AA777 From United States, joined May 1999, 2375 posts, RR: 24 Posted (3 years 1 week 5 days 9 hours ago) and read 1500 times:
I want to be a pilot, but with each coming day I am getting more and more nervous that they will want to weed me out for some reason through their 'aptitude' screenings. I first wanted to know what exactly these screenings consist of, because they are pretty vague when they describe them! I'm sure they dont want people preparing for them, but at the same time going into them completely blind is not a comforting feeling at all. I love flying, its my passion. I feel as though I probably posess some "fatal" trait that will keep me from flying, namely:
-The fact that I am of Arab Descent (Half)
-The fact that I WAS on Anti-depressant / anxiety meds (but for school / performance anxiety reasons, and I never recieved any real diagnosis...and will have been of of them for over a year by the time I apply for placement)
-The fact that math is not my strongest subject; especially on tests where I have had no real way to prepare.
I do know that I have a pretty natural feel for flying, as I went up once with a flight instructor and he told my brother, who told ME that I was one of the best first-timers he had ever had. Any feelings of anxiety that I have on the ground seem to evaporate as soon as I am in a plane. (Not to the point where I dont realize dangers, but I dont feel AFRAID at all when flying, rather I keep in the back of my mind the reality that something could go wrong. Just like when we drive; we arent afraid, but we usually realize that something could go wrong).
Any insight here as to what I am up against?!
Thanks!
-AA777
When the government fears the people, there is liberty; when the people fear the government, there is tyranny.
Against the law to discriminate or even ask on an application.
Quoting AA777 (Thread starter): The fact that I WAS on Anti-depressant / anxiety meds (but for school / performance anxiety reasons, and I never recieved any real diagnosis...and will have been of of them for over a year by the time I apply for placement)
How would they know this? You will go through drug screening but they are looking for illegal substances only. Anti-depressants are not illegal. I am sure there would be a lot of empty cockpits if the FAA yanked all the pilots who were on Prozac.
Quoting AA777 (Thread starter): The fact that math is not my strongest subject; especially on tests where I have had no real way to prepare.
This is something you do have control over. If you feel this is your weakest subject and that it can prevent you from achieving your goal, then seek assistance from a tutor etc.
How far along in your training are you? There are some colleges out there who offer degrees in aviation. Consider this: a degree (doesn't really matter the discipline) is more important than any of the above.
Web From United States, joined Jun 2005, 282 posts, RR: 0 Reply 2, posted (3 years 1 week 5 days 9 hours ago) and read 1473 times:
It depends on how high your aspirations are. As a general private pilot, they do a 7-year background check to make sure you haven't committed any felonies. The fact that you are half-Arab should have nothing to do with the screening, unless you are not a US citizen or you are not originally from the US. If you are currently on anti-depressants, they may question your aptitude, but I am not familiar with prescription-related regulations. The math part may just need some practice. The main point of these screenings is to ensure you are physically and mentally capable of safely flying an airplane. You may want to take a look at the fine print related to obtaining pilot training and your PPL; this is probably located on the FAA's website
AA777 From United States, joined May 1999, 2375 posts, RR: 24 Reply 3, posted (3 years 1 week 5 days 9 hours ago) and read 1477 times:
I live in Washington D.C., so flight training is nearly impossible here because you have to drive at least 20 miles away to a flight school that is far away from the no-fly zone. I am currently doing my 4-year degree at George Washington Univ.... Psychology & Journalism..... I'm set to graduate this may (11 months from now!!) I have a good GPA too
Web, I want to do the whole shebang-- I'm looking at Embry Riddle Capt Program, ATP (www.allatps.com), the Delta-Connection Academy, and Flight Safety International.
-AA777
[Edited 2005-06-23 04:31:12]
When the government fears the people, there is liberty; when the people fear the government, there is tyranny.
