Originally Posted by
Learflyer
Herc, back about 20 years ago, I DID know what I was getting into. Back when regional jobs were hard to get, and you HAD to flight instruct to move on to the next level. I DID understand what the salaries were, and the qol that the majors offered. The salaries were high including generous pensions, and big fat 401k building capabilities. There were no pilot mills yet. There was only Embry Riddle, and a few others. Back then, I would have died knowing i'd be able to fly a Shorts 360 someday. Nowadays, there are numerous CRJ captains in their 20's who complain about everything under the sun. There WAS a much better outlook than their is now. Having said that, and I'll say it again, I would never turn anyone away from this profession. There is a love that only a pilot can know for aviation and flying. That can't be taken away from the young folks, or the older career changers.
Heck, even Sky himself said he's always thinking of ways to get back into flying everyday. I am too. (even though i'm kinda still in it being a sim/ground instructor). And Sky, my man, you should find a way to at least fly part time. Some of the folks on here are correct. It ain't THAT bad in aviation. Although i'm seeking other opportunities right now such as finishing my degree, and looking to get into some kind of small business to own, I'm keeping my options open if the right flying opportunity comes along. SkyHigh, I think you ought to keep your flying options open too. It might help you have some more peace. Maybe when your beautiful kids get older? Maybe sooner than that. USMC, and the others, i'm excited for you, and wish you success.
I have had some flying opportunities over the last few years. One place hired me and sent me through king air school but did not end up buying the plane. Another place offered to hire me instead but the pay was 30K per year and I had to work in the potato shed when I wasn't flying.
I had a job offer a few summers ago to do some seasonal contract flying, but they would not give me the time off I needed. During a training mission the plane crashed and the guy who took my job died along with a few other company principals.
I could go on. The problem is that most part time local jobs demand too much for to little. I can't afford to sit around an FBO all day waiting for students and I am not in a position to be able to leave at the drop of a hat for a charter flight that pays $22 a flight hour.
Yesterday I flew my 150. I climbed up to 8000 feet and encountered a bird the size of a robin flying up there. I found it as extremely odd. The bird was alone. It was early in the day and there were no thermals, no wind. I wonder just what he was doing up there.
SkyHigh