All posts by CarlValeri

Host of Aviation Careers Podcast. For more about me go to AviationCareersPodcast/About.

ACP342 What Degree Do I Need To Become An Airline Pilot?

Watch On YouTube

In today’s episode, we discuss the type of degree You need to become an airline pilot.

If you have a question leave on in the comments below or write us directly at:

feedback@aviationcareerspodcast.com 

All of these questions today come from the video:

Do I Need A Bachelor’s Degree To Become An Airline Pilot?

https://youtu.be/F3FH1yxQDng 

Listener Mail:

From YouTube:

  • I am planning to become a pilot in the near future. But I  am planning on getting a degree first. Which degree would you suggest between B.Sc Aeronautical Science (3yrs)  and B.Tech Aeronautical Engineering  (4 yrs)
  • What school did you go to become a pilot? And how much did it cost?
  • I am getting out of the military soon and will have my associate’s degree completed in 3 more months. Your advice is exactly what I needed to hear! Would you recommend I begin my flight training ASAP or focus on my bachelor’s?

Please visit our sponsors at AviationCareersPodcast.com/Free

Want to become a sponsor please visit https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/pay-it-forward/

ACP341 Is Corporate or Part 121 Airlines Better For A Career Change at 50?

In today’s episode, we discuss if it is better to go the 121 our corporate aviation route as a pilot over 50. 

Please visit our sponsors at AviationCareersPodcast.com/Free

Want to become a sponsor please visit https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/pay-it-forward/

Questions? e-mail us at: feedback@aviationcareerspodcast.com 

 

Listener Mail:

I have been a long-time listener of the “Aviation Careers Podcast.”  

My goal is to finish up my rating this year and end up with a CFII. I currently run a successful business that I  work 2-3 days a week.   It has taken me many years to get to the point where I can focus on my next career as a Commercial Pilot.  

My plan is to sell my business in 3 years when my daughter graduates college and pursue a job at either the airlines or 135 Fractional company.  I will have a fairly well-funded retirement at that time but hate to leave money on the table. 

As far as retirement goes, what would be a better choice: a 121 airline where my earning potential is approx. 12 years ( I am 50 now) or a 135 Fractional like NetJets where I would have  almost 17 years of earning potential.  I have been on all the message boards and am even more confused than when I started. QOL is not a big issue as my wife and I would not mind moving to a new city so we could live in base.

Thank you for always inspiring me to move forward in my Aviation Journey.

  • Benefits of corporate or fractional. Make more money in the first 2 years after that you are not gaining much. 
  • You can always fly 135 after your airline career and but not the other way around.
  • 135/Corporate has more generous commuting meaning you are home-based.
  • Pay is better at airlines, especially legacy – 5-year wide-body FO will be making $200 an hour which is $1000 a day minimum. 
  • 10-year captain pay at fractional or large corporate is about $200,000
  • Some flight departments pay more but the potential for larger pay is better at the airlines especially as you go past 5 years.
  • Remember bigger the plane the bigger the paycheck when it comes to the airlines. 
  • That is why most lean more towards legacy airlines that fly wide-body aircraft. 
  • You normally won’t see widebodies at Low-cost carriers although there are exceptions.
  • Airlines Retirement. Average 16% on top of your salary.
  • Fractional and corporate vary from 5% to 10% plus additional bonus money
  • Many legacies and LCC airlines allow profit-sharing money to go to the 401k also.
  • Also, many legacy and LCCs have VEBA money which is a voluntary employees’ beneficiary association. A trust set up for medical expenses. 
  • Travel benefits obviously are better on the airline with the largest network which leans toward the majors.
  • To put it all together, Career Coaching and meeting with a financial planner is a great idea.
  • What Is A VEBA 
  • Understanding Your 401k Plan and Benefits 

Want to become a sponsor please visit https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/pay-it-forward/

ACP340 Aviation Gives Back with Matt Duginski

Welcome to the inspirational, informational, and transparent aviation careers podcast. Joining me today is Matt Duginski to discuss his new passion project Aviation Gives Back. First, a few words from our sponsors on Patreon and especially Kenyon who to date has given away 18 scholarships guides. 

