Originally Posted by
Excel
The problem is, these guys that get into aviation probably don’t know any pilots, aren’t related to any pilots, and do little to zero investigation on the best way to pursue their career. They pick up Flying magazine and see those nice ads with the picture of boy wonder sitting in the flight deck giving the good ‘ol thumbs up. They call these places and they are convinced that it is the fastest, cheapest, least amount of BS way to get to an airline. Enough said, just hand mom and dad the bill. They don’t know any better and they don’t know anything about putting in your dues. Oh well.
I happen to be 40 spent a total of 47k from day one, including GIA, ( all my wifes and my money) I worked for flight time, bartered with flight instructors, and flew every chance I had with my local EAA chapter in a very wide array of experimental aircraft building time, flying with friends and working on planes with people who have a true passion for aviation. Ive spent time helping guys build, you will learn a lot more about what it is you fly if you see it in pieces. I spent 4 years getting to where I am, and I did work my butt off, and I am extremely proud of what I have accomplished. Next on my agenda is my CFI ratings, not because I have to to get a 121 gig but because I want to pass somthing on, and then my degree and A/P. So whats your idea of paying your dues, 160 grand at ERAU and then CFI for peanuts for 2 or more years...hoping some student doesnt kill you, passing on a unrecognized negative attitude to your students because you really dont want to be there in the first place, and then you go to an airline and hope and pray that you are prepared for the 121 training thats about to smack you in the forhead...to each their own. Im not saying any one way is better, both work and as such both are subject to abuse, but dont rule PFT out...again that word..ATTITUDE, life is what you make it.