3 answers
Josiah
Student
Newburgh, New York
1
Question
Updated
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Before I ever step into a cockpit, what is the first thing I need to know to TRULY start my journey into piloting? #Spring25
I’m a junior in high school currently studying cybersecurity, but lately I’ve been really drawn to aviation, specifically piloting. I’ve always been curious about how planes work and what it takes to fly one, but recently it’s become more than just a passing interest. I love tech and problem-solving, and I feel like aviation could be this perfect mix of the skills, responsibility, and adventure. I don’t have any flight experience yet, but I’m really serious about learning.
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3 answers
Lawrence Apfel
Aircraft Mechanic
6
Answers
Stamford, Connecticut
Updated
Lawrence’s Answer
Josiah,
The pilot interest question has been answered very thoughtfully and thoroughly already. I can however address your possible interest in becoming an aircraft mechanic. There are 2 ways to meet the requirements needed to qualify for getting your A & P license (Airframe & Powerplant).
The first way is to go to an aviation mechanics school which is 2 years long. There's one near or at Poughkeepsie Airport. There's another one at Sikorsky Airport in Stratford, Ct which is the one I attended., the Stratford School for Aviation Maintenance Technicians.
The second way is on-the-job training which takes 3 years to achieve. You will need to go to work for a company that will let you train along with other A&P mechanics which a good way to bring home a paycheck as you train.
Either route you choose there are 3 written tests you need to take and pass as well as 2 oral/practical tests you will need to take and pass with the FAA.
I currently work as an A&P mechanic at Westchester Airport at a flight school; we also manage the maintenance for private clients. While I don't actively fly I do have a private pilot's license which has helped me understand and troubleshoot the aircraft systems better, from a pilot's prospective.
If you enjoy mechanics and flying as well as the environment of working in a pretty exclusive group of people and being around multi million dollar aircraft this could be the field for you. There is a shortage of aircraft mechanics and I believe that going to true for many years. There will always be work and the pay is very good.
Best wishes and luck,
Larry A.
The pilot interest question has been answered very thoughtfully and thoroughly already. I can however address your possible interest in becoming an aircraft mechanic. There are 2 ways to meet the requirements needed to qualify for getting your A & P license (Airframe & Powerplant).
The first way is to go to an aviation mechanics school which is 2 years long. There's one near or at Poughkeepsie Airport. There's another one at Sikorsky Airport in Stratford, Ct which is the one I attended., the Stratford School for Aviation Maintenance Technicians.
The second way is on-the-job training which takes 3 years to achieve. You will need to go to work for a company that will let you train along with other A&P mechanics which a good way to bring home a paycheck as you train.
Either route you choose there are 3 written tests you need to take and pass as well as 2 oral/practical tests you will need to take and pass with the FAA.
I currently work as an A&P mechanic at Westchester Airport at a flight school; we also manage the maintenance for private clients. While I don't actively fly I do have a private pilot's license which has helped me understand and troubleshoot the aircraft systems better, from a pilot's prospective.
If you enjoy mechanics and flying as well as the environment of working in a pretty exclusive group of people and being around multi million dollar aircraft this could be the field for you. There is a shortage of aircraft mechanics and I believe that going to true for many years. There will always be work and the pay is very good.
Best wishes and luck,
Larry A.
Matthew Wild
First Officer at Compass Airlines
13
Answers
El Segundo, California
Updated
Matthew’s Answer
Josiah,
Wayne has given great first steps to take. I will add the following:
You can get your Private Pilot License before you decide what aviation career you want, if at all.
While doing your Private, do research on different pilot jobs. From Airline to Corporate to Air Taxi to flying who Private clients there are many different ways to go.
If an airline is where you want to go…you will need to decide your end goal after your Private. The big 4, (American, Delta, Southwest and United) have created pipelines to create pilots for their flight decks. To have your best chance you will need to enter a pipeline after your Private.
As far as college, pick a university and subject you like. It shows you commit and follow through with goals.
Fly High,
Matt
Wayne has given great first steps to take. I will add the following:
You can get your Private Pilot License before you decide what aviation career you want, if at all.
While doing your Private, do research on different pilot jobs. From Airline to Corporate to Air Taxi to flying who Private clients there are many different ways to go.
