rickair7777

That estimate was VERY rough, based on my previous white-collar career. But I am pretty familiar with the math, because when I switched careers I did the math very carefully... back then a pilot at AA could expect to pull down about $7M-10M working 10 days/month (in case anyone was wondering WHY I switched)

I was assuming a non-lawyer, non-doctor professional, so the professional doesn't include extensive post-graduate education. I forgot to include a master's degree, which would be required for a hard-charger. Typically you get that while working full time, so you're only out a few a few grand for the tuition, you don't lose years of earning power. I also stated that I was assuming both had a 4 year degree to start with, so that cost is not in there.

There are many ongoing training and education opportunities for the professional during his career, but his company will pay for almost all of that.

I meant to allow 3 years for the CFI, oops. I myself did it in two, but know plenty of folks who are STILL CFI's at 3-4+ years. We are in a hiring boom right now...When I got hired 2000-2500 and lot's of Multi was the norm.

loudgarrettdriver

You could always point out the crew that took the CRJ up to high and crashed. The fact that you're breathing is a good start.

james014

I have a stinkin runway incursion on my record, and it was my fault unfortunately. Interviewed with CHQ on july 12th, and have a class on Aug. 3rd. You have go to be honest about it, no question. Tell them everything, always try to put a positive at the end. What type of training did you do afterwards so that didn't happen again. Just be honest, if you try to hide it then they will def. turn you down.

Speed

Looking at RickAir7777's post, I thought it would be interesting to throw out some pay numbers from an actual career beginning in 1980. Let's just say it's a friend of mine. I did my flight training in the 70's, I also worked for a small scheduled airline as a ramper/fueler. Every pilot or instructor I ever talked to about a flying career said the same thing: "don't do this for the money."

Age 22 CFI 11K
Age 23-26 Alaska 19.4K
Age 27-39 Regional FO 1 yr, Capt 12 yrs 37.3K
Age 40-47 Major FE 1 yr, FO 7 yrs 79.3K

Total so far 1.84 Million

12 more years to retirement, at the current pay level another 950K which totals 2.79 Million for the career.

I'm not sure what, if any, relevance the above info has for anyone else. I have friends who started flying careers at the same time and who have probably earned 50% more so far, others who left aviation 20 years ago. The opportunities (or lack thereof) for someone starting in 1990, 2000 or 2006 are dramatically different, too. Nevertheless, I thought some actual numbers would be interesting.