My name is Ausitn, I am about 25 and live in Wichita KS. Found this website and thought it moght be a great place to get some advice. I have got to read up on some of your posts and can tell that there is a really good knowledge base here. I am looking to get into flying and eventually would like to make a career change. I really admire what the people here get to do for a living and would like to start working toward it. Here are a few questions I have and thanks you in advance for any imput you have.

How and where would you get started, I would eventually like to try to open up an operation in the pacific NW. Making this a 10 year plan so, what can I do to work towards getting a pilots license and build my skill level to become a backcountry pilot.

What kind of salary and career options would you recomend.

Thanks,
Austin

Well, first things first Austin (?) - Welcome to the forum!

As to salary options, I hope you like Mac & Cheese real well!

Seriously though, I am sure some of the guys and gals here can help you out but they will first probably ask which way you came in?

Well your in a good location at least. Wichita has a ton of Aviation related stuff going on in and around it. You have a long road ahead of you to get into the Aviation business. I'd start by finding a reputable flight school in your area. Plan to spend at least 6K to your private license. It's not a must but it definitly helps if you can dedicate yourself 100% to the task at hand. I had a friend with no flying experience get his license in 28 days from start to finish. After that you need to fly fly fly and gain experience. From there it's onto an instrument rating and commercial. After that alot people starting out get their flight instructor ticket and work for very very little pay for a few years to build hours and experience. Backcountry pilots IMO are the most skilled pilots out there. Sure airline guys have a ton of knowledge and experience but it when it comes to true hands on flying in todays world of automation...well....... that's just my opinion. Good luck with your journey.. keep at it. If it's something you really want make it happen.

Thanks for the quik response I want to to clarify I am not in this for money and I do love mac and cheese. Most importantly, I need to be able to priovide Flying has been a dream of mine and I am getting to the point in my life where I have finished college and its time to figure out what I want to be when I grow up. I know it will take some time, I figured maybee 5 years until I would like to set some goals for myself as far as a timeline such as 1 year have my private license, 5 years make the career crossover to the aviation industry, 10 years be in buisness for myself in some way. Ideally I would like to be 35 and have enough experience to make my way in whatever facet I would like, not really wanting to get rich jut lived an enriched life and be comfortable.

I anticipated spending 5-10K for my private license, any suggestions on a reputable place here in Wichita, if not maybe some tips on what makes a place reputable.

Thanks,
Austin

Aw shucks Austin! I was in Wichita on Monday and had to lay over for 4 hours at Col. Jabara. I would of been glad to talk flying with you. Anyway you may have figured out that it's easier with someone else's help. So to get started my advice is to seek help in many ways either through forums like this or airports. Just like I said earlier if you are just beginning (and can sift through the BS) try hanging out at the airport and see if you can get a little talk time out of the pilots (corporate, private, old timers). As you can see we are always interested in talking about airplanes and are especially fond of others that want to learn. It's how we all got started so don't hesitate to ask.

Austin,
I have been chasing the similar dream of making a living in General Aviation. I Joined the Air Force out of High School, stayed 6 years. I got my PVT pilots licence almost ten years ago. Since then I have bummed rides in everything from, cubs, Kin- Airs, R44 and even a BBJ. I have had a lot of road bumps to deal with. In my exploration, i asked lots of questions, observed different niche positions people had. Aircraft sales, maintenance, corporate pilot, fire spotting, law enforcement.

A guy I used to fly alot with had several nice planes, he was a small business owner. He was an aviation fanatic like me. He told me that you dont have to be IN the aviation business to enjoy flying. Infact, its really hard to make a living doing so.

Not to be downer, but look at the economy right now, even in Whicita one time aviation center of the world. Its tough, and there are always plenty of qualified people standing in line ready to compete for even the lowliest job in somecases just to get in the door.

THings for me have been rough lately, I am turning 30 in two days, I am divorced ( shoulda bought an airplane like my older friends suggested) and I ahve a 3yr old son to Support. Even with that, I am hopeful that I will too make it out west and find a job where I can be apart of the last flying frontier....even if I have to live on mac and cheese. Shouldnt be too hard, because tuna and Mac and cheese seem to be a staple for me at the moment anyways.

Keep your dreams alive, dont give up and be creative. take time to meet people in your local airport, hang out. It may sound crazy, but it pays off when you meet the right person. Everone who offers something, take them up on it anyways and soak it in.

It takes dicipline, especially to sacrafice time and money......stay away from the women too, they are a bad influence...lol then its flying time, or thier time...which one you gonna choose!

Austin,
That certainly would be a fun career. But, pointed question first, are you sure you'll even like flying? Much less backcountry flying? Aviation career or not, I'd advise anyone who can afford it to get an airman's certificate (my old CFI smacks me every time I say "license".) But I've had friends that flew with me and LOVED it. Then when they started taking flying lessons they dropped out due to their own personal pucker factors. Go take some demo flights and see how you like it.

There are a few reasons I think this might be a good career for me. Tell me if I am off but, I hate the office and I hear there is not a lot of that. I am very adventurous and always have been, love to skydive got into that a few years ago. Every time I am in a aircraft big or small, I get this feeling of euphoria as if I am where I should be. When I was a boy my uncle used to take me up in his little Cessna and those were great wish I still had him for more advice. I also had a best friend when I lived in Hong Kong that flew helicopter for a guy named Stanley Ho basically his private pilot always trying to get me into it. Things between us have fell off and I can't seem to get a hold of him. Think he is in Africa now, would go to him for advice but that’s a far cry. I don't want to jump into anything but I have played it out in my mind so much I am ready to start taking some action and doing more serious research.

Austin

Go for it man!! I got my liscence last march and my instrument last september and so far haven't regretted it yet, flying is a ton of fun. If you already have connections in the skydiving world that might be a good place to start for a job. My CFI told me that was his first job as a commercial pilot down in Las Vegas, so it might be a good way to build hours. He didn't make a lot of money, only about $8 a load, took a half hour to go up and back for another load, but he got a lot of hours doing that. Good luck to you and your endeavors.