How I became a pilot- time and costs

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SmartyPantsJohnny@reddit

How many actual PIC hours for PPL, IR and CPL?

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chicagoderp@reddit

What corporate career did you leave? What was your salary?

What pilot job did you get? What is your salary/hourly?

What's your current TT?

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2002_4Runnersr5@reddit (OP)

Corporate finance, about $150k TC

CFI, pay sucks but I knew that would be the case

305 TT

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chicagoderp@reddit

How many students do you have?

How long do you think it will take you to get to 1500?

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2002_4Runnersr5@reddit (OP)

Still getting my sea legs but I expect about 18-20 months on the road to 1500.

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Physical-Program-509@reddit

Damn, the opportunity cost alone is going to be almost a quarter mil before you get your 1500 hrs, crazy

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It sounds so cliche to say this but the money was not important to me. I chased a job with high earning potential and I hated it. I hated the people and the lifestyle. Fortunately it did set me up to do something I actually care about and to me that is priceless.

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chicagoderp@reddit

Good luck! Have fun. Congrats on the career change. I hope it's everything you dreamed it would be.

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2002_4Runnersr5@reddit (OP)

Thank you!

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Blaster3322@reddit

Currently 28, have a strong IT background but can’t get a job there so I’m stuck serving/bartending rn while fortunately/unfortunately living at home. I am however super interested in aviation, taking my ATSA tomorrow but also would love to know how to start to become a pilot

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ResidentEntire7297@reddit

How did to build hours from IR to CFI I started flying 7 months ago and I feel like I’m already struggling on finding what to do to get to 250 without being bored. I’m currently at 150 hours.

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2002_4Runnersr5@reddit (OP)

If you are already bored that may not be a good sign. I split time with other pilots, flew with my family, went on day trips, had lunch. Thinking back it was a great time.

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ResidentEntire7297@reddit

Sounds like that could be the move. Idk it gets kinda boring by yourself. I’ve flown to other states which is fun but I just was curious on what other things people do

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No_Pudding_4598@reddit

Hopefully you haven’t already answered this but did you knock out any of the written’s prior to starting? I’m about to take the leap and would like to get it done in a similar time (I fully recognize there is a small chance of that happening)

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Such-Custard-5978@reddit

How did you balance your full time gig with studying for CFI?

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PerspectiveLivid1060@reddit

Curious how old you were when u made the switch? I have a similar situation as you too. Best of luck with the CFI job!

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Icy-Bar-9712@reddit

I started 46. Will be airline mins right at 3 years from 1st lesson. It definitely can be done.

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trampled93@reddit

I’m 46 now and pondering getting flight lessons and eventually possibly fly for a career if everything goes right, so seeing others my age doing it is helpful.

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Icy-Bar-9712@reddit

Being an "older" student presents some interesting benefits and struggles.

Assuming, as a student, you study hard:

Older peeps get the ground work faster and deeper.

Younger ones the flight skills come faster and better retention of info in the moment.

But everyone not being equal, the ground is where people struggle and the younger students are waaaaaay worse than the older (mid 30s and up)

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trampled93@reddit

Thanks for the insight. Are you training under Part 61 or 141? I’m trying to figure out what the difference is.

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Icy-Bar-9712@reddit

61 vs 141 is FAA approved curriculum. Material is more or less the same just a difference in how the instruction is structured.

I've done a mix of both as a student and an instructor and here's the bottom line: 141 programs will never be amazing. The mediocrity is a feature not a bug. They will also not be shit. There is a 80% average 1st time pass rate minimum to maintain the 141 certification.

61s can be amazing, they can be shit, and everything in the middle. As a new student you will struggle to be able to identify if a school is good, bad, or somewhere in the middle.

141s will also tend to be muuuuuch more expensive (apples to apples comparisons on airframes). There is a little benefit to those extra $, but not commensurate to the amount of extra $.

Ultimately its the skill of your instructor that will have the largest effect on your success.

Where abouts are you in the US?

