Q: What is the best way to get started to pursue a path to aviation?
There are 2 avenues. One through the military and general aviation. Start by receiving private license (kind of like drivers license), then you will receive a commuter license, then decide commuter airlines vs. private, then once enough hours of flight are logged you receive your certified flight instructor (CFI).
There are 2 avenues. One through the military and general aviation. Start by receiving private license (kind of like drivers license), then you will receive a commuter license, then decide commuter airlines vs. private, then once enough hours of flight are logged you receive your certified flight instructor (CFI).
Q: Since I (Chris Weber) want to become a pilot where should I begin?
Start by logging hours to receive private license. The best place to start is your local small airport. Just walk in and say your interested in becoming a pilot.
Q: Who would you say are the most interesting people you have flown?
The Dolly Llama!!
Q: What's the best and worst thing about your job?
Best: I love to fly, fun, and get to travel all over the place all paid for. Worst: catering to the person who owns the plane. Their schedule is your schedule.
Q: Have you always wanted to be a pilot or did you have other aspirations?
I wanted to be a pilot ever since I was a kid.
Q: Do you ever get sick and tired of flying?
A little less motivating now because I have been doing it for so long. If a friend asks if I want to rent a plane with him on my day off and go out flying on my day off, I would probably say no.
Q: How long are your usual trips and are they usually within the United States?
Depends on the plane. There are 2 day trips, approximately 2400 miles, bigger planes 3-4 days, and the stand up cabin plane 2-3 weeks. These are typically the ones that go out of the United States.
Q: How does one become a pilot and how long does it usually take?
To receive all 3 licenses. It took 2 years for the licenses, and 6 months for my CFI to start my career.
Q: How long have you been a pilot?
Received private license at 21, so 32 years for a doing it as a living.
Q: What are the worst things you have experienced flying?
Just severe weather, and flying a few days after 9-11.
Q: What kind of airplane do you fly?
Cessna (make) - Citation (model) CJ2
Q: Does it belong to you or the person your flying?
To the person. It is a LLC (limited liability Corporation) which means it is a business plane which is usually used 60-75% for business trips. Because the plane is considered a business plane, the owner receives some tax relief otherwise the owner would have to pay a lot in taxes for the plane.
Q: How much is it to rent the hanger this plane is in?
$1200 a month plus an additional $1200 for the helicopter hanger next door, but that one the owner is sharing with another person.
Q: With a four year degree, would I make more money through the commercial airlines?
Yes. More doors will be opened to you.
Q: So learning the navigation, air traffic controls, etc is learned inside the plane?
Yes. There is a written test then there is the practical test which is in the plane. This test is to check to see if you can operate the plane. It is like the test at DMV for your license, but more intense.
Q: How much is the starting pay?
Commercial, less than $30,000 a year.
Q: So do you get a yearly salary or are you paid for every trip?
Monthly salary. Depends on who you fly for and your location. If you fly out of the bay area you usually make more.
Q: What school did you go to become a pilot?
None. I Just walked into the local airport.
Q: How much does flight school cost (walk in)?
To get private license about $5,000, for commercial $7,000, and to make a living off being a pilot, your looking at a total of about $20,000 in the end for all licenses.
Q: How much would it cost to go to Embry Riddle (flight school)?
About $50,000 to become a co-pilot. So your better off receiving your pilot license on your own.
Q: Do you have any children?
Two. One is graduating from Michigan State.
Q: Do you like theater? If so what is your favorite type?
Not typically. I walk out of the theatre saying “that wasn’t bad,” but I wouldn’t go to a play if it was my choice.
Comments …
· There are several paths to take in aviation. The more hours you log and the more experience you have, the more paths you will be able to take.
· His path of starting private license a CFI a Charter Pilot a corporate pilot for company.
· The biggest difference in aviation is the scheduling.
The price of owning a plane like the Cessna…
- $4-$6 million dollars just for the plane.
- It cost $481 just to fill up one side of the plane with fuel, and that was cheap fuel. So to fill up both sides is about $1,000
- It cost about $10 a minute just to run the airplane (without flight). The hourly average to run the plane is about $310.
- You have to pay a DOC or direct operating cost.
- An expense you have to plane just to operate the plane.
- Maintenance, parts, and engine depreciation
- All operations require maintenance for every hour of flight. For example, every 3500 hours of flight the engines must be removed for inspection and repairs.
- If the plane is used for personal use, there are taxes applied.
- To insure the plane is about $60,000 a year
Pilot recurrent training about $10,000 a year.
Pilot must be retrained to fly that particular plane each month.
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