Career change to pilot
05-30-2008, 06:38 AM
#161
Self Employed.
Joined APC: May 2005
Position: Corporate Pilot
Posts: 7,119
Diffrent route
Sky -
YOU DID IT! Congrats. There were multiple examples of upbeat elements to this post. I'll even say that I am now slighty jealous of your experience since I have long had dreams of flying the Alaskan bush - or any bush for that matter. I probably sent out 25 resumes back in the late 80's to a variety of companies in Alaska /out so much as a letter of rejection. I eventually called one (an operator that use to fly Beech 1900s - but they were struggling I think after having a mishap and the investigation found some lax procedures). When he asked where I was from (Oklahoma) he laughed and told me I basically had no chance. He advised that I take all my savings, come to Alaska and get an efficiency apt near the airport, hang around/work at an FBO and network myself into a job. He said that if I had a job by the time my savings ran out then "welcome to Alaska flying", but if not - go home. I made one of those choices that you always talk about and went a different route. Sometimes it works out and sometimes it doesn't.
Well.....thanks for the one upbeat story. I see by your next post though that you slipped comfortably back into your old niche.
USMCFLYR
YOU DID IT! Congrats. There were multiple examples of upbeat elements to this post. I'll even say that I am now slighty jealous of your experience since I have long had dreams of flying the Alaskan bush - or any bush for that matter. I probably sent out 25 resumes back in the late 80's to a variety of companies in Alaska /out so much as a letter of rejection. I eventually called one (an operator that use to fly Beech 1900s - but they were struggling I think after having a mishap and the investigation found some lax procedures). When he asked where I was from (Oklahoma) he laughed and told me I basically had no chance. He advised that I take all my savings, come to Alaska and get an efficiency apt near the airport, hang around/work at an FBO and network myself into a job. He said that if I had a job by the time my savings ran out then "welcome to Alaska flying", but if not - go home. I made one of those choices that you always talk about and went a different route. Sometimes it works out and sometimes it doesn't.
Well.....thanks for the one upbeat story. I see by your next post though that you slipped comfortably back into your old niche.
USMCFLYR
Seems like you made a better choice. I had fun in Alaska but that was about all I got out of it. I had to dig deep but I was able to find a happy story for you. I am glad that you like it.
SkyHigh
05-30-2008, 08:07 AM
#162
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,383
[quote=de727ups;393546
"i've always been in the wrong place, at the wrong time! All my peers in this business (well most) are at least Captains, and I have three friends at Southwest alone. It was very hard to watch them excel, as I sat idle for one reason or another."
quote]
This quote is mine. *** does that have to do with me not thinking SWA is worthy of my time? That's something i've always wanted. not anymore though. I'm not even qualified to interview there (PIC time). I'm glad you make all the right decisions
. This whole process would be alot more painful if I still had the desire to fly for a living. Now, i'm pursuing other interests with peace.
"i've always been in the wrong place, at the wrong time! All my peers in this business (well most) are at least Captains, and I have three friends at Southwest alone. It was very hard to watch them excel, as I sat idle for one reason or another."
quote]
This quote is mine. *** does that have to do with me not thinking SWA is worthy of my time? That's something i've always wanted. not anymore though. I'm not even qualified to interview there (PIC time). I'm glad you make all the right decisions
. This whole process would be alot more painful if I still had the desire to fly for a living. Now, i'm pursuing other interests with peace.
05-30-2008, 08:45 AM
#163
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Nov 2005
Position: UPS 757/767 Capt ONT
Posts: 4,357
Learflyer, you misunderstood my post, but partly prove my point. I was simply using some interesting skyhigh quotes in my post. Sorry for the confusion.
Skyhigh made the choice to leave the career while considering a SWA job not worthy of his time. That YOU would consider SWA a great job proves my point that 99% of the folks in the game would not make excuses about why SWA isn't worth your time...Now, or 5 years ago.
Where to work is certainly a personal choice and one which Sky was free to make, more power to him. But to bitterly bash the career at this site (because he was cheated by it), then turn around and say "SWA wasn't a good fit for me"....I mean, what kind of sense does that make?
