Are we risking everything on our son’s dream of becoming a pilot?
Posted by Parsley0_0@reddit | aviation | View on Reddit | 329 comments
Hey all,
I’m hoping to get some perspective from people in aviation or anyone who's gone through something similar.
My wife and I have a 10-year-old son who’s been obsessed with flying since he was a little kid. Planes, airports, the sky, it’s all he talks about. He’s completely convinced he wants to be a pilot, and he’s held onto that dream for years.
We’re not wealthy, but we’ve been saving around 700 euro a month for the past few years to help him chase this goal. If he changes his mind, the money will go toward university or another path. But if he sticks with flying, we should have enough saved in about seven years to cover flight school here in Ireland. The full training costs about 100,000 euro. Luckily, we live close to a school, so we wouldn’t have to spend extra on housing or travel.
Here’s where the doubt kicks in.
This would be everything for us. All of our savings. No backup plan. And recently I’ve come across stories of people who did the full training, got their license, and still couldn’t find work. Or ended up in jobs with poor pay, no real contracts, and no stability.
We want to support our son. We believe in him. But we also know that aviation is a tough industry with no guarantees.
So here’s my question.
As regular people who will just barely be able to afford this, are we making a huge mistake? Is it crazy to go all in on a dream that might not work out? Or is this exactly the kind of leap you have to take if you want to give your kid a real shot?
Any honest advice or real-world experiences would mean a lot.
Thanks.
redreddie@reddit
Flight training is expensive. Approximately 50% of US airline pilots were trained by the Military. Obviously that is not for everyone but is a cost-effective way to get it done.
Also airline pilots are very well paid so if he succeeds there will be a very good ROI. If he doesn't . . . not so much.
In my personal life I know several people who have started flight training. One was a USMC C-130 pilot and is now an airline captain. The rest failed or stopped after varying amounts of training. One of the most fun things I ever did was flying co-pilot on an open ultralight but I am no pilot.
SkatesUp@reddit
Get him tested for colour blindness...
Ready_Carrot_5000@reddit
Air cadets will train pilot for free. Also, look at military for free training. Also, some airlines provide free training or subsidies if you sign a contract with them. He is only 10, the field is changing with AI, pilots will not always be needed in the future at least not as many. Would be careful planning a future in aviation at this stage.
PPGkruzer@reddit
Tell him it's too expensive. What I was told by my parents, this is after my brother got his pilot license when he was 16. I just deleted the idea from my existence. 30 years later got into ultralights and also realized my parents didn't have money problems in reality and my older brother was the chosen one, can't blame them I was an annoying little attention seeking failure of a child.
quiz93@reddit
My son was the same and he has now obtained his commercial license. Yes that currently cost around 100k in flight fees. It does not get you a job as you will only have about 300 hrs and you will need over 1000 for the big airlines to hire you. Also the major airlines want a university degree to go with the pilots license. Really depends on what he ends up wanting to do. To just learn to fly single engine plane on a clear day private pilot is around 15k. Then come instrument IFR. Then commercial so you can get paid by someone but without all the hrs no one is willing to to pay a living wage. Then there are instructor certifications various type ratings. He is currently working as an instructor to get to his 1000. Not enough to live on but at least he gains hrs without paying. In US. Plane rental runs 150 to 250 per hr for reference. We borrowed with agreement he would help by paying back the flight school cost. Do some research and find out all your requirement’s and encourage your son to be involved. My son has seen several friends not be able to learn the skills and some who decide it is not the career for them. Best of luck
PeterAshwoodSmith@reddit
I would put up reasonable obstacles. For example you can require certain grades in school. Certain behaviour etc. You can also get him to study write and pass the private pilots written exams before commiting lots of money.. or get his glider licence to start.. these all test resolve and are non trivial.
scan_theworld@reddit
Long story short. I grew up poor, not poverty, but I had to start working when I was 12, it was literally a sweatshop. My family definitely didn't have money for my dream. Fast forward 16 years and I found out about a cadet program for a world-class airline. I applied, got in and now I've been operating a Boeing 777 for 10 years.
Granted, I was an aerospace engineer with a list of mechanically-related jobs after the sweatshop before I applied. But also granted, this was 10 years ago. The aviation industry is vastly different now. With the advancement in AI and the inevitable arrival of single-pilot cockpits and then the eventual arrival of pilot-less cockpit or best case scenario of drone-operator pilots.
Your son is 10, my son is 6. I wouldn't encourage my son to pursue a career as a commercial pilot.
Conclusion, if you don't think you have money but your son is keen on becoming a commercial pilot, there are cadet programs. These used to be very competitive, but the region I'm in, recently, it seems like anyone with a medical can get in because the demand is so high. It's so high in fact, the airlines can keep reducing the pay and offset the cadet course's cost onto the cadet and there will still be a long enough line-up of people wanting to sign up.
NewHope13@reddit
Curious why you wouldn’t recommend your son to become a pilot?
8521456@reddit
The AI issue?
scan_theworld@reddit
You can read up on how Full Self Driving autopilots (cars) are trained and you can easily imagine how Boeing and Airbus can apply their data to train these models. In fact, I'd argue flying has less chaotic factors than driving. For example, the lights, lines, signs, etc at all major airports are all standardized. There are no pedestrians. WX, NOTAMS are all standard, etc.
320sim@reddit
Trains still have operators
Patient_Leopard421@reddit
Yeah but they don't have two operators and a flight engineer. Automation is (and has been) coming for aviation.
320sim@reddit
We haven’t had flight engineers since the 90s. But you could say that about any profession. Maybe AI robots will be more steady than a surgeon’s hand. Maybe AI will design a building faster than an engineer. Maybe tomorrow a bomb drops on your head. Who knows? I don’t think that’s a reason to avoid being a pilot at this time
Patient_Leopard421@reddit
The future demand for pilots relates directly to the OP's question and to your framing.
scan_theworld@reddit
That, pay degradation, and I think long-haul flying isn't sustainable for health reasons (unless you live in a part of the world where they take recovery seriously, where I am, our days off are recovery days).
I feel pilots are no longer a valued asset of the company but more of a liability and burden.
10Exahertz@reddit
I hope when the time comes and they experiment with 1 pilot or 0 people just walk off the plane out of fear. Airline execs really overestimate people’s fear of flying.
Organic-Scale-8956@reddit
Hello, would it be okay if I sent you a pm? I’m Interested in applying to a cadet program. Fairly certain it’s the same one. Any advice would be much appreciated. Cheers.
scan_theworld@reddit
Sure
CleanCaterpillar3474@reddit
Getting a license doesn't guarantee a pilot job, at least in my country where local Airlines likes to train their own pilot through their selected schools
mikasjoman@reddit
You know what. Save towards a glider license. That's dirt cheap and he learns to fly at age 14. Then he can fly that for two years and then PPL when he's 16.
Hell grow up, having a ton of flying and to be honest - what he wants to do with an idealized picture of flying will be totally different after actually flying 100 hours.
Commercial pilots might not even be a job when he's of age given AI.
So committ at most to PPL or LAPL (cheaper), and I bet you have already saved up enough for that given what you wrote. Now go save towards a nice retirement instead for yourself. Let him take responsibility of his own life - that's actually a good thing.
ywgflyer@reddit
So, the FIRST thing you need to do. Before you ask all these questions or commit all that money...
Go take him to see an aviation doctor and ensure that when he is old enough to start training, he can get a medical. That is THE showstopper in this industry and I have seen several times where someone has sunk a shitload of time and effort into wanting to be a pilot, but when they go for their Cat1 medical they are told "sorry too bad, you have (insert condition here) and it's not something they let slide". Better to find that out now, before he spends a few more years looking forward to learning to fly, or you spend a bunch of money only to get told no.
Parsley0_0@reddit (OP)
I had no idea they are so strict about this, thank you for pointing this out.
mikasjoman@reddit
Super stiect. My fellow pilot student (LSA) did half of ground school just to get denied medical. yes our teachers had told us to get it before... But yeah you know, advice and following it is two different things.
So he dropped off after having done half the ground school, bought a kit airplane already plus a house which he was planning to build a landing strip on.
Also, let him know he has to take care of his health a lot - because this was just sports pilot license and the commercial medical is way stricter.
Kai-ni@reddit
Oh yea hopefully the kid has never been tested for ADHD / the like and had never been on meds for it. Don't let that happen if he wants to be a pilot
ywgflyer@reddit
I've heard of several people who had their career aspirations fucked because of the huge wave of 90s/00s parents who thought that so many "kids being kids" behaviors just had to be autism or ADHD or whatever and pushed and pushed until they got the kid diagnosed. Hell, at once time like a third of the entire class I went through grade school with was on Ritalin. If any of them wanted to fly they are literally perma-screwed, once you have that official diagnosis, even Jesus himself can't remove it and you won't ever get a license.
mayday_allday@reddit
Well, ADHD diagnosis is not a condemnation and there is a way out. One teenage student pilot in my club had his medical revoked because of ADHD and had to pause his training. And he wasn’t just "being a kid", but showed some behavioral issues, which is why the club pushed for extra check-ups with a flying doctor... A couple of years later, after the corresponding treatment, he was cleared by a psychiatrist and got his medical back – it had a bunch of conditions and was only valid for 6 months, but still, it’s doable.
mayday_allday@reddit
Yup. They take this shit extremely seriously. My dumb ass once carelessly joked with an aviation medical examiner about psychiatric stuff. I thought it was funny. The doctor didn’t. That joke landed me in a really long chat with a psychiatrist, and I could only pick up my new medical once the psychiatrist confirmed in writing that I didn’t have any mental conditions and wasn’t suicidal.
HorsieJuice@reddit
As someone pretty new to ADHD, this seems so odd to me. Stress, checklists, and a lack of distractions are sort of a magic combo for me getting things done. Some meds make things even better.
Kai-ni@reddit
I mean yeah, we know that (the joke is that all pilots are secretly ADHD) but the FAA and Canadian aviation authorities are militantly against anyone with ANY mental illness diagnosis getting into professional aviation. Even a childhood misdiagnosis will literally be a nonstarter for your career and ruin your chances of ever becoming a pilot.. Look it up, it is a huge issue.
Denim-Luckies-n-Wry@reddit
100%. Stay involved with his school and teachers. Do not under any circumstance, allow them to slap him with an ADHD diagnosis.
9999AWC@reddit
I've heard of horror stories of aircrew doing their jobs perfectly fine for years, but being let go after being tested, regardless of their competency and ability to do the job.
NewHope13@reddit
Psychiatrist here. Agree. The same goes for those wanting to go to the military.
2009_F-250@reddit
This killed my flying dreams a few years back.
There are cases where you can eventually work around this obstacle, and I'm in the process of doing this. But this is also expensive, and if you're denied once, there's a good chance that that's it.
Sensitive_Pattern341@reddit
In the US to get a 1st class meducal they have to have vision that is 20/20 or correctable to 20/20. And they have to have a medical every 6 months to fly commercial.
In the US they get private pilot license first, then instrument rating, multi engine private, multi engine instrument, commercial endorsement, then to fly jets they have to be type rated to fly that kind of plane of which traning may run $100,000 or more. Not cheap. And each single or multi engine rating may be $5000 to $10,000 depending on how long it takes.
And they also charge for testing. Private and multi engine requires an oral and written test (done on a computer) and a flight test.
He might be content with just a private license. Esp since you all have landing fees in the UK, which most US airports don't have so we get alot of overseas students because of this.
Charming-Win-5686@reddit
He stated he's in Ireland, not Northern Ireland. So not the UK
Denim-Luckies-n-Wry@reddit
I'd suggest holding off on the flight physical screening until he's older and still interested in flying. The strong likelihood is that he can pass a Class 1 physical, since the great majority of ordinary people can.
But if not, it could be psychologically harmful to a child, to have a high authority figure in a white coat and stethoscope tell him he's going to be physically restricted all his life. The kid is 10. Let him have his dreams.
run_swim_nobike@reddit
Yuuuup! I was the same - lived and breathed planes, spacecraft, etc. Never grew past 5', and I have -10 eyesight. I became an aerospace engineer instead!
sfbiker999@reddit
That was a minor plot point in "Little Miss Sunshine", when the brother finds out that he'll never be the US Air Force pilot he dreams of becoming.
Spoiler: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=akMZQpIbTm4
heavyfreddyA@reddit
My son knew when he was 8 years old that he wanted to fly, specifically for the U.S. Marines. He passed all physicals and graduated college with his commercial license and his CFI certificate. He joined the Marines and was on track to fly the Osprey when, one day, he was walking through the store and had a seizure. Immediate grounding. He’s still in the Marines, but he’s doing I.T. He’s a bright kid, so he’ll be okay, but he no longer has his future figured out.
KingTyndareus@reddit
Indeed, I was diagnosed as color blind at 14 when I began looking into lessons and possibly joining the Air Force. Better to get that out of the way up front unfortunately
CaptKremin59@reddit
Most aspiring pilots and their parents face the same obstacles. Mine did. I made it easy for them however by becoming a military pilot. When my time there finished I joined an airline. It worked out very well.
InternationalHour860@reddit
I can't find my first post to edit but I wanted to give you this link:
https://iqeq.com/insights/why-ireland-is-the-global-capital-of-aviation-finance/
If he doesn't fly there is a whole industry based in Ireland that he could be involved in. I'm an American in aviation insurance. I never made it to the airlines as a pilot, but fell into this side of the business. He can still work in aviation and have a great career in Ireland. Global airlines go through Ireland to lease airplanes and engines. Check it out, it could be a good fallback for your son.
InternationalHour860@reddit
American speaking here. I would help him explore the finance side of aviation in parallel to being a pilot, when he's old enough. Ireland is the HQ of aviation finance and leasing worldwide. He may not want to fly professionally or have a medical issue that bars him, but he could still be in the industry and do very, very well. So yes, support him, but also make him understand that there is a whole aviation industry based in Ireland that he can excel at.
kensmithpeng@reddit
My child is a pilot. My wife and I paid for his flight training along with his university degree. It was a mistake. We should have left him to figure out the financing on his own.
Now he resents us “meddling” in his life and he has stopped talking to us. We now realize we were “helicopter parents” and tried to help our kid too much.
Do not sacrifice your future for your child. There are lots of avenues to finance a career as a pilot. If they want it, they will go get it.
Parsley0_0@reddit (OP)
Honestly, I can't even imagine how this makes you feel. You're sacrificing everything for him, and he won’t even talk to you. I'm truly sorry you're going through this.
kensmithpeng@reddit
Thanks. Appreciate the support. But the theme is the same. We are all human, including our kids. As the airplane security briefing says, look after yourself first and your kids/neighbours second or you will both suffocate.
scottiniowa@reddit
Something he can do right now is get involved in RC airplanes! That will give him a working knowledge of how airplanes work! There are more regulations than there used to be, but definitely still worth it! Good luck to him!
Pasha286@reddit
It is indeed a risk, he is just 10 at the moment, who knows maybe he would think of becoming something else when he is 16 or 17, it also depends on if there are good instructors and if your son is capable of it.
