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Posted: Wed Jun 02, 2004 6:58 pm Post subject: How do u become a pilot

I'm thirteen and i want to be a pilot when i grow up. And i deffinetely do not want to go to the air force. So what is the best way, with good education and stuff

Posted: Wed Jun 02, 2004 8:01 pm Post subject:

Well what you have to do is get some good grades and study physics a uni/college then after that save up ALOT of money then get some trainin then get your exam

Posted: Wed Jun 02, 2004 9:07 pm Post subject:

It would really surprise me if you had to study physics to become a pilot. But the point about the money is true.

Posted: Wed Jun 02, 2004 10:37 pm Post subject:

Well depends that the exspesive way im gonna hopefully join the RAF qualification are 2 A levels/O levels I need to check that I pass the medical & stuff etc.

Posted: Wed Jun 02, 2004 11:05 pm Post subject:

I am thirteen too!
Since I live in Canada, I go to the Royal Canadian Air Cadets.
Every weekend we go flying in a Cessna 172 or gliding. Sometimes, we even go to airports and visit the tower, helicopter bases and other things such as the firefighter department of an airport. The best thin g is that it is all for free.

Posted: Wed Jun 02, 2004 11:09 pm Post subject:

Having an understanding of physics can be a definate help when it comes to understanding the physics of aeronautics and the effects of air pressure and aerodynamics and how they work with each other as well as against each other.

If you believe that physics isn't an important part of flying, think about this:

The four forces of aerodynamics and their relationship with each other determine if you get off the ground or not. Thrust and Drag, Lift and Weight. These two pairs of forces have a very important relationship and studying that relationship is a form of physics. I almost threw up some formulas here for you but, I don't know how to type Greek symbols on here.

Any way, stay in school, stay out of trouble, and learn as much as you can. That'll give you a good headstart at accomplishing your piloting goals.

Posted: Wed Jun 02, 2004 11:23 pm Post subject:

Please consider the following two suggestions:

AOPA (Airplane Owners and Pilots Association) sponsors something along the lines of a Cadet program that encourages young people to become interested in flying.

Cessna offers a DISCOVERY FLIGHT from most American Airports and maybe some others. The flight is about 30 minutes in a Cessna 152 and only costs about $50.00. My son bought this last year for my 57th birthday and I loved the gift more than anything else that he has ever bought me. I am considering taking a ride in an Ultra-Lite next week for my 58th birthday but have not made up my mind yet. Cool

Posted: Thu Jun 03, 2004 1:55 am Post subject: or maybe you can try this,

I was once part of an air explorer post. If you can get involved in Boy Scouts, it will also help and when you turn seventeen see if there is an explorer post somewhere near you. Most countries have the equivalent of our Civil Air Patrol where you can also get a definite leg up on things. I have to agree on the physics, while you dont have to study rocket science, a good foundation in basic physics will help you with whatever you choose to do, even the laundry. Finally, I would like to suggest that you get involved in flying models. Believe me, what you will learn will be more than worth the effort when it comes time to tackle the real thing.

Posted: Thu Jun 03, 2004 8:16 am Post subject:

A Suggestion: Visit the Fixed Base Operator at your local airport (or give them a phone call). Even if the FBO doesn't offer instruction, I'm sure he will outline the requirements for your country. I would also encourage you to study math as much as possible, not only is it useful in the cockpit, it will help with the physics too.

Posted: Thu Jun 03, 2004 9:28 pm Post subject:

Let me please add I did NOT say physics was not important. As a former glider pilot, I certainly know that. It indeed crossed my way in the subjects technics, meteorologics and somewhat in navigation which were part of the license.
My point was that I do not believe you have to leave University with a grade in physics in order to become a pilot. My foreposter pointed it out in a way that might suggest you had to.

Posted: Thu Jun 03, 2004 10:12 pm Post subject:

I understood you Rhythmo, just making my own point. You are right, you don't need a degree in Physics to fly.

Posted: Thu Jun 03, 2004 11:12 pm Post subject:

hi. roughly how much is a pilots pay? And can you just pilot once a week? E.g you live at manchester in UK, you pilot flight to london, then stay a few hours, and pilot another flight back to manchester. Also what do you think is better, doctor (medicine) or pilot.
thanks.

P.S myheadspinsincircles, If you give me £900 million today, I'll pay for your pilot education fees. hehehe.

Posted: Fri Jun 04, 2004 2:53 am Post subject:

Years ago, I heard something like 30.000 DM (nowadays this would be the same in Euro or about 35.000 US$) to get the ATPL. But, man, what the selfcensored do you mean by "What is better: A pilot or a doctor of medicine?" Okay, to do without doctors would be harder than doing without pilots, but why should one of them be better than the other?

Or perhaps I got you wrong and you mean their salaries: In this case, I think a Lufthansa pilot earns far more than a doctor, at least in Germany. The golden days for those who cure people are over...

The Rhythmosaur

Posted: Fri Jun 04, 2004 3:01 am Post subject:

I'd rather be a commercial pilot for less money, than a doctor for a lot more money.

Posted: Fri Jun 04, 2004 3:17 am Post subject:

SO what about a compromise then: Join the royal flying doctors service down under. LOL