Questions about making flying a career

[Dwayne Miller]

I have a few questions about being a pilot (especially in Canada). I'm
thinking about making flying a career (but I don't even have my PPL right
now, so it'll be a few years).



First off, what are your recommendations or experiences for flight training?
I was thinking of after getting my PPL, of going to Mount Royal College in
Calgary, Alberta, or NAIT in Edmonton. Is it better to go to a college
flight school (and get a diploma), a professional flight school such as
Delta Connection Academy (I'm not sure if Canada has any schools like this,
any information would be appreciated), or through a private instructor?



Second, I've heard rumors of the Canadian Government having a
scholarship/loan/grant (like I said, I just heard it over the grape vine, I'
m not sure if it even exists) for pilots working on getting their CPL, or
IFR rating. Is there any banks or other institutions that offer financing
for get your licenses (well, for the college route, I'm sure student loans
would work, but they only cover so much).



Also, I would appreciation any suggestions, or experiences for getting
through the "grey" area of a flying career between your CPL and ATP license.
Know that a lot of airlines won't hire unless you have your Air Transport
License, but it's also 1300 hours between the 2.



If you may not have noticed, I am Canadian, what do I need to know if I want
to fly for an airline in the States, or if it is even possible with a
Canadian license.



And one more thing, I know that a few years ago, that there was going to be
a shortage of pilots coming up, but that was also the pre 9/11 days. Does
that still hold true, or is there going to be a big saturation of pilots
within the next 5 years or so. Because I don't want to spend all this time
and money and find out that I can't get a job.



Thanks again for your help, and again, any other suggestions or experiences
would be appreciated on any of this.



Dwayne Miller

[Capt.Doug]

>"Dwayne Miller" wrote in message > > First off, what are your
>recommendations or experiences for flight training?

Have you taken any lessons as yet? Do want to fly professionally for the
money? for the girls? Deeply examine the issues before commiting significant
resources to such a thing.

> Second, I've heard rumors of the Canadian Government having a
> scholarship/loan/grant (like I said, I just heard it over the grape vine,
I'
> m not sure if it even exists)

Most of what you hear is about subsidized flight training is crap, unless
you go the military route. The colleges have the answers about funding.

> Also, I would appreciation any suggestions, or experiences for getting
> through the "grey" area of a flying career between your CPL and ATP
>license. Know that a lot of airlines won't hire unless you have your Air
>Transport License, but it's also 1300 hours between the 2.

You'll need more than 1300 hours for Air Canada. There are many ways to get
that experience- flight instructing, bush flying, night cargo runs...

> If you may not have noticed, I am Canadian, what do I need to know if I
>want to fly for an airline in the States, or if it is even possible with a
> Canadian license.

First, you'll need the right to work in the US. Then you can get your
ratings converted to US certificates.

> And one more thing, I know that a few years ago, that there was going to
be
> a shortage of pilots coming up, but that was also the pre 9/11 days. Does
> that still hold true, or is there going to be a big saturation of pilots
> within the next 5 years or so. Because I don't want to spend all this time
> and money and find out that I can't get a job.

There never was a shortage of pilots, and there never will be. To rise to
the top, you will need ambition, determination, and a modicum of skill.
Bottom line is that you should not get into the profession unless you want
to fly. If you want money, you will make more money doing other things. If
you want glamour, be a movie star.

If you want to be a pilot, go to the airport and take a lesson.

D.

[Dwayne Miller]

Excellent, that's just what I wanted to hear, I don't mind living on minimum
wage, as long as I'm flying...
"Capt.Doug" > wrote in message
...
> >"Dwayne Miller" wrote in message > > First off, what are your
> >recommendations or experiences for flight training?
>
> Have you taken any lessons as yet? Do want to fly professionally for the
> money? for the girls? Deeply examine the issues before commiting
significant
> resources to such a thing.
>
> > Second, I've heard rumors of the Canadian Government having a
> > scholarship/loan/grant (like I said, I just heard it over the grape
vine,
> I'
> > m not sure if it even exists)
>
> Most of what you hear is about subsidized flight training is crap, unless
> you go the military route. The colleges have the answers about funding.
>
> > Also, I would appreciation any suggestions, or experiences for getting
> > through the "grey" area of a flying career between your CPL and ATP
> >license. Know that a lot of airlines won't hire unless you have your Air
> >Transport License, but it's also 1300 hours between the 2.
>
> You'll need more than 1300 hours for Air Canada. There are many ways to
get
> that experience- flight instructing, bush flying, night cargo runs...
>
> > If you may not have noticed, I am Canadian, what do I need to know if I
> >want to fly for an airline in the States, or if it is even possible with
a
> > Canadian license.
>
> First, you'll need the right to work in the US. Then you can get your
> ratings converted to US certificates.
>
> > And one more thing, I know that a few years ago, that there was going to
> be
> > a shortage of pilots coming up, but that was also the pre 9/11 days.
Does
> > that still hold true, or is there going to be a big saturation of pilots
> > within the next 5 years or so. Because I don't want to spend all this
time
> > and money and find out that I can't get a job.
>
> There never was a shortage of pilots, and there never will be. To rise to
> the top, you will need ambition, determination, and a modicum of skill.
> Bottom line is that you should not get into the profession unless you want
> to fly. If you want money, you will make more money doing other things. If
> you want glamour, be a movie star.
>
> If you want to be a pilot, go to the airport and take a lesson.
>
> D.
>
>

[Ender]

Dwayne Miller wrote:
> Excellent, that's just what I wanted to hear, I don't mind living on minimum
> wage, as long as I'm flying...

I suggest you visit the forums at www.avcanada.ca