Question for Furloughed Pilots?
08-27-2009, 05:23 AM
#11
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Apr 2006
Position: Sofa Stress Tester
Posts: 614
08-27-2009, 05:41 AM
#12
Drinkin' coffee...
Joined APC: Sep 2007
Position: P-p-piiilatusss
Posts: 680
I went back to flight instructing...although I never really left when I was working for the airline...
...I must be a pretty popular guy, I've been able to fly about 70-80 hours a month...pays about the same as first year did however I'm not paying for a crashpad and the Mrs. sees me every now and again...
...I must be a pretty popular guy, I've been able to fly about 70-80 hours a month...pays about the same as first year did however I'm not paying for a crashpad and the Mrs. sees me every now and again...
08-27-2009, 06:17 AM
#14
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Apr 2007
Position: "if it's got wings, I can crash it".
Posts: 886
Pretty soon will start my second gig as a bartender (hopefully this one will go better than the last). Since last November, the only airplane I have touched is the toy one my 4 y.o. has. Have tried everything (CFI gigs, flight clubs, overseas, old friends, etc.) and nothing's come up.
If anyone needs a CFI (CFII, MEI, and tons of G1000 given, etc.) in the MCO area, let me know. If it is for you, "price" is negotiable.
If anyone needs a CFI (CFII, MEI, and tons of G1000 given, etc.) in the MCO area, let me know. If it is for you, "price" is negotiable.
08-27-2009, 08:49 AM
#15
Tuberriffic
Joined APC: Jul 2007
Position: Hopefully the bunk
Posts: 222
Furloughed for almost a year now, and only flying enough to keep my currency. Worked a long string of grunt jobs for airline training facilities, taught some ground schools, CFI work in the area seems to have dried up to the point that it's not a reliable money maker. Currently have my own marginally successful landscapey-type business, and trying to make an overseas flying contract job go through. Making more money now than I ever could in the right seat of a turboprop or RJ, but have had to learn more about patience and humility in the past year than I ever wanted to.
08-27-2009, 10:06 AM
#18
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,530
Hadn't flown for 6 to 8 months, I found a part time gig that gives me about 20 hours per month. Not a reliable source of income though. At least my company began to recall some, sigh.. I'm actually beginning to think I'm going to ride out the storm out of work. It's pretty much impossible to find work unless you have a few thousand.
08-27-2009, 01:59 PM
#19
Line Holder
Joined APC: Mar 2009
Posts: 33
I've been flying overseas since the beginning of the year.
Let me tell you, it's not for everyone. The money can be good, but the time away from home and family can't be replaced. I have a large family and little choice.
Most contract jobs are "at will" and the contracts are always written in the favor of the contractor. Job security isn't any better than in the US. You also have to adapt to flying that is MUCH DIFFERENT than flying in US airspace. In some countries, expect NO RADAR, very poor ATC, poor runways, inop or unreliable NAV info including approaches, marginal maintenance, stab you in the back mentality and a host of other issues.
Like I said, it takes a strong will and thick skin. You have to be willing and able to adapt to ANYTHING at any given moment and roll with the punches.
Also, do yourself and everyone a favor. DO NOT work for poverty wages overseas. There are countless douchebags out there right now that "will fly for food/free" who are ruining the expat contract business. There is no reason to fly overseas, in marginal conditions for US regional wages. Doing so will certainly make you no friends and possibly create unavoidable consequences.
PM if you have any questions. I'm in the ME and it might take me a day or two to get back with you.
Let me tell you, it's not for everyone. The money can be good, but the time away from home and family can't be replaced. I have a large family and little choice.
Most contract jobs are "at will" and the contracts are always written in the favor of the contractor. Job security isn't any better than in the US. You also have to adapt to flying that is MUCH DIFFERENT than flying in US airspace. In some countries, expect NO RADAR, very poor ATC, poor runways, inop or unreliable NAV info including approaches, marginal maintenance, stab you in the back mentality and a host of other issues.
Like I said, it takes a strong will and thick skin. You have to be willing and able to adapt to ANYTHING at any given moment and roll with the punches.
Also, do yourself and everyone a favor. DO NOT work for poverty wages overseas. There are countless douchebags out there right now that "will fly for food/free" who are ruining the expat contract business. There is no reason to fly overseas, in marginal conditions for US regional wages. Doing so will certainly make you no friends and possibly create unavoidable consequences.
PM if you have any questions. I'm in the ME and it might take me a day or two to get back with you.
Same here, Furloughed since June 08, flying overseas for 6 months now, I can not wait to go back to the US but there is more than 50 guys to recall before they call me back so I guess I'll be here for another year or so.
Aviation culture is way different down here you have to kiss a$$ (excuse my language) to every single one in the company and don't let me start with the "captains" and the local aviation agency personnel ... times like this you start to appreciate the FAA ...
anyway i don't want to cry out-loud about it, at least i have a flying job now, but sometimes you start to think if it is worth it to sacrifice your time, money, life style to make the dream of flying come true.
I guess I was happier sitting on reserve making half of the money Im making right now year and a half ago
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