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How do I decide if I want to be an athlete or a pilot?

I am a freshman and I love sports but I’ve always had a passion for commercial pilots.

Thank you comment icon Keep working hard at your sports while pursuing the right opportunities to be a pilot one day. You will know as you keep going whether a future in sports is realistic! It's possible to have both one day. Jennifer Gottschalk

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Subject: Career question for you

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Deitra’s Answer

who says you have to 'choose'. Do both. With discipline and planning, you can execute and accel in both areas.
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Robert’s Answer

Both paths demand a significant investment of effort, commitment, and time.

In terms of a career, athletics can be somewhat ephemeral. Not only do you need to excel in your chosen sport, but you also need to be among the top performers to even consider making a living from it. Often, your career span is dictated by factors like health, injuries, and age. Only a tiny fraction of professional athletes manage to earn enough to use it as their sole source of income. However, if you're highly skilled in your sport and it's your ultimate passion, it could be a viable path for you.

Becoming a commercial pilot involves extensive training, considerable expenses, and numerous flight hours. Many commercial pilots acquire their training through military service, given the substantial cost of logging flight hours as a Pilot In Command. If you're a civilian, your first step would be to earn your PP/SEL (Private Pilot, Single-Engine Land) license. This requires at least 40 hours of flight time, with 75 being the average, allowing you to fly a basic single-engine land-based aircraft under visual navigation rules. Subsequently, you'd move on to instrument ratings, complex aircraft endorsements, multi-engine certification, and so forth, which would entail several hundred hours of instruction and flight time. You should anticipate a minimum of six months of training for an Aircraft Transport Pilot (commercial) license if you already hold a private pilot's license, 8-9 months if you have no flight experience.

During their ATP training, licensed pilots often work as private pilot flight instructors to accumulate their logged flight hours and offset the costs of ongoing training. Once certified, you can enjoy a lengthy and profitable career as a commercial pilot. Plus, flying a plane is an incredibly fulfilling experience.
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Thomas’s Answer

Hello Mariah! I agree with Deitra! Why not do both? It is definitely possible to do both. Being a pilot is like being an athlete. It takes training, discipline, focus, and consistency to be a pilot; just as it does to be an athlete.

Take a look at programs like Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University!!

https://erauathletics.com/

https://erau.edu/becoming-student

Impossible is nothing!!
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James Constantine’s Answer

Hey there, Mariah!

Let's Dive into Your Career Interests and Abilities

Choosing between a career as an athlete or a pilot can be a thrilling journey! Both paths demand your commitment, perseverance, and a unique set of skills. So, let's dive into this exciting exploration.

Uncover Your Interests and Passions

Start off by taking a moment to uncover your interests and passions. Think about the activities that light you up and make your heart sing. Do you feel a stronger pull towards the physical challenges of sports or the technical intricacies of flying?

Assess Your Skills and Abilities

Now, let's assess your skills and abilities. If you're a natural at a certain sport and love every minute of it, being an athlete could be your calling. But, if you're a whiz at problem-solving, love math, and are fascinated by aircraft and aviation technology, a pilot's life might suit you better.

Explore Long-Term Career Opportunities

Don't forget to explore the long-term career opportunities in both fields. Take a look at the job market for athletes and pilots, including demand, potential earnings, and chances for growth.

Understand Educational Requirements

Also, understand the educational requirements for both careers. To become a professional athlete, you'll likely need a college degree while also sharpening your skills through training and competition. To become a pilot, you'll need to complete specialized flight training programs and earn various certifications.

Connect with Professionals

It's always a good idea to connect with professionals in both fields. Chatting with athletes and pilots can give you a glimpse into their daily lives, the hurdles they overcome, and the rewards they enjoy. This can offer you priceless firsthand information to guide your decision.

Consider Lifestyle Factors

Lastly, consider the lifestyle associated with each career. Athletes often have intense training schedules and travel a lot for competitions. Pilots, on the other hand, may work irregular hours due to flight schedules but also get to travel to various destinations.

Make Your Decision

In the end, your choice between a career as an athlete or a pilot should resonate with your passions, strengths, and long-term dreams. Take your time to consider all these factors before making your decision.

Top 3 Authoritative References Used:

1. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) - Offers extensive data on job outlooks, salaries, and educational requirements for various careers.
2. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) - Provides detailed information on becoming a pilot, including licensing requirements and career prospects.
3. Professional Sports Organizations - Websites of these organizations can offer insights into the life of professional athletes, including training routines and career expectations.
These sources were used to gather authoritative information on career prospects, educational requirements, and lifestyle factors for athletes and pilots.

May blessings and joy follow you on your journey!
James.
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