By Jim Shimabukuro (assisted by Gemini)
Editor
Introduction: My grandson, who will be a high school senior in the fall, wants to be a commercial airline pilot, and heʻs begun the journey by exploring membership in the local Civil Air Patrol. The following is a career pathway suggested by Gemini. The specifics are geared to the island of Oahu, but the general path may be applicable to others in different parts of the country and the world. -js
Prompt: My grandson, who will be a senior in high school in the fall, has developed an interest in flying. Can you suggest a path of schooling and training on Oahu that will eventually lead to a license for piloting commercial passenger aircraft? A path that takes advantage of excellent but not-too-expensive opportunities in Hawaiʻi would be ideal.
Geminiʻs response: That’s a fantastic goal for your grandson, Jim! The path to becoming a commercial pilot is rigorous but incredibly rewarding. Given your interest in affordable but excellent opportunities, and the fact you’re on Oahu, here’s a suggested path for your grandson, keeping in mind his high school status and the goal of eventually piloting passenger aircraft:
Path to Becoming a Commercial Pilot in Hawaii (Focus on Affordability & Excellence)
Phase 1: High School & Early Exploration (Current – Junior Year)
- Join the Civil Air Patrol (CAP): This is arguably the best starting point for a young person interested in aviation, especially for affordability.
- What it is: The Civil Air Patrol is the official civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force. Their Cadet Program (for ages 12-21) focuses on leadership, aerospace education, fitness, and character development.
- Benefits:
- Orientation Flights: Cadets get opportunities for up to five orientation flights in powered aircraft and, where available, an additional five in gliders, often at no or low cost. This is invaluable exposure and hands-on experience.
- Aerospace Education: They learn fundamentals of aviation through classroom activities.
- Cadet Wings Program: This is a merit-based program within CAP that can provide scholarships to cover some or all of the cost of primary flight training (Private Pilot Certificate). This is a huge potential cost-saver.
- Leadership & Discipline: Develops essential qualities for future pilots.
- Mentorship: Connects young aspiring pilots with experienced aviation professionals.
- On Oahu: The Hawaii Wing Civil Air Patrol has various squadrons. You can find information on their website (hiwg.cap.gov) to locate a local squadron and attend a meeting with your grandson.
- Explore Aviation-Focused STEM Programs/Clubs (if available): Some high schools might have aviation clubs or STEM programs that touch on aerospace. Even if not directly leading to flight, they can foster interest and provide foundational knowledge.
- Focus on Academics: Strong performance in STEM subjects (math, physics) is highly beneficial, as is English for clear communication (a skill you surely value, Jim!).
- Get a Class 1 or 2 Medical Certificate: Before starting any flight training, your grandson will need to pass an FAA medical exam with an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME). While a Class 3 is sufficient for a Private Pilot, aiming for a Class 1 or 2 early on will ensure he meets the higher medical standards required for commercial pilots. This helps avoid costly surprises later. You can find local AMEs on the FAA’s website.
Phase 2: Post-High School & Flight Training
Once your grandson graduates high school, there are generally two main pathways to consider, with some overlap:
Option A: Collegiate Aviation Program (e.g., UH Hilo)
While UH Hilo is on the Big Island, it’s worth considering as it offers a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Sciences with a Commercial Professional Pilot Training (CPPT) concentration.
- Pros:
- Structured Curriculum: A comprehensive program that covers aviation theory, regulations, and flight training as part of a degree.
- Reduced ATP Minimums: Graduates of approved collegiate aviation programs (like Part 141 schools, which UH Hilo partners with) can often earn their Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate with fewer flight hours (e.g., 1,000 hours instead of 1,500), saving significant time and money in the long run.
- Flight School Partnerships: UH Hilo partners with flight schools like Tropicbird Flight Service (which may have operations or connections on Oahu, though the main flight training for UH Hilo students occurs near Hilo).
- Scholarship Opportunities: Being enrolled in a degree program can open up more scholarship avenues.
- Cons:
- Cost of College: While UH System tuition is generally more affordable than mainland private universities, it’s still a significant investment.
- Relocation: Requires moving to the Big Island.
Option B: Standalone Flight Schools (on Oahu)
This path involves enrolling directly in an FAA-approved flight school. Look for Part 141 schools as they have a more structured curriculum, higher FAA oversight, and often allow for reduced flight hour minimums for various certificates, similar to collegiate programs.
Here are reputable flight schools on Oahu to research:
- Barber’s Point Flight School (Kalaeloa Airport):
- Why them? They emphasize “Fly More, Pay Less” due to their location outside of Honolulu International Airport’s busy airspace, potentially reducing taxi and holding times, which saves money on aircraft rental. They offer Private, Instrument, and Commercial Pilot ratings. They also have modern aircraft and a state-of-the-art simulator.
