Flyby1206

Those of you are on the street I hope the airlines start recalling soon. I can't imagine the difficulties involved, especially having a family. Have you guys been looking for jobs outside of aviation as well? I know the job market is tight no matter what industry you are in, but curious if people are trying to change careers?

SkierGuy22

Not necessarily trying to change careers but I've been working on a back up plan. I was furloughed last September, CFI'd at my old flight school until December (Basically finally broke ATP hours, got my Gold Seal and AGI, IGI). Being furloughed had some opportunities, I procured $2000 from uncle sam to get my EMT-Basic and Intravenous Therepy certification. I currenblty just started my MBA in Strategic Systems and I'm just awaiting recall. I figured the furlough gave me an oppurtunity to kind of reinvent myself until the recall swings back around. I haven't flown since December, but I can honostly say it has been a nice break. After busting my ass to graduate early and get over 1000 hours (I know its not that many) to get on with a regional I was ready for a break. I am finally starting to get ansy about getting recalled, b/c the breakfast restaurant I work at is starting to get old...anyone else using their time like this?

JetMonkey

After 12 straight years of flying I finally got furloughed in April 09. I thought about the overseas thing and know many guys over there right now who can help me out with that. But with a family I decided the time away from them wouldn't be worth the money. I always wanted to own a business and figured I might as well BUY me a job since there are none. So I decided to be my own boss and buy a small pet grooming salon. Pretty risky with this economy plus not knowing anything about the biz itself. But the location, price, everything pointed to the good. Its hard work and doesn't pay as good as flying airplanes but I can't complain, it gets most of the bills paid. I'm actually in the process of opening up a second shop now. Going from flying 50 million dollar aircraft all the way down to washing dog asses is definitely a humbling experience but I still feel very lucky even though I got furloughed. If there's anything I've learned during the past several months it's this. You can plan your life all you want... you just can't plan the journey.

TonyWilliams

My last paid day with my former regional was August 2008, and by Oct 2008, I had two contracts for overseas flying; I just waited on which ever had the earliest start date so that I could get paid.

Didn't start a class until Jan 2009, and arrived in Africa in Feb 2009. With a month off every two months, the actual total hours of flying are significantly lower than US regional flying. Fortunately, with 4000 hours, I don't need to do time building.

Also, the pay is significantly higher than any US regional pays. The actual flying can have different challenges, as reported earlier in the thread (unreliable Nav Aids, pot holed runways, non-radar, non-standard procedures, bribery is SOP to get things done). I'm fortunate in that maintenance is first rate, and all the equipment is new. But, where I'm at, there's no ice, no snow, tornadoes, sleet, hail, etc. Just huge CB/TS to dodge, and seasonal dust storms.

Detractions are the 56 days away from home at a time, third world enviroment (but no crash pads!), it's much hotter than I prefer (and rains a lot), no US jump seating, long commute to work (but a paid, confirmed seat), etc.

Salukipilot4590

I went about 8 months without a job. Back in March I found a CFI job that, oddly enough, was the worst job I've ever had. The place was almost a slave camp! They would regularly work you up to your 8 hours for flight and then require that you do ground...which isnt paid. They also forced some CFIs to conduct maintenance on the airplanes...when they asked me I basically said "not only no but ---- no!" and was promptly let go.

Luckily the chief flight instructor liked me and knew of a flight school much closer to where I'm living that needed a CFI. I only fly once every other day but I make easily twice as much per month here. The owner is a VERY nice man and he really appreciates what I do around here.

This is the first job where I've actually ever been appreciated.

I think I rambled there a little bit.

ImperialxRat

After getting furloughed in Oct 2008, I got on unemployment while working on my substitute teaching credential... started subbing in Feb 2009, then got a job at Home Depot. While at Home Depot, I worked my butt off for $9.00/hr. The pay was horrendous, and over this last year I was depressed sorta regularly. I would hit a spell of depression at least every other month.

August 2009 I got hired with Ameriflight, and I am just finishing my training.

This last year was so very difficult on myself, and I am very grateful to have a flying job again. I feel bad for all you guys who are still looking... I know what it is like, and it sucks.

Good luck!