Hey Bryris, I’m I the same position since I’m back in school for a second bachelor’s degree. I’ll finish in 18 months starting June 1st and also just like you; I still entertain the thought of applying to the regionals in around 3 or 4 years from now.
But do you think that it’s wise for us and other like us to spend all that time and money to go back to school, get another degree, just to turn right back around and head into aviation? Is that time and money well spent or not? That thought is always in the back of my mind. I just don’t know…
Well, that is an individual decision. For me, my degree is accounting and the CPA is a necessary extension to that, so its just more training, rather than a whole new path. However, I can tell you that when all the crap was hitting the fan and things began to go downhill at the airline, it was worth its weight in gold to know that I had a backup opportunity. So many that I flew with weren't qualified for anything else and were entertaining the idea of Home Depot or something to make money. We all do what we have to do, but it is nice to have professional credentials in another field as backup.
If I go back to the airlines, it will be worth it just for the peace of mind that I do have another option. If you feel the same way, its probably worth it.
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Hey Bryris, I’m I the same position since I’m back in school for a second bachelor’s degree. I’ll finish in 18 months starting June 1st and also just like you; I still entertain the thought of applying to the regionals in around 3 or 4 years from now.
But do you think that it’s wise for us and other like us to spend all that time and money to go back to school, get another degree, just to turn right back around and head into aviation? Is that time and money well spent or not? That thought is always in the back of my mind. I just don’t know…
It is never a bad idea to have a back up degree or profession when you are a pilot. The odds are that you will have to use it. The problem is that these days the back up plan is usually more lucrative then the flying and eventually it will become your main gig.
The guys who stick it out usually have nothing else to fall back on or else they would have bailed out years prior.
Skyhigh
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It is never a bad idea to have a back up degree or profession when you are a pilot. The odds are that you will have to use it. The problem is that these days the back up plan is usually more lucrative then the flying and eventually it will become your main gig.
The guys who stick it out usually have nothing else to fall back on or else they would have bailed out years prior.
Skyhigh
Stop making things up Sky. You have no facts to back this up. Why do you always have to take it one step to far? The first part of your post is good and then you have to turn around and practically insult anyone who has "stuck it out". You're getting close Sky.
How is Sky making things up? He's stating a fact from his observations. I've flown with plenty of Capt's in the past that said they would bail if they could find something else. Granted not everyone who stays can't find another occupation outside, maybe thats a stretch. But I back Sky on the fact that there are many that have invested too much in one basket and leaving is hard. This is more true than not.
So when Capt Sully says every pilot he knows wouldn't tell their kids to become pilots is he "insulting" everyone?
How is Sky making things up? He's stating a fact from his observations. I've flown with plenty of Capt's in the past that said they would bail if they could find something else. Granted not everyone who stays can't find another occupation outside, maybe thats a stretch. But I back Sky on the fact that there are many that have invested too much in one basket and leaving is hard. This is more true than not.
So when Capt Sully says every pilot he knows wouldn't tell their kids to become pilots is he "insulting" everyone?
Rnav -
Sky's statement is no more correct than if I said every pilot I have ever meet loved every minute of their job and would do it all over again without changing a thing. I've also met a **few** that have have said that - but I try not to make absolute statements - especially ones made with a clear bias detailed over quite a history of postings.
As I've said to Sky before Rnav - it is about moderation. The bold statement above is all I was saying. I support Sky's "educational campaign" for the young people getting into this business without knowing what they are truly hanging there future on; but to often he forgets the other side of the story. He labels anyone who has had success or preaches a possibility of a reasonable career as a torch bearer but those same people preach as much caution in every aspect of aviation; but not Sky.
If you agree with him Rnav then that is your choice; but I'll continue to try and keep his negativity in check with a small dose of hope. That is my choice.
Yes RNAV, he is. The same could be said of these fine Skyhigh observations:
"Looking back I never really cared for flying the big stuff much and I don't like the airlines either."
Skyhigh 4/19/09
"Unless you are an aviation obsessed loner who is also a trust fund baby this career is not for you"
Skyhigh 7/31/08
"Well in case you don't know. Aviation is a play degree. Everything that you need to know about flying can be gotten from watching a few King tapes."
Skyhigh 12/02/2008
"Regional pilots get paid what they are worth. Modern automated planes do not need experienced flight crews anymore."
Skyhigh 11/30/2008
"I am not trying to criticize anyone. Just trying to get people to think about a few things."
Skyhigh 12/26/08
These are all Skyhigh observations passed on at APC.
I can say that my experience in the biz has been quite different. Sky has said in the past I don't count, as I'm over 40 and work at a successful carrier. But, I must say, that even my friends in the biz who have been dealt the worst in these tough times, none of them are looking to get out and drive trucks or leave the career ASAP. And at least half have had ended up in the upper tier that the nay sayers here simply want to suggest doesn't exist and won't exist in the future. I think it's bunk that anyone would paint such a negative picture as Skyhigh consistantly does without suggesting that MANY have not had his experience. I only know one guy, from my own PERSONAL experience, that mimicks Skyhigh's story. And that's SKYHIGH....
It's fair game to say some won't meet their personal expectations in this career. That's why it's good to have a back up. That's why it's good to understand the biz before you sign the 120K training check (actually, that's a bad idea). That's why it's important to understand the sacrifices and the downsides. That's the one place where Sky and I agree. Yet, rather than write a profile at jetcareers as I have, Skyhigh chooses to educate the educated here at APC. Whatever.....
I can honestly say from my experience that MOST of the people I know in the biz are happy with their career choice in spite of the sacrifices and in spite of the current economy. They aren't running off to be truck drivers...
You will always miss something about every profession you leave. Like I use to be a Sheriff and when I see blue flashing lights it makes me remember all the times I turned em on and said to myself "Hope this son of ***** runs". The smell of Jet A will always bring back memories some good some bad. If yourself unhappy outside of aviation go back. If you can live without it file it as a dream fulfilled and that you left on your own terms. No one can say you didn't do it or you never tried.
-JW
This is a forum where people make statements based largely upon their own experience, observations and opinions.
DE727UPS claims:
I can honestly say from my experience that MOST of the people I know in the biz are happy with their career choice in spite of the sacrifices and in spite of the current economy. They aren't running off to be truck drivers...
My experience is different. Perhaps it is because he fly's with wealthy UPS pilots and my peer group is suffering in the lower rungs of aviation. I believe that my perspective is the more common one. Especially as time goes by.
I am not making things up. Whenever I try and invest the time to develop hard data most of my detractors dry up.
Does anyone know how many applications are on file with UPS?
Have a back up career. Most likely you will need to use it.
Skyhigh
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Work smart. Work to live. Don't live to work.
"I can honestly say from my experience that MOST of the people I know in the biz are happy with their career choice in spite of the sacrifices and in spite of the current economy. They aren't running off to be truck drivers..." DE727UPS
DE727UPS you have to know that nearly everyone that you come in contact with has a bias to project a happy cheery attitude to you. Either you are a check airmen who has the power to ruin their career or you are the contact that line pilots are hoping will make all their dreams come true.
You are not in a position to get an honest opinion from most pilots that you come in contact with. Unless of course it is from me.
You probably have no idea of how many have their applications in to truck master already.
Skyhigh
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