my flight training process from 0 to airline pilot // how i got into aviation & started my career

hi there! i noticed repeated q's asking about my flight training background and the overall process. here's a breakdown of my flight training journey. thanks for stopping by and i hope you enjoy!
let me know if you have any questions or recommendations in the comments
follow my socials🤍
ig&tiktok: estherinclouds
#747 #airlinepilot #aviation #flighttraining #pilotlife #femalepilot

[@마루뽕뽕]

As me Korean, you are insane talented for making your dream job earlier. a commercial pilot is one of my favorite career when I was young. now I’m an engineer of high speed trains for 10 years after graduated college and just 33 year old now, however you are the youngest 747 F.O. from South Korea. I’m very proud of you and respect ! take care of your flight and so expected your V-log on this channel :)

[@estherinclouds]

thank youuu im glad you enjoyed😊

[@Boeing777DriverAA]

Hey there Esther. Glad to see you had a chance to make this video of how you started your career. What you went through is almost exactly what I went through. I started my training while I was active-duty Air Force back in the late 70's. Flight time back then was crazy inexpensive back in those days the VA paid for I believe was 75% of the cost up until my Comm. A No Brainer!!!! So, after getting my PVT I started INST. training as well as my Comm at the same time even before I had my PVT Certificate mailed to me. Then I ended up in Kunsan Air Base Korea for 2 years. I absolutely LOVED flying in Korea. I got my CFI there and returned back to Travis AFB CA where I taught and got my MEI. From there I basically taught flying at every Air Force Base I was stationed at until I retired 20 years later. There were times though while I was active duty I had the opportunity to ferry all types of aircraft around the country. I even Ferried Mooneys all over mostly to Airshows for static display and dealerships. I have over 2000 hours alone just in the Mooney. When I retired from the AF, I didn't have any aspirations to fly commercially I was having fun teaching realistically though the Airlines weren't really hiring unless you had military flying experience. So, I became a Flight Dispatcher at TWA after getting my Certificate and then after AA/TWA merger I started flying at American where I finally retired after 23 yrs, I have to agree with you completely about getting your students to study! study, study before each flight preparation is the key. And burn out from too much flying in the beginning is a REAL thing. I cannot over emphasize this I don't remember how many students quit all together before completing their PVT training. What impresses me is how you made so quickly to the right seat of a 747 so quickly. YOU definitely have a head on your shoulder, and I couldn't agree with you more Aviation NEEDS more women in the cockpit. I look forward to seeing where your next layover is.

[@estherinclouds]

thank you for sharing your story!! thats really awesome that you were based in korea. i used to fly around travis all the time when i was aerial mapping'!! Loved seeing those fighter jets blast off on takeoff🤭

[@SynicalDan]

Your channel has so much potential! If you can mix flight and layover content, you’ll have a winning combination.

[@estherinclouds]

I appreciate that❤

[@드게제-w4v]

1:19 Just to clear up any possible misunderstanding, both male and female university students in Korea are generally allowed to take a leave of absence for up to two years. However, since men typically have to serve in the military for about two years, their leave of absence is extended accordingly, resulting in a longer period than that of female students.

[@shawntaylor9338]

Loved hearing your story, so thank you for sharing it! The extra blurbs in the background gave it a lot of character and made me laugh. 😊

[@estherinclouds]

Im glad u enjoyed!! Im slowly learning how to edit(:

[@shawntaylor9338]

@@estherinclouds You’re doing great!

[@birit911]

I’m impressed with your journey to become a first officer on a 747 ❤

[@estherinclouds]

Thanku!

[@Kam_MD11]

Home flight simulators these days are so advanced that anyone following an aviation career can greatly benefit from them. They can replace the "chair flying" I would say. Amazing tools. Best of luck with your career Esther.

[@estherinclouds]

thank you so much!

[@allenl9214]

You make it all sound so easy but I'm sure it is very hard and you are just gifted.