- George’s Aviation (Honolulu International Airport):
- Why them? They offer Part 61 and Part 141 instruction for Private, Commercial, Instrument, Multi-Engine, and ATP. They have a fleet of aircraft and experienced instructors. They also offer introductory flights, which could be a good “discovery flight” for your grandson.
- Lani Lea Flight School (Honolulu International Airport):
- Why them? They aim to be among the most affordable on Oahu and offer a full path from Private Pilot to Certified Flight Instructor (CFI). They emphasize quality training and flying in Hawaii’s unique airspace. They also offer a discounted introductory flight.
Key Certificates and Ratings (in order):
- Private Pilot Certificate (PPL): This is the first step, allowing him to fly for personal use. Minimum of 40 hours of flight time (though most take 60-70+ hours).
- Instrument Rating (IR): This allows him to fly in adverse weather conditions, solely by reference to instruments. Essential for commercial flying.
- Commercial Pilot Certificate (CPL): This allows him to fly for compensation or hire. Requires more advanced maneuvers and a deeper understanding of regulations. Generally requires 250 hours of total flight time (or less if through a Part 141 program).
- Certified Flight Instructor (CFI): This is a crucial step for many aspiring airline pilots. It allows them to teach others to fly, which is an excellent way to build the necessary flight hours (typically 1,500 for an Airline Transport Pilot certificate) while earning money.
Phase 3: Building Hours & Airline Transport Pilot (ATP)
- Time Building: After earning the CPL and CFI, your grandson would typically work as a flight instructor, or potentially fly for smaller commercial operations (e.g., banner towing, aerial photography, cargo) to build the required 1,500 flight hours for the Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate. As mentioned, if he goes through a Part 141 program, this minimum may be reduced.
- Airline Transport Pilot (ATP): This is the highest level of pilot certificate and is required to fly for airlines.
Financial Considerations & Affordability Tips:
- Scholarships: This is paramount, Jim!
- Civil Air Patrol (CAP) Cadet Wings: As mentioned, a fantastic opportunity.
- Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum: They have an “Aviation Pathways” program and offer scholarships, including the “For Love of Country Scholarship” (up to $10,000) and the “Frank Der Yuen Aviation Scholarship” for Hawaii residents pursuing aviation.
- Ninety-Nines, Inc.: This organization for women pilots offers scholarships, but there are also many general aviation scholarships that are open to all.
- AOPA (Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association): Offers various scholarships.
- Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA): Also offers youth scholarships.
- Local Organizations: Check with Hawaii-specific aviation organizations or foundations. Your son’s employer might even have community grants or resources.
- Websites like Scholarships.com: They list many aviation scholarships.
- Community College (Honolulu Community College): While they don’t have a pilot program, HCC has a strong Aeronautics Maintenance Technology program. While this isn’t for flying, understanding aircraft mechanics can be incredibly valuable for a pilot and could be a more affordable entry point into aviation education, potentially even leading to a job that helps fund flight training. It’s a different path, but worth mentioning for overall aviation knowledge and potential cost savings.
- Part-Time Work/Saving: Your grandson working part-time during high school and college to save for flight training expenses will be crucial.
- Financing: Explore aviation-specific loans, though this should be a last resort after maximizing scholarships.
- Minimize “Extra” Flight Time: While practice is good, structured, efficient training under a good instructor (especially at a Part 141 school) can help minimize wasted hours.
- Discovery Flights: Before committing, a “Discovery Flight” (offered by most flight schools for a reasonable fee, often around $200-300) is an excellent way for your grandson to get a taste of flying with an instructor and see if it truly sparks his passion.
In summary, Jim, for your grandson on Oahu, I’d strongly recommend:
- Starting with Civil Air Patrol now. This is a low-cost, high-value entry point.
- Once he graduates high school, investigating the Part 141 flight schools on Oahu like Barber’s Point Flight School and George’s Aviation, comparing their costs, aircraft, and instructor availability. Lani Lea is another good option to check.
- Aggressively pursuing all available aviation scholarships, especially those for Hawaii residents and high school/college students.
- Considering the UH Hilo Aeronautical Science program if a degree pathway with reduced ATP minimums is appealing and relocation is feasible.
It’s a long journey, but with his interest and your support, he can certainly achieve his dream of piloting passenger aircraft! Please let me know if you’d like more detail on any of these points.
Filed under: Uncategorized |
Educational Technology and Change Journal 
Leave a comment