If an airline is where you want to go…you will need to decide your end goal after your Private. The big 4, (American, Delta, Southwest and United) have created pipelines to create pilots for their flight decks. To have your best chance you will need to enter a pipeline after your Private.
As far as college, pick a university and subject you like. It shows you commit and follow through with goals.
Fly High,
Matt
Wayne Johnson
Maintenance Programs at Alaska Airlines
86
Answers
Auburn, Washington
Updated
Wayne’s Answer
Josiah -
1. Check around at the various flight schools in your area. Most of the flight schools offer an introductory or "discovery" flight between $150 and $250. This will include a ground lesson, pre-flight, flight time, and post-flight debrief. You will get about a 30 to 45 minute flight where you will actually fly the aircraft.
2. You can also check around and attend a Private Pilot Ground School. You can attend a formal class or do an online course.
3. Visit a local flight school and they will have all of the information you need and cost to get your various licenses, Private, Commercial, etc.
4. Check around with any airlines and/or airports in your area and see if they have an "aviation day," where you see the aircraft up-close and visit with other pilots.
5. It is an expensive journey. A private pilots license will cost around $10,000. I would recommend you have enough money to fly about 3 times a week when you are going for your private pilots license. If you fly less than that, you spend time and money relearning your prior lessons. 3 times a week you keep you pretty current and reduce the relearning to a minimum amount.
Here is a link for a breakdown of flight training costs: https://fly8ma.com/how-much-does-a-pilot-license-cost/
If you think you want to go the full route and get your ATP (Airline Transport Pilot License) which is required to fly for the major airlines, expect to spend around $80,000 to $100,000.
If you do when you go for your Medical Certificate you will need a 3rd class Medical for a Private Pilots License - good for 2 years.
You need a 2nd Class Medical for a Commercial Pilots License, which allows you to "fly for hire," good for 1 year.
You need a 1st Class Medical for the ATP rating, good for 6 months.
So I would have the Medical Examiner give you a 1st Class physical, if you can't pass that then you cannot get an ATP rating, but you might be able to pass the 2nd or 3rd class physical.
About the only other choice is get a 4 year degree, join the military and have them pay for your flight training.
Best of luck on your journey.
Wayne
1. Check around at the various flight schools in your area. Most of the flight schools offer an introductory or "discovery" flight between $150 and $250. This will include a ground lesson, pre-flight, flight time, and post-flight debrief. You will get about a 30 to 45 minute flight where you will actually fly the aircraft.
2. You can also check around and attend a Private Pilot Ground School. You can attend a formal class or do an online course.
3. Visit a local flight school and they will have all of the information you need and cost to get your various licenses, Private, Commercial, etc.
4. Check around with any airlines and/or airports in your area and see if they have an "aviation day," where you see the aircraft up-close and visit with other pilots.
5. It is an expensive journey. A private pilots license will cost around $10,000. I would recommend you have enough money to fly about 3 times a week when you are going for your private pilots license. If you fly less than that, you spend time and money relearning your prior lessons. 3 times a week you keep you pretty current and reduce the relearning to a minimum amount.
Here is a link for a breakdown of flight training costs: https://fly8ma.com/how-much-does-a-pilot-license-cost/
If you think you want to go the full route and get your ATP (Airline Transport Pilot License) which is required to fly for the major airlines, expect to spend around $80,000 to $100,000.
If you do when you go for your Medical Certificate you will need a 3rd class Medical for a Private Pilots License - good for 2 years.
You need a 2nd Class Medical for a Commercial Pilots License, which allows you to "fly for hire," good for 1 year.
You need a 1st Class Medical for the ATP rating, good for 6 months.
So I would have the Medical Examiner give you a 1st Class physical, if you can't pass that then you cannot get an ATP rating, but you might be able to pass the 2nd or 3rd class physical.
About the only other choice is get a 4 year degree, join the military and have them pay for your flight training.
Best of luck on your journey.
Wayne
Thank you, this is amazing! I really needed it.
Josiah
Hey Wayne, thank you so much for all this info, seriously, I really appreciate how much time and effort you put into breaking everything down. It’s super helpful, especially since I’ve been trying to figure out where to even start when it comes to getting into aviation.
Josiah