How I Became an Airline Pilot at 21: my flight training journey
2024 ж. 14 Мам.
270 606 Рет қаралды
Here is my most requested video! Thank you all so much for the support, it means the world and I hope you enjoy! (:
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Something that isn’t talked about enough is the cost. Pursuing an aviation career is expensive! Sadly the reality is that If you don’t have the means to afford it or plans to join the Air Force, your only option is hundreds of thousands worth of debt. So many people have dreams of becoming a pilot but money stands in the way. Not entirely sure about your particular situation but I’m sure with your father being an airline pilot, money and connections was a huge factor in helping you get there as young and as quickly as you did. I’m not saying you didn’t work hard because I know it isn’t easy but it probably made the journey less strenuous. It definitely shouldn’t be that way especially considering there is a shortage of pilots, and the shortage exist because of how expensive it is to become one. They need to make it more accessible for those who really want to pursue it but have barriers standing in the way.
It may have been easier for her financially no doubt. However you can do it being poor, you just take on more risk. People that had it given to them (parents co signing loans or out right paying for their training/school) will never know the real struggle. I came out of a collegiate flight program in 2007 with 120k in debt and making 21k as a regional FO my first year. I was fortunate for my parents letting me live with them the first couple years so I could get some stability with my finances. Never cracked 60k until 6 years in and made captain. 9 years to a legacy and 5 years into that I am living very comfortably. Took me 12 years to pay off my student loan debt. The timing right now is insane, regional FOs are getting on at legacies within 2-3 years and not much flight time. The regional pay has also drastically improved. So right now, the risk is MUCH lower than when I got in. But even then, it paid off by sticking with it. My suggestion is to absolutely pursue this career if its a true passion of yours. It will take a lot of work, you will meet pilots that have much more entitled financial means/help in their path but dont let that set you back! Be cautious of the social media pilot influencers... its not often the reality of many pilots
I wanted to comment how she financed her training and I got to this comment. Most SM pilots never say/advise on how they financed their training which is a huge challenge when one wants to venture in piloting.
There are a lot of loan services now. The flight school I attend JC Air Academy, provides a loan program for students where they don’t have to make a single payment until CFI.
I agree
@@schylerkwon1241 Again that’s my point, you should not have to take out larges amounts of debt to fund flight school. For the vast majority of people flight training is unobtainable due to cost. You aren’t making much starting off as a CFI. That’s a heavy amount of debt to take on fresh out of flight school when you have other financial responsibilities to manage too and especially in this economy. Those loans more than likely come with interest too. If there is such shortage of pilots and they are desperate for them it needs to be made more affordable.
So you got your PPL at 17, went to a part 141 program and completed it within 3 years rather than the traditional 4 years. By then you’ll be 20 and then took the year to get the 1,000 hours and then became a pilot at 21? Wow, if I got that right you flew through training. That’s insane. Congratulations! That’s impressive.
hey im about to turn 17 next month looking to become an airline pilot. Right now I'm thinking about doing pilot institute as my ground school, going straight into getting my ppl at a part 61 next year when i get enough money, and then hopefully graduate highschool/go into a 141? Or do community college while flying for two years gaining hours then go into a 141... Does this sound like a good plan/should I just skip community college? I would be around 23 when I'm out with 7 years of experience
Some colleges are 141, some are part 61. You just have to do some research to find out. I myself am an instructor at a 2 year college that has a 141 program. But you also hear of pilot schools like ATP that say they can get you to and ready for the airlines the fastest, and they are part 61. Bottom line is to do your research and see who offers you the best fit for where you want to go with your career.