[@estherinclouds]

Thats very sweet🤭

[@CrimsonNova555]

Great video! Thank you for giving us a breakdown of what to expect and tips to take note of should we want to become a pilot one day!

[@estherinclouds]

Glad it was helpful!

[@SDongil]

What I'm hearing you say is you love flying so much that even though what anyone else would consider working really hard, you loved. That's what will make an excellent pilot. 대단하나오!

[@estherinclouds]

Thank you! It doesnt feel like work most of the time😊

[@sx1275]

Im currently going through the flight training process. I have 8hr of flight. My goal is to become a comercial pilot. Cheers and congratulations Esther ❤

[@airnice.Hyeon-min]

wow! This video was really really helpful to me. This is my first time to know safety pilot. Currently, I'm 고3 in Korea ahead of KSAT, I'm planning to study in Aviation university in US. Thanks to this video, I could organize my flight plan~ Thanks a lot and I will wait for the next video!

[@estherinclouds]

Im glad it helped!!!

[@leeaf7]

Glad to see a fellow Korean pilot, especially a female one, in the same industry. All I could say is you sound determined to stay on track and you picked the best time to join the industry. Congratulations and maybe one day we'll cross each other's path. Fly safe.

[@breannaallisson232]

This is such an inspo ❤ and I totally agree on the financial part. I was on a part 141 flight school for a semester and had to drop out because of the flight lab cost (I refuse to get a private loan just for my ppl bc it’s too much debt with interest) I am now pursuing my bachelors at a CSU(LA) while working as a caregiver on the weekends to save up for my PPL. I don’t know how to push through with my instrument rating after that but I will find a way to pursue my dream🥲. Also love you videos! Keep uploading whenever you can because this is inspiring. Fighting for all of the women aviators out there!❤️❤️

[@qjsa]

more videos please, thats all. the videos you put out are super enjoyable, hope to see more.

[@qjsa]

also would love to see more of the layover content you've been doing! :D

[@estherinclouds]

aw thanks!! i'll keep going then(:

[@heykacilynn]

Started in April... have my instrument checkride in a month! All while working full time as a therapist. It's been a lot, but trying my best to enjoy the journey along the way to being a career pilot.

[@CACTUS48]

Hi Esther, after High School, I was In the Marines 1967-70 had the Vietnam experience, then I when to college and learned to fly at a Piper Flight Center, happy with the Private Pilot License, bought 2 used planes over the years , 79 Archer & 82 Tomahawk II. Stopped flying Y2k, to expensive anymore. Was a Mainframe Computer System Analyst/Programmer for a large Ins Corp 25 years. If I ever wanted to start flying again, you would be a great instructor...

[@sohalvr]

Wow this is really inspiring to see. Congratulations on your achievements!! You achieved so much so quickly. These were my goals but my flight school in Canada did not schedule me as I requested and there were always excuses. They took on too many students. So I missed my goal and then I moved across the country (Canada), and now my motivation is so low. My new flight school accepted my application and I have contacted them since but they are not getting back to me. It sucks a lot and now I am questioning my dream. I have been ready and willing to study hard and I was making good progress but then the school stopped me from achieving what I wanted because of the decisions they were making. I am not sure what to do next so I am taking time to reflect. Well done again :)

[@reimueller]

Great career 👍 I was 35 years in the aviation business 🛫✈️ Take care!

[@estherinclouds]

Thanks, you too!

[@emilgonzales9293]

Fantastic to see a young, person chase their dreams!! You are a great role model l!!

[@rafaelcoelho2998]

Hi Esther, I loved your videos! Very inspiring. I'd love to hear how you transitioned from a CFI to Atlas. I really want to work for Atlas one day. I am currently working on my PPL. Thank you 🙂

[@sergelee1879]

Really helpful for me I am going to start my flight training in this coming February

[@estherinclouds]

All the best, glad it helped!