I will you my example, my parents were not rich, I always wanted to be a pilot since I was a kid, when I turned 18 my parents took a big risk, I went to Spain, the fee was 75,000 euros that time, plus add 20,000+ euros for living, food etc etc.
I got awful instructors, a lot of my time was wasted, after more than a year I got a good instructor but it was too late, a lot of money had been spend and I just could not continue, I still feel guilty that my parents lost so much money cause of me. Life has not been good after that.
It has been many years, It is still a dream and I guess it will always remain a dream for me.
Sometime I think I wish that money was invested in something else and not me.
mayday_allday@reddit
Why jump straight into commercial pilot training as 18yo and spend so much money on it? Why not start with a PPL or even gliding? It's a lot more affordable, you can start training at a younger age (like 14 years old in Germany, for example), and the kid will find out pretty quickly if they’re cut out for it. Sadly, some people just aren’t.
HesinburgABQ@reddit
This is exactly what happened to me terrible flight schools , terrible instructors , failed check rides due to terrible instructors that didn’t prepare well and just wanted to make flight hours off of you. Wiped my parents savings and on top of that got into huge debt for nothing. It was horrific. You’re not alone.
Parsley0_0@reddit (OP)
I’ve actually read many stories like that, it's one of the reasons I’m asking here on Reddit. You’re definitely not alone.
pedro_ryno@reddit
there is going to be a pilot shortage, at least in the states, i have a cousin who flies regionally. he started not long ago on cargo and is flying passengers. seems like a good career path.
Parsley0_0@reddit (OP)
Thank you for that, this is exactly what I was looking for.
byebybuy@reddit
You were looking for someone to confirm your fears?
Sounds like that redditor picked a bad school. These days you should be able to read reviews and even ask the folks in this sub and others which schools your son should be looking at. If the one by you doesn't seem reputable, surely the extra money for lodging etc is worth the comfort of knowing he has a better chance of success.
Anyway I agree with the other comment, try not to get hyper focused on the failure stories. People are usually quicker to share those than the boring rote career track stories.
theoriginalturk@reddit
People are not quicker to share their failure stories than their success stories
OP was asking specifically about the risks associated with betting large sums of money on the career earnings of a 10 year old
That’s a risk in any career field but aviation is riskier than the average
Kai-ni@reddit
I wouldn't take this particularly sad example to heart and shoot down a little boy's dream because it didn't work out for one person on reddit.
DrEarlGreyIII@reddit
This is heartbreaking to read, but I don’t think that you should regret that the money was spent on your dream. Your parents did an amazing thing for you, and I’m sure that they were proud to be able to do it.
Unfortunately, life isn’t predictable and it’s unfortunate that your instructors derailed your dream. But life continues and we have new opportunities every day to find hope, love, and success. Keep pushing. Appreciate who and what you have. Believe in yourself and know that you were worthy then, and you’re worthy now.
I wish you the best of luck, and I know that things will get better for you and your family — it just takes time.
smokie12@reddit
I'd suggest to look up gliding clubs in your area, and signing him up as soon as he can legally join. In Germany, those clubs are the cheapest way to get into flying, since most often you just pay the club fees and airplane usage, and the instructors are free since they are also members of the club.
If his interest is still going strong by the time he turns 18, he's getting a head start in terms of experience and probably licenses (upgrading is often cheaper than starting from pedestrian, but it depends a lot on the specifics).
_dmdb_@reddit
Would second this. Gliding is a cheap way for him to experience flying, see if it's for him, most clubs have very affordable junior membership, my club would certainly require a parent to be on site (and assist with launch operations on the ground) but it's a friendly atmosphere at every club I have been to.
NotCook59@reddit
I third this! I started gliding in England, then got my private pilot license in the States. You really learn how to fly in a glider!
smokie12@reddit
Here in Germany, kids can start their gliding journey at 13 (with their parent's consent of course), fly on their own at 14 (supervised by instructor) and get their license at 16. No supervision by parents needed.
_dmdb_@reddit
Oh yes, sorry was not quite clear perhaps. It's the same ages for the UK, 14 to fly solo supervised, 16 to get SPL.
My point was more than although I can't speak for other clubs but mine was having an issue with younger kids being dropped off and then parents kind of treating the club as day care to a certain extent. There's a duty of care side with minors so the club has a rule around a parent or guardian being on hand as well, being a smaller club (two K21 and one Puchaz as two seater training aircraft) means this is helpful as well as there is an extra pair of hands to help with retrieves etc on busy days.
QuevedoDeMalVino@reddit
In addition to what you’re saying being very applicable to the case of this young chap, I would like to say that in my opinion gliders are the best introduction to flying in existence. You learn how the plane interacts with the air, quite completely, rather than how the pilot interacts with hydraulics and then something happens and the plane does what it’s commanded to do. I believe glider pilots are better pilots for this specific reason.
smokie12@reddit
I think you're right. Also, glider pilots tend to be more relaxed when the engine quits
QuevedoDeMalVino@reddit
Another cloud spoiling the afternoon. Well, let’s see if we can land next to a nice cafe with good road access…
letting-the-light-in@reddit
From personal experience with my son, I’d recommend that he get a job working cargo or ramp for an airline before going to flight school or university. That helped my kid decide he wanted a 9-to-5 job and to be able to be home with his kids at night, which he couldn’t do as a commercial pilot. Instead, he began to look at all the various corporate jobs in the industry. Accounting, finance, supply chain, revenue management, HR, marketing, communications, etc. It worked, he got a traditional degree from university that is versatile enough for him to switch industries if he needs to, and he still gets all the flight benefits.
Uzzay-69@reddit
I’m surprised that there aren’t many comments here about your son eventually pursing his dream via the modular route. The number you’re aiming to save for flight school is closer to that quoted by the big integrated schools, and they are by no means the only way into the industry. A modular route into the industry is actually the more common path and can potentially be half the cost of the full time, integrated schools. And both paths end with the same licenses and paper in hand.
Putting 100k aside for a child’s future dream is all good and well for quite wealthy families, but if this your entire savings, it is not the only way to the cockpit for your son.
What I would suggest is to do the most pragmatic thing and just wait. Carry on saving what is suitable for your family, and wait and see if your son does still carry the aviation bug into his teenage/early adult years. If he does, great! You’ve saved a decent chunk, if not all, of the required money for flight school. If not, the money can be dedicated to his other ventures.
I’d also echo the advice of other Redditors and get your son into a gliding club when he is old enough to test the waters and see if his passion for flying is ‘solid’ (for lack of a better word). It’s a much cheaper and more accessible way to get into aviation without committing huge amounts of time and money to it. Or perhaps even a discovery flight in a few years.
And yes, I’m aware in a few years the cost of flight school will be higher because of inflation and fuel and whatnot, but I’d assume that would be ‘built’ into your savings if you’re doing anything other than stashing the cash under your mattress.
Cautious_Leg_9555@reddit
Look at Dublin City University. They offer a BSc in Aviation Management with Pilot Studies. They are a Declared Training Organisation.
https://www.dcu.ie/courses/undergraduate/business-school/aviation-managementaviation-management-pilot-studiesaviation-management
https://www.iaa.ie/general-aviation/flight-training-1/declared-training-organisations
Which_Ad5080@reddit
There's a lot of opportunities for him to refine the vision and get exposure from today already. GO to local flying clubs, with small planes and get him up with test flights and such. There's also lots of youth programs that may give grants or at least basic knowledge training for free and youth group activities. Volunteering in these small clubs for cleaning planes or things like that can make him learn how to handle a plane and how stuff gets done and maybe even som flight hours at discount...
Dont wait for it to start when he's 18. He can get a PPL or LAPL even earlier and that can shorten his training and school time later on.
And added benefit that he gets involved in it and exposure to knowing what it is how it feels and works.
There may be subsidies from government OR from national airline to give training and having a job guarantee or so after. If he speaks french there's airfrance cadet for example. There may be others too.
You have integrated (full school education you describe in one longer Go) or modular training (different modules you work on and pass at your pace , example is PPL, NR, ATPL THEORY, IR, IFR, multi engine... So that could get you exposure to it progressively too.
Any-Rhubarb2703@reddit
Save for the training, sure, it’s a decent goal and nice to tuck away for his education. Don’t necessarily expect to spend it on his training, though. I was 10 when I decided I wanted to be a pilot when o grew up. What I meant at that age of course is that I thought planes were cool. But having filled in the blank of “I want to be X!” meant that I never really questioned it as I got older, and I kept repeating it enough that my parents helped me out towards my PPL and I took on silly loans to get my CPL etc. I didn’t immediately use them, and instead found work in a completely unrelated sector, using my brain in a completely different way. In these roles I found purpose, challenge, growth, motivation - I loved that work. I did take a hiatus and fly commercially for a while, and enjoyed that too, but always wondered how much of my time flying commercially came from a sense of duty to use the licences I had earned.
It is entirely possible that your kid is a more self-aware lil guy than I was. But I would still encourage you to hold the money back until he is certain that he wants to fly, and has explored or considered alternatives. Maybe make it available when he turns 21, or has taken a gap year, or worked/studied/volunteered for a while.
FatFreddysCoat@reddit
No, do not do this. He's only 10 for starters, and he's going to prefer to have happy, non stressed parents. By all means put a hundred or two away a month for him, for his college possibly, but that's as far as you need to go.
sschmader@reddit
I got into flying when I was pretty young. I got my private pilots license in high school. My parents didn’t have a lot of money. However, they always told me to do what I love and then I’d never work a day in my life. I am now 35 and I manage a sales team. Why did I quit aviation? As a lower middle class person no one tells you what you are giving up. Flight school is very expensive. Once you become an instructor you can build time for “free” but your pay and hours are pretty terrible. Then you get a job at a small regional airline and live out of a crash pad (apartment shared by many pilots near a city/airport) while still making not much money and having zero social life. From there it takes years of flying to move up to the major airlines. That’s years of not great pay and no social life. When you finally make it at a major airline you get paid well. But you also start at the bottom again with seniority. This means getting schedules no one else wants for quite awhile. Sometimes years. For me, I started to feel like I was giving up everything in my life just so my job could be something that I loved. Part of me feels like the aviation industry thrives on this. It takes advantage of the fact that there are thousands of young people who just want to be able to say “look at me I fly an airplane”. Also when I went to college/flight school to get my instrument/commercial/instructor/multi engine ratings most of the people who I went to school with were from wealthier families. They had the luxury of not having to worry about low pay that could last for years as they were being propped up by their families resources. I did not have that luxury so the downsides felt even more painful and created even more uncertainty for myself. I still love flying recreationally and aviation will always be a part of me, but I’d never want it as a job and I’d never let my kids pursue it as a career. I have a wife and 4 kids and I have worked from home since 2019. Being able to constantly be a part of my kids and my wife’s life is so much more fulfilling than being able to tell strangers I fly an airplane for a living.
Even-Vegetable-1700@reddit
Of all my years of reading Reddit this question has generated the highest amount of great, constructive and meaningful answers I’ve ever seen. Please read them over and evaluate them carefully. One thing that’s mentioned but you might miss it is that accomplishing each level of qualification requires additional flying time/experience before moving to the next level. Becoming a “pilot” is just the first step. It will take a few years and lots of flying (think more money) before he can get a position paying a decent salary. But it can be done!
Parsley0_0@reddit (OP)
I'm reading them for the last 2h :)
Even-Vegetable-1700@reddit
Great. I encourage you to save them for future reference and to ask for more information as he progresses through his training. You didn’t mention how far away you are from the nearest airport. If you happen to be near enough, you both should start dropping by and talk to real airport people. As a whole they are usually friendly and happy to talk about airport operations and flying. Best of luck to you both.
rcbif@reddit
"10-year-old son who’s been obsessed with flying since he was a little kid" - 10 years old is a little kid, lol.
You should save up for their education regardless, however...only around 20% of student pilots actually become pilots. And many pilots that solo stop flying....
Wait till they can hold a job, tell them you will match a portion of what they make to put towards their training.
Parsley0_0@reddit (OP)
20%??? This is extremely depressing.
burbosal@reddit
In a few years, let an instructor, or better yet someone you know who’s a pilot, take him up for a discovery flight.
A lot of people go into flight training without even trying out flying, get a crappy instructor, and associate crappy instructor with flying and give up.
It’s like wanting to be an army soldier because you think shooting guns is cool, but then being faced with bootcamp, crappy drill instructor, hard exercise etc, you forget why you’re even there and want to give up.
If your son comes back from his first flight smiling ear to ear, he’ll have that foundation in mind when he’s faced with tough moments during his flight training, improving his chances of sticking with it till the end. If he doesn’t like it, let him choose something different lol, don’t force it.
Lonely_Ad4551@reddit
Completely agree. If you are destined to be a pilot, you will know. You will land after your first flight and then first solo as a different person. If not, no problem, just move on to something else.
TheEvilMonkey7@reddit
To add, in a couple years, get him involved in the aviation community. Not sure the Europe equivalent but in the US there are things like EAA Young Eagles that do flight experience days. If he’s dedicated, when time is closer, look for aviation associations and scholarships.
You said Ireland, not sure if this is helpful, but here is a list of aviation events I found. Going to fly ins is a great way to meet people in aviation and have a family fun weekend. https://flyinginireland.com/events-list/
Sensitive_Pattern341@reddit
I had 3 crappy instructors until i found the one I finally got my PPL with. She never had a student fail and I wasn't going to be her first. I'm going to work with her in getting my instrument rating.
Kitchen-Ask-6380@reddit
This, 100%
TheTense@reddit
It’s important you understand the process for becoming a pilot. I can only speak for the US, but I imagine it would be similar in Europe.
In the United States, you do basic flight training. this gets you your single engine private pilot license to fly a little two and four seat airplanes with a propeller this costs $10-$15,000.
Next, you get your commercial certificate and your instructor certificate. You’ll need at least 250 hours to get there. That cost money. But if you’re flying in a cheap little airplane. You can get there using a flying club for about $100 an hour. That’s $25,000.
Next you work as a flight instructor. You teach other people to fly. At this point, you’re now making a little money and you’re building flight hours with someone else paying for it.
Once you get enough hours, you can get hired by an airline. Somewhere along the way you’ll get your multi engine and turbine engine endorsements.
Overall, the cheapest path is become a flight instructor, and then the finances become easier.
I’ve also heard many young pilots buy a cheap airplane build a time on it before the first major engine overhaul is due, then sell the airplane for close to what you bought it for.
Bredyhopi2@reddit
UA does have their aviate program that could help to lower some costs- you commit to united; they pay a part of it
Giggsey11@reddit
Is there any subsidized flight program in Ireland? For example, in the United States, you can fly with the Civil Air Patrol starting at age 12 with zero commitment to actually serve in the military. I did Basic and Advanced Flight Encampment which gave me about 50 hours of flight time and it cost somewhere around $1-2k.
SheepherderFront5724@reddit
Ireland spends something like 0.25% of GDP on defence, so any military flying jobs that involve flying have stiff competition, unfortunately, and require enlisting.
sldfghtrike@reddit
A tip/suggestion would be that his first job (while he's working on his certificates) should be to work at an FBO and do the customer service there, be it desk or the fuel guy. Tell him that he should chit chat with anyone and everyone and get connections. Having connections just makes it that much more simpler to get hired. I currently work as an aerial oil surveying pilot and know a few pilots who got hired at Part 135 pilot jobs because people who worked at other jobs called them up and said if they wanted to work with them because they knew them and could vouch for them with their employer.
