The Career Span Of A Pilot (story)
12-24-2008, 12:59 PM
#91
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Oct 2006
Position: NU Guy
Posts: 437
As for the luck factor; generally speaking it's true the harder you work the luckier you become. But to pick the right job that will last for years, well it's a crapshoot. Good luck.
Last edited by Ski Patrol; 12-24-2008 at 02:48 PM.
12-24-2008, 08:49 PM
#92
With The Resistance
Joined APC: Jan 2006
Position: Burning the Agitprop of the Apparat
Posts: 6,191
One of my favorite books is Moby Dick. To me it seems that the story of Captain Ahab directly relates to this thread. As a 58 year old man he had spent three of his last forty years at home on land. Obsessed by the ocean and his quest for command only now upon reflection does he realize that he wasted his life chasing an empty dream.
In conversation with his trusty First Officer Starbuck Ahab laments that "he widowed (his wife) the day he married her". Never at home he took every voyage and command opportunity that he could and now at the sunset of his life he was angry. Such a goal can destroy one if allowed to overtake all other concerns. (Wikipedia) The best days of his life were now gone. His rage for revenge against his obsession is directed at the great white whale who took is lower leg on the previous journey.
In the final chapter Ahabs lifeless body is seen on the back of Mody Dick when he resurfaces. Even in death as the whale rises and falls while propelling himself along Ahabs limp arm can be seen flopping back and froth as though he was beckoning his crew for the great beyond to follow to his same fate.
I first read that book as a bush pilot in Alaska. Years later while working as an FO for the airlines that story would frequently come back to haunt me as I sat next to bitter old captains who told stories about forgotten children and a string of ex-spouses that were left in the wake of their obsessed careers. Instead of throwing harpoons at whales they took their anger out on their "ungrateful children", "vicious ex-wives" and airline management.
As a silent listener it seemed to me as they told their life stories that they were always dragging their families across the country in pursuit of their own dreams then virtually abandoning them to go on long trips. Now facing 60 they were broke, alone and had no hobbies, interests or family left to return to yet still they beckoned others to join them.
No thanks,
Skyhigh
In conversation with his trusty First Officer Starbuck Ahab laments that "he widowed (his wife) the day he married her". Never at home he took every voyage and command opportunity that he could and now at the sunset of his life he was angry. Such a goal can destroy one if allowed to overtake all other concerns. (Wikipedia) The best days of his life were now gone. His rage for revenge against his obsession is directed at the great white whale who took is lower leg on the previous journey.
In the final chapter Ahabs lifeless body is seen on the back of Mody Dick when he resurfaces. Even in death as the whale rises and falls while propelling himself along Ahabs limp arm can be seen flopping back and froth as though he was beckoning his crew for the great beyond to follow to his same fate.
I first read that book as a bush pilot in Alaska. Years later while working as an FO for the airlines that story would frequently come back to haunt me as I sat next to bitter old captains who told stories about forgotten children and a string of ex-spouses that were left in the wake of their obsessed careers. Instead of throwing harpoons at whales they took their anger out on their "ungrateful children", "vicious ex-wives" and airline management.
As a silent listener it seemed to me as they told their life stories that they were always dragging their families across the country in pursuit of their own dreams then virtually abandoning them to go on long trips. Now facing 60 they were broke, alone and had no hobbies, interests or family left to return to yet still they beckoned others to join them.
No thanks,
Skyhigh
The average guy never had a chance and never will.
Fair is a place we go to buy cotton candy and step in monkey poop.
Why not try to sell the upside of alternate job strategies? It might be easier than a tally of the negatives to those already in the trenches. I think most on this site are quite aware of the negatives of the industry. How about a few positives for the alternates?
You don't have to talk about real estate speculation.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From The Gulag Archipelago:
Do not pursue what is illusory–property, position, all that is gained at the expense of your nerves, decade after decade, and is confiscated in one fell night. Live with a steady superiority over life–don't be afraid of misfortune and do not yearn after happiness; it is, after all, all the same–the bitter doesn't last forever and the sweet never fills the cup to overflowing.
It is enough if you don't freeze in the cold, if thirst and hunger don't claw at your insides. If your back isn't broken, if your feet can walk, if your arms bend, if both eyes can see, and if both ears can hear, then whom should you envy? And why? Our envy of others devours us most of all.