@@hey9433go to atp skip community college
@@hey9433 i a 17 years old and i am also going to be pilot so i would prefer you to complate college which is compulsory and then bechelor and masters in any field just in case
@@waleedarif-sf9pu Lol "Get a bachelors and masters just in case". Might as well just throw out the whole idea of becoming a pilot then. I'm not sure what you mean by "compulsory". Since that comment I decided that a four year college degree isn't really for me. Most don't interest me, the ones that do or that are worth doing (engineering, computer science, etc) require years of miserable, painstaking work and studying mathematics and arithmetic, neither of which I'm good at nor do I have any interest in doing. Plus, tens of thousands of dollars in loans even after aid, just to MAYBE land a job behind a desk somewhere at a company that you'll work for a few years to pay back loans and save for flight training. By that point, I'd be like 25-27. I feel like if I were to study for 4 years to get a degree, it would push away my main goal of becoming a pilot, I would just be a full time university student wondering what the hell I was doing. It would likely just be a complete waste of time, because why would I spend 4 years to build a back up plan plus who knows how many more years paying off that student loan debt and saving for flight training, when I could make the main plan work out to start off with. What you said sounds like putting my main hopes of becoming a pilot to the side in order to get a degree in something I'm not even passionate about. That's exactly how you become miserable. Doesn't make any sense to do a 4-5 year degree in this case. It's only 2-4 years to go from Zero experience to 5000 hours and your ATP. I do plan on having a back up though. A trade. A state college near me offers a two year automotive technician program sponsored by Ford and GM. Dirt cheap, 10k for both years, probably going to be free for me after aid so no debt. I've always loved cars so I love this idea. You get two years of SOJT while in the program and get started off at 60k working at a ford dealership after you graduate. I'll be 19 or 20 with an income steady enough to pay for training. With this program I'll also get an associates in applied sciences since it's technically a STEM program. I plan on doing that while getting my PPL as cheaply as possible with money I have saved from a job I'm working right now as a high school senior, then getting a job in automotive tech and saving up for flight training to eventually become a CFI and then a professional pilot. An academy near me offers instrument to CFI for 56k and a guaranteed position as a CFI at the academy after you graduate. If this doesn't work out for whatever reason, I'd still be an automotive technician with earning potential at six figures or more if I were to perhaps start my own business later on down the line. But I'm very optimistic about this and I look forward to coming back here in 4-5 years and saying I DID IT. Life is about finding your own way. Don't let people tell you that you can't or that you're too poor to do this or that it sounds crazy. Because when you're on your death bed, you'll regret never trying to achieve the things you always dreamed about.
This was very inspirational. I’m only 15 and I’m trying my best to become a pilot. You truly are inspiring
That’s amazing! I started at 14!!
Me too❤
She’s also bad as hell 😈😈
Same here
That's amazing- I'm so excited for you!! If you ever have any questions please don't hesitate to reach out! ❤️
Such an incredible journey!! Cannot wait to see all you continue to do🥰
Was on the same way as you, but sadly got pushed into some mental health trouble after sexual abuse...had to sort that out for the past two years, now I m 20 and on my way to my Lufthansa qualifications. Finally regained my motivation and happiness. It really almost finished me that I had to waste so much time because of useless, oxygen wasting people, and I m glad I m finally my old me again. Can't wait for my first take off ;)✈️
Your doing brilliant
Really sorry to hear that. Best of luck with your recovery and qualifications, and wishing you all the happiness. 😊 ❤
I'm so sorrry to what happened to you, you're a definetly so strong and makes me so happy that you went back to it again. I wish you have a lot of wonderful flights ahead! :D
so sorry, but i’m very happy for u
I'm so sorry to hear that, I am so happy for you that you were able to persevere through that and wish you nothing but happiness, success and healing!! ❤️
Great video! Fantastic detail, and thanks for sharing your experiences and advice - many aspiring pilots will appreciate it. Wishing you the best in 2023 🥰
Excited to see your continued growth on KZhead and am stoked for all the adventures comin your way!
Great job Sara! Thanks for sharing your motivation and passion for flying. ❤️
Haha cool I asked for exactly this video! Your focus on your career and dedication to achieving it - with the great responsibility it involves - is super inspiring. Hats off to you
So amazing your maturity and having such a important role at an airline at my age 22. Looking forward to the next video.
Love seeing fellow pilots sharing their journey to the skies! Everyone has an interesting story and inspirations. Keep up the work! Cheers from Canada 🇨🇦
Thank you for making this video. I asked if anyone in your family is in aviation and you answered. Thank you so much. You are inspiring.