PutOptions@reddit
The (US) percentage that go from student to the airlines is much lower than that, but it isn't really a fair comparison. The FOR PROFIT schools that attract so many students are marketers to the extreme. Our kids are exposed to how much money they can earn without a college degree by becoming an airline pilot. Plus the cool factor. Sure some have the passion. But SO MANY fixate on the cash and perceived coolness. It is a real (and expensive) grind for years here.
The minimum required flying hours compose most of the expense here. 1000 to 1500 hours at $3-400 and hour average. The mins are very different (lower) in EASA. But the pay is also lower. Tradeoffs.
againandagain22@reddit
It’s worse than that.
Many professional pilots, from what I’ve read, have second and third jobs because they don’t make enough money from their pilot jobs (not including airline pilots here).
Make sure your kid learns how to applythemselves and stick with one thing. Learn how to be tough and gritty (as well as caring and compassionate obviously). Once your kid learns that then everything will work out. Save money to help and your kid can also work a full time/part time job while he gains his personal private license. By the time he gets that license he (and his teachers) will have a good idea if he’ll make a good pilot or not.
Livid_Size_720@reddit
And what exactly you want to do if not to fly big jets? It is like saying I want to be professional football player but I want to play in local village team with amateurs and then wonder why are you not making big bucks.
castafobe@reddit
There are many, many different types of pilots. DHL and FedEx all use smaller aircraft to move packages quickly from A to B. There are pilots in small planes doing aerial survey work. Others do aerial filming. Yet others inspect power lines in fixed wing aircraft or helicopters. Not all pilots want to "fly the line" for an airline. Some of these careers pay great, others not so much.
doorbell2021@reddit
Those are "time building" jobs. It's like going to grad school and becoming a teaching assistant. You're gonna be poor for a few years (same with being a CFI). It's "paying your dues" for the big payoff in the end, unless you have immaculately lucky timing (as a lot of pilots had a couple years ago).
Livid_Size_720@reddit
Yes but those are rare jobs which don't pay because there is no high demand or no demand at all. If you want to do aerial filming as full time job you are delusional, period.
Kai-ni@reddit
Those with drive make it.
mjdau@reddit
Why drive when you can fly? (I don't disagree, just making a joke)
rubdub101@reddit
I agree. The ones with drive who work hard and put themselves out there to find opportunities to work are the ones who make it.
The_Warrior_Sage@reddit
It's only 20% because not everybody has a passion for flying like your son. They get into it to chase that 6-figure income lifestyle and get a big dose of reality when they realize they actually have to apply themselves and work hard and it's not all sunshine and rainbows.
If you have a passion for flying, it's worth it, and those make up most of that 20% that get through I wager.
Denman20@reddit
As someone who got into doing solo flying at 16-18, I was never able to make a career out of it. Basically I still think geographically I was screwed. If I wanted to become a pilot I should have moved to a more aviation friendly area. School, work, and social life all impacted learning to fly. Not to mention it’s an extremely hard and expensive field to get into…
roy-dam-mercer@reddit
It is accurate.
I instructed in the 80s & 90s in the U.S., and I was a bit astounded at the dropout rate.
However, most kids would drop out fairly early on, rather than after spending a ton of money.
As far as job prospects after training, it’s a crap shoot. Don’t try to time the market. I ended training just before the economy went south, the beginning of the 1st Gulf War. I also could have made better choices. But it took me 11 years to get my career job at the age of 31.
Contrast that with the kid I flew with recently who wasn’t born yet when I was hired. He got lucky with an extreme pilot shortage. It took him only a few years to get the same job at 22.
oh_helloghost@reddit
Wait. Don’t read into these stats too much.
This isn’t a restriction on who is capable of making it through training, it’s just a reflection that the process is hard and people tap-out for all sorts of reasons.
It’s expensive in terms of cash and time required. It requires a lot of time with your head in a book. Progress can be frustrating because training flights get cancelled because of weather, maintenance etc.
I’ve been a flight instructor and I can tell you that the vast, vast majority of people are capable of learning to flying a plane. However, it’s a much smaller number that are willing to commit to the process to work and study to get the privileges.
LiteratureNearby@reddit
That's an insanely high number compared to a lot of other fields tbh.
aGenuineGuy22@reddit
It will definitely be a worthy investment for your Son's and your future.
Becoming a pilot always takes a toll on the cost, however, if it is controlled perfectly, your son can become a full fledged Pilot. Which can later bring in lots of money while he flies the Aircraft.
glucoseboy@reddit
Your son is still years away from flight school. A lot can happen with respect to his interests. The money saved for flight school can be applied to university if he chooses that route. No one can predict what the job market will be like in 10 years. Is service in the Irish Air Corps a possiblity?
Parsley0_0@reddit (OP)
I never looked into it, thanks.
Von_Baron@reddit
If you're Irish citizens he would also be eligible to join the RAF in the UK which could be another route to look into.
BatteredOnionRings@reddit
UK and Ireland truly have one of the weirdest relationships in the world.
Von_Baron@reddit
It really does. Irish people can work and live in the UK without restrictions, access healthcare, join the military, travel to without need of a passport (theoretically put usually everyone needs to board the plane), and even vote in national elections (including Brexit). I have heard it described that UK and Ireland are best friends who hate each other, which I think it sums it up well.
Limbo365@reddit
I think despite the history and the fact that Ireland has always been the junior partner in any relationship there's a knowledge and acknowledgement that neither country would benefit from a difficult relationship, and both countries benefit from the open relationship we have
Limbo365@reddit
That's because in a rare bout of common sense when Ireland left the UK they decided rather than trying to sort through the millions of Irish people in Britain and British people in Ireland it was easier to functionally give everyone dual citizenship (although your not a citizen your given like 99% of the rights of one)
brown_burrito@reddit
Is that true of the country of Ireland (ability to vote etc.) or is that only true of Northern Ireland?
Because Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom but the country of Ireland is its own thing.
Von_Baron@reddit
Sorry it was a little ambiguous on my statement. If an Irish person is living in the UK they can vote in the national elections. A full breakdown is here.
NapsInNaples@reddit
the UK and like half the world. Fucking colonialism man.
Distinct_Ordinary_71@reddit
Also see if the Air Corps have a cadet programme for youth. Might not be flying but helps get into it when old enough. Some countries take 12 YO into youth programmes.
PoopFilledPants@reddit
I know this is not a finance sub but I feel obliged to mention that an education budget (even a generic one) should never be considered an alternative to savings. It’s great that you feel drawn to such a sacrifice, to let your kid pursue their dream. But similar to oxygen masks, trying to fix someone else’s before adjusting your own is simply irresponsible.
FlyingTerrier@reddit
You won’t hear any of the negative side here, this is full of pro aviation people. There are many risks to flight training starting with the medical. I would get a backup trade. Most fail flight school.
Parsley0_0@reddit (OP)
There are a few comments indicating this, and I’ve read the negative feedback on other sites as well, that’s why I created this Reddit post. It seems to me that being a pilot is much harder than most people think.
Alarming-Routine6997@reddit
He will fail, and you will be in debt. Good luck.
Parsley0_0@reddit (OP)
Love the positive attitude :D:D
Arcane_Spork_of_Doom@reddit
Hedge a bit. Get a good computer system with realistic controls that can run MS Flight Simulator 2024 effectively. There are effective hardware setups that are increasingly expensive but the budget level ones are decent as well.
Have him practice offline (in this case, on the internet but not connected to an evaluating network).
When he has the ability to be responsibility, pass all training flights, knows the vocabulary and can communicate by radio (virtual) with correct terminology, help him create a VATSIM account. It's a completely free service but it is NOT a place to screw around. If he messes around like a lot of beginner kids then they WILL ban him. He can log thousands of free hours of routine flights on VATSIM either in preparation for or on the off days between real life training flights as a young adult or adult. Depending on availability, sometimes actual instructors will show up on VATSIM to 'right seat' you (like a training flight in-person). All-in person flight protocol applies. (Indicating my/your controls, acknowledging, etc). You can get 10000 hours on the sim easily before ever setting your butt into a real training flight, and depending on your graphics and supporting hardware he can have a very solid look at what his cockpit equipment looks like. Solid strategy: have a favorite of each type of plane class but attempt to get as much time in on a lot of different models so you're well rounded. Benefits: with only a few thousand dollars you can give your son a six (at least) year head start on his pilot development now and answer the question of "does he actually like this" now as opposed to when you've spent a lot more. VATSIM will never cost anything, and you have no limit on the amount of time you can spend on it.
Parsley0_0@reddit (OP)
Thank you for that.
AnnieLee_climbs@reddit
I hear you, you want to give your son his dreams. But who is going to take care of you and your wife in old age, and retirement, if you haven’t taken care of yourself? Isn’t that a lot to put on a kid when he didn’t ask for it? And what are you teaching your kid about hard work and building self trust that he can build his own future?
I have 3 kids, am divorced and have had similar thoughts in the past. And then I look at my own parents and how I don’t have to stress about their financial future and care as they age. Which allows me to take care of me, and know I have something of a safety net should I need it. As well as inheritance, and I can look forward to generational wealth.
For my kids that is their gift. A parent who is funded. A parent who can teach them how to overcome obstacles and who is financially secure as I age so they are free to live their own lives and are secure in navigating it. And can depend on me as a bit of a safety net. So no, I won’t be funding much of their education but will teach them how to do so themselves. I will assist and support.
Plus, don’t you have dreams and aspirations for yourself that need a bit of those funds too? Things you want to do with your trips around the sun?
Hjalm@reddit
Aer Lingus and other airlines have training programmes you can apply for. I'm not a pilot so I have no clue how these things work in practice, but here's a link to Aer Lingus one: https://www.aerlingus.com/careers/careers-in-the-air/future-pilot-programme/
Beachfun757@reddit
Let him become a pilot at 16. Best job best Pay in the world. Pilots make more money than doctors or Lawyers working less and do not have the student loans to go with it.
figuredout@reddit
Consider this: My best friend had a living situation that allowed him to use 100% of his disposable income for flight training. He lived at home with his family, kept his overhead low, and they paid for his living expenses as long as he was working towards his goal in school/training. He worked 25-30 hours a week, and flew on his weekends and days off. He was able to complete his training up to Multi-engine Commercial in two years, and then went on to flight instruction, then became a pilot for a small air taxi. I think the money you’re saving up would go a lot farther, with a hell of a lot more leftover, if you did something like that. Personally, I have a lot more conservative views about the high cost of entry to the professional flying world. I lost my medical certificate because of a previously undetected genetic disorder, so I paid for all the training and never got to finish. I had to eat the loss of my life savings and pivot to a new career. I will always advocate for taking a cautious approach when it comes to spending that much money on a “maybe.”
dragonfruit45@reddit
Hi, I work at a flying school in the uk and I have parents come and talk to me almost everymonth about similar issues. I get many new students every year and the best students are the ones who understand the value of money and the hard work involved to be in the top 5%
My advice. I would say research the modular route and don’t pour the whole 100k into his training. Make him earn and save the first part (PPL) and then help towards the bigger chunks. CPL and IR. Try not to spend more than half of the 100k. A downpayment on a house will be waaaay more useful for him in the future.
Cadetships are to be tried first. They are free.
Beyond the training, being a commercial pilot is like any other office job. It’s gets boring.
Plus he’s only 10. Who knows what happens in 8 years.
Hutcho12@reddit
I wouldn't be too worried about money or your kids wishes. I'd be worried if this job even exists in its current form in 10 or 20 years. It's something that could be easily automated, and is for the most part already.
There will no doubt still be some experts on board for emergency situations, but what they actually do will likely change significantly.
swisseagle71@reddit
It was my dream, too. But it came crashing down because of my eyes. I just did not see enough, so it never started.
I only know the way in Switzerland: there is a way that is sponsored by the military to become a pilot. This would have been my way into becoming a pilot. Maybe something similar exists in Ireland?
Probably this: https://www.military.ie/en/careers/air-corps-careers/air-corps-pilot-cadet/
Shrike01@reddit
In Switzerland you can also devote some time into the military and pay for a large part of the training, that's what I'm doing.
FatGimp@reddit
Consider the option of the Irish Air Corps. By the looks of it, they offer cadetships.
TheFlashestAsh@reddit
If it hasn’t been said before I’d also approach the school near you and see how much they can introduce him to and at what age. I’d suggest he try and get work there as well with the flight school, doing whatever and build a relationship. It might help his chances of getting in. He doesn’t have to become an airline pilot straight away, he could build hours and become an instructor at the school, especially if he’s well known to them and keeps engaging over the years. Look into other options when he’s at the age to start learning. Whether it’s local or abroad, there may be opportunities for his flying towards gaining his licences to be on contract with a company with the condition he stays on with them for x amount of years or faces paying them back the fees if he departs early from their service.
Sad-Bus-7460@reddit
My dad grew up in dirt-poor rural USA. All he's ever wanted to be, even as a kid, was a pilot. He retired last Christmas with 40 years and 30,000 flight hours.
Your son could absolutely make a life out of this childhood desire. Jobs right out of flight school will be slim pickings for not great money, but the ladder is there and he can climb it. My dad started his career as ATC then flying planes for small Cargo outfits and Fish&Game surveying flights before getting into commercial passenger flights, short hops on small planes, and worked his way up that ladder too.
If your son passes the medical, he could absolutely make this his life
SoCal_Spotter@reddit
While I’m not too sure on how getting jobs with airlines in Europe works, in the US you get your license, become and instructor, work for a small regional airline with annual salaries between 80k and 105k for F/Os and 150k to 200k for Captains , and then you get an offer from a bigger airline. I’d assume it’s similar to that in Europe (someone correct me if I’m wrong). It just takes a lot of time
Someoneinnowherenow@reddit
My brother was like that, built so many model airplanes , balsa and paper gas powered ones with control lines, not the box electric ones like today. He worked fixing clocks for a watchmaker and learned precision and attention to detail.
Dad was all about going to college but he eventually caved and helped him get his A&P mechanical rating to work on airplanes. He owned, fixed and flew so many planes over his life. Even built winning race jets for Reno
He was a rare breed, fantastic pilot who knew about every mechanism in the plane.
I suggest encouraging models and maybe when older working in a museum or something until he gets old enough to try actually flying. Video game simulators seem like a poor way to learn. Go out and fly something and learn from the wrecks of your model planes
If the passion grows, you will confirm the path.
AntAir267@reddit
If my parents had taken me seriously as a kid, they would be invested in my desire to be a race car driver, and you wanna know the truth? They should've listened to me. To this day, it would have been my dream career.
Basically, fuck the naysayers in this thread saying he's too young to know. Sometimes a kid just knows what he wants until the world dissuades him.
Beerstud@reddit
Amazing that you’re supporting your son’s dream OP. I have an 11 year old who has started building hours and learning flight theory - where I am, he can do that and can do aviation as part of his high school curriculum. We’re lucky. We talked with his school and got them to swap his homework for flight related work - his essays are on whatever his current flight lesson is about, maths can be problems around distance, fuel loads, runway lengths. The ambition has made him better at school, so there’s a short term bonus for us.
