Become An Airline Pilot! Different Paths to ATP - InTheHangar

[@EricaBeee]

30 year old nurse here, trading my scrubs for a pilot’s uniform! Completing my training a local community college over 1.5 years. This information was a true gem. Thank you!

[@TakingOff]

That’s awesome!

[@kelly16williams17]

Me too, I'm an ICU nurse and I'm going to do part 61 if I don't get enough scholarships to help offset these costs of flight/instructor. God willing. We will be exceptional in air as on land 👏🏾🥳 excited for us all.

[@carystevensky]

Earned my PPL in 2001 upon graduating high school. Was diagnosed with a personality disorder in 2004. Can never fly again! Life isn’t fair! Especially now with a pilot shortage.

[@Hellfytr77]

This was very helpful, thank you all so much! I am 43 and looking to start my journey to the airlines in a couple of years. Having so many pathways is a good thing but can also be a little overwhelming. I really feel like I am homing in on my path and it's video's like yours that are helping. Thanks again!

[@marine3836e]

I did part 61 as full time semi truck driver. Flew on weekends and holiday only and the flight school had a full curriculum with stage checks. About $10-12K all in. They would hire you too as a CFI if you wanted.

[@eshankulkarni2843]

do you mean part 141? part 61 doesn't have stage checks.

[@marine3836e]

@@eshankulkarni2843 part 61. We used a syllabus with stage checks. The owner wanted every student to understand where they are at in their training. Once you got to a stage check another CFI would test you to make sure you were ready to move on.

[@eshankulkarni2843]

@@marine3836e That sounds like a part 141 school to be honest, never seen a 61 with stage checks. Interesting.

[@marine3836e]

@@eshankulkarni2843 Yeah. Like what's the biggest problem with part 61. You don't fly for a few weeks and your CFI left for the airlines. You get a new CFI and now you're back to slow flight and stalls. Crosswind aviation out of Howell Michigan.

[@eshankulkarni2843]

@@marine3836e That happens at 141 schools too. And to avoid that happening just pick a CFI who's not that close to 1500 hours. I have my private pilot glider already, adding on my private airplane at a part 61.

[@Mike-01234]

One regret I have is when I was 22 I took an intro to be a pilot the CFI told me wait until I was 40-50 then when I had the money to come back and learn. I'm 40-50 now have a wife who really is against it, have health issues so medical will be really complicated even though my doctors all say I'm healthy convincing the FAA is a different story. I have to spend 20-25k training then I have to build enough hours to where I can get insurance so I can own an lower cost experimental aircraft. I always kick myself for listening to that CFI who told me that I suspect now he had lot of financial issues because he never got anywhere with his flying. When I was 22 years old had no wife to worry about I was in perfect health, and the fact is I could have lived at home gotten all my training. The fact is in life money should never stop you from following your dreams the only thing you can never get back in youth it's so much more important then anything yet not something you will understand until your older.

[@TakingOff]

Sorry for the regrets- totally empathize

[@geddon436]

"The fact is in life money should never stop you from following your dreams the only thing you can never get back in youth" Reading your statement makes me want to stop doubting myself. I want to return to college, but I will have to get a loan, but the thought of being in debt for years....plus i'm getting older....

[@parezdemeritte3141]

This is so sad to hear. I grew up thinking about nothing other than flying for a living but unfortunately didn't have the money after I graduated high school so decided to convince myself I could be okay with another career. Fast forward 15years later and I've never lost the urge to fly and beginning to strongly resent my current career choice. Life has happened, family and debt. But the only thing I don't want to happen is another 15 to 20yrs from now I still regret not making the move. My wife is supportive, just have to put the money together now.

[@jbl7092]

Yep. My parents laughed when I said I wanted to be an airline pilot. Naturally I didn't become one and followed my doctor father into the medical profession. I'll never do that to my kids.

[@SmittySmithsonite]

Great info, guys. Much appreciated. I sure wish I had known about all this 30 years ago. I'd have taken a COMPLETELY different path in life, and I'd be much healthier for that, too. Not one person EVER mentioned aviation in my 13 years of public schooling. I never even considered it an option - was like it didn't even exist. 😥 It took KZbin, decades later, to open my eyes.

