Talking to my Guidence counselor about Airline Job.......?

Question

Im going to high school next year and i waish to persure a job in aviation. i have a few questions. Im going into the JR.ROTC program.

1. Will my counselor help me find jobs/things to do to build hours?

2. Will my ROTC teacher help me to fulfil my fream of being a airline pilot?

3. Can i log hours before i get any ratings?

4. cheapest way to build hours? I need 1500.

5. Will being a eagle scout help my chances of getting hired by the Majors?

6. Thanks.

Answer 1

1.  No, but you will.

2.  Yes.

3.  Sure.  Every hour from your first introductory flight goes into your log book.

4.  See my answer to your previous question on this topic.

5.  No.

6.  You're welcome.  Good luck!

Answer 2

1)  Most likely not.  They may do their best to help you out... but the simple truth is not many people understand how this industry works.  Your counselor, unless they have previous experience with airplanes, is no different.  They'll most likely point you either towards the military (which it appears you're already considering) or towards an aviation collegiate program- which is by no means required (get your 4 year degree... but don't necessarily get it in aviation).

2)  They may or may not... it depends on their background.  If it has to do at all with aviation they will provide insight... if not, probably not.  I'm not a JR ROTC expert by any means... so I'll let others answer this.

3)  Yes, you can log hours prior to get ratings.  In fact, prior to getting your private license you'll need a minimum of 40 hours logged (unless you go 141... then 35).  Logging time is a good thing.  Just make sure it's done with an instructor and make sure you're actually learning (ex... joy riding with a family friend who happens to be a flight instructor may not actually be flight instruction-- if it's not do not log it).  

4)  You most likely will need to build time for your required ratings.  250 is required for the commercial... and you can split time with another pilot to decrease costs.  You do this by having one pilot under the 'hood' and the other pilot looking out for traffic.  Also, many of those 250 hours will be ear-marked for getting instructed.  Most people will attain their instrument rating prior to the commercial which does require a certain amount of instruction.  beyond your commercial and your CFI, CFII, and MEI most people will get a job building time.  Personally, I was a flight instructor.  other jobs are pipeline patrol, banner towing, and any number of other jobs.  It is not economically feasible to pay for 1500 hours of flight time... at roughly 100 bucks an hour that would be 150,000 dollars without any instructor fees included-- nor multi-engine.  You get your ratings then get a job... or you can always go military.  Whichever works.

5)  Yes and no.  Being an eagle scout will not help you out if you do not have the required boxes filled.  You'll need to have the required flight time, turbine PIC, and most likely a four year degree.  A candidate with those qualifications will most likely beat you out being an eagle scout with the required flight experience and no degree.  Now, if you do meet all other requirements it may help you... or it may not.  Some applications have a place for things like this... extra curricular activities, etc.  Some do not.  You may be able to use this leadership experience to answer an interview question.  Also, you may end up with a hiring panel with many former boyscouts-- it would probably help you out then.  But, there's the shot it may not help you out in the least.  Who knows?  I know if I was interviewing you I wouldn't hold the lack of being an eagle scout against another applicant... but that's me, not everybody.  For sure get it... it's definitely good... but there's no proof or guarantee it'll help you in this industry.

6)  Good luck!