Hi everyone
I’m 18M from Australia and am interested in a career as a commercial pilot.
Pretty much since I was little I knew this is what I’ve wanted to do and as I progressed through school and started doing subjects and research more aligned with aviation I’m even more certain it’s the industry I want to be in. I’ve already done a few TIFs (which I loved) and hold a CASA class 1/2 medical, as well as flight sim a lot.
I initially started an aviation degree, but dropped out as the degree part was useless AF & the training hours were not flexible.
I got in contact with a flight school that I’m happy with, answered all the right questions and have heard great things from many people. Right now I’m just working to get my savings up before I’m aiming to start sometime later in the year.
However, recently with the fuel crisis and overall cost of living issues, it makes me more paranoid that this industry is going to get even more unstable, while I’m aware there are risks with every job/career. Obviously when times are tough travel is what people are going to cut out first.
Furthermore, I understand that in Australia the airline industry is really not as large as in say Europe or the US. Which not only makes building hours harder (afaik the best ways are doing CFI or going outback Aus where the skies are clear often), but also getting a job hard as well.
However did want to add, I also have citizenship for Italy and the UK (as well as AU, so I can apply for that special US skilled visa), so would that make me a lot more flexible for work and/or hireable?
Realistically I can’t see myself loving any job as much as this. I also have believe I have the right mindset for it (STEM-oriented, logic, calm under pressure etc.) and also am prepared for the slog it is to build hours, however I’m also aware that when I start a family I’m going to need to ensure I can support them above anything and I wouldn’t want to jeopardise their livelihood simply because of my job.
Any input is appreciated!