No correspondence to the Career Advisor drew more response from readers than Andy’s story (see “Career Advisor: The Impossible Dream?” February 2011 Flight Training). As a young aerospace engineer in debt after years of academic training, he longed for a flying career and sought advice about chasing that dream. Most said “go for it,” even if it meant more debt. Others said to live an austere life for five years, retire the debt, and then pay as you go—an impossibility from our point of view.
Well, Andy responded after all of the rhetoric. He writes:
Hello!
I just want to start out by saying thanks to Wayne Phillips, Flight Training magazine, and all of the readers who wrote letters back. Since I wrote the letter about the “Impossible Dream,” I have taken a hard look at all of my expenses and have made some significant changes.
Although it sounds like the complete opposite thing to do when trying to escape debt, I ended up buying a new car (literally asking for the cheapest car on the lot with nothing extra, that wasn’t white in color). Over the last two years, my truck has averaged more money in repair bills each month than my new car payment, and the savings in gas offsets the insurance increase, ultimately saving me money. I have also set up a very strict budget that allows so much flying each month and to pay as much extra on my student loans as possible.
I also tried to consider additional ways to make money in aviation so that I can spend more on flight training and/or loans. I have since become an advanced ground instructor and instrument ground instructor to help keep my knowledge sharp. I am also getting ready to start night classes to get an A&P mechanic certificate. While I am beginning to believe that anyone who is mentally and physically capable of being a pilot can fly, it really takes knowing the right people to fly cheaply. I’ve heard many corporate pilots got their job by knowing a pilot who knew someone. So, at the very least, being an A&P and a ground instructor should help me develop a good network of flight instructors, pilots, and airplane owners.
As some readers have suggested, I will bide my time and do my best to get those loans paid off, and pay attention to various flying opportunities that may pop up. I am looking for any opportunity to get in the air to stay in the right mindset and on top of the flying tasks—acting as safety pilot or tagging along as a backseat passenger during other students’ training flights, to observe and learn from others in a relatively stress-free environment. Thanks very much!—Andrew
Andy, your new game plan is inspirational. Rather than merely giving up and turning your back on your passion, you have developed a strategy that not only keeps you involved, but addresses that very important financial predicament. And who knows? You are young enough to make that career change fulltime in the future if you prepare for all of the upsides and downsides. And there is much more to the aviation game than flying for airlines or for corporate America, as you seem to be discovering. Bravo to you!
Related Articles
