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Airline Pilot School Information
First of all, you will need to define for yourself exactly what your goals are and the time-line for which you can reasonably achieve those goals. SIDEBAR: Fortunately, there has never been a better time to start working toward the goal of becoming an airline pilot. Despite what you may have seen in media reports about airlines struggling financially, the fact of the matter is, there are more airplanes in the sky now than ever before and the demand for pilots is reaching critical mass. Here are a few basic questions you can answer for yourself to help you decide the best path for achieving your personal goals and choose the right school to help you get there:
The age issueNot as much of an issue now as it used to be. December 13, 2007, President Bush signed into law the "Fair Treatment For Experienced Pilots Act" extending the mandatory retirement age for airline pilots from 60 to 65. This is in response to the industry's critical need for pilots and the large number of Vietnam era pilots who are now turning 60 - meaning that if these pilots were forced into retirement now, the critical pilot shortage would very quickly get even worse! So, if you are forty-something and considering a career change - have a passion for flying - and you can afford to live on $19,000 a year for the first few years - then selecting an airline pilot school and becoming an airline pilot may be a viable option for you. Your Present Education Level and the Necessity of a College DegreeAgain, not as much of an issue as it used to be, however, if you truly want to achieve the fullest level of success as an airline pilot that you possibly can achieve, then a college degree - in anything - is a must! If you do not currently hold a college degree - and you are seriously considering a career as an airline pilot - there is some good news for you! There are many colleges and universities who now offer professional pilot training programs combined with 2 year, 4 year and post graduate degrees! Some of these programs are on-campus programs while others offer an opportunity to complete your academic studies off-campus while taking your flight training at your local flight school. Financial AssistanceMost airline pilot schools do offer at least a couple of options for financial aid. The best ones will offer more than one option with deferred re-payment options. Colleges and universities with aviation degree programs have the most opportunities for financial assistance to help you pay for your training and education. Make sure you check out the accreditation of these institutions of higher learning. The college or university should have either a national or regional accreditation before you would seriously consider attending. Veterans BenefitsIf you are a veteran of the US military, you may be eligible for benefits under the GI bill which will pay for up to 60% of the expense of your training and education AFTER you complete the Private Pilot phase of your flight training. Of course, this won't pay for the whole bill, but combined with other forms of financial aid, this can be a great opportunity to help you achieve your goals! Living ExpensesThis is something that you will need to consider while you are shopping around for the right airline pilot school. If you will be attending school full-time, that leaves precious little time anything else - like earning a living. Plus, your first real job as an airline pilot will pay you only on average, about $19,000 per year for the first 3 to 5 years! You may want to have a little something tucked away to help you get over the hump. The good news is: Many of the financial aid packages available at some of the more reputable airline pilot schools will also include an allowance for living expenses - and deferred re-payment benefits while you get established on your first airline pilot job. While you are checking all your options, be sure to ask about expenses as part of the overall financial aid package. Choosing The Right Airline Pilot SchoolAs I mentioned at the beginning of this article, choosing the right airline pilot school can be a daunting task. Choosing the WRONG school can be a hugely expensive mistake! Here are a few more quick tips to consider:
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Choosing the right airline pilot school can be a daunting task. "Which school is right for me?" is a question that is not easily answered in a short article, but I will give you a few basic tips to help you in your search.