Please visit our sponsors at AviationCareersPodcast.com/Free

Want to become a sponsor please visit https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/pay-it-forward/

feedback@aviationcareerspodcast.com  

 

Talking Points:

– Philanthropic community where the profits go to support causes, mentorships, and scholarships in aviation

– Get away from the formalness of LinkedIn and the noises of other industries, promotion of connecting with other aviators with any background you’re interested in pursuing

– A way to bridge the gap between many awesome associations (NBAA, AAAE, etc.) and to bring everyone in under one roof

– Meant for all audiences (college, young professionals, active in their career)

– Use code PODCAST for early access on sign up and 50% off individual community mentorship forever

https://aviationgivesback.com 

 

Please visit our sponsors at AviationCareersPodcast.com/Free

 

Want to become a sponsor please visit https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/pay-it-forward/

ACP339 Can I Remove A Felony Arrest From My Record ?

Joining me today is Chris Pezalla with the Law Offices of Strumor Law in our first Ask The Attorney Series

https://www.strumorlaw.com/

For a Free Scholarship Guide visit AviationCareersPodcast.com/Free

Want to become a sponsor please visit https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/pay-it-forward/

feedback@aviationcareerspodcast.com 

 

Talking Points:

Can I remove a Felony arrest from my record so the airlines don’t see it when I apply?

Can I apply to an airline with a Felony arrest but no conviction?

Can I have a felony conviction removed from my record?

Do I have to report all medicines prescribed?

I Was Forced to resign. Can I have that removed from PRIA?

=========

In A Future Episode we will answer: 

It is my right to be able to take CBD and Marijuana. Can’t I sue the airline for discrimination?

Can I log PIC time in a tailwheel with my friend even if I am not endorsed for tailwheel?

For A Free scholarship Guide visit AviationCareersPodcast.com/Free

Want to become a sponsor please visit https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/pay-it-forward/

ACP338 Should I Get My Multi-Engine Instructor Rating?

Welcome to the Inspirational, Informational, and Transparent Aviation Careers Podcast. In todays’ episode we answer the question:Should I Get My Multi-Engine Instructor Rating? 

The sponsor of this episode is Benjamin Law Firm

https://www.brockmorganbenjamin.com  Aviation Law Attorney

If want to help others achieve their aviation goals please consider paying it forward by visiting https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/pay-it-forward/

For Free Scholarships guide visit: https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/free/

=================================

Should I Get My multi-engine instructor rating?

  • Increases your client base.
  • When you are in the cockpit you can be building time.
  • You are building quality time for the airlines and most commercial flying jobs.
  • How Robert built his time. Networking
  • The pay is many times better.
  • The clients with twins many times have other planes you might want to fly in the future.
  • Many times clients with twins will take you on trips and give you some great flying experience.
  • It is fun!
  • If you can teach multi-engine you have a better chance of passing the interview.

If want to help others achieve their aviation goals please consider paying it forward by visiting https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/pay-it-forward/

For Free Scholarships guide visit: https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/free/

 

ACP337 Should I Build Hours For The Regionals In My Own Airplane?

Welcome to the Inspirational, Informational, and Transparent Aviation Careers Podcast. In todays’ episode we answer the question: should you build hours for the regionals in a personal plane? But first a few emails from listeners and if you want to skip to a specific question we will have the times in the show notes.

If want to help others achieve their aviation goals please consider paying it forward by visiting https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/pay-it-forward/

For Free Scholarships guide visit: https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/free/

Correction From Last Video

Median Pay Starting at regional is 46

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Median

Median Pay for commercial and airline pilots is $130,440 per year

https://www.bls.gov/ooh/transportation-and-material-moving/airline-and-commercial-pilots.htm

There was a comment concerning pay for air traffic controllers which is $130,420 per year. Although starting pay is much higher.

https://www.bls.gov/ooh/transportation-and-material-moving/air-traffic-controllers.htm

The point is to do something you enjoy, don’t do it solely for the money.

Listener Mail 1:

I am 58 years old and would like to know if there are scholarships available for someone like myself?

I am 58 years old and would like to know if there are scholarships available for someone like myself who was not able to complete his Private Pilot certificate several years ago due to an eye injury, and now wants to get back into flying?

I do fly a Kolb Firestar ultralight but would like to continue my education by getting my Sport Pilots license. I would continue to be private however, I don’t want to jump through all the hoops and barrels that I would need to go through to renew my medical due to the injury.
Thanks

Listener Mail 2:

Chile and the US have an agreement about visa H-1B1. Do you have some kind of information about some jobs with contracts that allowed me to work here in the US.

