Skyhigh
04-02-2007, 05:36 PM
#51
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Dec 2005
Position: CRJ F/O
Posts: 239
One thing that Skyhigh said [Ithink] is true. There is a large percentage of guys that will end up at the regionals for a career. I think that just needs to be accepted as a real, and realistic possibility. That needn't be a bad thing really - good equipment/scheds/ok money. Still beats working for a living.
04-02-2007, 07:54 PM
#52
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Dec 2005
Position: Flight Instructor
Posts: 623
Who thought any diffeent? There is nothing wrong with working at a regional airline for 20 years is there? What? Is it assumed that you only go to a regional to build jet time to go to the majors? Thats ridiculous. I know an ASA pilot that is a Senior Captain. He has been at ASA since 1986. He has been their chief pilot, chief pilot recruiter and dri of flight ops and is now back onthe line. He does pretty good for himself financially too.
04-02-2007, 09:11 PM
#53
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Mar 2006
Position: FO - 757/767
Posts: 1,228
One thing that Skyhigh said [Ithink] is true. There is a large percentage of guys that will end up at the regionals for a career. I think that just needs to be accepted as a real, and realistic possibility. That needn't be a bad thing really - good equipment/scheds/ok money. Still beats working for a living.
04-03-2007, 04:38 AM
#54
Self Employed.
Joined APC: May 2005
Position: Corporate Pilot
Posts: 7,119
Reionals
I love flying but not the idea of bad hotels, postman wages, early get ups and 9 leg days for a career. I never was interested in being a "B" grade pilot. My expectations were set for a higher return for my troubles. Regional pilots have a much more difficult job and get paid less however the compensation gap between the majors and regionals has narrowed to the point that it is almost a toss up.
I wouldn't do it though. Most regional jobs don't pay enough to make the costs of training and education worthwhile. However if one is able to get hired while still in their lower 20's then perhaps it wouldn't be a total loss.
SkyHigh
I wouldn't do it though. Most regional jobs don't pay enough to make the costs of training and education worthwhile. However if one is able to get hired while still in their lower 20's then perhaps it wouldn't be a total loss.
SkyHigh
04-03-2007, 04:47 AM
#55
Self Employed.
Joined APC: May 2005
Position: Corporate Pilot
Posts: 7,119
Swa
What Skyhigh isn't telling you is that he really didn't want a job in Aviation, he wanted a job with Alaska Airlines.
I think other people have been very successful by broadening their horizons. I know more than one SWA Capt who, when hired, were really hoping for a job with Delta/UAL etc. In other words, SWA was their consolation prize for not getting the job they REALLY wanted. But instead of turning their noses up, they're now some of the highest paid in the industry.
All my pilot friends say the same thing:"The best company to work for is the one that hires you!"
So what's the deal Skyhigh? How come you didn't apply to SWA or any number of other major airlines? They were ALL hiring in the late 90's.
I think other people have been very successful by broadening their horizons. I know more than one SWA Capt who, when hired, were really hoping for a job with Delta/UAL etc. In other words, SWA was their consolation prize for not getting the job they REALLY wanted. But instead of turning their noses up, they're now some of the highest paid in the industry.
All my pilot friends say the same thing:"The best company to work for is the one that hires you!"
So what's the deal Skyhigh? How come you didn't apply to SWA or any number of other major airlines? They were ALL hiring in the late 90's.
I never was interested in 9 leg days and a Baltimore base.
As a kid growing up in the northwest Alaska Airlines was and is it for me. They both might fly 737's but Mexico and Anchorage trips versus the days spent at SWA over the urban jungle of the east coast are of no comparison to me. We all have dreams and that was mine.
Often it seems that heaven and hell are separated by only a few degrees.
SkyHigh
04-03-2007, 04:49 AM
#56
Self Employed.
Joined APC: May 2005
Position: Corporate Pilot
Posts: 7,119
04-03-2007, 05:06 AM
#57
Self Employed.
Joined APC: May 2005
Position: Corporate Pilot
Posts: 7,119
Great
Thanks, but I wouldnt consider my life choices as dead end. I was doing fine in the military. I chose toleave. I was doing fine as a cop. Again, I chose to leave. I can always go back to policing. I can back on active duty. I am working on a Masters in Aeronautical Science, so I could go to a university with an aviation program like Purdue or Arizona State and teach. I can fly for law enforcement, or I can go back in the army full time.