[@jpcarrster]

Great video, you are amazing. You had a wonderful drive to complete a very difficult goal. Well done.

[@estherinclouds]

thank you!

[@JustSayN2O]

Your story and incredible speed of progress is astonishing. Many years ago I started flight training as a hobby, got my private, flew for fun for several years, then quit flying for awhile as I advanced in my medical career. I'm a physician. In 2022 I began instrument training, which took just under one year because I could only fly weekends and during vacation weeks while working full time. Every vacation week was spent flying. I now have an instrument rating, but no desire for commercial or multiengine. Instead, next I want to get a rotorcraft add-on. Unfortunately there is no training center in my area so I will have to travel somewhere and stay there for a week at a time. It would be so great if we trained for that rating together!! Where should we go?

[@MrHelsch]

You have given the adage the sky is the limit a new meaning with your high-flying achievements. I'd happily have you fly me to any destination your airline serves.

[@JustSayN2O]

I agree with studying for and passing the written exams BEFORE starting flight training. Here are the reasons. First, by getting it over with early, the flight training never gets in the way of studying the written material. Also, by passing the written exam at the beginning of training, you have demonstrated to yourself, to everyone who know you, and to your flight instructor, just how unquestionably dedicated you are. I describe this to all who approach me for flight training advice. Just remember that the FAA exams you took and passed have a two year expiration date. If your training becomes extended, or delayed, and two years go by before you pass your checkride, then guess what? You have to re-take the written exam!

[@drivemr.2]

Can you include more cockpit in flight videos instead? We would like to see how you do the take off and landing on this heavy 747 .

[@kirbsking932]

Yes cockpit in flight vids please!

[@9OClockRant]

Most airlines do not allow filming during flight…hopefully her airline is a little more forgiving.

[@DreamPilot64]

Sterile Flight Deck probably applies below 10,000ft, but some airlines allow an untouched camera (based on what I've seen on KZbin).

[@genericaccount1762]

FAA rules... In the US is not allowed to film takeoff or landing inside airliners

[@tanyagash6615]

@@genericaccount1762 yes you can film if the camera is mounted. Definitely not allowed for a required crew member to be holding a camera filming below 10,000 ft

[@ErenLies]

just a question which one would you recommend for taking your ppl should i study on my own or go to an aviation school love watching ur vids inspired me to pursue my dream job.

[@rosy8329]

girl you did exactly what I want to do and I am so happy to see this( and more Asian women in the cockpit definitely ❤❤❤

[@45cab]

Thank you for share esther in clouds 🎉 😮😊

[@mudasirsamater8660]

Thank you for explaining your journey through out aviation.

[@estherinclouds]

My pleasure!

[@thedoricchong3521]

Wow ! Talk about overachieving! While most of us are hunkering down in fear during Covid, you were spreading (earning) your wings getting ready to soar ✈. A cheeky question here - has being an airline pilot affected your driving habits significantly such as pulling out checklists, making habitual cabin announcements even when you're driving your mom to the grocer etc. ? 😁

[@allenl9214]

I know.. to think you could've started pilot training during covid and become a 747 pilot by now.. so cool but probably not as easy as she makes it sound 😂

[@estherinclouds]

Thanks for the support! Haha i had a habit of saying "clear left clear right" when i was a student😂

[@DukeRivers]

Great information and nice Q and A. Keep the vids coming. 😀

[@estherinclouds]

will do! thank you

[@coreyjordan2745]

Your communication is excellent. Thank you. Educational, informative, brilliant, outstanding.

[@CaptMoo]

Love you humor with your edits 😂😂😂

[@estherinclouds]

Thanku😊

[@宇-l5m]

From now on, I pleasure to become your fan.

[@jetPower1960]

John and Martha King are the best. Thank you for sharing. The Blue Angels United States demonstration team chair fly before every flight. It works.

[@estherinclouds]

yes theyre the best!!

