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I want to become a pilot.?

I'm currently a first-year student at UCLA, and I attend virtual classes because of the pandemic. I have always been a good student (4.7 high school GPA, 99th percentile SAT, etc), but I don't have a passion for any academic career that matches my curiosity for aviation. I plan to finish my bachelors at UCLA, but I would like to get started in aviation. I've done some research about this career path, but my situation as a full-time student makes it a bit more complicated.  Should I start my PPL at my local flight school during college or should I wait to join an academy after college? Also, any other comments or questions are welcome and encouraged! Thank you!

9 Answers

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  • Anonymous
    3 days ago

    I give up.  Do you?

    Learn how to ask a question.

  • Anonymous
    4 days ago

    The sooner you start racking up flight hours the better.  There are several pilots in my extended family and among my in-laws.  You're right that it's a job you need a passion for because the nature of the work schedule makes it hard if you don't love it.  It's good to finish your bachelors so that you have something to fall back on should you have to give up flying at some point due to life commitments, but really, if this is your calling then don't delay working toward your PPL.  You'll regret it if you don't go for it.

  • 4 days ago

    Most flying of larger aircraft is done by computer.  Expect to be bored 90% of the time.

  • garry
    Lv 6
    4 days ago

    yes see your local pilot school and pay them as a start and learn to fly , the the extra courses like night flying and instrument flying , the dual prop training the 4 prop training , the apply with an airline to fly cargo propeled planes  , then after 15 years you can apply to learn to fly twin jet plans , it takes 20 years to become a commercial jet pilot , you will need 4,000 hours of flying to get that .or you can try he airforce and apply for pilot training .

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  • 5 days ago

    Follow your dreams while keeping your feet firmly on the ground. This allows for a balance. Just ask yourself, "What does a dog do when he catches that car"? Don't lose site of your academics while chasing your dreams. Good luck.

  • ?
    Lv 7
    5 days ago

    You would still have to get an education in one or more of the following areas. Avionics, air traffic control and aviation management. Many schools offer degrees in these areas. Usually 60 semester units are required. 

  • D50
    Lv 6
    5 days ago

    A bachelor's degree is probably a prerequisite for a lot of the better pilot jobs, so stay in UCLA and finish your degree. But start learning to fly and get a PPL as soon as you can. Even if you never become an airline pilot, knowing how to fly a plane is a great skill to have and you won't regret it.

  • ?
    Lv 7
    5 days ago

    I know two people who are currently pilots for a major American airline. When they were in college, they started taking flying lessons at a local school. One of them traded off work- sweeping the floors, etc. for his flying lessons. Then they signed on with a small, local airline, which got bought up and so on, and now they're flying long distance international routes. You should definitely try to get started at a local flight school. 

  • 5 days ago

    talk to your teachers about how to get into that

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