I love how informative this video was! I’m glad you went in depth with the process , can’t wait to see where you take this channel❣️
Thank you so much ❤️
Very interesting and a very informative vlog. You are a good ambassador not just for females in aviation but for young people. Don’t take any notice of the negative comments about female pilots you have experienced. It is clear from this vlog that you have worked very hard to get where you are and it is well deserved. Hopefully people making the negative comments and remarks will start to realise that anything that is achieved in aviation is down to hard work and dedication. Good luck with you future aviation career and thank you for posting this vlog
I’m a teenage female and my dream is to become an airline pilot! Thank you for the inspiration and motivation. I agree with you, even though it is a struggle being a female in a male dominated field, it’s important to ignore negativity and use it as an empowering tool.
Thank you so much- best of luck to you! 💖 you can do it
One thing I've learned in my 50+ years is, the people that try to bring you down do it for their own ego and to try to feel superior. Often, they feel inadequate or jealous of others' success. Hurting your feelings is just a side effect and usually not the main goal. So, if you can, use their words/actions to inspire yourself. As for me, I'd love to learn to fly. And, if I could afford it, wouldn't have any qualms about taking flying lessons from a lady half my age. We all have something to learn in life, and sometimes to teach.
It's no longer a struggle to be a female in aviation. Ask those of us that started 30 and 40 years ago. Today it's a breeze, compared to that. But of course, we pilots who happen to be female take one giant step back with vloggers such as this pilot choose to unbutton her uniform top ON CAMERA. For what purpose? The 15 year-old boys playing Microsoft sim in their parent's basements? VERY unprofessional!!!
Hi Sara. Congratulations on being an airline pilot. I’ve been an aircraft mechanic for 51 years now, the last 44 with the airlines, the last 21 as a lead mechanic. You can tell I love the life too. LOL. I just today started watching your vlogs, and really enjoy them. Good luck in your future. You’re doing great.
I'm in my 30s and you are actually an inspiration for many of us and especially for the youngsters. 🍀
im 33 and just now about to start flying for my first company (boutique air) its deff been a journey and it took me like 7 years to complete because i paid out of pocket and worked at the same time, now im in a spot where i can start actually flying for hire and its a great feeling. you really feel like youve made it so im super stoked that u got it done at such a young age! hopefully we get to share the flight deck sometime soon! keep doing great things miss :)
How much they gonna pay you a hour and how much was flight school
How do you like your journey being a pilot so far?
In relation to the Q&A about connecting with other female pilots, I’d add that organisations like the 99s can be really helpful too! There will likely be a chapter out of an area near you and if they’re active, the fly-ins that you get to do with them are awesome.
That's so cool! I don't know you but I always feel proud when I hear someone my age doing something so incredible and cool
You must be so proud of yourself 👑 I'm 25 and haven't got my dream job yet. I'm happy watching your videos❤
I’ve been an aspiring pilot since I first saw a plane as a kid. Now I’m in high school and I’m starting to consider my pathways on becoming one! These are the types of video I have been looking for! The quality of your vidss are amazing!!
Thank you so much! I'm excited for your journey!!
Great Video! Keep ‘em coming. Wish you clear skies and smooth tailwinds. See you in the air! 😊
Dear Sara, what I admire the most about you is the amount of FOCUS 🙏🏼 and DEDICATION 🥰 you displayed to get where you are today. In a constantly distracted world, your path reminds me, as a regular woman, that truly anything is possible with those 2 qualities. Thanks a million. 😊🌻
Thank you so much for the sweet words!! 💖💖
being a pilot has always been my dream since i was little but i always thought it would be too had or too expensive so thank you so much for making this video and explaining the process :)
I know right it's expensive but if you really love and have passion for flying, God/universe will surely make a way for you to achieve your goal. Don't lose hope and work hard ❤️✨
@@ivyjune024 thanks so much :)
This is a perfect example of age being just a number. Your maturity and focus has allowed you to achieve a lot at a young age. You’re definitely an inspiration to some of us older people who are finally figuring themselves out and going after our true purpose in life. Thanks for sharing your story!
Hat's off to u Sarah and ur career!!! U r amazing and a great role model. Be safe and keep smiling 😍✈
I graduate this June. We have the same Alma Mater. I’m doing it while still active duty in the Navy. Even saw you a couple of times. It was definitely rough at times. Lol but everything is worth it when you take into account the network we’re able to start from there. 👍🏼
You are such an inspiration!! Fellow halfie student pilot doing the military route!