[@cessna177flyer3]

That’s why I participate in my home airport’s open house, fly Young Eagles, attend fly-ins, and always *ALWAYS* wave at kids watching me taxi by. When I can, I invite them over to sit in my plane. You never know who will catch the bug. Re: my path. For me, it was different. It’s something I’ve ALWAYS wanted to do - I don’t know why and I can’t explain it. All of my drawings, starting around pre-K, were airplane and rocket related. It’s always been a part of me. I grew up in a small farming town in rural Bavaria, Germany. My American parents were teachers on a U.S. military base nearby. We must have been under a Luftwaffe low-level training route, because on clear days, we were often treated to German F-4s and sometimes F-104s screeching overhead below 1000 feet. Seeing that sealed it for me. By age 12 (7th grade) I had mapped out a path to become a USAF pilot and began working toward that goal. I’ve was very lucky my path was chosen for me. All I had to do was walk it.

[@LukeKirk1113]

Fox Valley Tech in none other than Oshkosh Wisconsin has an amazing 2 year 141 program. and credits transfer to UWO for some online classes to a 4 year degree

[@daviddefelice6997]

As a former CFII, I was quite interested in the medical portion of this video, even though 'medical' wasn't even in the title. I started flying in the early 80's and by 1989 I had my CFII certificate, all the while funding my flying myself as my checkbook would allow. I even had to take the FSDO light gun test for color blindness, which Joe mentioned. That got me a SODA, which allowed me to fly at night and grandfathered me for today's rules, which have changed somewhat from the 1980's. Now here is the part that I would like to impart on the younger people. Get some sort of aviation degree that will allow you to work in the industry should you lose your medical and be unable to fly. I never had aspirations of working in the industry, as I had my own business when I started flying and had to take care of that, but I did lose my medical in 1995 and had to quit flying. And it was a sudden stop - one day I'm flying, and the next day I lost my medical (heart bypass surgery). If I had been in the aviation industry with no degree, I probably would have been up the creek without a paddle as far as having a job went. Always, always, always have a backup plan no matter what you are doing in life. I'm happy to report that as of 2018 I started flying again, got my medical back, bought a Bonanza, got my multiengine commercial, and am working on my multi-instructor so that I can get my flight instructor certificates reinstated. Oh, and I'm 73. LOL

[@Looaxe]

When I get on a plane and see the pilot is old I breath a sigh of relief. Same thing with a heart surgeon. I don't want to see some fresh faced kid that's about to have my life in their hands. I dont want to look into your eyes and see hope. I want broken and worn.

[@RobtheAviator]

What a great comeback story! Welcome back!

[@geddon436]

what type of business did you own?

[@daviddefelice6997]

@@geddon436 Electrical Contracting for 30+ years

[@JustaPilot1]

If it hadn't been for the "guidance counselors" I had through Jr. and High School I probably be a retired airline pilot now.

[@BrianRhodes9763]

Mr Johnson said that once you complete military flight school you have a 6-8 year obligation to the military (paraphrased). Recently the Air Force increased that to a 10 year commitment, because of pilots getting out to join the airlines.

[@chrislang930]

At the 11 minute mark I had to laugh out loud. I joined the Navy to fly and ended up in submarines. “The opposite of flying.” Sort of! We fly low and slow haha. Looking to start my 4th career as a pilot in my 40’s. Thanks for the content.

[@buzznuttz]

Did you take the ASTB to get the contract during NROTC?

[@chrislang930]

@@buzznuttz no, I enlisted and got into NECP for my commission. Once in the nuclear Navy, they don’t let go.

[@motogirlz101]

@@chrislang930this is a good point about training in the military. I heard they make you stay at least 10 years if they train you to be a pilot b/c they put a lot of time and $ into you. If someone can confirm this or not, that would be great.

[@kenhurley4441]

I love flying, but I didn't make it a career. BIG MISTAKE! So most of the time I'm on the ground looking up. I do spread my wings every now and then locally and real slow! Don't let anyone stop you of fullfilling your dreams!

