JohnBurke

If you're not fully committed, then chances aren't great that you'll make it in this industry. It has a way of weeding out those who aren't all in.

Rama

Its a long, hard, often frustrating road as it is. Without real passion it becomes longer, harder and more frustrating.

bedrock

If you are pursuing aviation, JUST because you think it is an easy gig or guarantees you high pay and a great QOL down the road, get out now.

I have to ask, did you ever have a passion for aviation or a real desire to fly? Is someone expecting you to do this for a living? Airline pilot is no longer a great job, it is a job of which you may get the chance to get good pay, and a lot of time off, or you very well may not. Over half of all domestic flights are flown by regionals. All of the regional airlines are a far cry from being even close to a job at the majors or even carriers like JetBlue or Virgin. Ask yourself, do people pursue a career in major league sports without having a passion for it? That is the kind of gamble you are taking. This career is dependent on so many factors out of your control: oil prices, war, economy, bankruptcy, whipsaw, union, mergers, your health, your aptitude, and things like your ability to live meagerly (for perhaps years), desire to have a family etc. In a word SACRIFICE, this career demands it to often a high level. Putting off buying a new car, eating a decent meal, accepting poor housing, inability to buy a house, to start a family, keep a girlfriend, see friends and family, esp. on holidays, not to mention the financial outlay are part of the life.

Just quit now, if you don't really have the passion for it. Don't throw away good money after bad; cut your losses. Otherwise, you'll quit later after a lot of regret and wasted money.

hindsight2020

I hate that religious argument. It ain't a religion, this is a job mate. It either meets your Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs or it doesn't. You don't do it in spite of not meeting your needs. That's some twisted protestant work ethic taken to a completely wrong context.

I also take exception at part 121 pilots taking whole ownership for the flying passion bit. What y'all really mean is, have a driving desire to be a regional airline pilot. That does not equal having a passion for flying outright. I understand it's APC, but let's not overreach shall we? The dudes flying their own Barons and Meridians are plenty passionate to fly their magic carpets on their own time and dime and look hella happy to me. Hell I even crack a smile every now and then while crawling at 2 miles a minute through the middle of the Country in my Piper Arrow with family in tow.

The question will continue to remain, if regionals indeed do half the domestic lift, then why does the job is so insultingly low-paying? I of course know the answer already; the real question I'm posing is shouldn't that flying be done by the major league teams? Then this whole question of passion and sacrifice no longer requires that stupid religious slant to it. This is what the so called pilot shortage is really about. It's not about whether a guy can find contentment in the lifestyle and pay of a mainline 4 carrier, it's whether or not he can survive minor league treatment for eternity. That answer is a resounding No, and passion has jack and cheese to do with it. Fix the system, stop adjudicating religious morality on the aspirants.

/justsayin'

bedrock

Who's using a "religious argument"? a religious argument would be something like have faith, believe in yourself, keep trying and it will all work out, etc. The fact is, you have to really have a drive or passion if you want to stick it out through the lower levels of aviation--not just the regionals. Plenty of part 91/135 gigs that will abuse you too. A good friend is permanently disabled from Alsaka flying. Someone at my cargo job lost their life. Outside of the military, where do things like that happen in other career lines? What you are saying about regional flying is absolutely right and it is what others in the thread have said too. 50-60% is regional flying and it is nearly the only avenue to the majors--even military guys have to put some time in. Of course, we all want to move flying back in house, but it is happening slowly. I've flown with people who got into the regional airlines at even 500 hrs, but with no passion for it. They were miserable. The hierarchy of needs has to be postponed; there is no instant gratification pursuing this career.

tomgoodman

Stets656,
Your many repetitions of the same question suggest that what you seek here is not advice, but endorsement of a decision you have already made. That decision, to pursue a non-aviation career and just fly for fun, is a perfectly valid choice. You do not need anyone's approval.

JohnBurke

When you undertake to introduce a lie into the conversation, then there's little point in continuing the talk, is there? After all, what you've done is muddy the waters by brining in that which does not exist. Who has said this? Only you, and for no valid purpose.

kevbo

The prospects for success are always good when you can start early and meet the required milestones in a timely manor. There is fierce competition so getting a degree and ATP by 23 can be "the" difference in career outcome. This is why rich kids have a huge advantage in this industry.

JohnBurke

That's ridiculous. Absolutely ridiculous.

What required milestones? Have you ever worked in aviation outside of an airline? There are many more ways to make a living in the cockpit, than in an airline seat, and many more ways to gain aeronautical experience.

"Rich kids" may have an initial advantage in finding funding, but after that, it's up to each person to make their way, and it becomes a matter of personal initiative and hard work.

In this industry, no one owes you a living.

airjamaica

I agree, I was always told... "Flying is for rich kids". Not exclusively for rich kids, but if you have a lot of money, you definitely have the upper hand in this industry.