My name is Paul. I am 32 and have always dreamed of becoming an airline pilot. I know the licenses and certifications needed but cannot afford them. I do work but between bills and surviving, do not make enough money to cover flight training. Are there any options for me out there? any programs available? I would love to change my life and realize this dream.
Paul,
Flight training isn’t cheap and sadly the cost is one of the greatest obstacles aspiring pilots face. The majority of new pilots aren’t wealthy and have to finance their training with loans. I recommend you investigate that as an option.
Adam
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Paul,
You are not alone. A large majority of aspiring pilot face the same challenge. It can be difficult to be approved for a large unsecured loan without years of excellent credit however a cosigner does help your chances. Feel free to reach out to the finance department at ATP. They are more than happy to answer any questions you have and help with the process.
Hannah
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Paul,
Many individuals like yourself, can’t afford flight training out of pocket and that is one of the reason ATP is appealing to a lot, the financing opportunities. ATP has created a few partnerships in the past that allow students to apply for the loan (even a smart loan option). While securing the loan can be difficult for some, we recommend reaching out to the finance department or your own personal advisor if there are specific scenarios that require an “in-depth” review of your portfolio.
Brady
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Wow everyone thank you very much for getting back to me and the information provided. Very much appreciated. After giving it some thought and interviewing a few schools, unfortunately I wouldn’t qualify for a loan, So I have decided to start with my PPL part 61 for now, if i can find a pay as you go structure or pay for blocks for lessons, ill be going with that while working my current job. Once I have my PPL, I will apply to cadet programs or might try my schools pilot program at Miami Dade College which requires PPL anyways, with them I can probably use federal loans or aid. but it will take longer since its an associates degree. I would prefer a program to get to the airlines as soon as possible but i dont think thats possible for me at the moment. Please let me know what you think of my plan and if theres anything better.
Paul,
The best plan is the plan that works best for you. That said while you’re working on your PPL and continue your job I would encourage you to explore other possibilities in obtaining a loan (cosigners, lessor amount, etc). Pilots have a finite amount of years we can fly before mandatory retirement and senior Capts can earn $400k+. Every year you delay is a whole lot of money (and benefits) you’re forfeiting and will never see.
In aviation sooner is ALWAYS better than later.
Adam
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Paul,
As Adam mentioned, seniority and quality of life is limited on a lot of factors. The beauty of ATP is they have multiple entry programs, Zero Time, Credit Solo, and Credit Private. What this means is while you begin to conduct some training now, if you find the funding available in the short time, I would highly recommend giving ATP an eye. There is more than just financing and lending agreements that make ATP appealing and structured. Imagine completing all your required certificates at a P61 smaller-scale flight school, to come out and looking for a CFI or P91 gig, and long behold, nothing is available due to the market. The beauty in ATP is that when you graduate the program, successful checkrides, and remain in good standing, you’re pretty much given an opportunity to work for ATP. This will eliminate any lapse in training to building time, meaning, you’ll be where you want in an efficient manner.
If I could redo everything, I would have started with ATP two years earlier than when I did.
Brady
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Paul,
I understand your options are a bit limited right now. I think starting with the PPL isn’t a bad idea just a word of caution: fly as much as possible prioritizing that over work. I say that because, the skills you learn require constant repetition to stay proficient. If you fly once a week, half of the flight time on the next flight is spent reviewing what you did last time. If you fly 3 times a week, you spend less time reviewing and making more forward progress. That keeps your timeline tight as well as maximizing the money you’re spending on each flight hour.
Hannah
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I hadnt thought about that. Thank you Hannah. To be honest after my discovery flight and countless YouTube videos Ive watched, besides the money, I wouldnt have any objections with flying AT LEAST 3 times per week! Hell if i can fly everyday I will! I actually very excited to begin being 32 I know my time is ticking and I want to get to the airlines as soon as possible.
Guys Im having another idea, please tell me what you think. So I have a friend thats a flight attendant for American Airlines and he said he could help me get in when they’re hiring again. I am currently working as a Leasing Specialist for an apartment complex. My background is in finance and real estate but have always dreamed of Aviation. Anyways, should I become a flight attendant while pursing my PPL and other certs?? I was thinking this could give me a chance to actually be employed in aviation and learn more while networking with pilots. Also, do airlines give priority to cadet programs or pilot jobs to internal employees? would this be a good move? Thank again everyone.
Ummmm, if you simply want to be in aviation then sure, be an FA. In fact, stay an FA and make a career of it. BUT, if you want to be a pilot, be a pilot. While I do know many FAs who have made the transition, I don’t know any who say that being an FA first was beneficial to their progression, particularly in the beginning when you’ll have no seniority and therfore no control over your schedule.
Up to you.
Adam
Hi Adam, thank you for the advise! So you’re saying it’s better for me to just stay at my current job while doing my ppl and licenses because the airline won’t care if I already worked for them as an FA?
I’m saying it’s up to you but I see zero benefit unless again you want to be a flight attendant.
Adam
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Paul,
Being a flight attendant is a completely different career thanking a pilot, there is no relation between the two and being a FA will in no way help you to become a pilot. I would stick with whatever will help you financially to become a pilot sooner rather than later.
Chris
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Thank you Adam and Chris. I read you guys loud and clear. That’s what I wanted, and you guys are professional pilots so If you’re telling me I take your word 100%. Perfect then, I will not waste my time entering a whole different career path that will do nothing to help me achieve my actual goal. I’m going to continue working in my field and enroll into a flight school to start my PPL as soon as possible then so I can get to the airlines soon as possible. My job is 9-5 Mon-Fri, in an office so probably better anyways to have the steady schedule for flying lessons.