Professional Pilot Career Guide

This book has been an invaluable resource for me, as it covers all aspects of aviation--from training and the plethora of options available towards those who intend on embarking towards a career as pilots, to CFI positions, your first 'real' flying job at a regional including many interviews from current (as of publication anyway) pilots at the regionals, to the majors. It also includes hard numbers on expected pilot retirements, expected pay, et., which is probably outdated post 9/11. Mr. Mark also provides a lot of insight on the best path for people in different walks of life--an 18 high school grad v/s a 39 career changer with 2 kids and a mortgage.All in all, the other books in this category, including those by Ms. Tarver and others just simply do not provde the breadth or the scope of this book. They mostly concentrate on the pilots or hiring managers personal experiences, which may have little bearing on your own. Overall, wholly recommended.

I have not even finished reading it and already think that it was worth every penny! I am considering changing careers and find this book a great resource. Robert P. Mark will tell you without romance, from your first training lessons to what you can expect once you get your credentials. Airline jobs, corporate jobs, and all facets of flying are discussed and explained to you in a very direct manner. If you are thinking about getting into aviation you will find that this book will help you get the answers to most of your questions, and , more importantly, show you what questions you should ask when you look for your training and also your job.

For anyone interested in a career in aviation this book hits the mark. After reading this book I found out how much I really only thought I knew about flying for a living! This should be mandatory reading for anyone interested in a career in aviation.

This book covers a lot of ground and should be a must read for aspiring pilots or pilots early in their career. It draws from a number of sources and provides numerous comments and opinions of experienced pilots. If you don't already know about starting a career as a pilot, then you will learn a lot from this book. Great guide -- if you get it, you won't be dissapointed!

I bought the book three days ago and read all 386 pages or so in a couple of days. The author gives a lot of details on career options, hiring practices, salaries and workhours you can expect working as a professional pilot for regional, national and international airlines and charter operations. Other areas of employment are also covered. What it doesn't cover is possibilities of self-employment - what would it take to run your own flight school, charter operation, crop dusting enterprise etc. but that maybe a topic for another book.A lot of books covering similar topics are sometimes outdated by the time you get your hands on them. This one is fresh off the press and contains information that is as recent as 1998 (early 1999?). I recommend this particular book.