a checkride you can retest again only on the part where you didn’t meet the standard. Most pilots will get a disapproval on one of their checkrides. It’s not the end of your career.
3. The Oral part of the checkride is mostly open book. In real life you will never know everything, and the most important thing is that you are the type of person who knows how to find information that you don’t currently have.
It may be the case that you are not intelligent enough but I get the sense that you have other issues that are preventing you from reaching your potential. I would recommend that you see a good therapist and find out why you relate to the world the way that you do. If you don’t aviation won’t be the only thing that you quit because it seems too difficult.
I am a private pilot that has about 400 hours, most of that in a Mooney M20 that I own. I’m currently working on my instrument rating and am almost ready for the checkride. It does seem like an enormous amount of knowledge until you know it and then it’s just stuff you know. Getting your pilot ratings is easily more work than an entire bachelors degree. I’m not sure why you think after 40 hours you should have all the knowledge and skills of a professional pilot.
Lastly, it’s not my responsibility or anyone else’s to pay for YOUR education and training. If you aren’t willing to pay for it yourself then you are probably not the type of person who would be a good investment for others to put 150k into. Most pilots make 200k+ a year, they can pay for their own training.
I don't have a bachelor's degree. Is that REALLY required by companies? I mean in the US.
Got my ppl in 46hrs at 36, total change of career. Bought a plane and got all my ratings thru commercial then sold the plane for a profit. Did cfii and Did cmel/mei after. Full time demanding job with odd hours and schedule. Do contract flying and instructing waiting to retire from my regular job in a year or so and go into corporate/fractional flying full time. I wish I did it when I was “almost 30” how is that a hinderance at all to you?
What was the cost to keep the plane operational
@@davicchanned7335 $35/hr gas and probably $10-20/hr maintenance reserve, tie down was $100/mo, insurance was $1300/yr I took care of small issues during the year so my annual was under $1500 because I didn’t defer maintenance. I made money on the sale of the plane and bought a larger plane.