Originally Posted by Short Bus Drive
20 years and only 6300 hrs.? Are you counting the years from when you took your first flight lesson? If I did that I would be 23 years in "search of the dream".
You must have also had bad luck in picking airlines/employers.
I have over 8000 hrs, plenty of SIC time (1900, MD80, A-320). And something like 1300 hrs PIC turbine (1900,SF-340,MD-80,A-320).
I also have a degree in aviation (from THAT place).
And 23 years in search of the dream.
Maybe if you tried THREE more years, you'd be where I am. Happy, wife's happy,etc. I mean come on, it doesn't take much to BE and airline pilot right?
Skyhigh, you need to move on! Let it go! You didn't keep at it, didn't make the cut, grade, whatever. You say you want to warn others of the profession.
Let them talk to pilot's who stuck it out, who sacrificed for their dream. I would be honest with that person. It's like any other jobs. Good and bad.
Piloting isn't like every other job. Not by a long shot. Most other careers have transferable experience and education. As you know picking an airline is like horses at the track. Perhaps had I chosen a winner things would be different. You might think that you have all the right answers but it is impossible to tell who the winners will be.
I did move on. I am happy at me new profession and feel that it is important to tell others so they don't get slanted information from guys like you. Life as an airline pilot is full of surprises. You might be comfortable now but you don't know what the future holds. Someday you could be kicked to the curb and realize that there are few opportunities for a family man in the airlines.
My suggestion to you is to enjoy what you have but always have a plan "B". No one it seems is untouchable in this industry. Lastly I hope that you realise that luck had a huge part in your good fortune. A humble and empathetic attitude would suit you better.
SkyHigh