Congrats 🎉 Miss Sara! But If you did see this message, jus to let you know keep up the good work and hope you had a great day so we hope you show us a tour of the aircraft or either depending on your schedule 😊👍🏽
Hats off to you Sara, we need more content like this to learn the Truth!
Thanks for letting me know about the SPL thingyyy I'm currently 16 and I just applied for the same! I'm excited 🥳
I just started at CAU last month!! I didn’t realize you went there! I saw your videos a while back and you were one of the people who helped me leave my career as a first responder and make the jump into aviation. Thank you for helping me follow my dreams!!!!
What's the uni called pls
Go girl! You are amazing!
You be my inspiration ❤️🙌🏻 Loved it your vlogs .
Thank you so much for sharing this ❤️ I believe your inspiring story will change many girls life especially Pilot wannabe! 👩✈️
I followed you once you posted that you've become an airline pilot and I remember that picture being my ultimate inspiration. Now I'm a 1st year pilot cadet at Pharmaflight in Hungary. You're such an amazing, bright person and a professional specialist. Please, keep uploading!
This is so sweet, thank you so much 💖 Congratulations on your flight training journey, I wish you the best of luck!!🥰
is it hard to become a pilot? i really wanna know do u need to learn much or not
I am 18 and currently pursuing a PPL in los angeles. Pretty cool how you went to Uni in Bako because I was born and raised there. Congrats to you for reaching your goals!
So cool! Thank you, good luck with your training 💞
One note about the military route for those who are considering it - for all US branches of the military aside from the Army a college degree will be required to apply to be a pilot. This is because pilots are commissioned officers first and therefore must have a degree. They also have to go through a selection process. The Army has a special program called WOFT (Warrant Officer Flight Training) which does not require a degree, however selection is still pretty keen. At my civilian selection board years ago, all the candidates who were selected all had at least two years of college. I'm not saying don't try but just FYI, the Army will use education to eliminate other candidates who don't have any.
this was so cool! looking forward to more videos from a fellow pilot 😍
This was soooo much helpful information and so inspiring!!!
Congratulations, I hope other young women get inspiration from your success. You are a complement to your parents. Excellent videos, looking forward to seeing more videos. Godspeed to you all!
I THINK YOU ARE AMAZING!!! AND AN INSPIRATION TO YOUNG PEEPS WHO WANNA PURSUE CAREERS IN THE AIR. GOD BLESS YOU.
Awesome video, keep up the great work! I am doing my flight training in the Air Cadets (because it's free, unlike other flight schools which cost an arm and a leg.) I think I'm probably going to rack up hours in the military, but eventually go commercial. Anyway, I really enjoyed this, and can't wait for more videos in the future! Thumbs up from YYC!
Hi Sara I'm Jennie I love ur videos so much it inspire me and make me motivate more and more to be a pilot I really want to be a pilot one day and seeing a girl pilot makes me so proud I've been in a lot of airplanes since my childhood and I've be soo excited and happy and I always think that one day I will also fly a plan
You can do it!❤️❤️
quality info, i love it !! 💫👏🏽
Yayy new video love your videos sara❤️🔥
Such a cool video. I''m on my way to becoming an ATC in Germany so hearing the stories of "the other side" on the radio is pretty interesting
Happy New Year to you and may it be a Blessed year for you. Appreciate your videos!
Happy new year!! Thank you so much❤️
I LOVE YOU IM SO PROUD
Great video, love hearing about your journey.
You are an inspiration. Great video
I love your videos! So cool to watch your journey
Respect. I started my flight training by myself and funded it by myself. I unfortunately needed to stop when my father fell ill. I don't have pilots in my family and didn't know any before starting. It's been more years than I want to admit since I've gotten back into it. Living vicariously through KZhead until I get an opportunity again to finish and eventually get checked out in an Eclipse 550. I've got some plans. Best of luck to you!
