Originally Posted by
glover130
1) I hate working in a cubicle now. Is a cockpit really that much different? Small space, not much physical activity? Correct me if I'm wrong. I'm also 6'6" and 250 pounds. I'm worried about comfort-level and regulations on that.
Physical confinement is a drawback. But I get overnights long enough to work out, and about 20 days off/month on average so I can make up for it.
The work environment depends on phase of flight. Departure/arrival it's a teamwork thing, more like sports of military ops than a white-collar job. In cruise flight it's like a lounge, kick back, shoot the breeze, read, people bring you snacks and coffee. Technically speaking they don't want you goofing off on the internet or texting. Technically.
You might occasionally fly with a CA (or FO) you don't like, but you'll have a different one next week. Most are cool.
Originally Posted by
glover130
2) I have a steady, progressing $75,000 salary position currently in a Fortune 500 company. I will be earning $100,000 in the next 5 years. My retirement will be set if I stay for 20+ more years. Am I crazy to give that up? It bores me and I'm not passionate about it and I have trouble not taking work home, but it's not awful by any means. It's a good company to work for.
Chump change. You have to pay some dues in aviation but the prospects for near/mid-term hiring and seniority progression are literally off the chart due to massive retirements over the next 10-12 years.
CFI (2 years): $25-40K
Regional FO (2-3 years): $40-60K
Regional CA (1-4 years): $80-120K
Major (big six) FO: $100K first year, then $200K quickly, within another year or two. Upgrade varies, between 1-8 years looking ahead.
Major CA: $300-400K, then eventually $500-$700K as you get to the biggest jets. That last will take some time, you won't get there if you're much over 35 when you get hired at the major.
Originally Posted by
glover130
3) Potential income/job market at the end of training. I have heard horror stories about people coming out of training and not being able to find a job or having to take jobs paying $20,000/year. How realistic is this scenario? What could I expect coming out of training pay-wise? What about after 5-10 years? I was thinking about doing a program like ATP since they outline it all so well on their website, but it honestly sounds too good to be true. They are saying $50k-$80k as a First Officer at a regional airline with tuition reimbursement (which is good because it would cost around $80,000), and then the sky's the limit (no pun intended). Is this really true?
Right now due to the above-mentioned retirements, you are essentially assured a job at a regional airline unless you are just catastrophically bad at aviation. If you're a normal college grad, at least somewhat mechanically inclined, did some sports at some point in life, you'll be fine. If for some reason you seriously lack the aptitude, you should figure that out early in your training.
Caveats:
1) A small number of people who did fine in general aviation can't make the jump from small piston planes to jets. Technical/mechanical aptitude, athletics, and youth are good predictors of success.
2) The industry is susceptible to economic downturns and "black swan" events (war, epidemics, etc). Right now this is mitigated by the massive pending retirements, even if they stopped hiring and shrunk, it wouldn't last long.
3) Medical: see below
The potential rewards are high, but there are some risks.
Originally Posted by
glover130
4) How would potential health concerns in the future affect my ability to work? I have a few health-metrics that are too high that I am working on, but at least I can still go to work currently even if my efforts are unsuccessful. Are there any health restrictions I should know about? I know the military is strict here, but I'm not really considering that route.
You can have a medical problem and lose your flying job. The best majors have good disability programs, in some cases you'll keep a large part of your take-home pay until age 65 and not have to find another job. But you already have other skills to fall back on. Healthy lifestyle and good family genes predict success.
The FAA is not very strict compared to the military but there are a few things which are show-stoppers. At your age diabetes or mental health issues would be the most likely issues.
If you're just overweight, high BP, cholesterol, etc you can get treated and modify your life style.
First step would be get your health in order, then get an FAA first class medical so you know where you stand.
Then go get a private pilot license in your spare time. I wouldn't quit your job until you do that and see how you like.