Pilot Career

[DeanOlicious]

If you just want to fly for fun and not as a career, most countries have a sport pilot license. Here's a vid of my father's powered parachute plane, and me going up with him the first time. YouTube - Flight of the DeanOlicious

With a Sports License, you can fly any craft under a certain weight class. This includes Trikes, Powered Parachutes, Mini Copters, Gyro Copters, and lightweight fixed wing aircraft such as the Piper Cub. Here's some pics of those planes.


It's a relatively inexpensive way to get into aviation, and it's hella fun. Here's a site with some info on flying, and all the rules and aircraft available. Learn to Fly - EAA Sport Pilot and Light-Sport Aircraft Information

[OcciferFriendly]

If you're looking at becoming a pilot, check out the forums at Airliners.net. Lot's of current commercial pilots and airline staff on there. Costs money to join but lurking is free and you can learn a LOT from reading what they deal with.

Understand that it's VERY hard and EXTREMELY difficult to get an airline job - the market is tough and the job itself is not an easy one. Expect to get hired for horrible hours and even more horrible pay when you start. That's some of what I've picked up from lurking over there.

Not trying to be a wet blanket, but I want to make sure you have your eyes open about what you may be facing.

But if it is something you really truly want to do and know you'll be happy doing, then go for it and give it everything you've got. You'll never forgive yourself if you don't.