How did you fund it
@@Ali-bh3dz My earnings. I am a self employed structural engineer
Hi Sara I'm Tara, i love your videos i found myself quite enjoy watching it and of course it makes me so motivated. I have an interest on aviation ever since i was in high school and working on aviation industry always been my dream. I've always wanted to work as a flight attendant since i was in junior high. My first ever interview experience is in 2018 i was failed that time, and ever since then my interests on aviation is begin. I never thought people would do anything for it and i found it quite competitive. And I've got a lot of rejection and was about to give up. But i found your videos and it makes me super motivated, Thank you so much Sara I hope this year would be my year I wish you the very best And to whoever reading this i wish you all the best and may all your dreams and wishes came true ✨💓
Obrigada!! I love Brazil ❤️
Love love love your videos. They are so helpful and motivating💗 I start training in April:)
Thank you so much, and congrats on your training! I'm excited for you!!💗
Hi Sara, I’ve been following you here on youtube and instagram since quite a time and I want to tell you that you’re inspiring me as a 21 yo woman to pursue my dream and become a pilot (I’ll use this comment section to express my feelings bcz I need to manifest to make it happen). I was lately in a state of life where I just couldn’t really decide what to do for a living and then I’ve discovered aviation and fell in love with it. I’ve immediately felt a connection with it. I just love aeronautic and aviation to the point where I can talk about airplanes all day to my friends who just really don’t care that much but still listen. I was feeling lately that I would just keep studying and see afterwards what to do but nothing excites me more than becoming a pilot, and I’ve told my dad about it. He was quite surprised when I first told him abt my intentions and told me he’d do his best to support me if he could be sure I’d make it…because unfortunately becoming a pilot means a lot of investment but next time I’ll try to convince him and firmly tell him about my goals. I’m pretty sure he’d feel proud to see his youngest daughter becoming a prosecutor and his oldest daughter becoming a pilot. Your videos inspire me a lot and I love coming to your instagram page because it’s literally my vision board. I literally sleep imagining myself in a dreamliner cockpit doing last checklists before takeoff every night, and it makes my heart shake and vibrate a lot. Anyway, I won’t give up and I’ll see myself one day in a cockpit of a dreamliner doing pre-flight checklists. To anyone reading my comment who is a student pilot or is still dreaming of it, I hope you’ll achieve your goals ❤ Much love from France Sara ❤
hey,wondering where did you end up in life,it's been a year,did you get in aviation?
@@tavireen you’re so cute! not yet, but my parents are okay with it, it’s just that i didn’t finish my studies yet, it will take some time.
@@merjaeger best of luck for you! you got it
@@tavireen thank you, wishing the best for you too!
Your channel is such motivation for me this year I'm going to graduate and I'm working hard to become a pilot
Congratulations!!🎉🎉
Congratulations and keep on inspiring others. ✈️ 😊
Thank you. We need more pilots in this world.
Just started my PPL ground school. I’m so excited! I finally feel happy doing this. I never felt it when trying to pursue another career. As a female I do wonder what life will be like if I ever become a wife & mom. That’s the only thing that makes me nervous 😅 maybe you could talk about it since you grew up with parents in aviation!? Love the vids and will be following along. I need the inspiration hehe 😊
isnt pilot jobs in danger?Automation gonna takeover?
@@ko-kf2nu No. The purpose of technology and advanced systems is to assist pilots in the work and not to displace them.
@@ko-kf2nu this won’t happen for a very very long time
Please keep making videos, they are great!
I didn't know you're only 22!!! now I'm even more impressed ♥️
When I was 11 I was at a game fair event. The military was there with a test that their pilots did when trying to qualify for the air force. I did that test on Sunday (they were there the whole weekend). After I was done, the two that was werending outside to introduce the game etc. went into the tent and brought out some other dudes. They then shook my hand and said "whenever you're ready, you're welcome to join us".. Apparently I had the absolute best score that weekend. Ever since I've always been interested in becoming a pilot or working with planes of some sort. I've now realised that pilot might not be my thing, but air traffic controller defidefinitelyit So... going all in on that hopefully starting my studies in two years!
Your such an inspiration ,you really motivate me to be a women pilot ,lots of love 🤍
Thank you for sharing! I'd love to learn a little more about how you managed with the workload while studying and training to become a pilot since you mentioned there were barely any breaks and perhaps if you have any tips for organization and managing your studying.
1000 hrs TT at the age of 20?! That's seriously impressive, congratulations! For reference, I'm also 22, ~500 TT, and believe it or not got my PPL on the exact same day as you! (June 22, 2018). Currently on the King Air 200 and B1900, and was wondering how the transition from props to jets was for you? I've heard the handling is a lot different. Keep up the great work!