[@flogsbymm]

At this point I don’t even care about seniority, I just want to fly as a career. I know with time my seniority will climb

[@pejmanjavaheri9758]

You guys are the best! Thank you so much for this channel & all the great content you have provided with every single episode!

[@PghGameFix]

Good for you. My first CFI... that I liked... left when he had enough time. The guy they gave me after was a total D-bag, and had to be right all the time. It was so bad, he would change the question if you got the answer right... and I had to report him to the school for being unsafe. Because of that... I got away from flying for a very long time.

[@TheFlyingZulu]

2:20 You don't need a college degree to be an airline pilot. You can get that later if you want. The FASTEST but an expensive way to get into the airlines is to go to a flight school like ATP that trains you from zero hours to CFI, CFII and MEI in like 6-8 months. You then work as a flight instructor for a year or two to get the 1500 hours and you're in. Getting a degree initially will waste your time. The drawback to this is that fast track flight schools like ATP cost like 90-110k. You'll need student loans or a rich parent to cover the cost. The cheapest way to get into the airlines is to do military time. While still in high school, secure a 100% scholarship through an Air Force ROTC program, get any degree at a college while doing Air Force ROTC and then commission as an officer with a pilot slot. You don't HAVE to get your private pilot's license while in college but it may help you get a pilot slot, but only slightly. I personally know a two star general with 15,000 hours in C-130s who got his bachelor's degree in History while doing Air Force ROTC... Being a pilot requires about an 6-8 year military commitment though. If you don't want to be an officer and pilot in the military you can still enlist for four years, get your private pilot license during your enlistment and then use your Post 9/11 G.I. bill to get all of your pilot's license at a college that offers them as a degree. YOU MUST get your private pilot's license before using your G.I. bill because the G.I. bill will not cover the cost of getting a private pilot's license. Also you must ensure all of the flight training classes you want to take is on your "degree completion plan" or the G.I. bill won't cover them. The Post 9/11 bill will cover up to about 23k, a year, in college tuition and flight training fees. If you find a school that participates in the "yellow ribbon" program (they are very common) that amount can be increased up to 46k. All of the above is part 141 which I always recommend over part 61 if you're looking to fly professionally as a job. Part 141 usually always gets you the ratings faster and cheaper than part 61. I just completed a 5 year air force enlistment and I'm going to Liberty Online and flying at one of their "flight training affiliate" locations. The Post 9/11 G.I. bill is covering 100% of the cost. 10:30 enlisting with the hopes of switching over into an officer pilot position is absurdly hard. I wouldn't recommend it. That's officer candidate school (OCS). 11:39 Pilots coming out of the military after the 6-8 year commitment gets to skip the regional airlines though... Worth it. 21:40 I don't know where this comes from... Every single medical I've done the doctor said his first class exam is the same as his third class.

[@benderandownz]

Another thing that can be done for the military route if you have your degree is join the Air National Guard. You can get your RATP at 750 hours and work for them one weekend a month while flying for the airlines.

[@cessna177flyer3]

100%. The Air National Guard is STILL one of the least understood options out there, but IMO, the best. You get the same military training as the active duty and yes, you have a 10 year commitment, but it is NOT a full time job, so you can go to the airlines (and skip the regionals), as soon as you meet the mins. And oh yeah, the guys and gals in your unit? They are all airline pilots who can write you a letter of recommendation when the time comes. GUARD GUARD GUARD!

[@octavia1amazing]

Love this idea!

[@octavia1amazing]

@@cessna177flyer3 Yes!

[@hillcrestannie]

Great episode . I was against becoming a CFI as well . Now I’m thinking that may be the path I take as a part time CFI for a retirement job .

[@Quincy-g7f]

Great program. Unfortunately I don’t have the credit to secure either loan. Really hurts that o can’t fly

[@FlyingNDriving]

Know your worth and don't undermine those that might come up behind you

[@victoriamorales8221]

Didn’t hear much on those age 40-50, looking to change careers, degreed, and using VA benefits to pay for flight school. Can you make an episode exploring this option?