I’m nervous about what his future career might look like but his ambition is to fly KC-130 tankers before going commercial. Not sure how realistic it is.
Good luck! I hope it works out for you all!
Ideating1@reddit
Love this. My son’s journey began at age 8. We are in US. Through JROTC, college ROTC, working his tail off to have the grades. Competed for a pilot slot in the Air Force. Passing flight physicals (held our breath there!) finally flight training. He is currently an F-16 pilot and loving every bit. Reach out to pilot orgs in your country. Reach out to branch of the military and ask for tours. We did all of those things before he was 15. Even contact the local airlines! There is a path forward that won’t break the bank, and if he’s truly serious these encounters will motivate and strengthen his resolve. Best of luck!
Ancient_Conflict1543@reddit
Try and get him on this when he is 18 https://www.aerlingus.com/careers/careers-in-the-air/future-pilot-programme/
misterrF@reddit
Yes I was looking for this comment! This is the way to go, zero out of pocket and a small stipend as well. But keep saving, at 10 there’s a lot of time for him to change his mind.
The_Pharoah@reddit
If your son still has that passion at 18 (or when he finishes school) then by all means...pay for it, help him get his flying job and he will (or should) be forever grateful. One day hopefully he'll make it into the airlines and you should get the benefit of cheap/free flights.
As someone who always knew I wanted to be a pilot (obsessed from young) but my folks didn't have the $$ to pay for it, its something I always longed for. I have a few good mates who are pilots themselves and none of them would change it for anything. They do make good money too when they make a legacy airline.
But assume you're just throwing your $$ away. Don't expect any $$ return. Just the happiness of seeing the smile on your child's face when they pass their milestones:
first flight
solo
PPL
CPL
ME/CIR
ATPL
first flying job (hopefully something bigger than a bugsmasher)
first command
first jet job
first jet command
Quimera92@reddit
I completed my training, got all the licenses and ratings required, never got a decent job. At the end I realised that my dream was a childish one and then it became my nightmare. I was too proud to acknowledge the red flags because I didn’t want to be weak for quitting it, suddenly I was stuck in this place I turned out to hate. I ended up graduating in law school and now I’m actually passionate about what I do and happy for what I achieved in life.
My advice is to really check if it’s worth the investment because once you start the training you’ll see all those euros flying with you and honey, they never come back. On the other hand I know people that really struggled to get prepared for this industry, kept going and now are flying commercial.
(Report from a Brazilian perspective)
s0ul_invictus@reddit
What you need to do is scratch his itch to fly and ensure he has the money to do it. If he makes enough money, he can fly whatever he wants, but he has to EARN his money elsewhere. Don't dump your savings into commercial flight school. Help him get a cheap private/sport license when he comes of age, and use the bulk of it to put him through Uni as a lawyer or something that pays well, perhaps engineering if he's got the chops for it. If he still wishes to fly commercially, his earnings from his professional career will help him upgrade his license. He's 10. He wants to fly, not necessarily earn a living as a pilot. Get him in the air with a short ride at your local airport/flying club, make him earn each hour with top grades. Getting him in the habit of excelling academically in order to get flight hours is probably the best thing you can do for the boy, start that right now, even fight simulator hours at home if you have that, or get it. Not just "good grades", but "better grades than the rest of your class". There is also military aviation, that might be a path, but he'll still need that degree, and that habit of competing academically with others.
aerohk@reddit
Hand down the best route with the least resistance, both financially and the level the effort, is the military. And a lot of people do it this way. A highly passionate pilot wannabe should aim for that.
sandiegophoto@reddit
Have him take out a loan and then you pay it back if he follows through and graduates. If not, he pays it back.
CaptainsPrerogative@reddit
The happiest airline pilots I know are the ones who dreamed about being pilots since a very young age. So your young son being obsessed is a good sign.
Unless he is fixated on it, as in, is on the autism spectrum. Then I have bad news for you.
As another commenter said, go up with your son and an instructor (son and instructor in the front seats, you in the back), and fly a Discovery Flight. You and he will know if this is real or not.
Then start looking into cadet programs. British Airways has a fully funded option for selected candidates. These are very competitive. Start learning about how your child can prepare, what courses he can take and extracurricular activities he can do, starting now or age 12 or 14, that will make him a good candidate.
Another option is to learn about soaring lessons near where you live. I don’t know about the UK but in the U.S. a child can solo in a glider at age 14 and get their Private Pilot - Glider license at age 16. Has to be 17 to get rated in a powered plane. Learning to fly in a glider is cheaper than in a powered plane, plus this is a younger age, so it’s a real good head start. Plus it’s fun. Can get it done in a summer.
Good luck! British Airways Cadet Programme
SimilarPoetry1573@reddit
I got my license years ago, but, even then, the good jobs were few and far between! My original instructor was from Ireland! His name was Ronan Colbert, and he now flies for Irish Airways! Have your son get his private and commercial, then instructors certificate! While he’s teaching, he can build his time to get hired by a commercial airline, and be getting paid while he’s building time!!
Right_Is_Right_USA@reddit
Our son had the same dream. We supported him heavily. He was accepted and prepared to go to a specialized aviation university in Florida called Emory Riddle. Everything was set, but we knew he was color blind. To be sure, he went to get an FAA physical and passed everything but was told that he could ‘never’ be a professional pilot due to his color blindness. Our whole family was devastated.
He has since moved on and has a successful career in another industry.
The point is that you and he can do everything right, but sometimes life just happens.
Deadstick3135@reddit
I knew I wanted to be a pilot when I was 13 (probably a bit before that, but that's when I was certain that's what I wanted to be.) I did everything right. I saved money by getting a cheap college degree and spending the rest on my flight lessons - got all my certs. Just needed hours to become an airline pilot. Was working as a CFI part time with a full time job. Decided to quit my full time job to devote 100% of my efforts to the airline career. I was 5 days into my 2-week notice on my full time job on Sept 11, 2001. I am not an airline pilot. I have not flown in 15 years. I have an aviation related career and I'm doing well, but factors beyond my control derailed my airline career. I say this not to discourage you, but to give you some perspective. You can do everything "right" and it may not work out how you or your son planned
rd_cl@reddit
One thing of being in the industry (non-flying member) is that a LOT of people start with summer jobs in the airport, he can choose that route and then decide, those jobs go from passenger support, cleaning aircraft, or corporate junior positions; keep that in mind for the future. Meanwhile you can spend so much time as plane spotters! It’s great that you support your son!
SkullLeader@reddit
a) as others said for sure save money for his education, even if its not flying. b) maybe the right way to go would be for him to join the military and get training that way c) I'm not in the industry myself and not sure what the situation is like in your country, but from what I know of it, in the USA except maybe by being in the military, practically speaking you're not getting hired at first by the big airlines flying the big, glamorous jets. You're gonna put in your time flying turboprops and puddle jumpers and maybe worse than that, for the smaller airlines, for several years. And then the big airlines are all unionized (at least in the US) which means time served/seniority really dictates how good or bad you have it, which practically speaking means several more years of not having it so great even when the big airlines finally do hire you.
GaussAF@reddit
In America, experienced pilots at major airlines earn over $200k/year on average and retire in their 50s usually.
Any career path has risks, but I think this is one of the better ones on a risk/reward basis that you could choose.
This is the pay range for Aer Lingus pilots: https://www.pilotjobsnetwork.com/jobs/Aer_Lingus_(ROI_Contract)
This is the pay range for Ryanair pilots: https://www.pilotjobsnetwork.com/jobs/Ryanair
Sensitive_Pattern341@reddit
Commercial pilots are shown the door the day they turn 62, I think, in the US.
GaussAF@reddit
Yeah, but if you earn $200k/year for >30 years, you should probably have enough money to duck out early if you want to
CaptainSugarWeasel@reddit
Your son is very lucky to have such supportive parents.
If your son has a reasonable IQ, people skills, and picks up practical things well (like driving) then he can make it.
I decided while I was in high school that I would give flying a go, luckily I could take out a student loan to fund it. It was difficult to get a job around that time but eventually it worked out.
3 things I would recommend first:
Go to the local Aero Club for a discovery flight. I saw this as a check to make sure I liked flying, and not just the idea of flying, before signing for the loan.
Get the medical certificate. They are expensive but it's better to find out early if you can't hold one, maybe do this part way through the last year of high school.
Research where to train, and the career path options. Talk to people in the industry. Ideally find someone who's been through the training school you're looking at and ask them about it.
After that, my advice to him is: Don't sit on the fence.
If it's what you really want to do, then commit and get it done. I've seen a lot of people stuck on: "What if I can't get a job?" "What if it's a bad time to start?" "Maybe I should have a backup option?" So they might go to university, or work full time and fly a bit here and there. They drag it out over years, waste a lot of money, and eventually give up and move on.
And be prepared to spend 10 years moving around for your career at the cost of relationships, and 40 years never being guaranteed normal weekends or public holidays.
GuiM4uVe@reddit
Great comment. This job is all about starting early to secure a seniority number at a major. If that’s what he wants to do, he should do it as early as legally possible.
pilotclaire@reddit
If there are not military routes to the goal, many move abroad on a visa to achieve the same with less funds. It’s going to be cheaper, with more jobs for low-time pilots.
Whether I’d risk it on my kid depends on the kid. If they’re hardworking, detailed, keep their word, then definitely. If they’re lazy, careless, or passive, absolutely I’m not taking a loan out for them so they can turn into an unsafe pilot!
ghearn18@reddit
Save and support him but I’d only go halfway. If he’s really passionate about it as he gets older he can meet you halfway and find other ways of affording his dream. Plus if he’s willing to put in the work he’s willing to go all the way. Many people love flying but don’t want to put in the work. It also allows you to have an emergency fund for yourselves. Definitely worth it but I wouldn’t put myself into potential debt for a future dream of my child without seeing actual work being done to obtain said dream/goal.
Mr_PiggyBoi@reddit
If he is still really passionate about it, 100% go for it. This is one of my biggest regrets, not looking into flight school because I was afraid to take the leap. It appears the kid has some amazing parents! I say support him, get him to flight school!
strangefish@reddit
Yes, but make sure there aren't medical issues that will cause problems. Get the aviation physical done first, before spending more money.
Mr_PiggyBoi@reddit
yes!!! so sorry i forgot to add that!! thanks.
yes make sure all physical requirements are taken care of!
imapilotaz@reddit
I disagree. Spending your literal entire life savings on this fpr their son is foolhardy.
Yes kids are important and we want whats best for them, but having zero savings for yourself is not tbe way to do it. Especially since theres not a statistically insignificant number of pilots who go thru all ratings and do t fly for a living or lose their medical afterward.
You could have a 25 year old pilot who cant fly for a living, has no degree to fall back on and parents who now have no savings at all.
therinlahhan@reddit
To be fair, they live in Europe, so they have a much better social safety net than we do here.
aftcg@reddit
Can't up vote this enough
rince-hh@reddit
You might think to join a local glider club. In the cities in germany were I have lived there was alwas a glider club were you get the chance to fly the club glider planes for a small membership fee and hard work on the ground. 10-20 hours work on ground 1 hour flying time. There are even schools and universities with an attached glider club. You can start training with 14 and can get a glider licence at 16 for around 2000 Euros within 2 years.
randomkeystrike@reddit
Not a pilot but - what about the military? There is a ton of military aviation which is NOT combat aircraft. Daughter of a friend of mine is getting checked out now on the C-130s (USAF). Sure, she will likely be deployed at some point but it’s not Tom Cruise kind of stuff, and Uncle Sam is paying for it.
nursescaneatme@reddit
Maybe learn to fly in the military.
NectarineThese4666@reddit
As a single engine Mooney pilot with 2800 hours in since 2004, I’m so grateful, but now I’ve been diagnosed with glioblastoma, my flying days may be over 🧠
sneak_king18@reddit
Is learning to fly thru military an option? I unfortunately don't know about Ireland's armed forces and the oppurtunitites involved.
rla5d1@reddit
"This would be everything for us. All of our savings. No backup plan." This is a terrible idea! It's OK for your son to work to help get himself through whatever he ends up doing - flight school, college, trade school. That's what most people do. Giving up your financial future and perhaps retirement is a mistake since you said that you can barely afford this. Working and earning money help make a better person. Taking all of your money does not teach any life lessons.
clevertulips@reddit
He is 10. Children change vastly as they grow. And their minds more than anything else.
acesup1090@reddit
My parents paid hundreds of thousands for my college degree which I did absolutely nothing with and have been a professional poker player for a decade. I am now paying out of pocket towards a career as a pilot. You can pay a bunch of money for them to go a traditional route and they may still carve their own path in the world in an unconventional way. I am just thankful I had supportive parents along the way. Hope your son is grateful to have such supportive parents. I say encourage him to go for it!
tysonfromcanada@reddit
If he wants to fly, take a serious look at the military path.
k12pcb@reddit
Our son is 15- is set to solo on his 16th birthday and determined to ppl on his 17th.
He’s focused and dedicated.
Here is how I see it, I can pay for his flying education or I can pay for his education in another field to set him up, he could just as easily want to be a lawyer or doctor and then quit.
I do know this however, when he comes out of the sky he’s happier than ever, so much so that I decided to join him on the journey. ( I flew a bit when I was young but my parents couldn’t afford to help me out). So I am going to do the journey to ppl with him and then watch him follow his dreams.
Life is for living so do what you love.
RealisticDentist281@reddit
Just a friendly reminder that pilot is one of the few careers that has a sudden death risk (no puns intended) - medical. Make sure you understand and monitor his growing and health, even he’s only 10 now. You do not want him to face a day when he suddenly lost his medical certificate. That’s a death sentence for any commercial pilots.
If there is a risk, better talk him out of it before too late.
bizcocho18697@reddit
When I was 10 all I wanted was to fly. I would hang out at airports, play Flight Sim, virtual airline, etc. I was even printing out approach plates and with my little compass, sitting at the window seat landing into AMS, trying to see if I could orient myself looking out the window.. lol. (Flight attendant noticed me and pilot asked me to sit in jump seat for landing. Pre 9/11. Incredible memory).
My parents didn’t support this dream of becoming a pilot, even though they had the money. It took a very generous wife’s gift to buy me a zero-to-ppl in the California desert. But by then life had settled and I wasn’t going to go off and live the pilot’s life anymore. Probably would have liked it though. If the kid has talent and grit, let him live the dream. YOLO.
Hi_there4567@reddit
You are possibly putting a lot of pressure on your son by risking everything on his career. It's a big gamble. Perhaps when the time comes he might work part time to pay towards the costs & maybe borrow money himself.
DefendTheStar88x@reddit
Would joining the Irish air corps not be a possibility? I'm not familiar with the ins and outs of military service on the emerald isle. Just a thought. Best of luck.
BeelzeBob629@reddit
Military Academy.