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trampled93@reddit

I’m in Minneapolis MN. There’s a couple small airports in my area that have flight training.

https://www.twincitiesflight.com/

https://thunderbirdaviation.com/

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2002_4Runnersr5@reddit (OP)

Early 30s. It was such an easy decision for me. This is something I’ve wanted since I was old enough to talk.

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PerspectiveLivid1060@reddit

It’s always been in the back of my head too. I just started lessons a month ago. Congrats man.

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sudo_vi@reddit

I'm in a very similar financial and career situation that you were in. My workload is <40hrs a week, I make six figures, and I'm fully remote. I started flight school earlier this month. Based on my dual flight costs so far, I can cash flow 10 flights a month without spending any of my savings. Hoping I can have a similar timeline to yours.

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2002_4Runnersr5@reddit (OP)

You’re golden with this background. It’s a fortunate situation to be in no doubt. I quit my corporate job when I got CPL and just cranked out CFI.

The remote six fig job is excellent on paper but I was so obscenely bored that I knew there was no way I could do that the rest of my life.

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sudo_vi@reddit

The remote six fig job is excellent on paper but I was so obscenely bored that I knew there was no way I could do that the rest of my life.

This is the exact feeling I've been having dude. My job is so low stimulus that I'm absolutely bored out of my mind constantly. The position that I'm in is exactly the kind of job I dreamed of having when I was working insane 100 hour weeks in the Navy, but it turns out it sucks balls.

Happy for you man. Best of luck in this new chapter!

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Openmug@reddit

How did you manage the busy season such as budget cycles w/ the day job? Also which rating was the hardest? Im in corp finance and considering this too.

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downwiththeho@reddit

What was the deciding factor in going Part 61 vs 141?

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2002_4Runnersr5@reddit (OP)

Mainly flexibility with work and my schedule. Also cost. Also went to 2 great schools.

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downwiththeho@reddit

Thanks. I’m about to get started on my pilot training journey. Thinking back to when you got started, is there any thing you’d do differently?

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2002_4Runnersr5@reddit (OP)

I’d have done it when I was 20 instead of 30 haha. But I didn’t come from exceptional financial means so I had to grind it out to be able to pay myself.

I say just go for it. I was hesitant in the beginning because of the time commitment and how long it would take but when I said to myself “the time is going to pass regardless” and “when I’m 55 do I want to be flying jets or a desk” the answer I arrived at was very clear.

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DeathmasterCody@reddit

How are the working hours for your first pilot job?

What is it like compared to your corporate job? Do you enjoy it? Is it more tiring/strenuous?

How long do you spend away from home/family/friends?

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Winter_Estate6967@reddit

Hey quick question. Where did you complete all your training. I’m in the middle of training and I forecast something in the 85k range. I’m in Atlanta GA, so just curious if it was cheaper bc you did it in a city with a lower cost of training.

I also have a corporate job, so I feel in a very similar boat than you. One more question, did you quit your corporate when you got the CFI or will you keep working corporate and CFI instructing part time ?

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2002_4Runnersr5@reddit (OP)

I trained at 2 schools and paid around 200/hr wet and about 65/hr for the instructors. To keep the costs down when I built hours to 250, I split time with some other pilots at my school and that helped a lot. This was all near NC.

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Winter_Estate6967@reddit

Hey thank you for the info. I think that based on the rates you paid and your total at the end, I will most likely end up at 85k. I pay 239 wet and 99/hr for the instructor. That combined is about 30% more than what you paid.

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Expert_Layer_7710@reddit

Wait so you think from ppl to ATP was 65k? What state? That’s insane.

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2002_4Runnersr5@reddit (OP)

Nah, ATP as in the school. I wanted to go there, went part 61 at mom and pop instead.

