Any pilots on here? My 16 year old has expressed interest in becoming a

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Mar 31, 2025
12:34:24pm

WhirleyPop All-American

Any pilots on here? My 16 year old has expressed interest in becoming a

pilot for a career. What's the best way to get into it? The Air Force? I know nothing about this.

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WhirleyPop

Previous username: Groin Squirrel
Bio page: WhirleyPop
Joined: Oct 19, 2014
Last login: Apr 2, 2025
Total posts: 27,717 (1,692 FO)

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Messages

Author

Time

Any pilots on here? My 16 year old has expressed interest in becoming a

WhirleyPop

Mar 31, 12:34pm

UVU has a great aviation program.

Icelandic Cougar

Mar 31, 12:36pm

Very expensive too. Much better, quicker, and significantly less expensive ways

BYUMizzou

Mar 31, 12:38pm

Flip side: if you double major you have a backup plan in case you get

molodyets

Mar 31, 12:39pm

The flight hours at a 141 school (like a UVU or university) are an EXPENSIVE

BYUMizzou

Mar 31, 12:48pm

Agree: Dual-engine hours are the most relevant. There are “workarounds,”

MichCoug

Mar 31, 12:59pm

There is no cheap way to get your licenses and ratings. Even the flight academies will run around 100k but you won’t

Mar 31, 1:09pm

My son has all of his ratings (except ATP) and is closing in on 1350 hours.

BYUMizzou

Mar 31, 1:41pm

Well yeah. Free use of a 172 would dramatically cut the cost. I’m well versed on the different avenues to get there.

Mar 31, 1:54pm

The problem with 141 schools is that you're taking 4 years and $150K to get what

BYUMizzou

Mar 31, 2:13pm

I graduated with everything except my ATP. It’s four years because your fourth year you work as a CFI while finishing

Mar 31, 2:41pm

My son did USU route - worked as CFI in Colorado and was underworked and underpaid but got to 1,000 hours

JamieTartt

Mar 31, 6:42pm

There are pros to getting the 4-year degree - especially if the hiring market gets tight

JamieTartt

Mar 31, 12:49pm

Yes. But it doesn't mean you can't separate a university degree from pilot

BYUMizzou

Mar 31, 12:53pm

Where do you live? There are some great programs here in AZ starting in HS

robin

Mar 31, 12:37pm

Utah

WhirleyPop

Mar 31, 12:42pm

Check program prices before jumping in. Can be pricey.

KCFan85

Mar 31, 12:37pm

Find a local flight school. Most regional airports will have a jet center that

BYUMizzou

Mar 31, 12:39pm

USU also has a Professional Pilot degree/program..

TheLost

Mar 31, 12:40pm

Nope.

RootieBoy

Mar 31, 12:41pm

Have him join the young eagles program. My 14 yo and I went up on a flight with

Mar 31, 12:45pm

That and/or civil air patrol.

Mar 31, 12:47pm

Might be the same thing? I dunno

Mar 31, 12:48pm

Nope. EAA and CAP are completely different.

BleedCougarBlue2

Mar 31, 3:16pm

My son (UVU, Aviation Sci). Delta pilot. It's a long haul. He/me 😊 to discuss…

MichCoug

Mar 31, 12:57pm

Former CFI here - I graduated BYU and UVU's flight school. I wouldn't do UVU's

Mar 31, 12:57pm

If he wants to be a military pilot yes, Air Force. Have him look into AFROTC.

Mar 31, 1:11pm

It’s a good career and it’s a pretty good time to be getting into it. Things were going gangbusters for awhile but have

Mar 31, 1:20pm

^^^^ Excellent synopsis.

BleedCougarBlue2

Mar 31, 3:10pm

Good info and great advice here.

seacougar

Apr 1, 2:19am

Have him go on an introductory flight at a

scvcoog

Mar 31, 1:33pm

Yes. Airlines or other? Comprehensive primer here:

seacougar

Mar 31, 1:51pm

EXCELLENT insight. Go in with the student's eyes...VERY wide open!

MichCoug

Mar 31, 3:07pm

Best and most informative post in this entire thread.

Mar 31, 3:16pm

Only thing I would add is “if” he flies an introductory flight and gets airsick,

BleedCougarBlue2

Mar 31, 3:27pm

Great addition and advice.

seacougar

Apr 1, 2:03am

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