FlyingTerrier@reddit
The majority of people who enter flight training drop out.
valoigib@reddit
He is only 10, he may change his mind, also he may not pass the physical to be a pilot which would rule him out, so you need to make him realise that it might be unachievable. It's a great idea to save some money to help him in the future but if he really wants to be a pilot it would be good for him to work and make sacrifices himself in order to reach his goal rather than having his parents just hand it to him on a plate. I don't think that sends the right messages to him.
Do they have Air Force Cadets in Ireland? This is a great way for teenagers to learn about flying, probably from the age of 14 or 15. It often includes some free lessons in a glider or plane. Joining the military is one way to get trained as a pilot (although entry requirements are very strict). Alternatively commercial airlines may have cadetships and will train up their pilots.
brandonhowardroy@reddit
I might not have answers, but some perspective from my experience :)
I was in the same boat as your son at his age, and my parents helped me pay for the first bit of flight school to the point I was flying solos, starting ground school at 13 and continuing training til I was 16. I was also developing a passion for acting and singing (if my parents were horrified at the prospect of me choosing an even riskier career than aviation, it never showed lol) when it came time to decide what to study after high school, I decided if I turned 30 and I still wanted to become a pilot, there was a path for that, but if I turned 30 as a pilot, I would always wonder what might have been had I pursued the arts. I had a frank conversation with my parents about this, and the money that would have been spent on flight school took me to one of the top theatre schools in the country, which led to a super fulfilling career as a performer for the past decade. I’m now 31 and the gig nature of the work isn’t lining up with my priorities anymore, so I’m now looking to get back to flying. Travelling for work was perhaps my favourite part of performing, and my passion for aviation never went away, so I knew I would return to it someday.
My parents never wavered in their support for anything I did and I now have rich life experience to bring to my aviation career, as well as an ability to pay for my training myself. I think the best thing is to instil a belief in your son to follow his heart and support him as best you can, just as my parents continue to do to this day. But admittedly they’re pretty pumped to see me back in the sky!
pablorichi@reddit
It is definitely a risk but it is still quite early in his life. It's true that not everyone finds a job in aviation after their training but usually the pilots who are very passionate about it will make it work. They're the ones who are willing to move away and sacrifice some thing to find their first flying job. If at 17-18 he's still passionate about it and is sure that's the path he wants to take, I'd say it's worth the risk. As long as he understands that he might have to move to where they are looking for low hour pilots.
kevina2@reddit
I saved hard for several years, took out student loans, and had family help. The first ten years of work were awful, but since then, I have enjoyed a quality of life and money few other friends enjoy.
It's an investment, and it's one worth taking, but there is no quick payout. Plus, my parents fly for almost free on my passes. I'm so happy I pursued this career; getting here was tough.
If they know they love it, I'd go for it. If unsure, let them go for an intro flight with an instructor. Go with them!
Impossible-Camel-685@reddit
Basically yes.
Individual_Pilot1216@reddit
May have been suggested already here, but flight training is generally less expensive in the USA than in Europe. I've taught many foreign students when I was in that line of work. I'm an airline pilot and know foreign pilots are flying for US carriers every day. Have your boy look into the process to get his American certificates and right to fly here, visas, etc. May be worthwhile. Good luck!
widude30@reddit
It doesn’t have to be all or nothing at this point. I’d be looking for various ‘cadet’ type programs now, to get some exposure. Not really learning to fly, but around it, like our Civil Air Patrol in the USA. At some point help him get his initial license to fly, ‘private’ here in the USA. That’s just a start, see how he likes it.
Keep him off ADHD drugs, and similar.
chadinokc@reddit
I am not sure what your school system is like there, but at my son's high school (Oklahoma/USA), they offered an aviation program to become a pilot in the four years in high school. This is not a large city school either. I am not sure how much of the cost the parents had to share, but it was an amazing opportunity for sure. Of course my son is not interested and wanted to basically do nothing instead, but I was really hoping he would go for it. Maybe check into the local schools and see if there is something like that offered? I would absolutely not bankrupt or impact your retirement savings to pay for this as I feel like working/paying for your own education can really have it's benefits as well. I wish you nothing but the best luck for him!
Illustrious-Mobile88@reddit
If he truly loves aviation he’ll find his own niche in the industry, as far as your financial situation it’s my opinion that you take care of yourselves and let him find his way.
DFA_Wildcat@reddit
Just food for thought, many commercial pilots got their wings and experience in the military. It's some of the best training out there, at least in the US, and you collect a paycheck while doing it.
Bluetex110@reddit
He doesn't need to become an airline Pilot, there are plenty of Pilot Jobs beside that.
PepeNoMas@reddit
instead of saving 100,000, maybe save 50,000 for him? maybe 40,000? the truth is having a child and living without a bit of savings is kind've reckless. Your son can always apply for a loan to cover his education and the money you've saved will still help towards his education
Shoplizard88@reddit
Yes, exactly this. Not sure why some parents feel like they have to pay for their entire children’s education. Fine for wealthy people because they aren’t sacrificing their own retirement to do it. But for regular working class people, it isn’t realistic. If becoming a pilot really is this young lad’s dream, he can help pay for it. My wife and I have always felt that kids have to have some skin in the game - it’s their future after all. We paid for half of our kids university degrees and they always knew it was up to them to pay their half. They always had part time jobs starting at age 15 and they also took advantage of every grant and scholarship available. They also lived at home while they went to school. Both are now successful professionals. They appreciated the help we gave them, but they’re also very proud of the fact that they took some ownership of their own education.
Fastbac@reddit
I grew up watching to moon launch’s and landings and loved flying. I got my license and probably when to Oshkosh 15 years on a row. But… I’m colorblind and had terrible correction (-6.5) eyesight so I could never pass a commercial physical. I loved flying a little Cessna and visiting museums, etc. so you can be into it and still have a different career.
9999AWC@reddit
Here is my story.
I've always wanted to be a pilot and been passionate about aviation, for literally as long as I can remember (since I was 2 according to my parents). Unfortunately I wasn't the most studious in high school and graduated with very mediocre grades so my plan to become a pilot was put in doubt. Because of my grades I never got a pilot scholarship in the air cadet program, and my application to RMC was rejected.
Despite those setbacks, my parents supported me, and used the RESP savings for me and my brothers to get my PPL (there was enough for all 3 of us so I only used my portion of the RESP). Furthermore, the ONLY university program I had the grades for was an aviation diploma (I assume the grades were only there as a technicality) and an aviation maintenance program. Got accepted in the latter first, but then got conditionally accepted in the aviation diploma and went with that (provided I got my PPL in time). The other thing I was fortunate for is that where I lived (Alberta) we had access to student loans for further training (Night Rating, Multi-Engine, IFR, and Flight Instructor [which I did not do]). So I did all that, and the diploma counted towards a business degree so I just did that on top (might as well).
After that it took a while to get a flying job; I worked as a baggage handler (got fired during uni, but got hired in a heartbeat after graduation because they were short staffed lol), and during that time I was shooting applications to basically every company in Canada. Unfortunately the timing was during Covid so finding work was hard. But eventually I found a job as a bush pilot, working on the ground for several months before being promoted to pilot. It was very fun!
At the same time as I was applying everywhere, I also re-applied to the RCAF but now for direct entry instead of RMC as I now had a degree. It was a long process, but somehow I pulled through and made the cut, and a year later, the same week I got promoted to pilot, I got the call that I had been selected! So I flew for a couple months as a bush pilot, gaining lots of experience and lots of fun, before leaving for the military, which is where I am now.
I'm now a few weeks away from flying the CT-156 Harvard, and I'm very excited!
So why am I telling you all this? Because every step of the way I had people tell me to give up, I had good reasons to give up (personal and financial), and time was ticking as a young adult to make lifelong decisions. But no matter what (bad grades, global pandemic, poor job outlook, etc), I persevered, and my parents stood by my decisions and never gave up on me. I am fully aware not everyone will have the same opportunities I had, and at all points I was well aware that things may most likely not go my way. I always had a loose backup plan of some kind to have a job and maybe a career in another field. But had my parents decided not to support me, I never would've had access to the RESP for my PPL training, in turn preventing me from getting my CPL+MIFR, in turn preventing me from both getting a pilot job and a degree, and in turn preventing me from joining the air force (with the prospect of being a fast jet pilot, if all goes well and with luck).
carsgobeepbeep@reddit
So the fantastic part flight school is that (if you’re doing it correctly) it’s pay by the hour as you go.
Let me say it again: Pilot training is not cost per program, cost per year, or even per semester: it’s per-tenth of an hour. They will literally bill to the card on file at the end of each lesson.
What this means for you is that if you maintain a good relationship with your by-then-no-longer-a-child-but-rather-young-adult-son, and are paying attention and supporting/listening and not treating flight school as an ultra expensive daycare like some parents very unfortunately do, you will find out within the first $2000 to $10,000 whether this is going to be a serious endeavor that retains his passion or not. And if it isn’t, you can simply shut off the spigot and redirect that money somewhere else or talk about an approach that involves your son sharing in the expenses somehow (part time job etc) to prove they are serious if it isn’t otherwise obvious and apparent.
Make sure you intimately understand the medical requirements to becoming a pilot.both now and as your child begins to reach maturity. Put your child’s health first always but also understand that one loose comment from a school counselor or one wrong prescription from a family doc can end the dream abruptly and forever.
UnpaidSmallPenisMod@reddit
You could also look into having him become a mechanic. I’m currently in school and it’s a loooot cheaper. Might be different in your country, but I’m only looking at around $20k USD for an A&P. If he still ends up wanting to be a pilot after that he’ll be in the industry and can probably find friends to help him get it for cheaper. It’s also very good to know the maintenance and operation parts of aviation no matter what he decides to do.
Parsley0_0@reddit (OP)
Thank you, I will definitely look into it.
GuiM4uVe@reddit
I’d avoid that. He might realize at 30yo that he actually always wanted to be a pilot and will start his training late in life missing on many years of seniority at a major.
Training is not gonna be cheaper if you have friends in the industry and you don’t need to be an AME to understand aircraft system operation.
DrEarlGreyIII@reddit
This is a really great idea on every level. This is the answer.
Watchyacallit@reddit
My oldest boy is now a commercial pilot. We started out working on his private license when he was 18 at a local airport that had a flying instructor service. After he got his private license we sent him a college to get his commercial license, instrument rating, CFI, and twin engine. One he had his CFI he started getting paid for instructing and the PIC hours. This definitely helps offset some of the costs. We paid half of his tuition cost and flying costs. I can’t tell you how much it’s changed his life for the better. He started out commercially flying CRJ200s and ERJ 175s for SkyWest. Then Alaska 320s and 737’s. Swing for if you can, highly recommended, Best Wishes.
missionarymechanic@reddit
I'm about as enthused about aircraft as a non-professional can be, and my discovery flight absolutely convinced me to never be a professional pilot...
Why? Because it's boring (to me.) For all the specialized training and skills, and the awesome responsibility in your hands, the actual job is that of a glorified bus driver. Everything goes well? You're just going from one point to the next, to the next, and maybe back to the start... that's it.
(For the curious and without further explanation, I was trapped under ADIZ.)
Everything I actually wanted from aviation: the romance, the freedom, the sense of adventure, and the daring endeavor... it wasn't there. Buzzing along in that Cessna, it fully occurred to me: this is just transportation; expensive transportation. My working life would just be to move people/cargo from A to B, and killing time once en route with autopilot. Mentally, I'm not actually cut out for that. I would go nuts with boredom and the monotony.
Yes, there are other options that would give more of what I wanted. Rotorcraft jobs in particular, and some specialized services. It's still a very narrow career path with a fair bit of uncertainty. However, what really gives me what I want is unpowered aviation (gliders/sailplanes,) experimental/ultralight, and possibly aerobatics (if I can ever afford the rating/plane.)
You don't necessarily have to turn your passions into a career in order to find fulfillment. It's also why I'll never be a professional ballroom dance instructor. I just want to enjoy my passion and not have it impinged by other demands.
10 year-old boys are apt to build their entire personality around a single interest. They're also apt to gain new interests over time (Lord knows I have.) It's wise to save money. A gliding club is an excellent way to provide direction and discipline. But it's a little early to worry about his career choices and how/if you can help. If he wants it bad enough, he'll find a way.
And there's always the possibility that he actually can't do it, no matter how baldy he wants to. I had to drop oceanic sailing from my bucket list, because a ferry ride from Ireland to the UK gave me disembarkment syndrome for two months. Flying? Never a problem. But that stuff? I'll never do it again. Which sucks, because I put a lot of time and interest into sailing. But my limits are small dinghys on lakes and rivers. Still great fun, but I'll never do an Atlantic crossing.
stick004@reddit
My son has joined the Civil Air Patrol (here in the US) it can be joined as young as 12. Many of the kids in the program have no intent on joining the military, just getting experience around planes and following instructions. They will go on to get private licenses.
americandodelwutz@reddit
I don’t want to rain on anyone’s parade but keep in mind fully autonomous aircraft are going to become more and more of a thing in the future. They’re saying by 2045, we should be looking at large commercial jets with this capability.
raydome1@reddit
You don’t need to pay for it yourselves. I didn’t have wealthy parents so I got a huge bank loan and did a full time integrated course. I then paid it all back once I was earning enough. Yes it was a risk & took years to repay but it was absolutely worth it. All I’m saying is you don’t need to fund the whole thing, and there will always be a need for pilots.
CaseoftheSadz@reddit
Absolutely not. We are in the US so I don’t know the specifics, but I wouldn’t do this. My husband is a captain at one of the majors in US and our son also wants to be a pilot. Save what you can for school and don’t invest your retirement in his school. Think of it as putting your oxygen mask in first. Are there student loans similar to USA? First of all he’s young and ideas change. Also, hen he’s a little older I’d get him a medical and eye exam are conditions that are complete deal breakers. My understanding is some of the European carriers don’t make as much as US. I’d also have him go on a flight in a small plane to gauge his interest. But him flight simulator. If it’s the route he wants to go he can find a way to fund it that isn’t bankrupting you.
Abject-Badger-2394@reddit
Does your son have any medical issues? I know he is young, but there is a medical component with flying as well. There are certain standards that need to be met medically, and maintained throughout a career.
tman2747@reddit
The industry is desperate for pilots. If your son learns to fly he can find a job.
TGPF14@reddit
In case it hasnt been mentioned in this thread, try looking into pilot training programmes which support funding training in exchange for the student later serving a period of time as an instructor for the school. There are some like this in the United States for example which maybe linked to an airline leading me to the second point below.
Also look into airline sponsored programs that he may be eligible for at a certain age, again having the airline support the funding of training in exchange for a contract to fly for the airline should he pass his training and the airlines recruitment schemes. There are a few of these around the world, but usually require possessing the right to abode and work in the nation the programme/airline is based (Asian airlines for example) but there maybe one in your country.
Hope that helps somewhat!
Oh and most importantly, have him do some intro flights once he is 17 to 18 years old, and see if he actually enjoys it, then reevaluate once he obtains his Private Pilots License, lots of people tend to loose the interest ince they see how much work it takes to do this stuff!
DFT22@reddit
Dunno if you have a similar org in the UK, but here in Canada we have a branch of the military called “air cadets” where youth can get a taste of the experience, necessary discipline, and breadth of training and study required without exorbitant costs. They can also earn some of their first permits and licenses through air cadets. Some of our best instructors attended air cadets in their teens and all of them really appreciated the early start to their careers.