JMChladek From United States, joined Aug 2003, 331 posts, RR: 0 Reply 4, posted (3 years 1 week 5 days 8 hours ago) and read 1455 times:
Well, you want an inexpensive and easy to do method of finding out if you are physically capable of going to flight training, take a flight physical with an FAA approved Medical Examiner and see if you can qualify for at least a Class III medical certificate to fly private. If you can qualify for Class II and I, then you should be in good shape as those are needed for the commercial ratings. There you can get the straight poop on if the meds you take might ground you. It might set you back a little over a hundred bucks, but then you would know.
As for flight school screening processes, I'm not sure what that entails.
SCCutler From United States, joined Jan 2000, 3769 posts, RR: 20 Reply 5, posted (3 years 1 week 5 days 8 hours ago) and read 1452 times:
The primary check regarding pilot training is the one you write.
The issue of meds will be one for the FAA and the AME (Aero-Medical Examiner) to whom you go for your medical certificate.
I'd advise that, if you have any questions or concerns, you first join AOPA (money well-spent in any event), and consult with them prior to actually visiting an AME.
Being half-arab is a non-issue.
...three miles from BRONS, clear for the ILS one five approach...
Ralgha From United States, joined Nov 1999, 1603 posts, RR: 6 Reply 6, posted (3 years 1 week 5 days 8 hours ago) and read 1442 times:
Quoting BigGSFO (Reply 1): Anti-depressants are not illegal. I am sure there would be a lot of empty cockpits if the FAA yanked all the pilots who were on Prozac.
Actually, anti-depressants are illegal, and you can not hold a medical while taking one. A pilot who is found to be concealing such use from an AME would probably have his/her certificate yanked. However, if you haven't used the medication in at least 90 days, you can hold a medical, but may need to jump through a few hoops.
Quoting BigGSFO (Reply 1): There are some colleges out there who offer degrees in aviation.
A degree in aviation is worthless, do something worthwhile.
Quoting AA777 (Reply 3): Embry Riddle Capt Program
Stay far, far away from that program. You'll spend a lot of money, get not very much flight time, get a worthless type rating, not have guarenteed employment, not have a CFI certificate to fall back on, and be s!!! outta luck if you don't get a job right out of the program. Don't drink their kool-aid.
Probably the best of the pilot factorys, but still expensive and overblown.
Quoting AA777 (Reply 3): Flight Safety International
Hands down the best of the places you listed, though extremely expensive. They don't feed you any bull!!!! like the other places do though.
You're going to see a lot of crap thrown at you by schools who hype their first officer programs, glass cockpit training, FMS training, and airline procedure training. Bottom line is, it's all crap. You don't need any of that, it's only there to take your money. Your best bet would be to go to a local FBO full time. You can run through it just as fast there, and save a lot of money doing it. An airline will train you to be a first officer, they'll train you on the airplane, the FMS, and their procedures, and they won't (unless you pick some slimbag outfit like Gulfstream) charge you for it.
727EMflyer From United States, joined Mar 2005, 547 posts, RR: 0 Reply 7, posted (3 years 1 week 5 days 8 hours ago) and read 1429 times:
If you are worried about math, start relaxing now! To get the PPL you need to start the whole flying gig with you need to know only basic arithmetic. If you are worried, get your ground school out of the way now, even if it's informal. Sporty's and King Schools have excellent training videos that can beef up your knowledge so you will know for sure what you are talking about and getting into. Once you have the basics down the rest will follow naturally since your training will teach you not just the numbers, but the mechanics of why the math is the way it is. When you are starting out, no one expects you to know the formulas for lift and drag but they will expect you to understand that if, say, you increase angle of attack you increase both lift and drag and therefore loose airspeed which decreases both lift and drag; and whether you climb, stall, or maintain altitude will depend on if you keep the aircraft in its envelope.
As for the meds, go ahead and get a first class medical done. The AME will be able to counsel you on your past history. It shouldn't cost more than $80, it stays valid as a third class for three years, stays valid as a student certificate for 2 years, and.... YOU'LL NEED IT ANYWAY! Basic guideline though is if you are off the prescription and have stayed off for some time you should be fine. Don't go in there saying "yes I was, but I took my last pill three days ago."
