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I am looking to become a commercial airline pilot, but i do not have the funds required to cover the training costs. i want to avoid getting a loan from the bank because of the high interest rates. i have looked almost everywhere on the internet looking for a commercial airline that offers a pilot sponsorship that pays for all the training and in return i work for them for a certain amount of years, slowly paying them back. I do know that these sponsorships exist and a lot of airlines have stopped them recently, but there are some airlines that

still do them. Which ones do? and how do i apply? Are there any pilot training companies that offer a similar sponsorship? if so which ones? and gow do i apply?! i do not mind being based in another country if required for the training. i am 27 years of age,so i beleive this is the right time for me to apply. I

hope that you can give me some good advice and point me in the right direction for becoming a commercial airline pilot.

Thanks

Games

Answer 1

27 is too old unless you already have about 1500 hours and all the ratings.

Sorry.

Answer 2

You should consider flight training though a university or college where you can use student loans. They will have a lower interest rate than most banks and unlike a regular loan, you can defer payments or work out a different payment plan if need be. I have never heard of an airline that will train you from zero hours and then have you work for them for "X" amount of years. That's not to say they don't exist, but I imagine competition for that would be fierce. I myself had no out-of-pocket money to pay for flight training when I got started. I went to a two-year college and got my degree, then continued on with a four year degree (most major airlines require a bachelor's degree, although it doesn't have to be in aviation). I've been flight instructing for three years and am getting ready to take a job with a small commuter airline. I started at 24 so pay no attention to the guy that said you're too old. 65 is the age that you have to retire and you can have all the ratings and time you need within a couple of years. http://www.airlinepilotcentral.com is a good website to see what airlines are hiring and just how much time you need to get an interview. It may take a little bit of time and frustration to get to the airlines but if you're really willing to work hard at it and be willing to explore all the financial options, then there's no reason you can't be in the very front two seats in a airliner within several years.

Answer 3

may be try rex regional express they have a pilot cadet program and are having a pilot shortage

Answer 4

I do believe QANTAS have a cadets program where all successful applicants get trained to a second officer level for free.

Another option is to join the air force they will train you up really well for flying in commercial situations, and it's free.Lots of airlines will take ex-airforce pilots.

Answer 5

There are no airlines in the USA who offer that type of "sponsorship" as far as I know, and I don't think there ever has been. Some non-US carriers such as British Airways and Lufthansa have cadet programs, but getting into them is extremely competetive and you have to be a citiczen of those countries.

Your best bet is to get a better paying job and earn the flight training money, or get hired by an airline in some other capacity and then work your way up.  I was your shoes at age 26, single, with little money, a low paying job and no credit for loans. I sold most of my posessions and actually bought a beat up old van and lived in it for 2 years so I didn't have to pay rent. For food I worked a part-time restaurant job (free meals) and for showers I joined a cheap health club. That was the only way I could afford to get my ratings up through single-engine flight instructor. Then I started instructing but lived in my van for yet another year so I could afford the multi-engine training.  The rest "is history" and I've had a pretty good flying career ever since.

True story. As the old saying goes, "where there's a will there's a way". You just have to be resourceful and it depends what you're willing to give up to get there. It wasn't easy, and I expect that few people would have the balls to do what I did, but I'm living proof that it's possible.

Be imaginitive. You'll come up with a plan if you want it bad enough. Good luck!