Main Topic:

Should I Build Hours In A Personal Plane For The Regionals?

Hello Carl,

I’m a CFI/II currently sitting at about 600 hours short of ATP minimums, due to my full-time job I can’t teach as much as I want to. The road to ATP is taking long, but I own a Cessna 150 which I’ve used to get all my ratings and build the majority of my time.

My question is would recruiters see it as an issue if I build the majority of the remaining time with a safety pilot flying around in my personal C-150 or do you think regionals wouldn’t pay much attention to this? What would they consider quality time if I choose this route?

Thanks.

=================================

If want to help others achieve their aviation goals please consider paying it forward by visiting https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/pay-it-forward/

For Free Scholarships guide visit: https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/free/

ACP336 Should I Become A Professional Pilot Even If I Am The Sole Earner In My Family?

 

Welcome to the Inspirational, Informational, and Transparent Aviation Careers Podcast. In today’s episode I answer the question if you should leave your job and become an airline pilot, even if you are the sole earner in the family.

 

If want to help others achieve their aviation goals please consider paying it forward by visiting https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/pay-it-forward/

 

For Free Scholarships guide visit: https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/free/

 

Listener Mail 1:

Hello Carl,

I’m a 45-year-old, married man with 2 children looking into changing my profession.

I have a passion for aviation, but as the sole income earner in my household, I need to first reconcile my financial reality with my goal of becoming a pilot.

The reason I’m writing you is to see if you could answer some questions that I have regarding becoming a professional pilot:

  •  Considering the current situation with COVID-19, after I get my CFI certificate, will I be able to find work to build my 1,500 hours needed towards my ATP?
  • How long should I expect it will take to build those 1,500 hours?
    • 5 hours a day 5 days a week = 25 hours a week.
    • 1500 hours / 25 hours per week = 60 weeks.
    • 15 months.
    • To be conservative give yourself 18 months or 1 ½ years.
  • During the time I will be teaching, how much should I expect to make a year?
    • $31.67 an hour based on ZipRecruiter.
  • Once I start on a regional or corporate job, how much should I expect to make a year?
  • Talk to a financial counselor and career coach.
  • Take One Step Today towards Your Career Goal

 

=================================

 

If want to help others achieve their aviation goals please consider paying it forward by visiting https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/pay-it-forward/

For Free Scholarships guide visit: https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/free/

 

ACP335 How To Keep The Aviation Passion Alive, Even With A Lack Of Funds

Welcome to the Inspirational, Informational, and Transparent Aviation Careers Podcast: How To Keep The Aviation Passion Alive, Even With A Lack Of Funds. In today’s episode, I answer listener mail and the question of how to keep the aviation passion alive even with a lack of funds.

Talking Points:

Listener Mail 1:

Hello, Carl I just wanted to thank you for your work and knowledge that you share on your podcast. They have helped me tremendously!!! I was struggling with the decision to pursue aviation because I am now 40 years old with a wife and 6 children, 3 of them Foster children. 

I started my private pilot license in June 2020 and had to take four months off from August to January. Now I am going for it full throttle! “No pun intended “ unfortunately/fortunately I live in the Pacific Northwest and the weather is less than ideal currently. I am at the cross country point in my training with 30 hrs Total Time. I’m trying not to get discouraged though as I know there will be a lot of ups and downs. 

Once again thank you for all that you do, it’s making a difference!

Listener Mail 2:

Hi Carl! 

Hope all is well. At the time of writing we are just starting to see a light at the end of the tunnel in career progression and hiring at the airlines. I have been fortunate enough to be at a good Regional  Airline that has done well during the pandemic and we have plans to resume hiring soon.

I’d be curious to hear your thoughts on what elements a good letter of recommendation should include. I’m excited to pay it forward and want to do my best to put the candidates I’m giving a reference to in a position to succeed. 

Thanks and keep up the great work. Good times are just around the corner!

Visit : How to Write A Letter Of Recommendation On YouTube, and on this podcast at https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/acp331-two-steps-to-a-successful-letter-of-recommendation-and-why-most-fail-by-skipping-step-1/ 

Listener Mail 3:

Good Afternoon Carl,

How are you doing? I met with you back in October 2016 to get some career coaching and advice on making moves in my career. I was the engineer you were talking about at 43:25 on ACP 118 and wanted to give you an update on where I am today.

