Originally Posted by
marz7490
I think one of the worst things you can do is look for more opinions to further your diminish your confidence level.
Everyone has their own path and it’ll workout however you want it to if you’re willing to put in the work. Your piece of plastic is just as important as the guy that passed the first time so explain how you learned from your failures. I have 3 on my primary record and while I thought they were BS but definitely don’t blame anyone but myself, my instructor (30 year delta captain) definitely blames the examiner.
I think about them frequently but they don’t determine my outcome, I do. I’ve since taken 2 rides with successful outcomes on the first try including CFI initial.
Way too many “scholars” on this board that probably prevent decent pilots from pursuing their career because they messed up a maneuver on their private checkride. I can’t tell you how many guys that have no failures that I’ve flown with wondering how they did it. That goes for some CFI’s as well!
Determine what you want to do in aviation and go do it. I personally don’t think it’ll require any more work than the guy with no failures as you’ll be given your opportunity somewhere so take advantage of it!
Some philosophical truth here.
But here's the cold, hard reality...
All of us know that general aviation training and checking is inconsistent, to say the least. There are quotas (at least informal), and if possible it's best to use an examiner who is well know and close to to either you, your instructor, or close family member. You also need good training, which can be problematic since most students simply don't know what they don't know... they learn the hard way.
So pilots can be forgiving. More so of GA busts. Multiple 121 busts is a real problem because 121 is pretty consistent.
Airlines on the other hand...
As long as they have a choice they prefer pilots with few or zero training problems. Obviously they want pilots who will pass training and fly safe. But a huge consideration for them today is how a pilot's record will appear in the media and courtroom following an accident. Google Colgan + Renslow for a history lesson on that. Unfortunately once you have a history of busts there's no possible way to ever erase that. Frankly the're concerned more with the perception than the reality. Even one bust will slow your progression to the top majors, 2-3 will limit your options, and 4+ will be a big hurdle
Originally Posted by
marz7490
You might find something else that you didn’t even think of with an incredible QOL and better pay than the 30 year United Captain. Be open to that and enjoy the fact that you have the ability to fly whenever and wherever you want. Good luck and have fun!
No, actually you won't. Might find something you enjoy more, but you will never find that combination of pay and QOL on a W2. You'd have to work for yourself, and it still might very well take 30 years to get there. I've been around the block and have friends who are widebody CA's and friends who own tech businesses.