Originally Posted by
flynavyj
I don't think it's crazy at all...I'm a federal worker (not paid as well as some controllers, but still GS-13 pay, not bad) good retirement, etc...and we've lost plenty of folks back to the airlines.
We only lost one employee back to the regional airlines, plenty to mainline (mostly American) and a couple to 135 type operators. Each were former airline pilots, and they missed the lifestyle. I miss the lifestyle too, but cant afford to make the jump (wife and family). If I can stick to the plan, and pay down our debts over the next few years while keeping myself current, I might have some other options. But even still, knowing that I'd be putting back on my kid's college savings, or my retirement, I'd still be leery.
If I was single, I'd jump at it...and if I had an opportunity to go straight to a major I'd jump at that too...but there's no REAL desire to go back to $20k/year.
Here's one thing I know, I'd rather be flying along in my cub through a valley in the spring choosing to turn left or right, rather than cruising at FL360 being told which way to go with no option to change my destination. There are so many challenges in aviation outside of being an airline pilot. If one wishes, they should be able to find all the satisfaction and challenge they could ever want, without ever having to taxi to a jetbridge...