Since discussing with you back in October 2016, I ended up pursuing my second engineering job that I was hesitant about pursuing. While I was at the engineering job, I received my CFI certificate and began teaching on the weekends. 

I loved being an instructor so much that I quit my engineering job and pursued instructing full-time for about 2 years. Today I am 1.5 years into my first airline job at SkyWest Airlines flying the E175 based out of LAX. 

I just wanted to thank you tremendously for the life-changing career guidance that you provided me and keep providing to other people in need of guidance. I hope you are doing well and love continuing to listen to your amazing podcasts.

Take care.

Listener Mail 4:

Hello Mr. Valeri and Team,

I hope this e-mail finds everyone safe and in great health! 

I just watched your guest appearance on Nancy Bradshaw’s podcast. I’m a private pilot and US Air Force veteran looking to make a career in the aviation industry. At this stage, I’m interested in flying in business aviation.

Like many, having a family makes it challenging to pursue the ongoing training program, due to lack of funds. I’m making every effort to keep the passion alive! 

Any guidance would be greatly appreciated! 

There are many things you can do to keep the aviation passion alive while moving forward with your career, even if you lack funds.

  1. Read. FAA manuals are free online. Magazines are free at the library.
  2. YouTube – Watch our channel
  3. Podcasts – You’re listening and doing the right thing.
  4. Set up a financial goal and a budget right now and start moving forward.
  5. Revisit your goals continually
  6. Air shows and events such as Flight Sim Expo and Sun N Fun.
  7. Take one step every day. Something small or something large but do something every day to keep the passion alive.

============================

Links Mentioned In This Show:

How to Write A Letter Of Recommendation

https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/acp331-two-steps-to-a-successful-letter-of-recommendation-and-why-most-fail-by-skipping-step-1/

=================================

Sponsor: 

We liked to thank our Patreon Sponsors for providing free scholarships guides to our listeners. Visit  https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/patreon if you want to help someone achieve their career goals by providing a free scholarship guide.

To learn more about how you can get a free scholarship guide please visit https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/free/

ACP334 Business Aviation Days at Auburn University

Welcome to the Inspirational, Informational, and Transparent Aviation Careers Podcast. In today’s episode, we discuss Business Aviation and how Auburn University is involved in outreach to help people understand careers in Business Aviation. Joining me today are Auburn alumni Will Leveille and Scottie Manzo.

Business Aviation Days

Talking Points:

The purpose and history of Business Aviation Days at Auburn.

 

Why people should consider careers in Business Aviation.

What type of jobs are available.

When and Where will the Business Aviation Days be held?

What can they expect at Auburn Business Aviation Days?

National Business Aviation Association and how they can help people progress in their careers.

Why Auburn if you are interested in a career in business aviation? 

What is next for Will and Scottie in their careers?

Links Mentioned In This Show:

https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/free/

https://cla.auburn.edu/aviation/ 

https://nbaa.org

https://jobs.nbaa.org

Sponsor: 

We’d like to thank our Patreon Sponsors for providing free scholarships guides to our listeners. Visit  https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/patreon if you want to help someone achieve their career goals by providing a free scholarship guide.

To learn more about how you can get a free scholarship guide please visit https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/free/

ACP333 If There Is A Pilot Shortage Why Can’t I Get Hired?

Pilot Shortage

Welcome to the Inspirational, Informational, and Transparent Aviation Careers Podcast. In today’s episode, we discuss why getting hired in this still has its challenges.

Sponsor: 

We liked to thank our Patreon Sponsors for providing free scholarships guides to our listeners. Visit  https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/patreon if you want to help someone achieve their career goals by providing a free scholarship guide.

To learn more about how you can get a free scholarship guide please visit https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/free/

Talking Points:

  • A listener asks why he can’t get hired while everyone is hiring.
  • More competition.
  • Less competitive application.
  • Lack of recent experience.
  • Many more applicants for the same number of jobs.
  • Lack of flight time compared to other pilots.
  • No degree.
  • Lack of Quality flight time.
  • Never stop flying during a downturn.
  • Try and build your resume.

Links Mentioned In This Show:

https://valeri-aviation.thinkific.com/courses/pilot-resume 

Watch On YouTube: