Originally Posted by
freezingflyboy
Do i detect a hint of sarcasm?
I guess I gotta ask why you guys still think that paying a ridiculous premium at a place like ATP in order to go from 0 to hero in 90 days is a good investment. I'm sure you guys have been following the industry. What do you expect to be waiting for you when you finish? Hate to throw out the speed breaks but theres a big black cloud on the horizon for the industry in 2008. I know places like Mesa, Colgan and GoJets are still hiring but you have to realize that with movement slowing significantly at the majors and a number of airlines shutting down completely (meaning lots of very qualified pilots on the streets and looking for jobs) you may spend significantly longer at that crummy regional than you had originally planned. Something to think about about when you're facing a large loan repayment and the miserable pay you're gonna find at those places.
Why so much negativity? When is a good time to get into the industry? Why do people continuously focus on first year salaries? If someone wants to be a professional pilot because they love flying, then do it. Yes it is expensive. Yes there are less expensive ways to get your ratings then AllATP's. Yes the industry is taking turn for the worse. However, is it better to have the ratings and some experience six months from now when hiring picks back up or still trying to solo at your local FBO? Are there more good paying jobs out there then just the airlines? Can the average american live off of second year FO pay at a regional? Is the flight deck a better work environment than a 9-5 cubicle?
Very few people can get rich with little to no investment. Learning to fly costs money, just like business school, med school, law school, etc. Sure, pilot pay has taken a hit over the years, but salaries are still better than most jobs available to most Americans.
Longbow64, good luck to you and your aviation career, this is the best profession out there - Above the Best!