Airline Industry and future Pilot Demand?

Question

Hello,

My name is Jim and my career path is at a fork in the road. I’m trying to decide if I should pursue my dream as an airline pilot, or peruse my back up dream which is to be a military officer.

To give a little background information on myself:

+ I turn 28 next month.

+I am a licensed A&P mechanic.

+I hold a CFI certificate with 400hrs total time, 150hrs of which is multi.

+I graduate Arizona State University next week with a degree in Aviation Maintenance Management.

The age cutoff for Air force pilots is 28 1/2, and because I’m already almost 28 I don’t think I would be competitive enough for them.

Helicopters are not really my thing, but the Army has offered me a pilot training slot.

My family thinks I am crazy for not continuing on with the airlines, but the industry is so shaky these days I’m not quite sure what to think anymore. On top of that, everyone I talk to has a different opinion on the airlines.

What would you do if you were in my shoes???

Answer 1

Right now I'd take the Army Option. That way you stay current, and when you leave the Army the experience will stand you in good stead with a future employer.

Right now there is a surplus of CPL's, particularly in the right hand seat of B.737, B757 or A.320

When the situation improves you can always switch at a later date.

Ian M

Answer 2

Get away from Military aviation any ex mil Pilot I have flown with scares the heck out of me! No skills, cant think out of the book. If there isn't a check list for it they cant do it! Also they hardly fly at all. I am Civi all the way and I flew 630 hours last year. How many Mil pilots do that? Just keep in mind that the military has the cicvis in all the time to do the heavy maintenance for a reason! And If you want to fly for a living then I would get away from AZ too, Employer always look at where you have been flying and where you where licensed. Arizona flight schools are notorious for producing pilots that have never been in a cloud let alone clouds with ice and thunderstorms. Go private it is WAY more stable, I wanted to fly 747's too but it is not a stable industry and you will make tons more in the private Field than you would in three lifetimes in the mil and almost as much airlines. Watch who you take advice from in the airline world there are some very bitter cranky people in there. Talk to everyone, go sit at your local airport not the pilot factory school. Good luck youll have fun.

Answer 3

If you want to fly, you need to be flying.  Nothing against the army, but if you want to fly fixed wing, stay with them.  Go apply at all the regionals, and get some jet time.  Things will get better at the airlines, or you can use that time to get a corporate job.  Either way, I don't think you will have made a wrong decision.  I have friends who flew helicopters in the Army and they are in good shape flying fixed wing now.  I don't think you will be disappointed either way.  If you have time to sign up with the Army, apply to the airlines and see what happens.  If you don't get a job, go Army and sit out this downturn.  Good luck to you.

Answer 4

Not in your shoes so I can only tell you what I did. Enlisted in the army at eighteen. Flew helicopters for nine years. Got out and had the best aviation career anyone could have as an international corporate jet pilot while all my friends struggled in the airlines. Recently retired after flying 72 aircraft types to fifty one countries on six of the seven continents and every state. Over the past forty years I've lived way more than my fair share. And did it all by not listening to anyone who had something to say about what i should do. Listened only to my gut. IM me if you like.

EDIT: Hey Michigan. You and I need to go fly. We can take my Pitts S2B. You can show me how us ex military pilots should do a lomshnivak. And 630 hours last year? h**l I flew over 1200 in the thirteen months I was in Vietnam. Over 800 last year. 500 of it international with 23 oceanic crossings. You say it's all about "where you have been flying"? Well, where did you fly last year. What a fvcking whimp. That attitude will get you places my man. hahahahahaha

Answer 5

It sounds like you are well qualified to make the most of whichever opportunity you choose.  John B's take on his experiences are good.  I did 11 1/2 years in the Military and loved it.  However, not only is 28, a bit late to start, you will be 48 when you retire.  That's a bit late to start a second career.

Aviation is booming now especially International Flights.  However the economic concerns in America and Europe question whether that is sustainable.

Stepping out of the box, consider China as it's economy is not as vulnerable due to their potential internal market if nothing else.  They are in a sustainable growth phase of their Aviation Industry.

China needs to improve their pilots English capabilities either through acquisition or training.

China needs good management skills in every industry but even more so in Aviation, due to the stringent standards.

China may extend their 'Aviation Expansion' to Africa in which case they will need qualified executives.

There are a number of sites dedicated to Aviation in Asia, your degree, CFI and A&P give you a distinct advantage.  It would be great if you could learn Chinese but it's not mandatory.

The important thing is not to waste your qualifications.  Try to find a position where you can continue to develop.

Good Luck!!!

Answer 6

A lot of regional airlines are really short on pilots right now. There is a good chance you could get on with one of them. The thing about the aviation industry is that it has cycles. There will be windows of oppurtunity and then they grow small and then open again later on. Its very unpredictable but you make the best decisions you can with what you have. Ive been a regional airline pilot fior the last year and have loved it.

Answer 7

Only you can answer that for yourself. I did four years in the Navy but turned down an offer to go into OCS. Back then I just could not see being a "lifer" Now I'm 50 with 23 yrs at a major airline and flying with guys my age that retired after flying some of the finest aircraft in the world like the F-16,F-14 etc. They have a guaranteed retirement and 15 more years to fly and I hope my retirement is still their in 15 yrs. Plus I really would have loved to fly a fighter but that won't happen now. Just my two cents.