N9373M

I am not a commercial pilot, but have done some really cool things in general aviation.

My .02
Get a degree in a marketable skill that you enjoy and fly on the side.

Owning a plane presents tremendous opportunity. Bypass TSA, the crowds, never lose your luggage, no schedules, no pressure.

I've been able to fly at 3am, visit relatives, use my plane for business, take friends flying, see sunrises from 10K, go places or go no where at all to get a way for an hour. It's hand-eye coordination and critical thinking skills rolled in to one.

I became a pilot because I grew up in and around a military base and it got in my blood

Semaphore Sam

The draft.

crewdawg

You're a glass is half empty kind of person, aren't you...


I'm more likely to spin posts like this one, than if you just posted facts. Your incessant, the world is ending, type posts do no good, other than to make more people discount your rhetoric. You just say don't come here, it's a horrible job, and you're an idiot for doing so. You even went as far as to say that it should be considered child abuse for letting your kids into aviation (different thread)! That's great if that's how you feel, but realize that if that's all you post, people won't take you seriously. I, for one, would love to hear how you've become so passionate in your disdain for aviation, when you've ended up at what many consider a highly desirable position in aviation. You may have some valid points, that i've never considered but it's hard for me to take you seriously. Also, just because some people post their thoughts to the contrary, doesn't mean they're morons. You take the time read/post on here, make it something meaningful and put a little reasoning into explaining why...or just keep thinking the government is spraying mind control devices via chemtrails in the sky. Your pick.

galaxy flyer

Funny thing about Robin Olds, wore a mustache for one year and is ALWAYS associated with it. Great man and wasn't ever an airline pilot. It ain't all on the bidsheet

GF

snipeone

Why I Want to Be a Pilot

I want to be a pilot when I grow up because it's a fun job and easy to do. That's why there are so many pilots flying around today.
Pilots don't need much school, they just have to learn to read numbers so they can read instruments. I guess they should be able to read road maps so they can find their way if they get lost.
Pilots should be brave so they won't be scared if it's foggy and they can't see, or if a wing or motor falls off, they should stay calm. Pilots have to have good eyes to see through clouds, and they can't be afraid of lightening or thunder because they're closer to them than we are.
The salary pilots make is another thing I like. They make more money than they can spend. This is because most people think plane flying is dangerous, except pilots don't because they know how easy it is.
There isn't much I don't like, except that girls like pilots and all the stewardesses want to marry pilots so they always have to chase them away so they won't bother them.I hope I don't get airsick because I get carsick and if I get airsick I couldn't be a pilot and then I'd have to go to work.

tomgoodman

Me too. I always wanted to fly jets, but was told by older and wiser people: "It's not a real profession. Glorified bus driver. You can do better." etc. etc. Those arguments were persuasive, but a low draft number during the Viet Nam war was even more persuasive. Gave me an excuse that nobody could argue with.

Crazy Canuck

I know this is pages and pages ago, but this needs a bump. It's very nicely put, and it's true. That said, I still enjoy flying, even if it has become work now.

This isn't meant as a criticism at all, but it seems to me this thread somewhat sorts out the people who have had a bad experience and those who are choosing to have a good attitude. I can see why people have gone sour after they have put in years of hard work only to see the return be well below the standard they were expecting, and had they known this they would have never gotten into it at all.
I can also see how people will choose to have a good attitude about the realities of this industry though. It wouldn't surprise me if this "passion" burned out, but it also wouldn't surprise me if some decided to enjoy it anyway and kept going.

It seems some people have a general lack of respect for others who have differing opinions, even though you may feel the other is misinformed.

HotMamaPilot

And people are supposed to take your words seriously when you are libelous? I never called anyone an idiot.
Furthermore, since I have reached "the pinnacle", I believe my opinion is VERY valuable; esp in a business where everyone is taking "the next step" to their dream job. I've done it! Experience matters.

jonnyjetprop

I became a pilot because I loved the freedom of flight. It was cool.

I became a professional pilot because I wanted to enjoy going to work. I didn't have big dreams of an easy life, a big breasted blond wife and a huge bank roll. After slugging it out flight instructing, FAR 135 cargo, air ambulance, 2 commuters, a scum bag DC-8 job and now a FAR121 supplemental carrier, I still love flying. It's not always easy on me or my family, but I have provided for them. I miss holidays all the time. I don't force my family to wait until I'm home.

I fly with guys that hate life and I fly with guys that make me look like a Debbie Downer. Life is what you make of it. The Internet tends to accentuate the negative because happy folks don't post as much.

jonnyjetprop

I think the best advise is to go in with your eyes wide open and to think long term. I would never tell someone that they are a moron for getting in.