[@nnn8388]

Dear First Officer Esther, Always hope your safe flight, good landing, and would like to see you get four stripes Captain. Really envy your job, and 74 cargo. I could not make pilot due to physical, eye blood pressure issue. Instead studied aeronautics, designed jet fighters in Korea. Did international marketing, program management, now in aircraft spares part sales for international customers in my 50s. But always dreamed of being in 747 cockpit.

[@ChesSambaBrasil]

Very nice! V1 - ROTATE 💫

[@howardcroft3748]

I would love to know what the steps were from the survey flights to the 747? If you can't share the airlines, can you share what aircraft (equipment) you flew, for how long, and what side of the cockpit you were on? Please

[@shrimple8195]

Love your vids! Can you maybe explain or breakdown the total cost for this journey? Would realy help alot before i fully commit this path

[@estherinclouds]

i'll try to cover this soon... it's pretty extensive and it really depends on you, school, instructor, timing etcetc

[@mtbwithtfb]

Hi Esther. I've been following the Kpop industry for almost 5 years now (I love Babymonster) and what I've noticed about the Korean trainees, and foreign Asian trainees, is that they are driven to succeed and are all very intelligent. You seem to possess those traits as well. You added a comment that you are an overachiever so you are definitely driven. Based on what I've seen from your videos I can honestly say if you were flying the plane I was on, I would be totally at ease as a passenger. Maybe someday you will fly me to Korea or Japan. Bob from La

[@estherinclouds]

aww this just made my day, thank u for the kind words😊

[@Rururomi294]

Wowww, i watched from the beginning and couldn’t stop wowing 😭 flying colors u did. I inspire to be u one day

[@estherinclouds]

aww thats very good to hear😊

[@aqramllrocks]

Thanks for sharing! Im craving for DTF now😆

[@estherinclouds]

hahaha always a good option😊

[@OtavioOctopus]

Another great video! Why did you decide to fly cargo?

[@estherinclouds]

it was the company lifestyle that got me hooked!

[@blondejohn25]

amazing work ethic and dedication

[@estherinclouds]

Thanks a lot!

[@aerthnaut]

just graduated university and working on getting my medical now. so excited to be able to see someone like myself in this career especially as an asian american girly 🤍hope to see you in the sky soon!

[@estherinclouds]

we need more of us girlies!! good luck❤

[@boeingci.keloğlan]

You're the most prettyyy pilot I've ever seen god bless you🧿

[@Nervisor23]

hey esther! Congrats on reaching your dreams! I hope you manage to become a captain, and maybe you’ll even come to some Romanian airports! (Although I doubt it since atlas air has no romanian destinations)

[@ThongvanNonsithanh]

Thank you Esther for the video. Beautiful.

[@collin6238]

Hi Esther really admire what you have achieved so quickly. I'm interested how and why you changed from flying passengers to flying cargo

[@estherinclouds]

it was mainly the company work rules & qol. it sounded like a lifestyle i would enjoy! they each have their beauty

[@andean796]

Hey Esther! It's really inspiring to see you reach your goal after all those grinds. I recently decided to switch careers and go for the airlines. I am nearing my private pilot training and studying for my checkride. I am having the worst time possible trying to memorize and grill everything into my head. Do you have any tips on studying for the oral portion of the checkride?

[@Pusana100]

Great Vid! I'm currently in flight training right now, very inspiring! (Also, how does pilot base/domicile work for your airline? Are you a commuter? Did you just go from C172 straight to 747-8i?) I would have never consider cargo airlines until I have seen your video.

[@vivianreyes2941]

Wow thank you for that advice! I am working on my private pilot license rn and I'm struggling with landing! I'm short I am 5 ft 2 inches tall, did you ever have issues seeing the runway when landing when training? This is what I'm struggling with rn, and it's really discouraging me. 😢

[@joannechan2906]

Hi~ thanks for all the info! May I know how did u manage to study all these aviation stuffs, any tips on studying? thanks a lot!