DrPat1967@reddit
Look into the Irish AIr Corps for scholarships and training opportunities
JordanMCMXCV@reddit
My brother was very similar and was absolutely obsessed with flying from a very young age. Was playing flight simulator on realistic setting before he was 10 and was always sure he was going to be a pilot.
My parents sacrificed and saved heavily so my brother could achieve his dream - and just last week, he earned his Captain wings at United Airlines at age 28. I say this because of course there are no guarantees that everything will work out perfectly for your son after flight school, but you will never know unless you try.
Good luck!
Xolah_D_Star@reddit
when did he start flight training?
JordanMCMXCV@reddit
He got his PPL in 2015 at age 18 and went from there.
Void24@reddit
Congrats to your brother! That’s awesome
imapilotaz@reddit
Spending your literal entire life savings on this for their son is foolhardy.
Yes kids are important and we want whats best for them, but having zero savings for yourself is not the way to do it. Especially since theres not a statistically insignificant number of pilots who go thru all ratings and do t fly for a living or lose their medical afterward.
You could have a 25 year old pilot who cant fly for a living, has no degree to fall back on and parents who now have no savings at all.
58mc12@reddit
My $.02… he is only 10 a lot of things can happen between now adulting..
IF his passion continues on the trajectory. HE will find a way to make it happen.
Maybe it’s the military route… I’m not sure how it works in Ireland. But if he got his flight training from the military he would:
A) not have to pay out of pocket for flight training B) make a decent wage while in the military C) not burn ALL your savings
If that doesn’t work the civilian route is also there.
Here is what my wife and I are planning for our children. While yes, we are saving for our kids future……they have no idea about it.
We want them to figure out a path and how to accomplish their goals. Once they have shown the maturity and decision making ability to go for their goal, we will present them with some sort of financial assistance structure from the “Bank of Mom and Dad”.
Fishmonger67@reddit
Are you looking for advice about America or Europe? They have different answers.
Quesque-say@reddit
I’m a private pilot with high performance airplane and instrument ratings. Owned and flew actively for 30 years. 2,000 hours pilot in command. The cost these days to get a private VFR rating are manageable. But to become a professional pilot way exceed the cost for private. He will need like 200 hours before taking instrument training… then another step and more cost to get a commercial rating. Then he will need hours and more training in multi engine aircraft. I’d guess the total cost for all of this can approach $100k and take several years. Then there is the task of finding a job. And he’s these pay very little. Many commercial pilots also take training to become instructor pilots in order to log pilot in command time when their student is paying for the rental time. It’s not an easy road but it can be done. Many do. Perhaps if he is a good student he could join the military and get into a flight status there and move to air carriers after military.
exposed_anus@reddit
Our son was exact same way. Obsessed with flying determined to be a pilot and joined Civil Air Patrol
Hes 15 now and forgot all about it and wants to be a nurse.
cheesesteak_genocide@reddit
You could have the same question for nearly any field he decides to go into. You could spend that money on a university education and he also fails to find a job.
There is a pilot shortage at the moment and something like that doesn’t really go away at a moments notice. If he is truly passionate about it and you want to support it, I would say go for it. Maybe try to see if he can get involved at a local airfield or speak to some pilots to really gauge if it is what he wants to do.
Parsley0_0@reddit (OP)
There are not too many college degrees that cost over 100k (at least in Ireland). The average cost of a degree here is 20-30k.
Worried-Resource2283@reddit
Hopefully this question doesn't come across as rude, I'm genuinely trying to understand :)
What bad-case scenarios are you worried about here? Is it that you're worried you'll spend $100k on flight school and then your son will lose interest? Or that you'll spend it and then he'll make garbage money and be unable to support you in your retirement even after you spent everything on his training? Or something else?
CorkGirl@reddit
Maybe just think of it as his educational fund? It might not cover the whole thing, but you're helping. Guys I know here in the UK (some "girls" too) often didn't have the whole chunk of it starting off so went the modular route. Maybe they had help from family, but not the whole thing funded. Saw a lot working while doing PPL (often in aviation - e.g. ops) and saving money to pay for ATPL section and multiengine. The younger ones tended to do fulltime ATPL courses but some others worked and did it independently, bit by bit. It can be done in chunks! Plus see a lot of cadet programmes being advertised now. Aer Lingus will likely have it again by the time he's ready, but in the UK can see easyJet and Jet2 advertising them, and BA also offer it intermittently. There are ways of doing it that aren't ruinous financially.
Aviation tends to be uncertain in terms of jobs and stability - waxes and wanes - but did a PPL for fun off and on over the past few years and have seen multiple people I came across get jobs over the past year. Including with BA. There is hope.
WoodSorrow@reddit
I know this will sound like a dumb “obvious” idea.
You seem relegated to the fact that 700 is what you will be able to save per month, forever.
Any chance to increase income / wife’s income? I won’t lie, assuming he starts flight school at… 16? 100,000 in total savings seems low for another 6 years of work.
Are student loans common? Your son would end up making good money as a pilot. I think you should split the baby rather than tank your potential retirement.
I don’t mean this to be rude of demeaning. I respect your commitment to your son. It’s extraordinarily admirable, and reminds me of my parents.
LupineChemist@reddit
Ireland has a working holiday scheme with the US. If he can use that to leverage a visa in the US you might be able to leverage Europe education costs with US salaries
cheesesteak_genocide@reddit
At the end of the day, saving the money for flight school has three outcomes:
You have enough money to cover an expensive education
You have more than enough money to cover a general university education
You have a nice savings in the even they don't end up going to school
I see no downside in planning for the most expensive early on assuming you can afford it. In the interim you can keep that money in an investment account or high-yield savings account and watch it grow. Regardless of what happens, you are putting your son in the best possible position to succeed in whatever they decide to do in the future.
devildog2067@reddit
Yes, but... the kid is 10. Who knows what the market will be like in 10-15 years? In the last 20-25 years, we've had both surplus and shortage in the market.
cheesesteak_genocide@reddit
Just save the money, when the time comes they are prepared for flight school, college, or whatever they want to do to help.
vorko_76@reddit
Actually it does go away very quickly but comes back later. On average these are 48 months cycles more or less.
graphixpunk@reddit
If he goes Air Force straight of highschool, he could sign a 4 year contract and come home with about $250k and he’d be half way to a college degree. If he gets the degree he could go back and become an Air Force pilot quite easily. There are a lot of different planes to fly.
If he wants to go commercial, it has never been easier to become an airline pilot.
There’s plenty of time to decide. You do not need to be especially wealthy to pursue this career. Keep him clean for the next 8 years… if he still wants it it will happen
Mitchyvie@reddit
Make sure he’s good at math, physics, and trigonometry,If he wants an aviation degree
iboreddd@reddit
There are more beneficial comments, so I won't repeat and give my perspective.
I'm not a pilot but just like your kid I was obsessed with aviation. My family was poor and definitely couldn't afford for a such thing. So I was little upset when I was young. But later I understand them. They gave me the best they can. Now I'm working at a different field but I had chance to work and contribute to a 5th gen fighter jet for a couple of years. It was a dream job and now it's fulfilled. Most important thing is I couldn't be there without my family's support.
Is it risky? Yes. But one way or another he can find a way for his passion and thank you for your support
Significant_Risk_44@reddit
My parents talked me out of flight school when i didn't know any better than to take their word for it. I'm 31 now, doing something I enjoy, but I fell into it. I still think of being a pilot daily, I'm grieving the dream.
100% do it, alot of older pilots will be retiring in the coming years so he'll have plenty of opportunity.
BassetCock@reddit
Save for them no matter what they want to do right now. Could be university, could be flight school, could be rehab, you never know but they will need a lot of money to help get started as young adults.
pluto-lite@reddit
He is 10. It’s not your son’s dream to be a pilot, it’s your dream for your son to be a pilot.
uavmx@reddit
Can he obtain a loan on his own when the time comes? In the states that is available
ReconKiller050@reddit
I guess I can speak to this from the otherside my parents paid for both my college degree and flight training.
You should be saving for your kids education regardless, get an education fund set up and make sure that it includes things like flight schools or other vocational schools. And then relax your kid is 10, interests will grow and change a lot as he grows up, do your best to introduce them to as many aviation-related and non aviation related things over the next few years you never know what might catch his attention. Especially since this industry is cyclic and goes in big hiring waves and dips, it's hard to say what the market might look like in 10 years but there are a lot of pilots who started the journey and never made it due to the bad job prospects at the time.
And don't forget to take care of yourself. Maybe instead of all your savings consider waiting till he has some basic income of his own and matching what he can pay towards flight training.
segv_coredump@reddit
Why not try to get into the Air Force Pilot Academy?
lawk@reddit
I am not a pilot. But flying in the sim has been a forever passion. But with breaks of several years in between. I still think it can be he will be into forever. So I think it might be a fair investment, but you can also do half of it as a loan?
At any rate I think it is a little early to make such a decision.
yourefunny@reddit
Can only give anecdotal thoughts on one person. When I was a kid a family friend's son came to live with us in England while he was training to be a pilot. He was in his late teens early twenties and from Ireland as well. Similarly to your son he was obsessed with flying. He had 50 odd airfix models of aircraft hung from the ceiling of his bedroom as a teen.
He studied very hard. Had help from his parents and us. Don't think he paid rent for example during his training. Could be wrong.
He is now in his 40s flies private jets for a very wealthy family/investment fund. Has an incredible life thanks to the pay and time off as there are numerous pilots on staff with a very generous rota. He owns 2-3 planes. A aerobatic plane and gorgeous old sea plane for sure, not sure if there are more.
He is also involved in historic flight teams, he is one of the lads flying WW2 fighters in the battle of Britain display team. He owns numerous cool classic motorbikes. Goes on amazing adventures on his newer bikes all around Europe thanks to his time off and understanding wife ha.
He really seems to be living the dream. Worked very hard for it and had generous parents and friends. Unfortunately he fell out with his mum I think and I'm not sure they talk all that much.
I wish I had his passion for something growing up. I have a 4 year old and will be doing similarly to you if he shows real interest in something. Good luck. But don't forget he can pay for stuff himself. Go to cheaper places to learn. Get loans etc.
Katana_DV20@reddit
You might find this interesting:
https://careers.ba.com/future-pilots
Ok_Towel1911@reddit
I’m not sure what country you’re in, but is joining the military a viable option for your son?
My brother is the pilot in the family. His first year of college he was part of the Air Force ROTC while pursuing a degree in aerospace engineering. His plan was to graduate and then join the Air Force as a pilot. The ROTC combined with the coursework was a bit overwhelming for him. He ended up transferring to another university closer to home that has a really good aviation program, and relatively affordable. Still expensive but my parents could afford it. After graduation he spent a few years as a student instructor to get more hours and experience and then eventually got hired to the Delta propel program. He just started his big boy job in January with Endeavor.
ClimateSame3574@reddit
So here in the states, our son attended an aviation university where he got pilot training AND a university degree.
Aviation training alone was 190,000 over four years, including instructors, plane rentals and fuel. We fronted him the money by refinancing our home. He was allowed to teach other students once he got his instructors rating, which helped with his living expenses.
Four years out of school he’s now a Captain for a large well known major carrier earning over $350K annually.
So if your kid likes you and promises to help pay off his debt, you could be ok…
happyexit7@reddit
Plan for your retirement first then your son’s education. There are multiple ways to pay for education, only one way to afford a comfortable retirement.
purrmutations@reddit
Yes, have you not seen The Rehearsal season 2?
SRM_Thornfoot@reddit
I have found that students that have to pay at least part of the cost for flying themselves are much more invested in their training. Time and time again I had students that had all of their costs being covered just take that for granted and show up unprepared without reading the material or showing any real ambition. When a student was paying their own way (or even just a portion of it) they would read ahead and have serious questions about the book, or what we were going to be doing that day to get the most out of each lesson they were paying for. Those students excelled and got through the training much faster, which in the end saves quite a bit of money.
So, plan to make your son work and have to pay every time he comes in to go fly. This is not to save you money as much as motivate him to be a better student.
ImtakintheBus@reddit
Here's a crazy option: your son can enlist in the US Military and try to get on the flight programs for Warrant Officers. I know there's a path to do this, I've met an Irish citizen that did it. I don't know many details, but it's worth glancing at for free training.
Zathral@reddit
I'd look into gliding instead of anything powered for a while. It's a great place to start, but it isn't just a place to start; gliding is its own whole sport. It's much more affordable than powered flying, very rewarding and there are often many fantastic junior initiatives which can help young people.
Overload4554@reddit
Plus it teaches good flying discipline (Every landing is a forced landing)
shepherds_pi@reddit
Kudos to you for helping support your kids ambitions.
I grew up in Ireland but I have lived in the US for over 20 years. I too have loved aviation for years.. and almost joined the Irish Air force when I was 18. ( not a huge amount of oppertunity back then )
Some of these may seem irrelevant, but I just thought that they are worth putting out there..
A) I have known people that have gone to flight school and yet never made a career out of it.. The starting pay wasn't enough for them to live off, and they unfortunately drifted into corporate America to pay the bills.. Do some research on this before you spend $$
B) There are some fantastic regional flight schools in US universities that provide a bachelor's degree in aviation. Some of these kids do really well afterwards. Plus they can be quite affordable for international students. Check out some place like the University of North Dakota etc. Crappy weather...but great experience.. Again.. just an example..
C) And this may not be an option.. but who knows down the line.. I have met lots of people in my career that learned to fly in the navy and air force. They served their time.. and got paid.. Sure its a long commitment.. but they got a job and a pension.. But best of all, a lot of them then got picked up by the airlines in their early 40s after retiring from their military career..... They seem to have a NICE lifestyle.. Good job.. good pay..and a military pension too.. Thats the advice I would give to my kids..
Good luck..
entropy13@reddit
In Europe it’s more common for airlines to pay for a lot of the flight training. You will just have to pay for the equivalent of his private pilots license, not his full commercial and ATP. They usually want pilots to have an undergraduate degree though so it would probably be best to have him do that either first or in parallel, especially if you live in a country that subsidizes college. (Which iirc Ireland does to some extent, not as much as Denmark etc but a good amount)
Skoodledoo@reddit
In the UK we have the RAF Air Cadets, is there something similar in Eire? I was in the cadets when I was younger and it was pretty much free to get your PPL through them, perhaps that could be something to look in to? I didn't stay in them due to family circumstances and moving, but a fellow cadet now flies Eurofighter Typhoons for the RAF. Also, airlines are doing cadet schemes such as Easyjet and BA, where they take on the cost and train you from 0 flying hours.
There's options out there, don't be disheartened and have financial blinkers on - just have a bit more a look around at what can be done.
Comfortable-Bonus421@reddit
Just a small point, seeing as you are talking about the RAF and therefore probably in the UK.
The name of the country in Irish is Éire. In English, it’s called Ireland.
KaceyElyk@reddit
Most of Ireland speaks English, therefore, it's still called Ireland in Ireland.
Comfortable-Bonus421@reddit
I was replying to an English speaker who called the country Eire: both spelling it incorrectly, and using the Irish name incorrectly.