[@TheFlyingZulu]

What do you want to know? I'm 38 using my post 9/11 gi bill to complete my flight training.

[@TheFlyingZulu]

If you don't want to be an officer and pilot in the military you can still enlist for four years, get your private pilot license during your enlistment and then use your Post 9/11 G.I. bill to get all of your pilot's license at a college that offers them as a degree. YOU MUST get your private pilot's license before using your G.I. bill because the G.I. bill will not cover the cost of getting a private pilot's license. Also you must ensure all of the flight training classes you want to take is on your "degree completion plan" or the G.I. bill won't cover them. The Post 9/11 bill will cover up to about 23k, a year, in college tuition and flight training fees. If you find a school that participates in the "yellow ribbon" program (they are very common) that amount can be increased up to 46k. I'm 38 and I'm going to Liberty Online and flying at one of their "flight training affiliate" locations near my hometown where I live. My Post 9/11 G.I. bill is covering 100% of the cost.

[@medaviate]

pretty good infomatic talks. thank you guys. Peace

[@iviesco]

Wow I learned a lot, I want to be a pilot and I have nothing and a lot of situations here and there but I’m very grateful for this information i can have perspective to go on…

[@brandonbascue7185]

Love the show, great info!

[@Jutilaje]

Wild that he says "or Williston, North Dakota" while I'm sitting here at the Williston North Dakota airport about to preflight a plane 😂

[@TakingOff]

Yeah, I said it because I flew my 210 into Williston during a polar vortex.

[@Jutilaje]

@@TakingOff ah no kidding? That was a wild approach I can imagine 😳

[@TakingOff]

@@Jutilaje Here it is: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJncdJqYn5Z1rtU

[@ronaldcampbell17]

Very cool video. Thank you all for advice and input on the topic.

[@KevinSmithAviation]

Excellent episode Dan and Christy thank you. This was very informative thank you for sharing. Keep up the great work you two. 🤘🇺🇸🛩️

[@brianbarbe9646]

Dan and Christy, appreciate the update to previous video. Enjoyed very much. Non pilot two year viewer. Using Christy as an example.....seems like she was flying the Wong Warrier then suddenly was flying jets for the regional airline. Still curious how one progresses from private pilot to flying jets beyond just flying time. What is required as to training on the progression up the ladder of aircraft complexity? (again non pilot viewer). I am guessing after private pilot then instrument training, then multi engine, then turbine multi engine then jet? How do you do that and what is considered acceptable training for the airlines or maybe even required? Keep up the good work.

[@eshankulkarni2843]

PPL ---> IFR ---> CPL ----> CMEL ---> CFI ---> CFI-I ---> MEI ---> build to 1500 hours as a CFI and then get hired at a regional.

[@ras586]

The statement that military pilots have an automatic position with the airlines is crazy. I started flying at 18, private at 19, commercial at 21 while attending college. Graduated and commissioned in ROTC. Then Air Force UPT -(T-37, T-38), 6 years flying KC-135. Then ATP with 7 type ratings (B-707, B 720, Lr Jet, HS-125, C-650, Da-10 & CL60) no accidents or violations, First Class physical and was never, ever qualified for airlines. Oh, and the Air Force never examined my feet during a flight physical.

[@cessna177flyer3]

How were you “never, ever qualified for the airlines”?

[@kevinonthank]

SUCH a great video! Thanks for all the great info! You could always go back and fly with a regional after hitting 65 is that correct?

[@dallasC822]

One year from zero to CFI is unrealistic for part 61. I own my a plane and even with that advantage it takes much longer to get it

[@eshankulkarni2843]

Not if you fly full time. I have friends who went from 0-CFII in 51 weeks.

[@MrSixstring2k]

Great show and full of great information.

[@PHOTOSBYAKIL]

Perfect interview.

[@kevinonthank]

17 y/o go into the Airforce. Nobody will ever be able to take that brotherhood / sisterhood away from you and you’ll have a job waiting with the airlines. If I had to do it over again that’s what I’d do.

[@ecossearthur]

Howdy from Arizona !

