How can i become a Pilot the cheap way without going to ATP or Flight Safety?

Question

Both of those flight schools would accept me in, however my credit is non existent and cant get a co-signer. Both schools are in the $60,000 + Range. How did some of you pilots out there go about doing it and what would be my cheapest option? I'm 25 years old now and already work for the airlines as a flight attendant. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

Obtaining a CPL is never going to be cheap. The least expensive place to obtain one that will be recognised around the world is probably New Zealand, next best South Africa.

With the current exchange rate I would not recommend the Euro Zone.

Check out the possibilities in Canada. You may get a decent deal and it's closer to home.

The "Self improver" route may be a possibility. At a local school do a PPL followed by an instructor rating. Then earn a few $ teaching to finance your twin engine rating, night rating, maybe an amphibious rating.

Get about 1000 hours in your log and go talk to the smaller airlines, freight operators and the like. At least you can show the dedication to succeed.

Ian M

Answer 2

My first advice is go to the cockpit and talk to the pilots you are flying with. Some of them may even be a flight instructor, some may blow you off ( they are idiot's, so who cares what they think) My Airline has hired several Flight Attendants over the years. It won't be easy because you will have to fly 120hrs./month to live and pay for flying but you can do it just one hour at a time just like many pilots. If you are serious and dedicated the pilots can tell and will be glad to answer your questions and help in any way that they can. Good luck.

You can really suck up to the pilots by offering refreshments often and then when in the cockpit ask questions about the instruments and then mention you want to be a pilot too and go from there.

Answer 3

Hi

Apparently you have decided against military training, so study and take lessons from a local FBO. Maybe you can work part time at the airport and take some out in lessons. Get your pvt license then a commercial and CFI (instructor) now you have a way to make money and continue to upgrade your ticket hopefully to  ATR. Even the guys who have $60K and go to the big schools aren't much use to an airline without time. You need multi-engine time and the more the better. Experience can't be gotten overnight and the airlines are only interested in the best with the most experience. Start now! There is no easy way but there are less expensive ways.

lol

Answer 4

I guess just go find a flight school and get all your rating up to your Commercial twin engine. Then try getting hired by a regional airline. They will train you to fly their jets. When you get enough PIC turbo time you can move on to a major airline. Military is also an option. It will cost a lot either way. But instead of wasting money going to a school to teach you to fly regional jets, why not just get hired by a regional. They will teach you to fly their jets. Most do.

Answer 5

A scholership to The Air Force Academy?

Answer 6

There is no "cheap and easy" option to become a commercial pilot/ ATP.

You need to pay your dues, in the military or by getting the schooling necessary.

I wouldn't want you flying a jet filled with people unless you understood the importance of that training.

Answer 7

The big schools are overrated. Pay as little as possible for your ratings. A ticket is a ticket and nobody cares how you got it. And you won't be worth much to anybody right after your schooling anyway. Just get rated.

Answer 8

I'm in THE SAME BOAT AS YOU. I was looking at ATP's accelerated program, and can't get a co-signer, etc.

I got my assoc. degree at a local community college. I filled out FAFSA online and got quite a bit of financial aid based on the income level I was at THEN. Since you're a flight attendant (no offense), you'll probably get a lot of govt. money as well. (I have a fairly good idea what bracket you're in).

Next, look into ONLINE schools that have aviation degree plans.

Embry Riddle sounds intimidating but get this: If you can earn your pvt, and instrument rating on your own (at a local airport with an instructor), Embry gives you approx. 30+hrs college credit towards your bachelors degree.

I'm doing this right now while working as a line tech. I take my lessons locally, and still qualify for federal aid (FAFSA). Once I get my instrument, I'll owe Embry Riddle approx. $3000 for my bachelor's degree...and getting a cosigner or loan (in general) is a heck of a lot easier for $3000 as opposed to $60,000.

Below I've listed the links in order you should do your research. Trust me, I've looked at so many different ways of doing this and thus far, this seems to be the best per  current financial situation.

GOOD LUCK AND BLUE SKIES! Keep me posted on your progress!