I am a long fan of yours and did my pilot training because of your Website. Thank you for the service!
I do not have any questions about becoming a pilot as I have got my JAA ATPL frozen, CPL (A) with ATPL Theory credits, MEP-IR, SEP-IR, MCC, Med-Class 1 and 273 flying hours.
I am from Germany and 30 years old. I am a bit frustrated when I see that my 80.000 Euro worth of training to become a pilot is now worth less than a traffic loader on the ground.
The aviation industry is no longer looking for pilots who are coming right from the flight school. I have 170 applications for flying jobs and everywhere, it’s the same. They want experienced pilots and not new inexperienced pilot graduates. Casting assessments like "American Idol" they are testing anything else but flying.
I don't know what to do. Here in Germany, some airlines pay a A320 copilot 1700 Euros a month before tax. And at 5 airlines you have to pay to fly as a co-pilot!
Capt. Lim... What can I do? Have you any idea which can solve my problem of becoming an airline pilot?
Kind regards,
Gert Juergens
Berlin, Germany
Hi Gert,
Worldwide, the problem is generally the same. Too many pilot graduates with little hours but airlines are looking for type-rated pilots with more experience. This is something like a Catch-22 situation - how to gain experience if they do not employ you without experience?
Well you have to 'bite the bullet’ for I have often mentioned that if you are not sponsored by an airline, your dream to an airline career is a long and winding one.
My advice - take up any low-paying flying jobs - flying club instructor, small plane charters, etc to build up your flying hours then only knock at the door of a bigger company before progressing to the airlines.
I wish you all the luck to fly with an airline one day!
PS. To check for any latest updates or postings, you can follow my new Twitter at @CaptKHLim
