Originally Posted by
de727ups
"I would never discourage anyone from entering the field..."
Neither would I. I see many folks at APC, and in real life, that are happy with their career choice. That's why I can't smile and look the other way when people knock the job. I tell things from my perspective, just as you do. It doesn't work out for everyone. There are no guarantees. That said, while luck is everything, I think sometimes you make your own luck by the choices you make. NJA turns you down? Try another frac. If that doesn't fit your plan, then fine, but maybe it does fit the next guys plan and that's how one puts himself in the right place at the right time....which many call luck.
I like this post of yours and agree with everything in it, However I would like to add a few things.
I am sure that you see lots of happy pilots because you work for one of the last great places. I have seen the other side of aviation and to me it is the more common experience. In a few months the industry could be a real blood bath. My position is that the good times in aviation are over. Luck and effort will not overcome the changes the industry is continuing to go through.
An investment in aviation is becoming difficult to justify the price it takes to get there.
I do not feel very good about a profession that rests so much on luck to get the brass ring.
SkyHigh