Dear wheresmyplane,

Wow! Where do you even start with this? Let me start first by saying this whole post wreaks of entitlement. You act as if your owed something. Here's a news flash, your not, and neither are the rest of us.

So you went to flight school, great! You got a job flying for a regional, terrific! Why not be grateful for the opportunities you have been given so far. I know guys who in the mid 90's had 4000 TT, a BS degree, and a masters before they had the opportunity to fly right seat for a regional.

You talk as if because you went to flight school, your entitled to work for whom ever, and when ever. Thats like saying everyone who graduates from college is entitled to do the same. I think we can all agree that's a ridiculous notion.

The simple fact is that most flight training is barely more complex than vocational training. Don't attempt to try and compare flight school training with getting a college education, because they are completely different. Ironically, it's not these differences that prevent you from getting the job, it's your attitude. The attitude that says "I've done enough, give me what is mine!" verses the attitude that says " I'm constantly trying to improve myself!".

Better yet, ask yourself "Why would I not get a college education?" It would only seem to improve your chances at a job you seem to really want. It would seem to help you start a new profession if god forbid you couldn't fly anymore. It would seem to make you more marketable among your peers who don't have a college education. Why Not?

Airlines don't care about what it means for a person to have college degree. Airlines care about what it means for a person to not want a college degree! What do you communicate to your prespective employer when you dont seek collegiate education? How do you answer this interview question "Why did you never go to college?" It's safe to say there is no good answer to that one.

The majors are looking for the brightest and most motivated individuals. The degree is an initial litmus test designed to identify a group whose individuals may exibit these characteristics. It's not like they ask you in the interview if you have a college degree, and then hand you the keys to the plane. It's slightly more indepth than that. Who knows you might end up getting your degree, get the interview, and not get the job. At least you can walk away with your head held high instead of complaining for the rest of your life about how you were cheated.

This is why you should research your desired occupation before you chose it. Not completely your fault since I imagine some where down the line someone sold you on straight to the airlines, quick upgrade etc. happens to the best of us.

My "piece of paper" as you call it took me 4 years as a full time student to obtain. The paper wont get me the job, it's the dedication, determination, and discipline that it stands for that will. You may have those traits as well, but good luck proveing it.

Now that would be "just" a piece of paper.

This is almost as ridiculous as spending your way out of recession. Good luck. I'm sure this positive attitude will take you far.


Your right, why should they care, but more importantly why do you care. You sound very jelous and bitter? Let it go, it will only slow you down.

This statment only serves to convince us that your a top notch kind of person. Take it a step further and get that degree.

Please don't think I wrote this to tear you down. I don't think I'm smarter than you and I'm not trying to agitate you. I'm trying to make you see that only good can come from going to college. I've never heard anyone ever say "Man, I wish I had never gone to college". Get it done. We'll be here waiting.

Sincerely,

Johnnysnow