I always leave myself an out. Have options is my motto.
I always leave myself an out. Have options is my motto.
SkyHigh
04-03-2007, 05:16 AM
#58
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Mar 2006
Position: FO - 757/767
Posts: 1,228
I love flying but not the idea of bad hotels, postman wages, early get ups and 9 leg days for a career. I never was interested in being a "B" grade pilot. My expectations were set for a higher return for my troubles. Regional pilots have a much more difficult job and get paid less however the compensation gap between the majors and regionals has narrowed to the point that it is almost a toss up.
I wouldn't do it though. Most regional jobs don't pay enough to make the costs of training and education worthwhile. However if one is able to get hired while still in their lower 20's then perhaps it wouldn't be a total loss.
SkyHigh
I wouldn't do it though. Most regional jobs don't pay enough to make the costs of training and education worthwhile. However if one is able to get hired while still in their lower 20's then perhaps it wouldn't be a total loss.
SkyHigh
04-03-2007, 05:23 AM
#59
Self Employed.
Joined APC: May 2005
Position: Corporate Pilot
Posts: 7,119
Compensation
I think it is important to lay all the cards upon the table. Aviation obviously has some attractive features but it also has some big detractors.
It takes a lot of sacrifice to make a flying career work. It also takes a continuing toll to keep the dream alive. I am sure that everyone here has lost something they cherished in pursuit of aviation. Many will not acknowledge even to themselves what has been lost until it is far too late.
It is my premise that most rational people if given the full facts most would not choose this life. I understand how alarming my message would be to those who are still out there. The points I bring up can push the hot button since they are true.
I may not be able to share your enthusiasm however please never forget that I consider each one of you as a friend and ally. I miss my flying buddies and aviation life. You guys are all that I have left. My debates might be aggressive and hard to read but I enjoy the camaraderie and exchanges. You guys continue to do what you need to in order to promote aviation. My place is to fill in the dark side. Hopefully you see me as a friend as well.
Your Friend,
SkyHigh
PS I would love to throw a huge barbecue and have everyone over one day soon.
It takes a lot of sacrifice to make a flying career work. It also takes a continuing toll to keep the dream alive. I am sure that everyone here has lost something they cherished in pursuit of aviation. Many will not acknowledge even to themselves what has been lost until it is far too late.
It is my premise that most rational people if given the full facts most would not choose this life. I understand how alarming my message would be to those who are still out there. The points I bring up can push the hot button since they are true.
I may not be able to share your enthusiasm however please never forget that I consider each one of you as a friend and ally. I miss my flying buddies and aviation life. You guys are all that I have left. My debates might be aggressive and hard to read but I enjoy the camaraderie and exchanges. You guys continue to do what you need to in order to promote aviation. My place is to fill in the dark side. Hopefully you see me as a friend as well.
Your Friend,
SkyHigh
PS I would love to throw a huge barbecue and have everyone over one day soon.
04-03-2007, 05:24 AM
#60
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Aug 2006
Position: B777 FO FDX, C130 ANG
Posts: 538
You gambled
I love flying but not the idea of bad hotels, postman wages, early get ups and 9 leg days for a career. I never was interested in being a "B" grade pilot. My expectations were set for a higher return for my troubles. Regional pilots have a much more difficult job and get paid less however the compensation gap between the majors and regionals has narrowed to the point that it is almost a toss up.
I wouldn't do it though. Most regional jobs don't pay enough to make the costs of training and education worthwhile. However if one is able to get hired while still in their lower 20's then perhaps it wouldn't be a total loss.
SkyHigh
I wouldn't do it though. Most regional jobs don't pay enough to make the costs of training and education worthwhile. However if one is able to get hired while still in their lower 20's then perhaps it wouldn't be a total loss.
SkyHigh
FYI: When FedEx hired me most of my total time was as an FO (6300 total, 1850 PIC Turbine, Oh and 1500 CFI). FO and CFI time is fine, of course you need the total package for any job worth having.
You gambled and went to National; I could have told you that was a major gamble (makes sense it was in Las Vegas). Had you held out and gained the required experience you would have most likely succeeded in this marathon career. You wanted it now, and you gambled without the PIC experience to move on. That is why Aviation failed you.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