Rub your eyes and purify your heart–and prize above all else in the world those who love you and wish you well. Do not hurt them or scold them, and never part with them in anger; after all, you simply do not know, it may be your last act.
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12-24-2008, 08:59 PM
#93
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Nov 2005
Position: UPS 757/767 Capt ONT
Posts: 4,357
"I think most on this site are quite aware of the negatives of the industry. How about a few positives for the alternates?"
I guess you missed the fireman thread...
But your point is well taken. I think Sky's overwhelming negativism at the site unfortunately overshadows whatever message he he trying to get across to the newb. Hopefully, people can read between the lines.
I guess you missed the fireman thread...
But your point is well taken. I think Sky's overwhelming negativism at the site unfortunately overshadows whatever message he he trying to get across to the newb. Hopefully, people can read between the lines.
12-24-2008, 09:04 PM
#94
With The Resistance
Joined APC: Jan 2006
Position: Burning the Agitprop of the Apparat
Posts: 6,191
"I think most on this site are quite aware of the negatives of the industry. How about a few positives for the alternates?"
I guess you missed the fireman thread...
But your point is well taken. I think Sky's overwhelming negativism at the site unfortunately overshadows whatever message he he trying to get across to the newb. Hopefully, people can read between the lines.
I guess you missed the fireman thread...
But your point is well taken. I think Sky's overwhelming negativism at the site unfortunately overshadows whatever message he he trying to get across to the newb. Hopefully, people can read between the lines.
12-24-2008, 09:15 PM
#95
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Mar 2008
Position: FAA 'Flight Check'
Posts: 13,839
One of my favorite books is Moby Dick. To me it seems that the story of Captain Ahab directly relates to this thread. As a 58 year old man he had spent three of his last forty years at home on land. Obsessed by the ocean and his quest for command only now upon reflection does he realize that he wasted his life chasing an empty dream.
In conversation with his trusty First Officer Starbuck Ahab laments that "he widowed (his wife) the day he married her". Never at home he took every voyage and command opportunity that he could and now at the sunset of his life he was angry. Such a goal can destroy one if allowed to overtake all other concerns. (Wikipedia) The best days of his life were now gone. His rage for revenge against his obsession is directed at the great white whale who took is lower leg on the previous journey.
In the final chapter Ahabs lifeless body is seen on the back of Mody Dick when he resurfaces. Even in death as the whale rises and falls while propelling himself along Ahabs limp arm can be seen flopping back and froth as though he was beckoning his crew for the great beyond to follow to his same fate.
I first read that book as a bush pilot in Alaska. Years later while working as an FO for the airlines that story would frequently come back to haunt me as I sat next to bitter old captains who told stories about forgotten children and a string of ex-spouses that were left in the wake of their obsessed careers. Instead of throwing harpoons at whales they took their anger out on their "ungrateful children", "vicious ex-wives" and airline management.
As a silent listener it seemed to me as they told their life stories that they were always dragging their families across the country in pursuit of their own dreams then virtually abandoning them to go on long trips. Now facing 60 they were broke, alone and had no hobbies, interests or family left to return to yet still they beckoned others to join them.
No thanks,
Skyhigh
In conversation with his trusty First Officer Starbuck Ahab laments that "he widowed (his wife) the day he married her". Never at home he took every voyage and command opportunity that he could and now at the sunset of his life he was angry. Such a goal can destroy one if allowed to overtake all other concerns. (Wikipedia) The best days of his life were now gone. His rage for revenge against his obsession is directed at the great white whale who took is lower leg on the previous journey.
In the final chapter Ahabs lifeless body is seen on the back of Mody Dick when he resurfaces. Even in death as the whale rises and falls while propelling himself along Ahabs limp arm can be seen flopping back and froth as though he was beckoning his crew for the great beyond to follow to his same fate.
I first read that book as a bush pilot in Alaska. Years later while working as an FO for the airlines that story would frequently come back to haunt me as I sat next to bitter old captains who told stories about forgotten children and a string of ex-spouses that were left in the wake of their obsessed careers. Instead of throwing harpoons at whales they took their anger out on their "ungrateful children", "vicious ex-wives" and airline management.
