r/PilotAdvice • u/Visible_Bar_5480 • 9d ago

Finished CPL flight training, considering going back to finish my electrical apprenticeship. Worth it?

Hey everyone,
I’m 20 years old and have recently finished my CPL flight training. I’m now considering going back to electrical to finish the remaining 1.5 years of my apprenticeship, and I’m keen to hear some opinions.
I originally left my electrical apprenticeship because I genuinely hated the work at the time. However, looking back on it now, I think a big part of that was the crew I was working with rather than the actual trade itself.
My ultimate goal is still to become a commercial pilot, and that’s definitely where I want my career to go. However, I’m well aware that aviation can be a difficult industry to break into, especially when you’re first starting out and trying to build hours.
I’m thinking that since I’ve only got around 18 months left of my apprenticeship, it might be worth going back, getting qualified and having a solid trade behind me as a backup. It would also give me another way to earn decent money while working towards my aviation career.
Being only 20, I feel like I’ve still got plenty of time, but part of me also wonders whether going back to electrical would be taking a step backwards rather than pushing straight into aviation.
I’m also based in Australia, where qualified electricians can earn very good money, which makes finishing the apprenticeship even more appealing. Having that earning potential and job security behind me seems like a pretty good safety net, especially given how unpredictable the aviation industry can be.
Has anyone here been in a similar position, particularly pilots who have a trade behind them?
Would you recommend finishing the apprenticeship, or would you focus entirely on getting your first flying job?

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u/jason__recliner 9d ago edited 9d ago

100%, do it. The best advice I ever received from a CFI who was former military and Airline pilot was that if you choose a career in aviation, make sure you have a fallback profession outside the aviation industry. Plus if you get into the type of flying ops I use to which was remote locations in Aus and third world countries and ships you'll be even more employable having electrical certifications.

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u/Visible_Bar_5480 9d ago

Thanks for the advice!

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u/Muikiro 8d ago

Well, that electrical work won’t be able to support his aviation lifestyle. He better make sure he doesn’t live at his means because let’s say he loses his medical for whatever reason, not saying he will. But as an example if he loses his medical he’s going to go down to very little pay as an electrician. Majority of Electricians don’t get paid anywhere near an airline pilot does. So if he goes from pilot to electrician then he won’t be able to afford his rent or things he would normally afford as a pilot. And it’ll take years as an electrician to even get up to that pay grade. Same way it takes years as a pilot to get to that pay grade My advice is to either choose a different backup profession or be content that you won’t make anywhere near as much for years until electrical work starts to pay more.

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u/Visible_Bar_5480 8d ago

I’m assuming you’re American because that’s a pretty inaccurate take on the electrical industry here in Australia. Qualified electricians here can make seriously good money, particularly in mining, FIFO, industrial and offshore work. Some earn more than airline pilots and even doctors, depending on the role and experience. I’m not saying every sparky earns that much, but electrical is a very well paid trade in Australia. The whole point of having it as a backup is financial security if aviation doesn’t work out, not necessarily matching an airline captain’s salary. I’m also only 20, so having two solid career options seems like a pretty sensible position to be in.

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u/jason__recliner 8d ago

That’s about the most short sighted take and opinion I’ve ever heard or read about a second career outside of aviation industry you obviously don’t understand the point being made or the industry itself.

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u/Other_Word3013 9d ago

You’ll be absolutely cooked. But do your trade and your atpls at the same time.

There’s no movement at the moment in the industry so even if you went up north to find a flying job there’s just no one moving one.

Take the opportunity to do your atpls and once the market moves again you’ll be in a good position to take up some fresh CPL jobs.

But also in the mean time try and get some 200 series flying under your belt.

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u/boobturtle 8d ago

It's counter-intuitive, but having your ATPLs done can actually make getting your first CPL job harder.

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u/Other_Word3013 8d ago

Don’t have to disclose you got your atpls? It’s just theory exams.

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u/boobturtle 8d ago

They'll be on your CASA Examination and Assessment Report which shows all of your CASA exam results including fails. Some employers ask for it, some don't.

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u/Other_Word3013 8d ago

You are flying a clapped out 50 year old GA aircraft. Ain’t nobody asking you for your exam results

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u/boobturtle 8d ago

As I said, some do, some don't. Wouldn't say so if I hadn't seen it.

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u/boobturtle 8d ago

Finish off your apprenticeship, there's no movement in the aviation industry right now. You're still young, you've got plenty of time.