[@estherinclouds]

break it down daily or weekly! For example, I dedicated one full week on studying systems and broke down what system to cover each day. Hope it helps$!

[@rmoorefla]

High praise for your dedication and work ethic, very impressive. I love travel and am somewhat of an armchair AvGeek. I'm subscribed to another Korean pilot Captain JK and enjoy his channel too. I'm looking forward to following (literally and figuratively) your journey. Are you interested in staying a cargo pilot, or perhaps considering becoming a commercial pilot? Thanks.

[@estherinclouds]

Glad u enjoyed! I flew passengers before switching to cargo!

[@simo-dv5xk]

So how many total hours did you have when applying to Atlas? Did you have any glass cockpit experience? How long was 747/8 type training at Atlas and was it a steep learning curve?

[@estherinclouds]

I had 2400tt and had enough glass cockpit & jet experience. Training was 3+ months

[@shyammohabir8283]

You are AMAIZING!! I was waiting for your next video .. I'm also a Private Pilot and I've used John and Martha's Videos and tons of Chair Fly :) ..

[@estherinclouds]

King school is the best!!!

[@doris3905]

Hi I am currently a senior and wanted to follow your pathway. You really inspire me. Do you mean you join king online school and trained at an airport at Long Beach?. 😊❤

[@simonmacpherson9633]

Hi, which flight school in SoCal did you attend? Did you travel to the U.S. specifically to undertake your training? What was the primary reason for this - cost? Thanks for the vid.

[@CosmicJxsh]

Great video, my friend and I are having trouble getting the funds for flight training. I know you said you worked everyday to get started for your private, but how did you fund the rest of your private, instrument, and commercial?

[@hjc0706]

Perfect timing. !!

[@320FL]

8:02 Do you know the FAA regulation for this? How did you fly 120 hrs per month??

[@sirjasonakana]

Wonderful video, lots of good information

[@estherinclouds]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@samanthalau5482]

Can you share more on how you got the job as an aerial mapper?

[@TattoodGringo]

As someone at 32 who’s saving up to start flying in 2 years time, did you save up? Take a government loan where you take it personal or were you offered an educational loan where you don’t pay it back until you start working?

[@simo-dv5xk]

Also what are current time to command on 747/8 at Atlas? Can you also bid for flights or are you provided with fixed scheduling?

[@estherinclouds]

Yes we bid every month! If you're asking about captain upgrDe, i think it's 4-5years

[@simo-dv5xk]

@@estherinclouds how come its so quick to command in Atlas? Legacy majors are like 28 years to command LOL.

[@user-lj9tv8ci2n]

Which flight school did you use in LA ? Did you use the same flight school for private, instrument, and commercial?

[@walterwlim]

What type of aircraft did you fly for aerial surveying?

[@asteward5586]

Are you guys still staying at the Cordis in Hong Kong?

[@jkim47ill]

How to did you get the funding to go through all your training?

[@mangimadang4059]

Thankyou for sharing your story.

[@dnlaluvsu]

do you recommend learning aviation through flight school or college/university

[@estherinclouds]

depends! i think u can get good connections and experience out of college. if not enough time, go to a local flight school

[@meowcats787]

Do you have any check ride failures?

[@donstewart2059]

You could be the next top gun like the pilot in the film blue swallow

[@estherinclouds]

😂😂

[@ericchen9238]

The first jet you flew was 747? No regional things?

[@CharlieHagen]

Wow! I really hope to be a pilot one day!

[@HiggsBJ]

Great video. My daughter really wants to be pilot.

[@badboyblue9675]

Wow what an accomplishment

[@yasinsami192]

What education qualifications do you need to be a pilot?? A genuine question

[@tvz857]

Does the flight simulator PC game help? Or should I ask would it be helpful (flight simulator) for my 13 year old who has a interest in flying to get started.

