Pilots on this website tend to be egocentric. They like to make statements like "I made it so what is wrong with you". They fail to acknowledge even to themselves certain advantages or painful concessions they might have made to get there and to what ends.

The opportunity cost of this career usually is not fairly examined. It is a fact that there just is not enough room at the top for very many. Hard work, persistence and ability is not enough. Regional airlines, flight schools and third rate part 135 outfits are staffed with legions of those who did not make it and the punishment for falling short is severe. The life of a typical regional pilot is near misery when compared to that of a legacy airline pilot.

If you made it then I often find myself asking what is wrong with you? Where did you leave the girlfriend behind? Whose throat was cut so that you could reach the next rung on the ladder? When are you going to tell me that your father was the check airmen who pulled the ultimate strings? Sometimes it is just luck. In any case aviation either has or will demand something dear to you.

My aim here is not to paint anyone as being good or bad but in attempt to fill in the gaps for others who are evaluating the career. To let them know that there often is a high price for entry and to remain as a pilot. To help them to more accurately calculate their chances and what cost might be awaiting them. I don't expect many here to volunteer to an accurate deconstruction of the negatives of their success in the profession so I have to.

I did not make it but I have my family, fortune, self worth and QOL intact. All it cost me was an airline career.

Skyhigh