Wildflyin

So, thinking of leaving the career. Did my time as a regional pilot, part 91 flying after that and currently 135 charter. I enjoyed all my flying time, met some great people, but probably never should have left regional flying if I wanted to get to the majors (not something I knew at the time). The time build since has went slow, and I am currently a very underpaid part 135 PIC. These were all my choices, leaving the regionals for better pay (the part 91 gig) seemed better initially. During my time there I got married and had my sweet baby girl which this job allowed me to spend toms of time with. The part 91 gig was in a piston plane so I looked to move onto a turbine gig which I found with a King Air operator. The base pay was low, but with the hourly flight pay it seemed like it would reach industry mins; it did not, but getting my ATP and TPIC time seemed like a worthwhile stepping stone. Normally I never would have taken such a job, but the desire to spend more time at home motivated me to look for work inside my local area to eliminate commuting and or moving, the latter not being an option as my wife makes much more money than I do! It became obvious that I was working to provide myself with a hobby rather than contribute anything of value to my family as daycare expenses cost more than I was making, not to mention being constantly on-call and unable to make plans. I would be of more value just being a stay at home dad.

So here I am at a crossroads. I am putting in an application at a major carrier as a sort of last gasp, though I am uncertain that I would even take it if offered. I have grown accustomed to being home so often and playing with my daughter in the morning, and putting her to sleep at night, it's a great thing I never thought I would have enjoyed so much.I always said I would never leave flying for ANY girl EVER; little did I know that the girl that could make me break that promise to myself would be my daughter. I am currently working hard to get my Contractors license and begin my own building and remodeling business here, be my own boss (I still feel the need to work). I have a lot of family connections where I live that would help the business succeed in those uncertain first years, so my chances are good, not to mention that with the wife's job we won't starve. I always liked working with my hands (probably why I took to aviation so well) and I know I could not only succeed in this but be happy as well. I could be happy at a major airline too, certainly make good money later on, but the cost would be the family life that I have gotten so used to. So there you have it, that's my story.

brianb

I feel ya. I wouldn't trade time at home with the little one(s) for a week in Cabo. Well, maybe after they turn 16 and the attitude comes to fruition. I built homes as a hobby when I was flying corporate and I know how frustrating it can be to be on call 24/7. If I had to do it all over again, I believe I would take the contractor/home builder path and leave the flying to the week-ends. You can't replace the time with your kid's and they deserve your time more then any airplane. Good luck.

Wildflyin

Thanks man, I know whichever thing I do woud be the right decision, though I have to tell you, I am leaning heavy towards the Contractor route.

bedrock

Don't be surprised, you grew up and out of the love of aviation. You realized there is more to life. I would get my contractor's license and watch what is going on from the sidelines. If this "shortage" is really going to materialize, you will have time to go back to flying, and you will have the contractor experience and license in your back pocket for the inevitable downturn. If you enjoy contracting and are willing to bust your ***, stay w/ it.

HIFLYR

Having built and flipped houses on the side I can say it is not a easy nut to crack to make it in the building business. If you think flying is a cut throat business it pales compared to the building business, there is simply NO LOYALTY only lowest cost shoppers in most cases. Do your research and go into the field with a open mind or you could find yourself in a world of hurt. I prefer flying and since I live in domicile I get to spend more time with the family than most builders or medical professionals that are my friends. Sadly since you moved to part 91 and 135 flying you are not that competitive to be hired at the majors. Do not kill the messenger simply stating the current situation "no way I would get hired at FedEX today" as my time was much like yours. My relative is a pilot hiring person at a major and it is crazy what they are looking for.

SGALLO

My suggestion is to try and find a part 91 company to fly for where you can use your construction background as well as your flight ratings to increase your income.

My background was Industrial Electrical construction, project management and estimating. I acquired all my flight ratings the hard way, training at night and on the weekends all while working 50-60hrs per week. It took a while to build my flight time... but I finally made the jump a few years back to a different company where I fly about 250hrs a year, but still manage/consult on some electrical projects for my employer. It's a win win for both you and your potential employer if you can find this scenario!

Learflyer

Not so true anymore. We've had several capt's at my 135 go to DAL/UAL/SWA/AA. They're beginning to sniff around the 135 demographic because I believe they like to hire folks whom have the ability to think outside the box...that's all we do daily.

SkyHigh

I met a fellow a few years ago who was a contractor that left the business to fly for the regionals around the same time I was laid off from my airline job and began my developer and real estate career. The regional guy started out with a few rental homes he accumulated from his building career and had to sell them off slowly to compensate for the lack of income.

By the time I met him you could see the panic building as he was a few years into his 50's by that time and still had not upgraded. He was down to his last rental house too. I miss flying everyday however it is undeniable to me that my financial and personal life have greatly improved since being laid off. My wife and children largely live a life we only dreamed of when I was still employed as a pilot.

The regional guy and I essentially changed places in the stream of life. I miss flying everyday but greatly value the improvements to the rest of my life. It seems apparent to me that those of us who are married with children, and who value their family life, should strongly consider the consequences of being gone so much for such a risky career. The prospect of leaving the profession it is a small but painful price to pay, however one that I believe holds the potential of a considerable return.

Skyhigh