I want to be an airplane pilot...?

Question

Since I can remember I've always wanted to be a pilot. I have hundreds of airplane pictures and models around my room, and I've been studying airplanes for years.

But I'm in high school but the couselors at my school basically....are not very well-trained. They do not help me with my dreams and goals. I know now is the time to start becoming prepared for my future, so in your opinion, what steps should I take to become one?

Answer 1

Ben der dun dat is right. Non aviation people just don't understand. Pilots have their own language and their own ways of thinking. It's a whole seprate world. And it's a great world too.

Answer 2

Look at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, thats where my dad went to school, he flew for asa for i dont know how long and then flew for Northwest airlines for 8 years and was a DC-9 first officer. I hope this helps.

Answer 3

First take an flight lesson from your local flight school to see if you like it. Flying in a small plane may not be for everyone. Then if you like it you have several choices...one being the Air Force but if you not into the military try University of North Dakota (www.und.edu)..they have a top notch aviation program. My son is going there and really likes it.

Answer 4

Great. Before you start investing in the career you should know if you are medically fit. No point spending money and landing being declared unfit.

Check on this site for your medical needs

http:/aeromedforum.bravehost.com/

Answer 5

Unfortunately, most non-aviation people (school counselors in particular) just do not understand aviation and can not give you any useful advice. You need to start getting involved with aviation NOW, where associating with and getting to know people in aviation will give you a good start.

Join a flying club. Many have programs for "junior members", particularly organizations like the EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association) or AOPA (Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association), SSA (Soaring Society of America), and CAP (Civil Air Patrol).  If you don't live in the USA there are similar organizations in other countries. You'll be amazed to discover how many people in these organizations welcome young people and have an interest in helping them succeed.

Go out to a smaller local airport and talk to a flight instructor or the manager of an FBO (Fixed Base Operation). You might even be able to get a part time job doing things like washing aircraft, helping out in the hangar, etc. That's how I started and it was very worthwhile. The more exposure you get to aviation at a young age, the better off you'll be.

Also, if you are serious about becoming a professional pilot, I recommend that you read the following book cover-to-cover. It might be the best thing you ever do for yourself to help you make the right choices and get prepared for a flying career. I wish it was around when I was your age.

See http://www.flightguideforsuccess.com/Flg...

Some other links to look at:

http://www.becomeapilot.com/

http://www.sportpilot.org/

http://www.beapilot.com/

http://www.faa.gov/pilots/become/

http://www.airaffair.com/Library/start-a...

Have fun and good luck.

Answer 6

Please check out Kent State in Ohio as they have a fantastic training program...so you can go to college and become a pilot at the same time...beats the military you know.

Answer 7

school is important, you need to also study science and maths to be a pilot. you can attend flight school and or have a simulator. it also depends on where you live some countrys have aviation high schools.

good luck

Answer 8

Go to either Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University or University of North Dakota.  Both are really good in Aeronautical Science.  I go to Riddle and I love it, but it does cost a lot.  The advantage of going to a school like Riddle or UND is when you get out.  We train like the airlines there, we have flows and a bunch of stupid call outs that nobody else does, but it's what the airlines do.  Try to visit UND or Riddle before school starts in the fall and see what you like better.  If you want to become an airline pilot, the best way is to go to of of the schools.

BTW you get a bachelors degree after 4 years as a bonus to all the flight training.

Answer 9

Go take an introductory flight at a your local flight school.  They are about 50 bucks for and intro flight.  Find out if you like it.  Some people find that they love aviation and then when they get behind the yoke they don;t like it.  If you do like it, which I a betting you will, go get a college degree.  I went to Auburn University which has one of the best Aviation Managment programs in the nation.  I would try to get your private out of the way before you go to college. Get your ratings and your degree out of the way and decide if you want to fly commercial or corporate.  Both have there pros and cons.  I prefer corporate better.  You also don't have to get a aviation degree to fly.  It really does not matter just as long as you get a degree.  Also a little side note.  Aviation is a very tight nitche group of people and everyone knows everyone.  It is very easy to give yourself a bad name by your actions and attitude.  If you do good you will be well known around the industry, if you do bad you will also be well known, but in a bad way.  Other industries if you s***w up you can kind of get lost in the mix, but not aviaiton.  Have fun with it and good luck.