[@ctr.claudia]

Hi, i'm an aspiring airline pilot and flight simulators are a great aid, they help you learn the mechanics of flight, even practice real world procedures on both smaller aircraft and airliners. There are plenty of materials on KZbin and the internet generally from real world pilots who explain how to fly in simulators as if it was the real thing! There are also services like VATSIM, IVAO and vAMSYS or other virtual airline systems bringing immersion into the sim world letting you connect with other pilots, simulate air traffic control and depict real world procedures, though I'm not sure if 13 is old enough to use these services. You can read about them on google. I personally recommend X-Plane 12 or MSFS, the latter has better visuals but it's more of an amateur simulator that anyone can play, whereas x-plane seems to better target future pilots, of course both can be used with the intention of learning, so again, you can do research on the simulators with your son and see which he likes better! Both of these are widely used among real world pilots for recreational flight simming! I've been into aviation since I was 12 and I really love to hear stories like yours, it's great you want to help your son pursue his passion, cheers!

[@320FL]

It does. But it’s an expensive hobby

[@RabbahDocRona]

Are you going to stay with Giant, or do you want to try to join on with KAL eventually?

[@ariffarafat-Bangladesh]

Love from Bangladesh. Please do regular layovers & travel vlog as a pilot🎉😂❤

[@cherylrajewski3390]

I am curious what your parents thought about you becoming a pilot? Were they encouraging or did you have to convince them that this is what you want to do?

[@NimsaraRandew-p6g]

Thank you for the information. Take care

[@tia2468]

Can you do layover vlogs ❤️

[@doujinflip]

Thr other cost I'd like to know is how much was all this flight training? How did you manage to fund it along with the breaks and vacation?

[@estherinclouds]

i'll cover this soon! getting asked this a lot(:

[@britatadiwanashe2423]

Any tips on anything you did to save money and afford the expensive training??

[@estherinclouds]

study and chairfly my butt off on my own😂

[@chrisfry1768]

How did you get your multi engine time before your airline job? Which plane and number of ME hours? Thanks.

[@estherinclouds]

I flew a citation jet and got SIC time!

[@samalboudoor9112]

What is the name of the aviation school you went to?

[@JTPM]

Thank you so much for making this! I sent you an email about making something like this 😅

[@estherinclouds]

idk if i responded'! thank u for the recommendation 😊

[@eli_toiv]

How did you finance the rest of your flight training after spending the funds you saved up working as an English tutor?

[@edwardleecaliforniausa]

Hi, new subscriber how are you happy Wednesday night and great vlog and I enjoy your channel and you are amazing supporter

[@estherinclouds]

Thanks so much!!

[@edwardleecaliforniausa]

@estherinclouds your welcome happy to be here connecting with you and I'll stayed connected with you enjoyed your night 🌙

[@donnlee]

What was the scariest malfunction or incident you have experienced in an aircraft?

[@estherinclouds]

Hm nothing serious really. I had my outboard display (PFD) go blank so i had to fly it on the inboard display which was rly awkward

[@viperdriver82]

I trained back in the early 2000s in south Florida....many of the students there got student loans

[@estherinclouds]

yes it's very common because training is so expensive:(

[@neonuser456]

Do you have any videos or channels to recommend?

[@Owen_Aviation24]

Wow! Love your video! So cool that your also a 747 pilot. Hope 1 day you could fly with @74Gear

[@estherinclouds]

Haha thanku!

[@Owen_Aviation24]

@@estherinclouds np!!!

[@robertruenzel8381]

What ratings do you have on jets.

[@marin5381]

May I ask which flight school u mainly trained at?Thanks.😀

[@estherinclouds]

in long beach! school name will remain private🤭

[@marin5381]

@@estherinclouds Could u tell me privitely?😄

[@JacKey-i2l]

It's your appearance that attracted my attention . Not only are you cute.you also have outstanding learning ability