11Nov/099
How do pilots afford the cost of their training?
Masshole asked:
I have a private pilot's license and 150 hours, and that alone cost me more than $15,000 of my own money. I'd need a minimum of 1,000 hours (half of which would have to be multi-engine, which is even more expensive) to springboard me into any type of airline career. Do the math and you can see that I'd be up to my ears in debt.
I have a private pilot's license and 150 hours, and that alone cost me more than $15,000 of my own money. I'd need a minimum of 1,000 hours (half of which would have to be multi-engine, which is even more expensive) to springboard me into any type of airline career. Do the math and you can see that I'd be up to my ears in debt.
And those are just the minimums. Sheesh.
Would my bank give me a loan for this type of expense? I doubt it, because the IRS doesn't even allow flight school as a deductible expense, and unlike most college majors, there are no scholarships for this type of career.
This question assumes civilian training. After all, not all of us are lucky enough to have flawless 20/10 vision and stellar physical stamina required to be able to fly in the military.
Emma