Again, to walk away from flying is a personal choice. For some, it's a great decision. Hope it works out for you. Do you feel cheated by the career?
Skyhigh made the choice to leave the career while considering a SWA job not worthy of his time. That YOU would consider SWA a great job proves my point that 99% of the folks in the game would not make excuses about why SWA isn't worth your time...Now, or 5 years ago.
Where to work is certainly a personal choice and one which Sky was free to make, more power to him. But to bitterly bash the career at this site (because he was cheated by it), then turn around and say "SWA wasn't a good fit for me"....I mean, what kind of sense does that make?
Again, to walk away from flying is a personal choice. For some, it's a great decision. Hope it works out for you. Do you feel cheated by the career?
05-30-2008, 10:29 AM
#164
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,383
Nah, I don't feel cheated by it. Sooner or later, I would've gone for it anyway! If there was a carrier that was based in my hometown, i'd jump on it. Allegiant is one of them. They have a good QOL, Sched, and upgrade time. I don't regret getting into it because I had fun along the way.
06-02-2008, 01:04 PM
#165
Line Holder
Thread Starter
Joined APC: Mar 2008
Posts: 63
Soldierboy, to answer part of your question... Assuming you have the money, desire, physical health, etc. you'll be able to become an airline pilot. How far you get in the profession is another matter. This profession has always had its ups and downs. I'd imagine you'd be looking at a regional job in your early forties. Three - five years later you could be in the left seat of an RJ making $70K or more with your retirement on top. Would that satisfy your dream or do you need to fly a Boeing or Airbus to claim success?
I spent 4 years in the Army, then 5 in college, and didn't get to commercial flying until nearly 30. Ten years later now...would I do it over again- Yes. Maybe differently, maybe in something other than 121 passenger ops. Sure beats sitting behind a desk.
I spent 4 years in the Army, then 5 in college, and didn't get to commercial flying until nearly 30. Ten years later now...would I do it over again- Yes. Maybe differently, maybe in something other than 121 passenger ops. Sure beats sitting behind a desk.
What Regional Airline could I work for to be making $70K in 3-5 years in the left seat if I get into this industry? I have a family and need that kind of money, since I have a wife and young son. Of course I will have my Army retirement check too but I need to know I will be making decent money if I invest in this new career.
06-02-2008, 01:31 PM
#166
Line Holder
Joined APC: May 2007
Posts: 27
Utah,
What Regional Airline could I work for to be making $70K in 3-5 years in the left seat if I get into this industry? I have a family and need that kind of money, since I have a wife and young son. Of course I will have my Army retirement check too but I need to know I will be making decent money if I invest in this new career.
What Regional Airline could I work for to be making $70K in 3-5 years in the left seat if I get into this industry? I have a family and need that kind of money, since I have a wife and young son. Of course I will have my Army retirement check too but I need to know I will be making decent money if I invest in this new career.
06-02-2008, 05:32 PM
#167
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Apr 2006
Posts: 193
And to add to that, it is quite common for the upgrade times to vary widely in short time spans. You may choose to go to a place with almost an iron-clad guarantee that you'd be a 4 striper in 2 years, only to have the company/industry dynamics smack that down. Such a time is now, but really it could happen anytime in this industry. Just a heads up!
I informed my wife just yesterday that I could be on FO pay for a long, long time to come, and we had thought by now I'd be nearly upgrading. Needless to say she was not pleased, as she sacrifices just as much if not more than I for the 'dream'.
I informed my wife just yesterday that I could be on FO pay for a long, long time to come, and we had thought by now I'd be nearly upgrading. Needless to say she was not pleased, as she sacrifices just as much if not more than I for the 'dream'.
06-02-2008, 06:35 PM
#168
Prime Minister/Moderator
Joined APC: Jan 2006
Position: Engines Turn Or People Swim
Posts: 40,108
Best way to learn about the pay scale of a pilot is to go on the companies website. Also download the APC pay scale. Three-Five years and you'll make $70k seems pretty slim now. Since hiring has slowed down. It might take some time to move over to the left seat. But the industry will have a turn for its best sooner or later. It always have after a slump.