[@lukeorlando4814]

The 30y/o who has to decide wether to buy a new $60,000 car or a plane. Meanwhile at 36 I have had to sell my $1200 car and start riding a bicycle to work cause I cannot afford to keep the car running. Thank you Microsoft for letting me pretend to fly.

[@firstdayonline]

Thanks!

[@TruckingToPlease]

Would have to be combat cargo. Can't deal with human freight in an oversized Greyhound.

[@vne5195]

What's the best way to introduce a teen to general aviation when he is a little nervous about flying airlines?

[@TakingOff]

A Discovery flight! Airline travel for many is actually scarier than a small plane because you get to sit up front and more control.

[@Habbi267]

What is the best advice to someone whom doesn't get approval from the bank for a student loan

[@TakingOff]

I would hang out at the airport and try to volunteer in hopes they hire you to do line work, or apprenctice with a maintenance shop... just get a job around airplanes. Then work on getting those ratngs.

[@stephenschiermann4540]

14:16 wow Christy… you are alarmingly beautiful😳❤️

[@sirjosefofhessen4527]

I'm 44 now and just starting to get back into the aviation and still trying to figure out how to manage paying of my semi manage all bills and self pay for all my ratings under 141 and 61 combined school KCM ATD flight systems LLC any suggestions for me and my goals for ATP

[@TakingOff]

The good news is that you still have time. Get to the magic hours goal any way you can and get on with a Regional. They're paying great these days.

[@CAKevin]

❤️

[@SamuelOliver]

Got my private at 18, now I’m 30 now, and I need to change careers. I really want to fly, but don’t have savings… is it worth it to take $130k loan to do school at ATP and live off the loan for a year?

[@buzznuttz]

I guess I'm lucky then...made it as a Marine Pilot.

[@rcsob657]

What kind of 141 options do I have as someone that already has a undergrad and graduate degree. Can I go back to these colleges to get an aviation degree? I'm trying to see how to pay for going to flight school. Don't think I can afford/qualify for non school loans.

[@TakingOff]

You probably could go back to a college. You might try Embry Riddle in Florida. But you'd still have to pay. If you were in military, there are some ways to get GI Bill to cover training.

[@hansvisser5113]

Are there any options for ATP rated pilots from other countries (like South Africa) where there is an over supply of pilots, who would like to work in the USA?

[@eshankulkarni2843]

only if you are an aussie.

[@charlesdryden6879]

As usual great & entertaining information and points of view. However, I have a burning question, from where does Christy source her fabulous sectional tights/ leggings? I really want to get a pair for my girlfriend. I’ve seen similar attire on ties, socks, towels and other attire but never tights. Can/ will you help me out on this one, I’d appreciate it greatly.

[@TakingOff]

Chartitall.com Trevor was a teenager when he started this.

[@ibgarrett]

Step 1: Be Christy..

[@SmittySmithsonite]

😁

[@pilotchristy]

😂😂😂

[@JosephMullin]

you want fixed-wing and you get helicopter..

[@paramkore1101]

Ugggh, y’all PLEASE DO NOT GO to Liberty. Absolutely awful

[@stephenembrey883]

No I have a family

[@brunotonyoli9408]

This seems more out of date than 4 months

[@treymuncie171]

You guys have to stop calling it zero to hero. There is alot to go into getting your ratings and your far from a hero after your CFI Checkride.

[@pilotchristy]

It’s just one of those terms in the industry. But the way I see it, when you become a CFI, you become someone else’s hero. I had “heroes” as a student who helped me with training along the way, and when I became a CFI, I got to be my students’ “hero”. ☺️

[@claudiacyrankowski1162]

If you care about your health/mental health DO NOT DO IT. If I would have continued this path I would have absolutely regretted it!

[@cessna177flyer3]

@Claudia, sorry that was your experience. I started pilot training in the USAF 30 years ago this week. I’m now retired from the Air Force after flying some cool stuff for 20 years and meeting some great people. I currently fly a B-777 for an airline and own my own plane. I still feel like the luckiest guy on earth they pay me to fly a Boeing so I can support my Cessna habit.