As for the Arab heritage, if you are a US citizen and have your papers to prove it you are golden. If not a citizen, yes you will be scrutinized closely by the FAA (and instructor) but if you have nothing to hide then you have nothing to fear.
JetBlueAtJFK From United States, joined Jan 2005, 1617 posts, RR: 5 Reply 8, posted (3 years 1 week 5 days 8 hours ago) and read 1415 times:
I am also very interested in flying and I really want to be a pilot, and so a family friend might take me to the Delta Connection Academy and meet with the president of the school (I hope for a scholarship..lol probably not though), so how is the school? What is the website? Thanks.
And I see no problem for you becoming a pilot except for your math skills, if you brush up on that you seem ready for it, but I wouldn't know for sure.
jetBlueAtJFK
It's Not The Only Way To Fly, But It Should Be.......We Like You, Too.......When You Know jetBlue, You Know Better
777STL From United States, joined Dec 2004, 1931 posts, RR: 6 Reply 9, posted (3 years 1 week 5 days 7 hours ago) and read 1395 times:
Guys all I can say is there are more effective and efficient uses of time and money other than DCA, CAPT or any of the other pilot mills. Don't let their "guarantees" or their name fool you, going to DCA or CAPT isn't going to give you a leg up over anyone else and you'll spend signficantly more money in doing so.
The only one I'd even begin to think about recommending is ATP. The FBO route is so underrated, so many people think doors are going to open for them because they spend a large amount of money at one of the academies but in the end, you'll pay much more money for the same education. Whew, I feel like I am repeating myself.
TheGreatChecko From United States, joined Mar 2004, 702 posts, RR: 2 Reply 11, posted (3 years 1 week 4 days 21 hours ago) and read 1342 times:
Quoting JetBlueAtJFK (Reply 8): Delta Connection Academy and meet with the president of the school (I hope for a scholarship
Don't hold your breath.... I've heard mixed things about them and their training, but the one thing that I know for sure is that they are there to make money.
Good luck through. I'd try the local pilot associations and see if they have any scholarships (I got one to help pay for my private). Some aviation colleges also do offer financial aid and scholarships as well.
Quoting 777STL (Reply 9): The only one I'd even begin to think about recommending is ATP. The FBO route is so underrated, so many people think doors are going to open for them because they spend a large amount of money at one of the academies but in the end, you'll pay much more money for the same education.
I'd have to agree, but just make sure they FULLY understand what your career goals are and your timeline. My one caution is that many of these schools, due to their underutilization for this type of training, may not be very used to taking someone from zero to CFII/MEI in an efficient manner.
Do your research, get REALISTIC estimates on the costs, visit several flight schools, and compare with the rest of the industry, including (the horror!) pilot mills. Just make sure you get the best for your money. Also, don't be afraid to drop an instructor who doesn't respond to your suggestions that he or she isn't meeting your expections, they can waste your money like none other.
Furthermore, do something to start building connections within the industry. That's the real way to get a job. Work at an FBO, join a pilot association (I'm sure the local one is QUITE active), see if you have any friends, who know friends in the industry, just meet people! Even if its mopping the floors of some hanger for a corporate gig, that's the kind of thing that could get you a job once you have some experience.
If you are worried about money, many schools can help you with financing through Fannie Mae or other lenders who may get you some good rates because technically, you are a student.
Oh and before you do anything, go see if you can pass a First Class physical at the outset. If you can't, then its better to work with the FAA now to get exemptions and waivers, than after you've spent a few thousand dollars. It's well worth the extra $50 - $100 dollar investment. After you pass it once, you can get a Second or Third Class, whatever you need, and maybe get it one more time, just to be sure, before you actually need the First Class medical (an airline type job).
Good luck and remember, you are doing it because its fun, don't loose that!
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From United States, joined May 1999, 2375 posts, 
jetBlueAtJFK 
I've heard mixed things about them and their training, but the one thing that I know for sure is that they are there to make money.
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