Is a flying career for you?
Recently a member called the AOPA Pilot Information Center with what appeared to be bad news: His government job was being downsized, and he needed a new career. Could his passion for flying offer new job possibilities?
It sure could, replied Kitty Pultorak, AOPA's technical services manager and a former customer service representative for a fixed base operator. The AOPA Pilot Information Center receives many requests for information on flying-related careers and the Pilot Information Center specialists themselves have either had flying careers or are considering doing so in the future. Many are CFIs, former airline pilots, former FAA employees, or charter pilots.
"There are plenty of aviation careers available in the current job market," emphasized Pultorak. "And it includes a lot more than just the airlines." AOPA recently published AOPA's Guide to Flying Careers, written by Wayne Phillips, an airline transport pilot with more than 7,000 hours of flight time. Phillips conducts the airline training orientation program at the United Airlines Flight Center and owns and operates both an air taxi and a commercial hot-air balloon service in Colorado. "The news is good for anyone considering a cockpit career," says Phillips. Additionally, the FAA has reported that "the need for civil pilots and aviation maintenance technicians will grow twice as fast as the average for all occupations." AIR, Inc., an aviation career-support organization, confirmed this in 1998 as hiring levels reached record numbers.
With all this good news, why not fly off into a new career? It takes a lot of hard work and a financial reality check to realize your dream, said Robert Fisher, AOPA Pilot Information Center specialist. He recently received a call from a member who has a lucrative career in the entertainment industry in Hollywood. This 37-year-old producer said that he would like to switch gears and become an airline pilot. "It sounded like a midlife crisis and a bite from the aviation bug," said Fisher, who cautioned the caller that the aspiring pilot's age would offer the biggest deterrent to an airline career. "Because of his age, he would have a limited career span since mandatory retirement is age 60. But I suggested he look at a career as a corporate pilot," said Fisher.
Salary surveys indicate that entry-level airline pilots may expect to earn less than $20,000 per year during their first years. "You've really got to pay your dues," Fisher cautioned the caller. But, he added, there is great opportunity in the rest of the aviation industry. AOPA's Guide to Flying Careers suggests opportunities as a business aviation pilot ( www.nbaa.org); agriculture pilot ( www.agairupdate.com) or call the AOPA Pilot Information Center for the Agricultural Aviation package; air taxi pilot; or banner towing (ask for the Banner Towing package).
AOPA's Pilot Information Center specialists often receive calls from students — and their parents — interested in aviation careers. "Ninety percent of the new hires in aviation have college degrees," said technical specialist Robert Hackman. "But the degree isn't necessarily in an aviation-related subject; diversity is very important. The airlines can teach you to fly, but not the other curricula." For example, a student of international relations might be sought after for a corporate pilot position that involves flying throughout the world.
Careers such as airborne firefighting, law enforcement, medical evacuation, broadcasting, air traffic reporting, and scenic tours are also outlined in AOPA's Guide to Flying Careers, available for $5 by calling AOPA at 800/872-2672 or for free from AOPA Online ( www.aopa.org/members/files/guides/careers.html). "We can discuss the potential jobs with members, offer the pros and cons to job opportunities in the industry, and prepare you for the interview process," said Hackman. Colleges such as Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University offer curricula designed for those interested in aviation careers.
Additionally, AOPA offers member services that encourage your flying career. For example, members who carry an AOPA credit card receive a 3-percent rebate at more than 3,500 FBOs on purchases such as fuel, aircraft rentals, and supplies. The AOPA Flight Funds program allows pilots-in-training a line of credit to help finance flight training or certificate upgrades.
As an AOPA member, you have access to the best source available anywhere for information and answers for pilots. The AOPA Pilot Information Center gives you direct access to specialists in every area of aviation. The AOPA Pilot Information Center, 800/USA-AOPA (800/872-2672), is available to members from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday.
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