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While being
an Airline Pilot comes with exotic destinations and a glamorous lifestyle. The
cost of becoming a Pilot is absorbent compared to a regular university
education. If you are from a middle class family or you haven’t been gifted
financially and you fully understand the financial stress, yet you are still
willing to save up and wait, then start saving up your cash and look into
possibly applying for a loan.
FACTORS
INFLUENCING THE COSTS OF COMMERCIAL PILOT TRAINING
There are
various aspects that impact the overall pricing, some of these are; the type of
field and course you select; exchange rates; your accommodation/housing –
depending on whether you choose to either live in accommodation that is
situated on base or at the aerodrome, should that be an option, or whether you
choose to live off base/campus; the school you chose; examination costs;
equipment costs (headsets etc.); fluctuation in jet fuel costs; instructor
costs (good instructors come at a price in most cases) and much more. South
Africa is a very favourable destination for flight schools due to the exchange
rates benefiting other countries. Do your research with regards to the best
possible schools and job prospects.
SO WHAT ARE THE COSTS?
Generally
privately funded pilots pay +/- R1million to fund their commercial pilot
training. Once completing there commercial pilot course pilots often need to
start building their flight hours for charter companies and major airlines to
begin consider them. Most qualified pilots in their FIRST job can earn
between R20 000 to R40 000 depending on the airline.
THE NAKED TRUTH
Think very carefully about whether this career will be for you. It will take years of dedication, resilience and willingness to relocate apart from the financial issues. Always have a “PLAN B”. You shouldn’t get into this industry solely for the financial benefits, your main reason should be your passion for aviation. Yes the costs are ludicrous and it’s essentially a gamble (if not on a cadet program); but I would rather move forward in life saying I tried rather than regretting not trying at all to fulfil my dream.
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