Originally Posted by
69chevyshortt
so i thought id post this here for some more experienced advice. im thinking of pursuing a career as an airline pilot,and i have about a million questions for anyone with good knowledge. first off im 27 years old with an excellent paying job, with no real college. so my first question is, does not having a college degree hurt my chances of being passed up for good jobs? i know a FO that flies for american airlines and he doesnt have a degree, but he tells me that its a big deal to have one if i ever want to possibly get on with a major. is this true? i know i have an extremely long road ahead of me but im trying to look at the big picture. i've read lots of threads in this forum and im trying to figure out, is this line of work really as bad as some people make it out to be? i have about a million more questions but these will do for now. sorry about the typing i dont type very often. also can any one elaborate on the(pilot shortage)? i just received my private license and am fixing to start on my instrument so any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Back to the original program, ha ha...
- You are young enough to do this, but your family situation is a big factor. If you're single and childless you are in much better shape. A family will limit your flexibility to take low paying jobs far away which require extensive travel.
- Without the degree, you will be limited to regional airlines. Top pay for most is $100K after 12-15 years or so. But remember to subtract out the cost of training and lost wages for 5 years.
- Regionals have some downsides. Their work rules are often poor, meaning you get abused and have no control over your life...you could be on your way home for Xmas or to take your wife out for your anniversery and the company could call you and assign to a three day road instead (with zero advance notice). Also regionals are subcontractors...they can be (and often are) fired on a moments notice to be replaced by another regional with a yournger, cheaper workforce. This will probably happen after you are established at the ten year point with a family and a house in your domicile city...oops time to pack up, move across country, and take a big pay cut (or start over elsewhere at $20K/year).
- Regionals have upsides: You upgrade within a few years (2-8), and depending on your base, you may gain seniority quickly (as senior pilots leave for major airlines).
Also be aware that regionals also prefer college degrees, they are just not in a position to enforce that right now...but things could go back to normal at any moment (economy, age 65, oil prices,war, terror, etc).
As others have said, I would only do this if you really want to fly airplanes...don't do it for the money or a comfortable lifestyle. Also to do it right, you should get a degree (4 year).
If you just want to avoid breathing and handling paint, maybe become a service writer, supervisor, or start your own shop.