BoilerUP

I've got to say, I think you have a GREAT attitude. Taking ownership of your mistakes and realizing that things happen for a reason, not letting it drag you down and putting forth the effort to making a better situation for yourself.

And as many have said, you may not get rich at your current job but you seem quite happy and content with it...and that's worth quite a bit of salary IMO.

Cubdriver

I think he has a great attitude too, and by my experience this is a common trait among people who learn a little more slowly but they prefer to go more deep into things.

I just took a systems test on the C750 and did not make 80% on it either, not even close. In my class of 4, three of us failed the part on C750 systems, but none of us has any jet time at all. The guy who passed was a college dropout who had thousand of hours in DC9s and more than a hundred SIC hours in the C750 itself, but couldn't work a basic weight and balance problem. He just knew what was going on and it clicked for him. Luckily since the other 4 of us weren't there for a type it didn't matter, but it was kind of interesting. I do not make excuses on this, I happen to know one girl who took the same test with no jet time at all and she passed with an 89%.

rotorhead1026

Lots of good advice here. Instruct on the side (the networking is invaluable) and maybe try for a regional later when the economy turns around and your mind is less cluttered. It's a drop in both QOL and salary, though. You've already got what a lot of people want.

That Chieftain ain't gonna run forever, either. They might eventually replace it with something ... turbine powered.

C152driver

Perhaps you answered your own question. I would join those that have advised you to try to instruct on the side from your main gig. However, lots of flight schools are hurting right now, too. The one that I am at has turned away several furloughed regional pilots looking for a replacement gig. Best of luck!

captjns

Weasel, here is your current situation:

1. You have a $40,000 a year job.

2. You have time on your hands.

3. The aviation market is drying up, as we speak, on a daily basis, while you are still employed!

4. R/J jobs don't pay more than minimum wage.

5. You are probably in a job were there is no micromanagement.

6. You are home every night without the daily death march though the terminal with your overnight and flight bags and dealing with TSA.

With the above being said... what's the downside?

WIth free time... fight insruct... go back to school... work part time elsewhere.

An airline that would wash you out for two points ain't worth flying for. Good luck and enjoy life.

Weasel

Sounds like everyone else feels the same way I do, I am in a great place. I like the people I work with and they treat me great. And best of all I am flying a very well maintained aircraft for people that appreciate me and treat me great. I think I will just work on my next step, getting my ATP and try to pick up some hours on the side. Most important enjoy having a good QOL and a job at this time. Thanks for everyones opinions, and once again good luck to so many people looking for work. I know it is tough out there and it will get tougher. I lost two jobs due to company sellling out in the past two years, plus the wash out. I realized keeping on keeping on is the only way to look at it. You still have to get up and put your shoes on everyday. Thanks again and good luck to everyone and happy flying when you can.

Laronair

I understand how you feel, I have been flying with my company for 3 years but due to the economic down turn they are getting rid on one airplane, the caravan and keeping the 1962 baron. And they are cutting my hours down to about 350 hours a year. I keep thinking if it gets much worse than I will be one of the next people to be laid off. So do I sit and wait it out or do I be proactive about my future and switch careers into something with a future...FBI...Although I wont be flying for a living I will be able to have a living to fly!

cjdriver

Stay where you're at. My dad flew a Navajo for many years, and went on to have a great career (20k hours and most jet). Enjoy being content, as you get older it get's harder and harder. A lot of us look back and would love to go back to a simpler time and just enjoy ourselves. Also, you're learning a lot of good aviation stuff flying a piston twin single pilot; arguably some of the most demanding flying out there.

2lowflaps

IMHO, Get the ATP and get into bigger equiptment, turbine if you can. Believe me I know it's easier sad than done. I'm furloughed airline that had 10 years seniority. The pay may be less now but as the years go on you do want to be competitive with other pilots. The more experience the better. In the airline industry seniorty is everything. The sooner you get hired the more secure you are. I'm assuming you want to go the airline route because you accepted the previous job. Don't worry about washing out of the last job, it won't hurt you as much as you think if you don't let it. It's a life lesson and will make for a good conversation during an interview. Now if your happy where you are and think you want to stay there for a career then by all means stay. But since you asked the question I'm betteing you want to move to something better.

SenecaDriver

As everybody else has been saying, stay put.

Since I assume you flying P91, you shouldn't have any limits on flying. Use the MEI, Get a CFII ( didn't see if you had one) and get the ATP. See if your employer will help pay for it. It may help lower his insurance. Win, Win.

As a part time instructor (MEI,CFII) and contract pilot with a full time desk job, I average 400-600 hours and supliment my income by 12-15K a yeay.

I would love to leave my day job in manufacturing ( I hate it but it pays good), but if I left it and went to a regional, My salary wouldn't much more than my part time income! Yikes!

Every time I get the full time pilot fever, (I'm 43 ) I picture trying to support my wife and kids on regional pay and realize how much fun I have flying now.

If your day job involves working in the flight department, see if you can convince them to upgrade to turbine. Plenty of cost benifit info out there if theres a need for it.