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Old-Trouble-8830@reddit

Wow our training timelines are so similar I’m in CFI class rn also got my CPL January and IR in April I wish I was able to go part 61 the whole way but I’m locked in a loan and 40k in the hole past what you’ve already paid :( sad

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bradopolis@reddit

For me:

PPL Feb 2024

IR: June 2024

CPL: Oct 2024

CFI: Dec 2024

CFI job: Mar 2025

Then everything dried up and died at my club and I’m still only at 500 hours

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notagreatpilot@reddit

Incredibly unheard of quick… took my 4 and half years to go from 0 to CFII.

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ArticleHelpful6002@reddit

dude same, took forever for me too, def no jokeie

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drdicerchio@reddit

This is also my timeline with working full time during training, cost about $90k for me.

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Winter_Estate6967@reddit

Similar cost for me on part 61 school. I am still a student haven’t finished but I forecast 85k at the end. I am in Atlanta Ga. Where are you ?

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drdicerchio@reddit

Seattle area, I didn’t make it all the way to CFII though

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2002_4Runnersr5@reddit (OP)

Thank you. I am very fortunate to have had an ideal incubator of conditions to pull this off.

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notagreatpilot@reddit

That an probably a good couple instructors. I had like 12

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2002_4Runnersr5@reddit (OP)

Undoubtedly. I think that’s why I have enjoyed my experience so much is the people who made it possible.

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IREQUIREPROOF@reddit

Where did you train? I just finished my IR last month and really wanna rip through my CPL and CFI (taking time off from work so I can fly 3-4 times a week) so seeing those dates was very refreshing and inspiring to me so thanks for the confidence boost!

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2002_4Runnersr5@reddit (OP)

SE USA. I got hooked up with a school that had decent DPE access so that helps but you can do it.

3-4 times a week is what I was doing so you can do it!

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elbloiso@reddit

How do you juggle 3-4 times a week while working?

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ltcterry@reddit

There are five evenings and two full weekend days available to anyone who wants to maximize their life.

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islandwatch@reddit

Underrated comment for anything in life.

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2002_4Runnersr5@reddit (OP)

I was primarily remote which helped so I was usually at work while I was flying haha. I had teams on my phone and did my actual work at night.

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chicagoderp@reddit

I flew 3-4 times per week while working an executive job. I did most of my flying early in the morning because I didn't start working until 10:30a. Easy peasy. I just fly for fun though.

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Imaginary_Run4354@reddit

My recommendation that nobody takes me up on (and I don’t blame them, I didn’t do this myself because it’s challenging) is do CPL from the right seat. Here’s why:

you can study for CFI right away, and do both checkrides. CFI is basically CPL flying + teaching while you do it. Some people following this strat have done checkrides back-to-back days.
you just went from VFR to IFR flying, going back to VFR is ALREADY going to feel foreign as-is. May as well get out those right seat cobwebs during that transition.
it took me a year between the two checkrides because I studied hard for CPL, celebrated the pass, took a break, then got into CFI. I wish I’d just done them together.

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exnapetal@reddit

that’s amazing! what was your schedule like? I also work full time and was contemplating quitting my job and decided it’s best to pay my way through. However, scheduling things around a 9-5 can be tricky sometimes

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wtonb@reddit

Have you found a job?

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Proper-Dark-2022@reddit

I had a similar timeline for part 61 training through CFI, but started in late 2016 finished early 2019. All in around $30,000 with a nice discount from working at the fbo. As others have mentioned, a fantastic and dedicated CFI made that possible.

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bl-uecup@reddit

stuffs gotten more expensive now sighh

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uselubewithcondoms@reddit

Would you say more about the discount?

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pilotshashi@reddit

I started 2018, at the moment I’ve CPL SE and idk where I’m heading too. 🤷🏻‍♂️

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EliteEthos@reddit

You’re supposed to brag about how you’re too good for a CFI job and then withhold any and all information about what you do to build time.

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trawltrollmole@reddit

NGL if you are so triggered by another thread earlier today that you randomly bring it up upon someone else's topic, I think that reflects far more on you as a person than him or anyone else.

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EliteEthos@reddit

🤣🤣🤣

Triggered?! I’m talking shit.

But go ahead and simp for dude.

