rickair7777

Actors have it rough, I know a couple. But their only responsibility is their own success.

Most political types in DC (my wife was one) will make a decent living...plus they have TWO possible career tracks: Politics/lobbying or civil service. They can even switch between the two, and civil service provides a comfortable income and retirement. They play a game, to be certain, but their livelyhood is never really at stake.

wolf

Well said rickair.

If it really is someone's dream and they know what they are getting into then its nobody's place to tell them not to do it. If they've done their research and feel that they (and their family) are willing to make the sacrifices and assume the risk involved with getting into aviation at this time, then I would say go for it and best of luck!

The people that worry me are those who have not done all the research and will do anything to fly a jet. The kind of people who will allow scheduling and management to violate their contract left and right without defending their contractual rights because they believe they have to pay their dues and be a good company man in order to succeed. This is the type of person who weakens the pilot group and allows airline management to chip away at the quality of life and pay of its pilots.

Some people say that pilots complain too much. I agree that some of the pilots on the top end of the pay scale may be guilty of this but the vast majority of complaints you hear are justifiable. For example, do some research on these forums about Pinnacle Airlines (one of the few regionals that is still hiring). Take a look at the Pinnacle pilots website www.pinnacle.alpa.org and look at the pay rates. If the pay rates for first officers are not something to complain about, I don't know what is. Some people will claim that you are paying your dues as an FO and will make a livable wage once you upgrade to captain. How about if oil keeps rising and hiring/growth stops? How many years should a pilot have to "pay their dues"? Ask any of the senior Comair FOs if they think that they've paid their dues long enough... When the FO I'm flying with tells me that he has trouble paying his bills because he only made $20,000 last year, the first thought that crosses my mind is not "pilots complain too much".

JoeyMeatballs

If I could do it over again, I would try to be an F1 driver...............the cars and girls are worth it all

TonyMontana

If some of you guys just want to dress up in a pilot costume and parade around the local Home Depot, like I saw some j@ck@ss doing the other day-I might sell you one of my old jackets and hats for the right $$$.

Self delusional pilots-THIS BOARD IS FULL OF THEM.

It is entertaining tho-

wolf

Agreed, but there's some pretty dirty stuff that goes on in F1 as well (and I'm not just talking about the girls) Remember Schumacher's parking job in the 2006 MC Grand Prix?

USMCFLYR

SkyHigh -

"If someone is taking measure of this profession and is using as a yardstick job security, financial rewards, quality of life, control over your own life, future prospects and of building professional value then this industry it is a losing proposition. There are few aviation jobs worth having anymore. The odds of making it to one of the better companies are too long for most rational people. At this point even the better companies are in doubt. "


I've been reading your posts for a long time now on this forum - but I must say.....you have to be one of the MOST disgruntled and negative people I have ever heard.

Save the reply to this e-mail because I've heard you say how you want to make people see the truth and advise them to get out of ,or never enter, this profession (just read above quote) but really.....you are OVERBOARD!

I actually don't begrudge you the attitude - I've met plenty of people who had a terrible time in the military - but at least most of them got out and said - "hey the military didn't work for me - maybe it will be better for you" - but this constant running down the entire industry is....well...tiring. Like many others have said - if it was that bad - this let it go.

I wish that you would start your own forum with reasons NOT TO join the airline industry. I want some good with the bad or the other way around.

USMCFLYR

Zapata

USMCFLYR, Well Said!

HIREME

If you can be happy making 60-80k/yr. as a reg. CA, then go for it. That is an attainable goal that many pilots who are willing to apply themselves will make. If you are really getting into it dreaming of 6 figures and 20 days off/month, DO NOT DO IT! The odds are against anyone making the jump anymore. For MOST that dream will die at their regional. Nowdays, you are simply lucky if you're not furloughed at some point in your career. However, I love my job and if I end my career right here then I will be ok with that. Not my goal, but my life is not about my job. My life's about my family and what I do around my career, so my job will serve those things and not the other way around. Go for it if you will be ok with the reg. CA money...DON'T commute in my openion...Bid to be home...and the job is great. Don't live life for aviation

SkyHigh

Pilots are not supposed to be starving artists. They are highly trained professionals. Our career demands strict lifestyle restrictions and self sacrifice. It is just crazy to blow a small fortune and hope to one day to make as much as a plumber or mail man.

People really could use a reality check before leaping into an aviation career. No one is out there offering the opposing view. Most rational people do not want a career of poverty, abuse and a never ending string of furloughs.

At least actors and singers can audition without the huge investment in cash and wasted years. All they have to loose is an afternoon of waiting in line.



SkyHigh

SkyHigh

I miss flying. I miss my aviation friends. I miss my dream. After 20 years of struggling in aviation you guys are all that I have left. I am sorry that you don't like what I have to say. My views are not very uplifting but it is what I believe. Try reading other people who have a different message. Sadly, Mine is becoming more common these days.

SkyHigh