Originally Posted by
buckleyboy
Damn straight! Those that realize this are the good ones and are fun to fly with. Those that don't realize this commit the faux pas mentioned earlier and get offended when someone suggests that airline pilots are nothing more than glorified bus drivers (complete with that hat!). It's a good, easy job, folks. Why make it harder than it has to be? Among other things, I have started a business. Hardest thing I have ever done. Incomparably harder than any aviation training I have ever been through. If you think I am crazy, I submit that you should be VERY thankful you have the pilot gig going for you.
I would say 95%+ couldn't replace their Delta income. It takes time to build back up to $300K a year, a decade or more. I don't doubt that most would make it back to 6 figures, but due to the lost time value of money, they would be way behind on their Delta career earnings. Also, due to Obamacare, starting a business is infinitely more difficult than it was a few years ago. Most would have to make a leap of faith investment, and hope for the best.