Same old questions from a newbie

girishrau · Post by **girishrau** » Thu Jan 25, 2007 7:59 am

Hello Folks,

I am newbie to aviation and this is my first post here. So a warm hello to you all.

Apologies for asking the same old cliched questions again. I have already read the sticky thread about flight schools but still have some questions.

I am considering quitting my job and looking at a career as a pilot. But first I have to know if I even like it enough to blow my career and savings on it.

I am only looking at flight schools in the GTA area and know that BFC offers a discounted discovery flight. Do other schools too offer that?

Also I gather from the earlier posts that the instructor matters more than the school. So if I go to a school can I demand to train with a specific instructor or does it go by a roster? If its not controversial, can I ask for references of instructors you think are good. If its going to be an issue please pm me.

Thanks.

Luscombe · Post by **Luscombe** » Thu Jan 25, 2007 9:52 am

Check your PM's

Hedley · Post by **Hedley** » Thu Jan 25, 2007 10:02 am

So if I go to a school can I demand to train with a specific instructor

Of course you can! If the school doesn't like that, vote with your wallet and go to a different school.

You are the paying customer, after all. Too many times, students are taken advantage of in a way that you would simply not tolerate when you hired a plumber or lawyer.

Just like a plumber or a lawyer, ask the prospective instructor how long he has been plying his trade, and can you talk to some of his previous customers?

I know some instructors who are widely known in the industry for "milking" their students, who would NOT want you to talk to their previous customers.

Similarly, if your instructor (or plumber, or doctor, or lawyer) just got qualified last month, you might want to ponder who is going to be learning what, as you pay for it.

mcrit · Post by **mcrit** » Thu Jan 25, 2007 11:20 am

am considering quitting my job

I'd advise against that. Do the training part time, otherwise you will end up starting your career under a huge pile of debt. I've seen people in this situation have to leave flying just to make enough money to pay down their loans.

ScudRunner · Post by **ScudRunner** » Thu Jan 25, 2007 4:33 pm

I agree dont jump head first to something your not sure about. Thats poor pilot decision making.

head out on your free time get your PPL and then if your really into it, get er done.

And Welcome to Avcanada post all the question you have, there are no dumb question just ones we will raze you about.

girishrau · Post by **girishrau** » Fri Jan 26, 2007 9:23 am

Thanks a lot folks for all the replies. Very good advise indeed about starting slow. Its just that I am already 32 and stuck in a job I don't enjoy anymore. Did not want to waste any more time.

Miss Mae · Post by **Miss Mae** » Fri Jan 26, 2007 11:01 am

It's alot to think about that's for sure.

It's important you understand though that a flying career will not get you into a good paycheck for a long while. After you complete your commercial, multi/IFR and instructor (should you choose that route) you will be pulling in paychecks WELL UNDER 30,000/year if not under 25K for a couple even a few years....I'm not trying to scare you off of flying but I think it's important you are well informed before you quit your job.

If you have any more questions feel free to ask!

N2 · Post by N2 » Fri Jan 26, 2007 11:48 am

Don't forget there is always a chance you may never land a job...period!

altiplano · Post by **altiplano** » Fri Jan 26, 2007 6:57 pm

For sure - keep your day job. Aviation is a tough way to earn a buck when you are starting out...

If I were you I would pound my private off this summer when you have lots of long VFR days. Fly every weekend and go out after work to get it done. In the mean-time finish up your ground school over the spring...

From there make sure you're at a school where you can rent planes for night flying - get a night rating and time build evenings after work until you're ready for your flight test. Take a week or two off, practise, practise and get it done.

Look for job, get job, quit other job... I think if you worked hard had the cash to finance it you could be in a position to get a job working a dock/ramp in Fort Nowhere by summer 2008...

youngflier · Post by **youngflier** » Wed Feb 07, 2007 5:57 pm

. wrote:I agree dont jump head first to something your not sure about. Thats poor pilot decision making. head out on your free time get your PPL and then if your really into it, get er done.

And Welcome to Avcanada post all the question you have, there are no dumb question just ones we will raze you about.

couldnt have said it bettter my self