As a silent listener it seemed to me as they told their life stories that they were always dragging their families across the country in pursuit of their own dreams then virtually abandoning them to go on long trips. Now facing 60 they were broke, alone and had no hobbies, interests or family left to return to yet still they beckoned others to join them.
No thanks,
Skyhigh
I remember a different story where a group of pilots got together and saved the UNIVERSE from destruction.
I counter your Moby Dick story with Stars Wars!
Merry Christmas Sky. I hope it is good holiday for you.
Sounds like you need it.
USMCFLYR
12-25-2008, 12:48 PM
#97
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Feb 2006
Position: 767A (Ret)
Posts: 6,248
Nantucket sleigh ride?
I think that anyone who is even slightly introspective will see a little bit of Ahab in himself. We all chase one whale or another, some from a cockpit and others from a cubicle, but enjoyment of of life should not depend on actually harpooning the beast.
Last edited by tomgoodman; 12-25-2008 at 06:36 PM.
12-26-2008, 07:16 AM
#98
Self Employed.
Joined APC: May 2005
Position: Corporate Pilot
Posts: 7,119
True
Skyhigh
12-26-2008, 09:45 AM
#99
Self Employed.
Joined APC: May 2005
Position: Corporate Pilot
Posts: 7,119
Ahab
I do see myself as being a bit of an Ahab. I lost a leg to this industry and am not very happy about it. I believe that most aviation careers are like lost ships at sea captained at first by high minded Starbucks that over time contort into bitter Ahabs. Promises of the land of milk and honey are always just over the horizon luring us farther and farther from shore. Years pass under the keel in an aimless voyage. Frequent storms that threaten our survival, once past, often reveal even more flat sea. Eventually the voyage back to safe harbor is farther than can be reached. The only hope is that the winds of fate will blow us to a friendly shore.
In my life I have learned much from the stories and attitudes of others. I believe that people enjoy a good tragedy as much or more than Disney movie outcomes. Sad stories and loss are easier to take as pilots since they are something that most can relate to. Since my trail departed from aviation I have enjoyed huge successes and some bitter defeats. However my life today is fantastically than I was as a pilot. It would be inconsiderate of me to come on here and focus on my successes of today. Instead I use my disappointment as a motivating story for others to hopefully follow to their own form of salvation.
People often accuse me of being bitter and miserable, however I can assure those that in person I am a happy father (of soon to be six sons) and husband. I sleep in my own bed and overall am living the life of my dreams (less the left seat of a 737). My aviation career story played out like a Greek tragedy, but my life since then has been more balanced and heavily weighted towards success. As a pilot I was miserable as I waited for my life to start. I wasted most of the best years of my life chasing an empty hole in the sky and I am not happy about that. Those years are gone forever.
Hopefully others can use my tale of hardship, loss, perseverance and destruction at the gates of salvation in some way. Some are convinced that I am a shameless quitter and are spurred on while others my story is a cautionary tale and example of how to navigate their ship to land. Either way I hope to help and I enjoy writing about it and sharing in all your fellowship.
SkyHigh
In my life I have learned much from the stories and attitudes of others. I believe that people enjoy a good tragedy as much or more than Disney movie outcomes. Sad stories and loss are easier to take as pilots since they are something that most can relate to. Since my trail departed from aviation I have enjoyed huge successes and some bitter defeats. However my life today is fantastically than I was as a pilot. It would be inconsiderate of me to come on here and focus on my successes of today. Instead I use my disappointment as a motivating story for others to hopefully follow to their own form of salvation.
People often accuse me of being bitter and miserable, however I can assure those that in person I am a happy father (of soon to be six sons) and husband. I sleep in my own bed and overall am living the life of my dreams (less the left seat of a 737). My aviation career story played out like a Greek tragedy, but my life since then has been more balanced and heavily weighted towards success. As a pilot I was miserable as I waited for my life to start. I wasted most of the best years of my life chasing an empty hole in the sky and I am not happy about that. Those years are gone forever.
Hopefully others can use my tale of hardship, loss, perseverance and destruction at the gates of salvation in some way. Some are convinced that I am a shameless quitter and are spurred on while others my story is a cautionary tale and example of how to navigate their ship to land. Either way I hope to help and I enjoy writing about it and sharing in all your fellowship.
SkyHigh
Last edited by SkyHigh; 12-26-2008 at 09:53 AM.
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