2 answers
Erick
Student
Elk River, Minnesota
3
Questions
Asked
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How long does it take for an airline pilot to earn a decent amount of flexibility in there schedule?
I am a sophomore in high school. And I am looking at the airline industry for a potential job in the future. I am here just to weigh the pros and cons of the industry.
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2 answers
Richard Thornton
Aerospace Engineer
20
Answers
Robbinsville, New Jersey
Updated
Richard’s Answer
I can answer this on behalf of a friend who has gone through becoming a pilot, and recently promoted to Captain, with Delta. (As a side note, according to him, Delta is a great large airlines to work for, but of course this may change in the coming years and its important to ask around the community as you begin training).
Now also, I should caveat with the fact that he went through this process - of flying at a regional airline for several years, getting promoted to a major airline, and eventually captain - during Covid, which may have drastically changed his timeline when compared to others. In short, he took his first solo flight on his birthday at 16, the first day you are permitted to, and his test the day he turned 17. After this he went to a 4-year college where he grew his hours as an instructor. This is a very common method for doing so, but of course requires passing the Commercial Pilot's exam and the Certified Flight Instructor exam. You do not need a college degree, but most senior pilots recommend it, as it helps you advance later in your career, and if you desire to move into different corporate positions as you see fit.
Afterwards, he quickly joined a regional airline, where he flew for several years . At this point, your timeline may vary drastically since he had to deal with a hiring freeze around the onset of Covid, but typically 2-4 years would be expected. However once they restart the hiring process, he came on as a First Officer (2nd in command) and again did this for several years.
He actually stayed in this position a bit longer than usual because he quickly grew to being a senior FO, which means he got priority when it came to selecting his routes and departure times. This is the conundrum with growing your rank, from my understanding - as you go to the next rank up, you typically start back at the bottom of seniority and therefore get the last option to select your route. However at some point there is enough incentive to become Captain, so I would expect anywhere from 2-3 years again as FO.
These timelines are unique for each person and the path you choose may vary significantly, so remember to enjoy it and follow the path that works best for you - not all pilots go into the airlines so keep an eye out for other options. As a final note, I will say one more thing he mentioned to me was that the highest paid positions are typically at carries like FedEx and UPS, but the hours can be difficult. Regardless, find what you love doing and go from there!
Now also, I should caveat with the fact that he went through this process - of flying at a regional airline for several years, getting promoted to a major airline, and eventually captain - during Covid, which may have drastically changed his timeline when compared to others. In short, he took his first solo flight on his birthday at 16, the first day you are permitted to, and his test the day he turned 17. After this he went to a 4-year college where he grew his hours as an instructor. This is a very common method for doing so, but of course requires passing the Commercial Pilot's exam and the Certified Flight Instructor exam. You do not need a college degree, but most senior pilots recommend it, as it helps you advance later in your career, and if you desire to move into different corporate positions as you see fit.
Afterwards, he quickly joined a regional airline, where he flew for several years . At this point, your timeline may vary drastically since he had to deal with a hiring freeze around the onset of Covid, but typically 2-4 years would be expected. However once they restart the hiring process, he came on as a First Officer (2nd in command) and again did this for several years.
He actually stayed in this position a bit longer than usual because he quickly grew to being a senior FO, which means he got priority when it came to selecting his routes and departure times. This is the conundrum with growing your rank, from my understanding - as you go to the next rank up, you typically start back at the bottom of seniority and therefore get the last option to select your route. However at some point there is enough incentive to become Captain, so I would expect anywhere from 2-3 years again as FO.
These timelines are unique for each person and the path you choose may vary significantly, so remember to enjoy it and follow the path that works best for you - not all pilots go into the airlines so keep an eye out for other options. As a final note, I will say one more thing he mentioned to me was that the highest paid positions are typically at carries like FedEx and UPS, but the hours can be difficult. Regardless, find what you love doing and go from there!
Aftab Ursani
Flight EngineerB747 at Japan Airlines
42
Answers
Torrance, California
Updated
Aftab’s Answer
Career progress with US commercial airlines has been evolving through years and now the rate evolution has even accelerated.
Sooner in your age you decide to pick up commercial airline career, better you will do in later years. As a young person you have lesser personal or family limitations to adapt what your career process demands from you and you learn much faster.
In past flying from left sesg in command took many years but now you have better chance to reach that goal. In my view you may join an institute that offers you straight path to pilot career. You need perfect eye sight, good cardiovascular health and good memory to remember. For more you may look for other answers from other contributors to career village.
Sooner in your age you decide to pick up commercial airline career, better you will do in later years. As a young person you have lesser personal or family limitations to adapt what your career process demands from you and you learn much faster.
In past flying from left sesg in command took many years but now you have better chance to reach that goal. In my view you may join an institute that offers you straight path to pilot career. You need perfect eye sight, good cardiovascular health and good memory to remember. For more you may look for other answers from other contributors to career village.