Originally Posted by
Xjsar
Anywho, 2 decades later I am considering on getting my PPL and pursue the rest to eventually become a bonafide commercial pilot. However, I have plenty of reserves about the entire process. Namely, I'll get through it all, get my commercial rating, my 1500hrs, and I'm about as useful as a burger flipper at McDonalds and just wasted an ungodly amount of money.
In the old days, entry-level pilots often struggled to find work, depending on the economy.
In todays hiring climate, which will only get better for the next 10+ years due to mandatory age-65 retirements from the majors, essentially any 1500 hour pilot will have a job at a regional airline, with upgrade in 2-3 years and pay reaching six-figures probably around five years or less depending on the regional.
Originally Posted by
Signal
So, I ask for you to share your experiences. What was your experience like? Once you got your cfi and started to build your hours instructing. When you hit the regional level. When you hit the majors. And if you dont mind sharing an approximation of earnings during that time period.
My experiences were quite different that yours would likely be... 9/11, wars, SARS, recession, oil price spike, retirement age increase to 65 set me back by at least ten years or more. Some of that delay involved returning to active duty due to the wars, which could have been avoided on my part.
Do some reading here to get a sense of what your career path will probably look like.
Originally Posted by
Signal
My biggest problem is just fear, that ill get through the certifications, have all these hours and I'll be making 24k/yr at the regional level and have to trudge through that for 10yrs just to be even remotely considered for a major airline slot. I'm not too concerned about money, but I also cant support a family on that either. I just want to be comfortable.
That was my experience but not yours.
You'll likely start at a regional at $40-50K (with bonuses maybe more). You'll upgrade to a six-figure job with 2-3 years. After flying as a CA for 2-3 years you'll start to be competitive for the better majors. That could improve as the retirements pick up.
The not-as-great majors will often hire regional FO's with 1000 hours jet time.
Originally Posted by
Signal
Also what are your opinions on the current and future market for pilots? I know it's been going for a couple years and everyone in the media is crying all the pilots will be gone soon. How true is that?
It's true. Unless there is a very serious economic setback the strong demand for pilots will continue. The retirement numbers don't lie, so that end of the equation is not variable.
This is literally the best market for airline pilots in history.
Now with all that said, here's the disclaimer:
You'll need some geographic flexibility to maximize career progress. This means moving more than once or willingness to commute to work (plenty of pilots do that, probably about 50%).
There are risks. Big economic downturn or major war might slow or stop the music. But those things historically come to pass, and the retirements will still be happening all along.
Personal issues, such as training problems or background issues could delay or prevent your progression to the best jobs.
Avoid training failures and background glitches such as legal problems or problems with past employers. Avoid traffic tickets if you can, a bunch of those will be a problem. A college GPA < 3.0 may slow your progression.
When it's all said and done, a medical problem could ground you short term or forever. Best to have a fallback employment plan, and money in the bank to survive for six months in the event of a medical issue.