KaceyElyk@reddit
Fair enough. My bad.
Celebration_Dapper@reddit
Same in Canada with the RCAF Air Cadets. It's where Chris Hadfield learned to fly on his long eventful journey to the International Space Station. As well as countless Air Canada pilots.
Hookiebookie_@reddit
So you've gotten tons of great advice here, but I thought I'd weigh in as a current Irish pilot, working for a UK low cost airline.
There's many ways in, mainly 3:
Airline sponsorship (MPL) Aer Lingus is fully sponsored with a job, but easyJet, BA and a handful of other airlines guarantee a job at the end of training if it's all completed to a certain level which is amazing. This is the route I took, doing the so-called MPL (Multiple pilots license) program. It's fantastic and well worth looking into, I can give you loads more info on that if you like. It takes typically 20-24 months from beginning to flying an A320 on the line. It's very hard, but very good training. It cost £100,500 when I did it, in which I had to cover rent, food etc. For me flights to and from the USA and accommodation there was covered in the course fees.
"Whitetail" fATPL [fATPL = frozen airline pilots transport licence] This is the one you may be familiar with, it's training to be an airline pilot with an ME-CPL/IR at the end (Multi-engine commercial airline pilot instrument rated pilot) after approximately 2-2.5 years training. I have plenty of friends who did this and are working for all sorts of airlines now, but finding a job at first is quite challenging. Often we have dispatchers who have done this who are working to make ends meet and keep the licence current while waiting for a job. This is risky, but in the current market you'll find something somewhere for sure. One "gotcha" is that you'll have to fork out another €15000-€25,000 for a "type rating" to be able to fly a jet at the end, so be ready for this extra cost. For the same school I went to, flights to and from the USA and accommodation is included.
"Modular" fATPL This is super similar to the above, but you do the license qualification piece-by-piece. It's significantly cheaper coming in around €80,000 or less, but rumours say some airlines don't like to take these pilots as the "quality isn't guaranteed" (read: they're snobby and have the luxury of choice). This works to get you flying, but it comes with its risks. I have friends and I know captains who did this, but it can be a longer road to success.
My advice? Go for one of the sponsored schemes, and get him involved in gliding to see if this is what he really wants to do, as that's the most raw version of flying there is (and is relatively affordable as well as amazing fun!) He'll learn some great skills and find exposure to the core principles of flying, which stands you in great stead even when you're flying the jets.
How I did it: I was lucky that I had the bank of mum & dad to help me out, but I went to university first in the UK on a scholarship and got an aero engineering degree. From there I went to do the MPL and now here I am flying professionally. The degree wasn't strictly necessary, but I had the opportunity to do it, so I did.
So yeah, there you go! Any questions you want to ask a fellow paddy pilot, ask away and I'll see if I can help!
ConversationFalse242@reddit
Keep saving the money, emphasize education and physical fitness.
Then have him apply to be a pilot in the military.
If he makes it you are all set. If he doesnt see it to the end, you are still all set.
bo0da@reddit
Check he's not colour blind.
filtersweep@reddit
My son was obsessed with digging machines when he was 10. Today he is studying to be a lawyer. Just relax. Your son will soon want to be a pro footballer….. or whatever. It is what kids do
trevorwelsh@reddit
the air force will pay you to learn how to fly.
DiabloConLechuga@reddit
you need to get him out of the country to a country that has an aviation culture like canada or the usa.
Wobblycogs@reddit
As he gets older, I'd get him involved as much as you can with flying / planes as a hobby. If the desire to become a pilot stays, great, you know what to do.
Whatever he trains to become carries a risk that he'll fall out of love with it or the industry will be too competitive etc etc. It's just a risk you have to take.
Milktoast27@reddit
You are awesome parents saving so much for your sons future. But you also shouldn’t leverage your families future on his education. Have to decide the amount that you’re able to afford to give him. It still likely will be an incredibly generous gift.
I also personally believe him having some skin in the game of having to work and save and stay busy to accomplish his dream. Its motivating and helps separate those who actually want it vs those who think it sounds cool and parents are footing the bill while they waste money taking extra lessons or losing proficiency taking breaks in training. Obviously set boundaries if doing loan route on how much they take out so its an amount they can afford payments. Maybe you pay 60, he takes out 25 in loans and works a job the way through for the rest.
Capybaaaraa@reddit
Join the military?
mike_sl@reddit
OP, Are you clear about the distinction between “getting a private pilot’s license” with “becoming a paid pilot, for private jets, minor or major airline”?
Have you looked at where airlines hire their pilots from? I think a lot of the best trained pilots come from a military background (at least here in the US)
TNThetraveler@reddit
This is a great answer ^ your family might not know the answer now, but if he wants to be a hobby pilot there’s a very different path/risk consideration vs a commercial pilot path.
give-me-the-MRJT@reddit
You can get all the training done for far less then 100K, don't be fooled by certain serach engine optimised results from large schools offering MPL programs. However, if he naturally has no knack for it(happens) then it could cost beyond 100K. If he is very interested in flying then the Modular route is fine and honestly I think it gives a more rounded education. Also, no harm in him working for it, I met a bunch very unmotivated students who knew the money was already accounted for and it showed in their attitude and results (brats). When he has to pay (a portion at least) of his training I assure you he will take it more seriously. My general recommendation to parents is that if the child is genuinely very interested in being a pilot, get into an adjacent role within the sector, aircraft engineer/mechanic/operations and then they have a job at least, this will also help in interviews as I assure you there is no pilot shortage, you can be the perfect student and still land no job (I have seen many cases). Finally, the percentage who reach PPL to actually in the airlines is tiny, someone quoted 20% in the comments but I assure you it is lower. At least if they have a career adjacent to aviation, even if they never become a pilot they can enjoy the industry. But if they know you have it all set up for them saved then at 18 it can go a few ways, they take it for granted and are not motivated, or they are incredibly stressed knowing it is all your savings and that hampers performance, or a tiny chance they get through the training to the end no bother but that is rare.
hr2pilot@reddit
This is me 65 years ago. Retired now, but had the greatest career I could ever want flying airplanes.
Lots of great advice in all these comments.
Blue_foot@reddit
He is still young.
I wanted to be a pilot until my first flight in a little Cessna 🤮
There are many jobs in aviation. Engineering, maintenance, traffic control, ground crew, etc.
Parsley0_0@reddit (OP)
What happened during your first flight?? 😂
Blue_foot@reddit
I puked. (In a bag)
Denim-Luckies-n-Wry@reddit
Saving the money is never a mistake. Blowing it all on his education is a mistake.
I was first invited to an airline cockpit at 12 yo and flying became my dream. I just retired from the airlines with type certification on the Boeing 727, 737, 757 and 767 on my ATP. I never worked a day in my life, I've seen a fair part of the world, and I'd do it all again.
Flying is not an easy business. I came from the lower middle class. My family had no hope of helping pay. I served in military aviation and used various student grants and the US GI Bill. He has to want it and stick to it. He has to work for it. Get him involved in military aviation, or a joint university/airline program, or an air cadet program. Everyone has mentioned those here.
Don't blow your savings. It's a poor bet.
Mestizo3@reddit
Chatgpt can be helpful in specific cases like this, I asked it to make a table of Aircraft related jobs since becoming a Pilot has such a low chance of success, specific to Ireland:
"Sure — here’s a streamlined, text-only version, cutting down the length while keeping the essential facts for each aviation career in Ireland:
Airline Pilot
Training costs €65,000–€120,000. Around 50–60% finish training, but only 10–15% get hired by airlines. Starting salary is around €35,000, rising to €150,000+ for senior captains. High risk, high reward.
Aircraft Mechanic (B1/B2 Licensed Engineer)
Entry is easy through aviation colleges or apprenticeships. Training costs €10,000–€20,000 and takes 2–3 years. Around 70–85% complete the program, and 80–90% get jobs. Salaries range from €25,000 to €70,000.
Avionics Technician
Specializes in aircraft electronics. Similar entry to mechanics but more technical. Completion rate is 65–80%, with 75–85% job placement. Salaries range from €30,000 to €75,000.
Air Traffic Controller
Extremely competitive to enter (less than 5% accepted). Training is free but difficult—only about half finish. Those who do are almost always placed in jobs. Salaries reach €70,000–€100,000+.
Aviation Operations / Airport Management
Easiest to access via university programs. Training is business-focused and has high completion. Job placement is 60–75%, with salaries from €28,000 to €60,000.
Flight or Ground Instructor
Requires a commercial pilot license. Often a backup career for pilots who don’t reach airline level. Around 65–75% get placed in schools. Salaries are lower, around €25,000–€50,000.
Let me know if you want help matching these to your child’s strengths or interest areas."
Hope this helps!
allieni@reddit
Put him in Air Cadets as soon as he’s old enough. Not familiar with the programs in Europe but in Canada there are many scholarships towards licenses for those in the program.
imnotabotareyou@reddit
He should just join air force
Most_Definition_2875@reddit
He could join the airforce and get free training and a lot better chance of employment later with his experience. JS
mnztr1@reddit
I had the same dream when I was 10, now I am 59. My eyes went when I was 13 and they had no lasik at the time. I still wish I had followed the dream more intently and aviation is still magical to me. If he has decided at 10, he probably has the passion.
mnztr1@reddit
What country are you in? You can get free pilot training in the military. Since you are in Europe and they are growing the Military budget, you should get him into air cadets and see if he can get trained as a pilot in the aif force or coast guard.
Leading_Tonight4338@reddit
As a parent with a kid that was a big dreamer, I have general advice.
Get him started on skills he needs to be a pilot. Decision making skills, communication skills, critical thinking skills. Get books about flying and get him reading. I can't stress reading enough. There is a big difference between watching a plane takeoff and actually learning what it takes for that to happen.
My kid wanted to be a soccer star. They begged to join soccer. We suspected it was because their mom was pushing them into it so we offered to get them a soccer that they could take to the park on days when we had meetups with other kids. There were always kids playing soccer. The amount of times my kid went out and actually played soccer: 0
Then it was ants. They wanted to raise ants so I got them a book on ants and told them to write a list of things they need to have and do to raise ants. Lists completed: 0
I could list a dozen other things. It is cool to think of all these things we CAN do but actually buckling down and learning is a different thing. Also, they are 10. Next year they might want to grow up to be a ninja turtle.
Keep saving the money, you'll need it anyway but get your kid a solid foundation built on learning.
Winwookiee@reddit
I know nothing of Ireland's military/defense, but is it feasible to join the airforce/air corps? I don't think most have a guaranteed shot at becoming a pilot, but its a possible path.
I worked on us military aircraft as a maintainer, and several of the pilots I knew retired and then got jobs working for airlines or cargo companies, since they had a nice chunk of experience to put on their resume. Plus the military paid for their initial training.
skapuntz@reddit
He is still too young to even think shit it. You don’t know if he will get the Dane way in 5 or 6 years. Save the money, that is a good initiative anyway. By the time he is old enough he should first of all get a class 1 medical and also do some flying as a pax, maybe there is an aero club around, to see if he likes. After that start applying to airline programs or flight school programs with airlines in Europe (you are from Ireland I think?). Easyjet for example have a stellar program, Ryanair, BA and others have or will have for sure at some point.
Also, you don’t have to pay for the full training, if your son gets in to a program and if he is a smart kid, you guys can get a loan from the bank to pay for part of the training, that he will later pay with his salary. You actually shouldn’t pay for all of it for sure. He will be 22 or so and a pilot hopefully, he will make enough money to pay for his own loan.
Good luck
oh_helloghost@reddit
First of all, I just wanna say, you sound like awesome parents for taking your 10 year old son’s career dreams seriously and putting money away to support that dream. Seriously, well done.
Next, chill… the kid is 10.
You putting money aside now doesn’t commit him to flight training, university or anything at all! At the end of the day, there is gonna be a very helpful nest egg for your son or your family to use down the road.
Aviation is one of the most volatile industries out there. What is happening today means nothing for next year, let alone 10 years time when your son will be looking for a job. There’s absolutely no point even thinking about the practicalities of it now.
Aside from saving the Money, introduce your son involved in aviation adjacent things. Model aircraft building, RC flying, flight sim, air cadets or scouts, local airport programmes for kids.
Even music lessons, sports or orher clubs that require a commitment in time and effort. Being a pilot is not a test in eye-sight and reaction times, it’s a commitment to study, life-long learning, patience. Good luck to your son!
oh_helloghost@reddit
I also want to add that I wanted to fly since I can remember. My parents were not in a position to help me at all.
I paid for all of my own flight training by working full time. I didn’t take out any loans and I paid for lessons as I went along. I started aged 28 and got to the fight deck of an airliner 8 years later.
You do not need to feel responsible to sponsor every cent of your son’s flight training. There are lots of ways to make it happen. Anything you can do to help him is a bonus. That includes you supporting hobbies that align with his goals while he is young. This might not even cost you anything!
Don’t kill his dream now because you are worried about how you’ll afford it, just live within your means and do what you can.
MixGood6313@reddit
Spot on. Well done.
MixGood6313@reddit
Hey there,
I know nothing of the aviation industry but I've been trying to find work in a hugely competitive space for years and made little progress and after giving it me all I'm looking at a serious none vocational career path cos im sick of being broke.
Other thing, sounds like hes got that sperg love for flying which means doing it as a career may actually ruin it for him, he may prefer working a normal job and putting money into flying as a hobby.
Army_Wannabe05@reddit
I am a ramp agent, the guy who throws bags on planes, and let me tell there is a whole world to aviation. Being a pilot is a single job, or designation, and let your son be into planes. He might never ever be a pilot- but let me say that I wish I had become focused like him when I was young.
Your son will need a four year degree to fly in most capacities; let’s aim for that in any discipline. Let’s also aim for other careers in the industry like tarmac ops, A&P tech, or customer service. Most of these jobs are much easier to obtain and ate even considered skills to an extent.
Most of the military branches require the four year degree to be an aviator (and if you’re willing to put 10 years of your life away) free flight training / time accrued. Since he’s still a real kid; the military might be a good option in the future. I myself am considering something called WOFT with the US Army.
Best of luck to you and your son. Don’t let me hold back because of perceived hardships. Anything is possible if you put your mind to it.
eliminate1337@reddit
What do you mean by all your savings? I don't know how retirement works in Ireland but make sure you prioritize that over your son's education. You can borrow money for education but not for retirement. This is a 'put your own mask on before helping others' thing.
Kai-ni@reddit
That's the reality with any career. You're taking that risk regardless. He's ten, so its whatever right now, but let him decide when he gets there. Sheesh.
For what it's worth, I have a college degree and a low paying job from it and I wish I could go the full pilot route instead (I fly but for fun, I have a class 3 medical and can't go higher).
Impossible_Cycle9460@reddit
I am not a pilot and have only been a parent for 2 years. That being said, I know from my experience as a young man that without commitment, willingness to sacrifice and the ability to think long term you can do everything right as parents but ultimately your child’s success is up to them.
