ALT-2 So you want to be an Airline Pilot
Many people growing up often have dreamed of one of the most prestigious jobs on this planet earth - an airline pilot. You have often envisioned yourself being the "captain" of a heavy metal aircraft. However, with the passage of time few people are taking this career path. There has become a lack of desire to make it to the big time. But, I might add, now is the best time to pursue a career in aviation.
As the baby boomer's have aged, there is ever becoming a need for new pilots. Over the next 10 years, nearly 40% of the current pilots are going to hit the mandatory retirement of 60 years. This is going to be a major hiring boom for new pilots with low time.
One of the biggest hang-ups today is the cost of training. It is astronomical. No other career path will have you spend $100,000 dollars for training in a 1 to 2 year span. It is "normal" for students to go to the top three academies in the USA and spend over $100,000 dollars for their training. The problem with this enormous expense is that the first five years of your flying career is going to be with minimal pay. It is average to make $20k - 35k every year for the first five years of your new career. With this low pay scale it has become difficult for students to receive student loans for their training. If they have the credit score to receive a non-government loan, when they finish their training they are unable to begin repaying their loan. After the first five years are completed, you will see a increase of income potential that is rather large. However, due to the economic problems following 9/11 many airlines made drastic pay cuts in the 35-60% range. Captains that used to make $240,000 a year are now making only $130,000. It has discouraged a lot of new recruits into this area of work. It is common for a 5 year veteran to make $40k to $65k.
If it is your dream to live in the world of airports, and airplanes this still is a great area to pursue. I suggest, however, that marriage is not a wise choice until you have established yourself in this field. Many pilots are "slaves" to their work. Their usually very few days off and many days spent in hotels and airport pilot lounges. But if you are a dedicated person that just loves to fly, there is an excitement that only a pilot will truly know.