I came here as a 21 year old also interested in aviation but unsure if I want to get my PPL and just to hear someone else's story. Thank you! Also my god you are beautiful! :D
You’re so inspiring, I went on my first discovery flight when I was 15. And now I’m 16. How did you juggle flight school and school school and excel in both? Thank you for sharing your experiences with world.
This is great. I am considering switching careers to Aviation and I just happened to stumble on your channel. Thanks for explaining your career path and how you started out. This is great information! I was just hoping you would do a video like this and sure enough you did. If you wouldn't mind could you mention how much aviation school was in Cali? I am in the Midwest and looking into local options, so it would be nice to know cost comparison.
Hello Sara, My congratulations for becoming a pilot after your successful pilot studying and I'm proud of your mother and father who are also pilots. Sara, I also wanted to be a pilot, but unfornately I couldn't fulfill my dreams because of my sickness. However I feel happy Sara you became a pilot and teaching other students how to become a pilot
I really love your vids! I want to be a pilot one day and this video really helped:)
I think your videos are the best motivation ,for me =) I'm still schooling and your videos will help me a lot
I'm so glad! 💗
Hi Sara, I’m from Japan. I really love your video.❤ Pls keep sharing us your videos.
Thank you! 💖
Great Video Sara keep it up 👍🏽 ✈️☁️
Amazing story . You are so pretty ❤
to all the people wondering why they get their ratings faster, been 4 years andstill have yet to get my instrument rating. As she said journey will be different, for some they will get through training super fast but for it will take a while. But important thing is to not give up! Do not stop. It will be worth it in the end. To myself and everyone . Keep moving forward. it will pay off. Great video btw.
Love your videos so far. Greetings from Germany 🇩🇪☺️
Please do a video on your workout routine🤗🙏🏽
Would you mind doing a video detailing pre/post-flight duties? PS: include the view from the cockpit for a lil in flight peek pls
Omg baby you’re gorgeous ❤ congrats
So badass to see a young woman pilot! You’re an inspiration 💖
The key here and I'm one of those folks also: If you're under 24 get into a college flight training program ASAP. Similarly to attending college (2 or 4 year college) for a degree program because it's required training for your degree (the flight training) you can include this cost in your financial aid package. Yes it's huge debt but you'll make it back up, especially in today's world the regional airlines are almost giving away money and salaries have increased tremendously. Otherwise it's really tough to get qualified for at a young age or to have access to a qualified co-signer for a private loan at the big fancy flight schools.
im in love with ur video ♡
You're such an inspiration. Hoping to become a pilot someday 🙏✈
I'm so glad I found your channel! I'm currently a 22 yo flight attendant at an AA regional (that also flies the 175!) and have been feeling drawn towards pursuing a pilot career. I have no family or prior ties to aviation so everything about this feels "out of reach" because of the cost & I feel like most people have connections.
I know what you mean! I wish flight training was more affordable. If you dm me on IG I can send you a few recommendations on how to get started or answer any questions that you may have! ❤️ I know there’s so much info online that it can be overwhelming haha
You have a chance, airlines are actively recruiting black females
So fascinating!!! Thanks for sharing!
I'm glad you enjoyed it!💖
This is the first time watching your video. but i really enjoy ❤️
Congratulations!!
wow you are so inspiring!
I really like your videos,keep going❤😊
Hi sara, im Fromm the Philippines and your video is inspiring since im a pilot aspirant.
Awesome to see you make it to be a pilot, it is no easy feat and you did it. Couldn't help but notice but looks like PHNL area where you started, that is where i live now. I work at big airline out here.
Aren't you just the cutest! I love lady pilots and you're so young but know what your calling is! Go young lady!!!
i'd love seeing more daily vlogs
I’ve always wanted to be a pilot since I was 2 years old now I’m 10 and this video is Verry inspiring I will always work hard and if anyone says I can’t accomplish it I will remember this video thanks a lot ❤
Great video, I am a flight attendant I want to be a pilot. I love aviation. Congratulations ❤
Thank you so much! Best of luck to you 🥰💖
Thank you so much for the video !!
thank u for sharing ur journey i luv aviation