Need advice for a career in aviation.
Hello, I am a sophomore in High School and have wanted to be an airline pilot for about 6 years. I haven't considered changing my mind once. My parents don't want me to go through a college professional flight course (like at UND, ERAU or Purdue). They want me to get a degree in something else just as a backup which I am not opposed to.
I want to understand what you all think is the best pathway to becoming an airline pilot.
Here are my questions:
- Would it make sense to go through training to get my PPL now? Is that going to be too much work? (I virtually have no time during the week because of homework but I am available on the weekends and for most of summer).
- If I decide to get a 4-year degree, unrelated to aviation, say Political Science, what route should I take After or During college? Part 141 (something like ATP) or Part 61? (Would you recommend getting my PPL during Highschool before college?)
- Is it going to be too much work to do a part 61 or 141 during college? Will I have to start after I get my degree?
- How much time would you estimate it will take for me to go from -No real flight experience to trained with commercial pilot's license assuming that I don't have anything else going on like school.
- Do you have any advice for me? I am doing pretty well in school right now (3.9 GPA) and am involved in clubs and volunteer at an aviation museum during the summer. (Any advice on things I should do in high school to prepare or make myself stand out?)
It is my dream to become a pilot. It's my goal to eventually be a Captain on one of Delta's A350s or A330s. (In case you're wondering, I tend to stress over my future which is partly why I want to get at least a general idea of what an ideal plan would be for me)
Thanks in advance!