My parents were financially secure but not wealthy. They didn’t have put all of their savings into my education so the stakes weren’t as high for them but I just wasn’t ready to be an adult when the time came. I went to college for 2 years and maybe went to 20% of my classes. I was much more interested in thinking I knew better and doing things my own way. It wasn’t until my late 20s that I figured out that no one, not even my parents who would have if they could have, could give me the success I wanted in life. I had to build it for myself.
I say this not to discourage you from investing in your son but to encourage you to think beyond the immediate costs of his dreams. You very well may already do this but I can’t tell you how many peers I have that have yet to figure it out in their mid 30s. They still think life should be handed to them, like they have a right to a certain life because it’s what they’re accustomed to and like the world is against them because they’re not where they thought they would be. I know many of their parents are desperate to help them, many are in the position to continue supporting them, but they just can’t seem to figure out that the only thing they can do it rip the bandaid off and force their children to struggle for what they want.
Ok-Pomegranate-4275@reddit
He’s 10. I would wait a few more years before deciding on anything in regards to what he wants to do in life.
kaverp66@reddit
Isn’t the first degree free in Ireland? The Irish doctors I know went through medical school for free.
italyqt@reddit
My son has been obsessed with planes since he was a child (his dad is a helicopter pilot). At six years old he announced he wanted to be a fighter pilot. As a teenager he pursued a private pilots license. He was diagnosed with ADHD and hasn’t had enough time to be able to get a civilian medical certificate without a ton of expensive testing. The flight surgeon told him he might qualify for the military so he’s off pursuing that now, but at his physical they discovered an issue with his eye they need a waiver for. He thankfully picked a degree he can use in the civilian world too. Moral of the story, support him, but prepare for something else as well. If you save enough for flight school and it does not work out you can use it for something else.
Jaester131@reddit
I'm replying by looking at your question through purely a financial perspective.
Honest opinion as someone who is in the consulting side of the aviation industry, I would say no. I say no because you live in Ireland. If you lived in the USA, I would say yes.
First, in Ireland, college education is much cheaper. Thus your son could get into a lucrative non-pilot career with little financial investment. In the United States, education expenses for non-pilot jobs are much higher, thus paying for flight school instead, makes more sense.
Second, European pilot pay lags quite a bit compared to the United States, especially in the late career stages. Thus, the return on investment on being a pilot in Europe is not as great versus the United States.
iCameToLearnSomeCode@reddit
You're saving for your child's education.
What he chooses to get an education in, when the time comes is irrelevant.
Maybe he'll want to be a doctor when he finally gets there, medical school isn't cheap either.
Maybe he'll want to be an electrician and then you can buy him equipment after trade school with the extra.
Saving money isn't a risk.
Prince_Aviation@reddit
I just want to say that as a 20 y/o whose dreams and #1 goal in life is to become an airline pilot, I wish with everything I have that my family wasn’t insanely poor, this day in age it’s hard for young people to find a good paying job that isn’t 50-70 hr work week which then doesn’t leave anytime to fly, on the flip side you have were I’m at… poor can’t find a job and if you do it’s low pay so we have the other option to resort to loans which also arises a problem… we have no money to pay back the loans WE ARE STUCK.. so point in all this rant is I can promise you this.. if he wants to fly and it is his true ambition in life then do it, help him accomplish his dreams… if for whatever reason it doesn’t work out you will still have a child that will (hopefully) be eternally grateful for helping him. I will also point out that European airlines are not a must! Some airlines here in the USA will cover some if not most of relocation costs (minus immigration permits) and pay more! A lot of options for the young man! Help him accomplish his dreams!!!
eddie_cat@reddit
The way to become a pilot is to join the air force.
aftcg@reddit
I've heard this story countless times from the successful pilots I fly with.
gimmijohn@reddit
Take him on discovery flights and helicopter tours for birthdays and keep coaling his interest but one day he can say I want to be a cook now…
Existing_Royal_3500@reddit
I know in the military they had different tests to discover if want-to-be pilots had a natural aptitude towards flying. Even the government knows it costs a lot of time and money to create a pilot. I never searched for it but you might want to search online for information on such testing materials.
db7fromthe6@reddit
Air cadets-milcol-airlines
Akandoji@reddit
If there is a will, there is a way. That being said, always keep a backup plan.
I didn't start flying (private) until I was fairly comfortable, as most people are. That being said, I'll take my cousin's example for this one (commercial pilot captain rank, so that I kill off the suspense lol :D).
He was obsessed with flying and aircraft since childhood. Not much with the mechanical stuff but with the piloting of it. But he was born with a medical condition that would disqualify him if he didn't fix it with a surgery.
First thing he did, got a degree in business. Just as a backup. Generic degrees always help.
Second thing, took up a bog standard job. Used the savings from that to cover part of the expense for his training.
Third thing, he took a loan for the rest from friends and family. Covered just enough to get started on training.
All the while, he took his classes for the pilot exams at the night, while he went for work everyday.
While he had a number of choices for pilot training, he chose to go with an airline academy, as that would be a pipeline for more steady employment. Ended up joining at the academy of a Middle Eastern airline.
Just a few months back, he made captain.
mctomtom@reddit
My parents could not afford to send me to any flight school. I grew up poor. I ended up getting my bachelor’s degree in-state, and started my flight training at age 31 when I could finally afford it. Your son is a lucky guy. Bring a professional pilot requires strong study skills and good psychomotor skills (hand-eye coordination). For now, make sure he develops those skills, and he’ll have a leg-up when the time comes to train.
Nimbus3258@reddit
"saving around 700 euro a month for the past few years to help him chase this goal. If he changes his mind, the money will go toward university or another path"
"This would be everything for us. All of our savings. No backup plan."
"As regular people who will just barely be able to afford this, are we making a huge mistake?"
Subsidizing your kid's education, whatever path he takes, would not be "a huge mistake." Leaving yourself financially destitute in order to do it might qualify though. How were you planning to live? Would he be supporting you? That is the only obvious scenario where this level of concern about the airline industry, 10+ years from now, would make sense. Or am I completely not understanding the question and context?
aaronw22@reddit
100k euro to become a commercial pilot is a huge amount of money. It should not cost that much. Instead, what a lot of pilots do is get their commercial license and then do flight instruction to build hours (for free!) Then after they are on the way to getting enough hours they can look at other certificates.
ruseofosiris@reddit
Do what you can for your son and your son will do what he can for you!
Nikitafrenches@reddit
Hello,
My parents have generously supported my education by taking out a loan to help cover the costs, as they weren’t able to save the full amount in advance. They’re currently making monthly payments to the bank so I can pursue my studies.
Now that I’m nearing the end of my program. I’m originally from Europe and currently living in Canada, with only one final written exam remaining. the pressure of securing a job is starting to build.
Still, I remain optimistic. In the worst-case scenario, I can complete my instructor rating or work as a dispatcher. Many airlines offer pathways from dispatch to the flight deck.
Of course, nothing in this field is guaranteed. It comes down to having faith in your son’s commitment to his studies and, his life choices.
If you’d like to talk more about this privately, I’d be very happy to.
animalfath3r@reddit
Dude, he's 10? This shouldn't even be on your radar yet... He may have no interest at all when he's older, relax. Second, 100,000 euro for a job that you can get into without college at all and pay is low/mediocre for a significant part ones career. Kindly save your 100,000 and send him to university for an engineering degree instead.
TexasBrett@reddit
Ehhh…I did this exact path. Chased the money, became a professional engineer. Now, I have little passion for what I do and spend all my money flying.
animalfath3r@reddit
Most engineers I know don't love their careers, but they have the disposable income to follow their pursuits in the meantime.
TexasBrett@reddit
I’m saying I wouldn’t make that trade again if I could do it all over.
Haunting_Job_5357@reddit
Go to your local small airport and start making friends. There are plenty of folks that will get him close to the plane. You most likely will find a local flight school there too. Spend a few bucks for a log book and a couple of classes. Have fun with his interest and see where it all goes.
Randomse7en@reddit
I would do 3 things.
Keep saving.
When he is 13/14 - if he is still keen - get him flying at the local aero club - even if its only once a month for an hour. Get him doing desktop navigation once he has been flying a few times.
After that make sure to focus seriously hard on education and academics. IMO many people underestimate the volume and speed at which training is delivered. Point 2 should have sorted his flying to a point where he keeps blue up, but the maths, physics and memory is demanding. People who have a high standard of maths will be much more likely to find success.
Don't worry too much about the jobs market.
Haulnazz15@reddit
There is ZERO risk to you right now. You are literally just saving 700 EUR/mo that can be used for anything you want, be it retirement or funding university/flight school for your son. Things happen between now and then, so he may not choose flying as an occupation, but that doesn't impact your finances at all right now. As long as you aren't putting the money into some flight school-associated savings account, it's literally available to use as you need it.
My personal example is VERY similar to your son. I have loved/been around aviation from the time I could walk. Wanted to be a pilot and flew home PC flight simulators from the time they were first available. Built model aircraft, read tons of aviation literature. When I got into my last 2 years of high school, I decided against being a pilot because I watched two of my uncles as pilots and saw one get laid off repeatedly from Delta due to furloughs/etc. and the other uncle rarely home from a corporate flying job which had a negative impact on his kids/family. I went to university instead and got a degree, then went back later on and got my pilot's certificates/ratings. I do not fly professionally, but could do so relatively quickly if I wanted to. My decision to be more available for my family (the way I want to) was a decision I made in late-high school, so things often change despite what I was obsessed with as a child.
Your savings/investment has no risk at the moment so keep doing that. Keep encouraging your son to pursue his interests/dreams. HOWEVER, I will say that (at least in the USA) it would be very prudent to pursue a non-aviation degree and then go get the pilot ratings just so they have a fallback plan for when layoffs/furloughs happen in the aviation industry (and they always happen).
Livid_Size_720@reddit
It is risky, it can be. But if he really wants to do that, why not? There are many options. It depends how he wants to study, etc. You can think about chear flight school in more eastern part of Europe. It doesn't mean they are bad. And since it is EU, it really doesn't matter.
Back up plan is simple. He can have everything done when he is like what? 22-23? Back up plan is he has 40 years of productive life to make something of it.
I went all in. Didn't worked as planed, but worked out in the end. And people who said it is too early? Well, you can save him the money and then, when time comes it is up to him. There is nothing wrong with that. I wanted to fly since I was 9-10 too. And I didn't give up this idea.
Pop-metal@reddit
Sure, you’re not wealthy.
sneijder@reddit
You’re really overthinking it at 10
Save for his house deposit instead (In an ISA ?) … moneys there to do what you want with.
Lostinvertaling@reddit
Make sure you also have a second plan just in case he doesn’t have what it takes to become a pilot or if there is a glut in the market.
Nakagura775@reddit
Look at colleges and universities that have flight programs like Purdue and Embry-Riddle. Or he can go the ROTC route or a Service Academy.
IrishConnection97@reddit
There’s no shortage of jobs believe me.
Here’s a stat for you. 1 new Ryanair plane delivery required 10 pilots. M
Also there is options for you guys. I’m doing what’s called modular program. It’s tailored towards people who don’t have the money up front and are ok with working around it even if it takes a little longer.
There’s also more airlines launching schemes now some of which are fully funded like British Airways, Aer Lingus and most recently Jet2. While they are tough to get into, they are definitely not impossible but it can be down to luck because only around 15-20 people can be picked so it’s no reflection on an individual if they miss out.
To close my comment, you have to go all in for your kid. My family did it for me. It’s very tough and it requires a lot of personal sacrifice. But it’s an amazing world to step into when you get through the training.
Ixlr8_4maxQ@reddit
Well 10 years old is just too young to commit to flying. I would suggest continuing to save for his education and when he is 16-17 then do an intro flight. If he’s really interested after that then buy him his ground school and let him pay a portion of the lessons leading up to his private license. This will be the true indicator of his level of commitment.
There is always risk involved with every thing that we do but this is will help mitigate it somewhat. If he changes his mind, you’ll still be in a financial position to assist in his further education whatever that turns out to be. Cheers
FlyingCloud777@reddit
I think saving for your child's future education or perhaps even a business investment is wise if you can do it. That said, he's still "a little kid", really at age ten. We're not talking about an older ten here. At age ten I wanted to become a pilot and pro soccer player and eventually became both an aviation and sports journalist and work in soccer now. But kids can and do change their minds. I think looking at this as saving for your son's education is really the most-prudent approach overall.
Consistent-Trick2987@reddit
I am a pilot though not an airline pilot so take my advice for what its worth. I am not sure how flight schools work in Ireland but unless you have to pay the entire cost upfront you wouldn't lose all the money if he didn't finish. And whatever licenses or ratings he is able to achieve are forever.
Secondly, not saying it doesn't happen but I have not heard very many stories of pilots that went through all their training, didn't have a bunch of failures and have met all the requirements that simply cannot find any work. They may have some trouble initially due to low experience. Or may have to take a low paying flying job to start or maybe it takes a little longer to get to their dream job but things eventually work out. Pilots make up only a very small percentage of people so it is still a very rare skill to have and there will always be demand (well until they get replaced with robots or AI etc). And there are lots of other flying jobs besides flying for an airline.
But its also not a bad idea for him to get a college degree as well in case things don't work out. And also he's 10 so he might change his mind :)
ScheduleDry6598@reddit
If your country has an Air Cadet program usually it will provide kids with a pilots license if they stick with it.
TigerUSA20@reddit
Since you mentioned Euros, I will assume you are in Europe.
In the U.S. we have the Civil Air Patrol, which is a U.S. Air Force Auxiliary non-profit organization that youths can join at as early as 12 years old and be involved with over many years. There is no requirement to join the actual U.S. Air Force when complete. I think there are many benefits and learnings from this organization.
I don't know if there is anything similar to this in your country, but perhaps worth finding out. Any actual experience and or education that your child can get during these years can only be both beneficial and also confirm their desires to be in this field.
https://www.gocivilairpatrol.com/programs/cadets/parents
andin321@reddit
Your son is only 10? You're quite a was away and things will change multiple times before he gets old enough to act on his dreams, if he still has this one. I'd say putting the money away in an investment plan for his education later on is smart. Either way, if he wants to be a pilot or go to school for something else the funds will be there, so can't go wrong with that. But short of having a crystal ball there's no way of telling what will happen in the next 10 to 15 years. Too soon to worry about that part.
the231050@reddit
Good for you - I’d say you don’t win prizes without buying tickets, so why not!
Inevitable-Emu-6466@reddit
I think it's important to suppoortrt our son's's dreams, but it't's also important to have a backup plan in
Any_Purchase_3880@reddit
First off thank you for being awesome and supporting your child's dream.
Second. I'm of the opinion that while the job market fluctuates here and there, he would certainly find SOME type of flying job. Since he wouldn't have a crippling loan to pay back like I do, he could make do earning relatively low pay while he builds hours until getting a job that pays well.
He could get lucky or network himself well or both and get a lucrative position right out of flight school. It happens. Predicting what it will be like after getting the license is hard stuff.
At the end of the day, he would be following his dream. And he would be able to return the favor down the road. It's certainly uncertain, and not without risk. But as a dad, I would absolutely go for it if I were you.
Also I'm in the USA so my advice is based on my experience with US flying.
If you do, encourage him to get a job fueling planes or working at an FBO while he trains. It will help him down the road.