First of all, I would like to address that it is a real privilege to be able to speak to an experienced pilot who knows what life is like in the aviation scene.
I'm a 13-year-old girl and for as long as I can remember, I've wanted to be a pilot. I would spend hours on end watching the planes at the airport take off the runway. I love the feeling of packing my bags, traveling some place new that I have never explored before.
To sum it all up, I just LOVE airplanes and flying AND the idea I can FLY people around the world! I'm just not sure it’s the right job for me, because my dad says I need to make a quick decision because now is the right time to start training.
It’s true. I want to start early. It sounds ridiculous, but I want to be young and energetic (maybe in my twenties?!) when I'm flying a Qantas Boeing 737, or even an A380!
I have so many questions about it - do you get paid well? I want to have a pretty good income because I want to have a big family and house. Is it fun? Is it safer than being a doctor, politician etc.? Will I regret it? I hate regretting things I've done. Is it really hard? I'm also a girl, so will I be discriminated against?
And I would also like to know, if I definitely want to become a pilot, where and when should I start training if I want to start early?
My dad also says I have to be a real maths ‘brainiac’ if I want to be a pilot, and only OK at maths...
But being a pilot looks like one of the coolest jobs ever~
Thanks so much Captain!
Regards,
Mary Anne
Hi Mary Anne,
There are many good things and some disadvantages being written about being a pilot and I often leave the reader to make their own decision at the end of the day.
You can read 113 FAQ in my site on Pilot Careerhere. They would hopefully answer most of the questions you asked about.
Below is a child’s view (taken from the Net) of the pilot's job that may not necessary be completely true…
I want to be a pilot when I grow up because it is fun and easy to do.
Pilots don't need much school; they just have to learn numbers so they can read instruments.
I think they should be able to read maps so they can find their way if they get lost.
Pilots should be brave so they won't get scared if it's foggy and they can't see or if wing or motor falls off they should stay calm so they'll know what to do.
Pilots have to have good eyes so they can see through clouds and they can’t be afraid of lightning or thunder because they are closer to them than we are.
Pilots are always rich; they make more money than they can spend. This is because most people think airplane flying is dangerous except pilots don't because they know how easy it is.
There isn't much I don't like, except girls like pilots and all the stewardesses want to marry them and they always have to chase them away so they won’t bother them.
I hope I don't get airsick because if I do I couldn't be a pilot and would have to go to work.
PS. To check for any latest updates or postings, you can follow my new Twitter at @CaptKHLim
