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General Information
Non-US Citizen Information
I am not a United States citizen. What
opportunities are there for me?
Tragically, our organizational structure does
not lend itself to acting as legal counsel for
the purpose of resolving right to work issues.
We are not credibly aware of work issues in all
other countries. However, we are constantly
seeking non-U.S. pilots in other countries to
act as mentors and intelligence sources so as to
further expand our network and outreach
capability.
I am a citizen and pilot in another
country. I want to come to work and/or train in
the United States. What can I expect from OBAP?
Due to the limited resources that OBAP operates
with, OBAP is unable to offer any form of
financial assistance to anyone other that pilots
who have already earned the private pilots
certificate and have the legal right to work in
the United States. This does not mean that some
aviation training institutions do not offer such
assistance. Nor do we currently have records of
such institutions. OBAP will provide as much
mentoring as our organization has to insure the
success of any OBAP member. However, we cannot
assure success.
PPDP Information
May I enroll in your PPDP?
Once you join OBAP you are automatically
enrolled in the PPDP
FUNDING
Funding Training
Where do I find money to finance my
aviation training?
We strongly suggest that you consult with the
financial officer of schools that you are
considering for your educational training. These
financial administrators commit fulltime to
being aware of all financial options available
to potential students.
What financial assistance does OBAP offer?
Please refer to PROGRAMS to review assistance
information.
CAREERS IN AVIATION
What career fields are there available for
a PROFESSIONAL PILOT?
Previously we used the term recreational pilot
someone who flies for the joy of airmanship.
However, many individuals are compensated for
being a pilot. Although the following is very
simplified, it does explain the basic
professional opportunities available for
professional pilots. A general job description
is also given.
Commercial Pilot pilots receiving compensation
in smaller aircrafts types or acting as second
in command or flight engineer on larger aircraft
types.
Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) or Certified
Flight Instructor Instruments (CFII) Instead
of being the pilot learning, you are now the
pilot instructing.
Corporate Pilot Pilots operating for
compensation for corporations. Sizes of aircraft
can vary from smaller single-engine aircraft to
very large aircrafts requiring type ratings.
Part 135 Pilot Not quite general aviation,
but not quite regional airline flying. This is
one of the time building jobs for pilots going
to the next professional level. These pilots
carry lighter loads of freight, packages or
passengers in smaller aircraft (realize that
small is a relative term it probably seems
like a Boeing 747 to the starter pilot).
Regional Airline Pilot Pilots of aircraft who
by description typically carry more than 20, but
less than 100 passengers.
Major Airline Pilots This represent the
maximum professional achievement level for
pilots, not only in terms of aircraft size, but
also in terms of compensation. Major airline
pilots include passenger carrying air carriers
as well as cargo air carriers.
Military This is an alternative career path
progression in comparison to the civilian
option. If the risk of a military commitment
does not sway you, this can be a doubly
rewarding opportunity. Spend 20 years in the
military and earn a pension. Then join the major
airlines and earn a second pension as you start
your second career.
I am not the youngest person in the world.
I am already established in another profession.
Can I successfully become a professional pilot?
Yes, you can be successful. Assuming that you
have the aptitude to become a successful pilot.
However, there are no guarantees. Each
individual must make the personal assessment of
why they are considering entering this career
field. Is it for the joy of flying? Is it for
financial reward? Is it for some of the perks of
the industry? Is it because you feel that you
are burned out or at a dead end in your current
profession? We also have our failures in this
industry. This includes members of our
organization. Everyone will not be successful in
this career field. Particularly during these
challenging times in the industry, there are no
guarantees. However, there will always be
opportunities for competent pilots.
Are there other professional opportunities
available to me in aviation other than becoming
a pilot?
Of course! Start by looking at our programs.
Then look through our useful links. Have your
pen and paper handy and let your enthusiasm help
you visualize the multitude of career
opportunities in aviation.
OTHER CAREERS IN AVIATION
What are some other fields in aviation?
Mechanic, Air Traffic Controller, Dispatcher,
Human Resource Administrator, Station Manager,
Gate Agent, Ticket Agent, Loaders, Utility
Service Person, Scheduler, Air Carrier
Inspector, Reservations
Are there other professional opportunities
available to me in aviation other than becoming
a pilot?
Of course! Start by looking at our programs.
Then look through our useful links. Have your
pen and paper handy and let your enthusiasm help
you visualize the multitude of career
opportunities in aviation.
CERTIFICATION & TRAINING
What about pilot training schools? Which one
should I attend?
One size does not fit all. Teaching
philosophies, rate of academic and flight
training varies significantly from one flight
training program to another. Each individual
needs to assess what is appropriate for their
individual learning behavior and financial
predicament in order to identify a good fit for
their aviation goals and objectives.
Are other aviation programs offered by other
organizations?
Yes, many of the organizations listed under
useful links on our website also offer aviation
programs. Additionally, there may be additional
programs offered in your community that we are
not aware of.
CERTIFICATION PROGRAMS & RATINGS
Are other aviation programs offered by other
organizations?
Yes, many of the organizations listed under
useful links on our website also offer aviation
programs. Additionally, there may be additional
programs offered in your community that we are
not aware of.