You could totally be taking this time to apply for more CFI jobs though instead of trying to insult me.

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chicagoderp@reddit

Bro just DM me and I'll sell you my 0 to hero course, trust me bro.

/s

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EliteEthos@reddit

Nah bro. I don’t want to help anyone because of downvotes.

I’m better than every CFI here.

Be like me!

/s

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chicagoderp@reddit

BTW I did a bunch of research and I was able to find 7 float plane job openings in the US. I'm sure there may be more, but that's all I was able to find.

The real winners will go get their tail wheel and float ratings!

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EliteEthos@reddit

Did he admit to the gig he got? Gotta go look.

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chicagoderp@reddit

Of course he didn't. If you work really hard and deploy your skills, you can be just like him. What a dream.

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2002_4Runnersr5@reddit (OP)

Do you mean me? I replied to you directly I thought.

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EliteEthos@reddit

We aren’t talking about you. We are trashing someone from earlier.

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EliteEthos@reddit

It looks like he kind of inadvertently did…

https://www.reddit.com/r/flying/s/5ih4cMRSNY

https://www.reddit.com/r/flying/s/bIE58z7PhC

Got tailwheel and seaplane… moved to Alaska either before or after meeting some people. Was still lucky to get a position.

I’m sure everyone else here should just move to Alaska too.

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scupperdong@reddit

I am at the point right now of deciding to go ATP or not. My question for you is; how are the job prospects after the more DIY approach?

ATP intrigues me because it seems like the best chance of completion getting everything done at once vs trying to figure everything out on my own ad-hoc.

The other major factor in why I am leaning towards ATP is the career help/ cadet program relationships with the school. It seems like it makes it a bit easier to find your first job/ cadet program than if you DIY it?

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WhiteoutDota@reddit

ATP spends a lot on marketing. Don't fall for it. It's all lies. You can do it faster at a mom-and-pop than at ATP if you work with the instructor and fly 4-6 times a week. It's 30-50% cheaper doing it this way in 100% of cases. And you'll be a better pilot training basically anywhere but ATP. ATP has a reputation of making bad pilots, so they actually have a harder time finding jobs than people who train elsewhere. That's my experience as an ATP graduate (tragically). Also, they won't hire you after you train with them, and if you struggle too hard in your training they kick you out and keep your money. Still want to go?

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scupperdong@reddit

So they didn’t hire you as a flight instructor, and you struggled finding a position elsewhere?

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WhiteoutDota@reddit

I got lucky to find a job elsewhere. Most people in my class were not.

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scupperdong@reddit

Yeah my main concern is to be back to job hunting after completing the program, so back to 0 but now with $125k debt

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WhiteoutDota@reddit

keep your current job and fly in your free time

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mateenxxx@reddit

I started march of 2024 in addison texas, Im just getting my first cfi job at a pretty good part 141.

I am 150,000 dollars in debt tho, plus my 35,000 debt from my college degree.

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FridayMcNight@reddit

> Ask me anything.

What's your least favorite plane to fly?

What's was your favorite destination to fly to?

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VileInventor@reddit

I’m at 320 for CFII, pretty similar timeline, way more cost though. Congratz!

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350smooth@reddit

Nice job. Kids?

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Fulcrum58@reddit

Damn bruh I started Jan 2024 and am just finishing up IFR😭

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ltcterry@reddit

Well done, you!

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rFlyingTower@reddit

This is a copy of the original post body for posterity:

Sharing a datapoint for those who want to know:

Discovery flight: Feb 2024

PPL: Nov 2024

IR: Oct 2025

CPL: Jan 2026

CFI: Apr 2026

First job: Apr 2026

I worked full time in corporate america and paid out of pocket for all part 61 training. I didn’t track costs specifically but it was in the ballpark of $65,000 including training, checkrides, equipment, etc. and had about 300 TT for CFI.

I didn’t really get “serious” until about May 2025 and buckled down. I wanted to go to ATP and leave my job but I’m glad I went this route. Came out on the other side with no debt. Ask me anything.

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