2-4 years is a good industry-wide average for regional upgrade, taking into account up and down cycles. Your actual experience cannot be guaranteed and could vary from 3 months to 15 years. Or your company might shut down before you get the chance to upgrade.
06-02-2008, 08:21 PM
#169
Self Employed.
Joined APC: May 2005
Position: Corporate Pilot
Posts: 7,119
Funny
Learflyer, you misunderstood my post, but partly prove my point. I was simply using some interesting skyhigh quotes in my post. Sorry for the confusion.
Skyhigh made the choice to leave the career while considering a SWA job not worthy of his time. That YOU would consider SWA a great job proves my point that 99% of the folks in the game would not make excuses about why SWA isn't worth your time...Now, or 5 years ago.
Where to work is certainly a personal choice and one which Sky was free to make, more power to him. But to bitterly bash the career at this site (because he was cheated by it), then turn around and say "SWA wasn't a good fit for me"....I mean, what kind of sense does that make?
Again, to walk away from flying is a personal choice. For some, it's a great decision. Hope it works out for you. Do you feel cheated by the career?
Skyhigh made the choice to leave the career while considering a SWA job not worthy of his time. That YOU would consider SWA a great job proves my point that 99% of the folks in the game would not make excuses about why SWA isn't worth your time...Now, or 5 years ago.
Where to work is certainly a personal choice and one which Sky was free to make, more power to him. But to bitterly bash the career at this site (because he was cheated by it), then turn around and say "SWA wasn't a good fit for me"....I mean, what kind of sense does that make?
Again, to walk away from flying is a personal choice. For some, it's a great decision. Hope it works out for you. Do you feel cheated by the career?
Maybe that is a part of your disconnect? You must really think that everyone has a fair chance at the big time. SWA is not my first choice they do not have any bases close to my home. Alaska Airlines was always my number one. A big reason for that is that I live close by and have a lot of contacts there and I felt that I had my best chances with them. I know one guy who got hired at at SWA and he was from Texas. Most of those guys live in Texas.
I would conceded that my biggest career flaw is that I will not give up everything for the job. I like where I live. I love my family and I will not trade their happiness for a job.
Skyhigh
Last edited by SkyHigh; 06-02-2008 at 08:32 PM.
06-02-2008, 10:08 PM
#170
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Nov 2005
Position: UPS 757/767 Capt ONT
Posts: 4,357
"Even if SWA was my first choice it would have been a long shot for a guy from the northwest. Are you really that out of touch?"
Are you? So you think SWA doesn't like pilots from the Northwest? Ummm....yeah.....
"SWA is not my first choice they do not have any bases close to my home"
Oakland is closer than LAS, where you were based with National.
Sky, it's not so much about your personal choice not to want to fly for SWA. It's about you bashing the career and saying working for SWA isn't worth your time while 99% of the other folks on this forum would consider that a great career.
You can't bash the career in one breath and then try to tell us SWA is a crummy job in the next (Because they don't have a base in the northwest and all their pilots live in Texas). It's a crummy job for you. Anyone else think so?
You had better things to do than pursue the career. That's great. Don't tell the rest of us we should follow your path or we're fools. Lord knows I'm glad I didn't.....
"No one can really say what will happen.... Skyhigh 5/20/08"
Are you? So you think SWA doesn't like pilots from the Northwest? Ummm....yeah.....
"SWA is not my first choice they do not have any bases close to my home"
Oakland is closer than LAS, where you were based with National.
Sky, it's not so much about your personal choice not to want to fly for SWA. It's about you bashing the career and saying working for SWA isn't worth your time while 99% of the other folks on this forum would consider that a great career.
You can't bash the career in one breath and then try to tell us SWA is a crummy job in the next (Because they don't have a base in the northwest and all their pilots live in Texas). It's a crummy job for you. Anyone else think so?
You had better things to do than pursue the career. That's great. Don't tell the rest of us we should follow your path or we're fools. Lord knows I'm glad I didn't.....
"No one can really say what will happen.... Skyhigh 5/20/08"
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