What are Pilot Certificates and Ratings?
Just as there are different types of licenses
for driving motor vehicles, there are numerous
types of pilot ratings and certificates. Without
becoming too detailed, these certificates and
ratings are as follows:
Student Pilot The initial learning and
certification level for a new pilot.
Private Pilot - We like to refer to this as a
recreational pilot level. The student pilot
certificate only allows the pilot to fly by
themselves or with instructors. By comparison, a
private pilot is allowed to carry passengers
with them with very few restrictions as to where
they can go (as long as the weather is
favorable).
Instrument Pilot This is the next pilot
certification level. At this certification
level, the pilot learns how to fly in less
favorable weather conditions. Flying in clouds
can be very disorienting unless the pilot has
the proper pilotage discipline. We use the term
instrument meteorological conditions to
generalize the conditions under which instrument
pilots can fly.
Commercial Pilot This certification level
represents advanced competency in all phases of
pilotage and allows the pilot, for the first
time, to receive monetary compensation for
services performed.
Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) This
certification level is quite often pursued after
the commercial certification. It allows a pilot
to teach other pilots how to fly.
Certified Flight Instructor Instruments (CFII)
This certification level is required to teach
advanced instrument procedures to pilots learn
to fly.
Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) This is one of
the highest competency and certification levels
for pilots. Commonly known as a type rating, all
larger commercial aircraft require an ATP type
certification. Each large aircraft is different.
Accordingly, a type rating is required for each
different type of large aircraft that a pilots
flies (i.e., Learjet type rating, Citation type
rating, Boeing 747 type rating, Airbus A320 type
rating, etc.)
In addition to this progress of training in an
airplane, a similar progression of training can
occur in each of the following categories of
aircraft:
Airplane single-engine land
Airplane single-engine sea
Airplane multi-engine land
Airplane multi-engine sea
Rotorcraft ratings
Balloon ratings
Glider ratings
Aircraft type ratings
GETTING STARTED
How should I introduce children to aviation
opportunities?
Education is the key here. It is impossible to
have a child aspire to an opportunity if they
dont know that it exist. Our ACE camps provide
an excellent opportunity for our youth to learn
about the field of aviation and the many career
opportunities that they aspire to. Tragically,
we cannot offer ACE camps in every city that we
would like to offer such programs. The financial
commitment for such exceeds our organizational
resources. However, there are other outreach
organizations that offer ACE camps and similar
programs throughout the United States. Many of
them are diversity outreach organizations. Refer
to our useful link section to identify some of
these organizations. Additionally, the Federal
Aviation Administration offers ACE Camps in many
cities throughout the United States.
For others, general exposure to the many
segments of the aviation industry can serve as a
stepping-stone to successfully exposing them to
aviation opportunities. Other programs, such as
Space Camps, offer additional hands on exposure.
Programs cost vary from minimal financial
commitment to payment of a full tuition
commitment. Each program must be individually
assessed.
Our organization does however offer other
opportunities for exposing our youth to aviation
through programs such as OBAPs Pilots In The
School. Additionally, if a specific need
presents itself, OBAP will always try to connect
address to needs of aspiring aviators.
HOW TO GET STARTED IN FLYING
What about pilot training schools? Which one
should I attend?
One size does not fit all. Teaching
philosophies, rate of academic and flight
training varies significantly from one flight
training program to another. Each individual
needs to assess what is appropriate for their
individual learning behavior and financial
predicament in order to identify a good fit for
their aviation goals and objectives.
What protocol should I follow to become a
pilot or encourage someone else to become a
pilot?
This is a loaded question. There is no one size
fits all answer. In terms of becoming a pilot,
nothing replaces some good legwork that will
help you become more literate in what the
expectations of the industry are. Internet
researching can provide you with very useful
information. At a minimal, you should review
some of our useful links. Additionally, you can
purchase useful guidance through our affiliates
under STORE on our website.
Several issues should be assessed in making such
a commitment. Once again each case is unique.
However, at a minimal, you should take into
consideration the following:
Am I pursuing pilot skills for recreational
purposes or am I committed to becoming a
professional pilot?
Am I physically and mentally fit to take on
the challenge of becoming a pilot (you will be
required to pass a medical examination that can
only be performed by a designated FAA
aeromedical examiner)?
Does my work or school schedule permit me the
flexibility to commit to the required time to
academic studying as well as flight lessons?
Are there issues in my background that will
disqualify me from becoming a pilot (i.e.,
civil/criminal convictions, traffic violations,
some medical conditions, some prescription
medications, etc.)?
Do I want to attain my training in my local
community or am I committed to attending an ab-initio/accelerated
training program?
What finances are available to me?
Do I want to consider a military
flight-training program to avoid incurring
flight training expense and still be paid a
generous salary while training?
One of the most prudent approaches to
considering becoming at pilot at any level is to
go out to one of your local airports and
purchase an orientation flight. Sometimes, these
flights are referred to as DISCOVERY FLIGHTS.
Quite often, discount coupons are available for
these types of flights. View www.beapilot.com to
attain additional information on the subject.
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