Make the Switch: How to Start Your Career as an Airline Pilot
Deciding to switch careers is often difficult, but making the switch doesn’t have to be. With clearly defined career and academic pathways, LIFT Academy can make your dream of starting a career in aviation a reality. To talk about how, we sat down with Brandon Frizzo, First Officer at Republic Airways, who completed his flight training at LIFT after he decided to switch careers.
A Pathway Forward
Before coming to LIFT, Brandon had a successful career in healthcare management. He enjoyed his coworkers and getting to help others, but something just didn’t feel right.
“I always had a strong interest in aviation, so I went on a discovery flight,” said Brandon. “In that moment, I knew I was meant to be a pilot. The problem was, I had no idea where to start.”
One of the biggest challenges that people face when considering a career change is figuring out how to actually make that change. LIFT Academy makes that pathway clear by outlining the logistics of flight training, from costs to timeline and everything in between.
“LIFT took the ambiguity out of the process,” said Brandon. “I couldn’t tell my wife, ‘I don’t know how long this will take or how much it’ll cost.’ With LIFT, I was able to have those answers.”
Being able to accurately plan ahead is essential when navigating your career change. With the clarity that comes with LIFT’s flight training program, you can take the first step confidently when the time is right.
Setting You Up for Career Success
One of the biggest benefits of completing your flight training at LIFT Academy is the defined career pathway to Republic Airways. That way, you know you’ll have a pathway to a career upon graduating.
“The transition from LIFT to Republic was seamless,” said Brandon. “I hit 1,500 hours in December, and by February I had already started at Republic — and that includes a two-week vacation I took.”
Another great benefit of training at LIFT is that our training is modeled after the way Republic Airways operates. That means when you move on to Republic, you won’t have to spend extra time getting up to speed on their protocols or procedures.
“When I started at Republic, I was already prepared for so many standard operating procedures,” said Brandon. “LIFT does a great job of preparing you.”
The Truth about Flight Training
Flight training will not be easy. It will take an incredible amount of dedication to get your Pilot’s Certificate, but it’ll be worth every second if it’s where your passion lies.
“I enjoyed my job in healthcare well enough, but I wasn’t fulfilled,” said Brandon. “Now I get excited when I come to work.”
Republic has long said that the passion their airline pilots bring to work every day is what sets them apart, and the same is true for our students here at LIFT. It will see you through not only your training but your career in aviation.
“My advice: keep your head on straight and work hard,” said Brandon. “Don’t spend your days dreaming about the job you want. Chase it.”
