Originally Posted by
PSpence
Whoa! Just when I thought this thread was going to get buried, it fired back up ... Sorry, it's been a few days since I got on. But, I see quite a bit of comments, many thanks to SkyHigh for that one haha!! This is my first thread, but as you all can see from my "joined" date, I've been lurking for about a year and a half and have learned that SkyHigh brings the action! Although I don't always like or agree with what he says, I've got to acknowledge his ability to fire up the APC crowd! So, thanks SkyHigh for the additional action!
But, back to the actual topic: I've read through all of the comments and just wanted to say that, yes, I do have a back-up plan to a flying career not coming to fruition. I'm taking classes for ATC and my family also owns an insurance agency (I've been a licensed fire/casualty broker in that since 18); so, I do have other options. I'm not that nearsighted and naive!
Also, as for networking, I'm doing that all the time, especially with folks over at AA. Whenever I fly AA, I work my way up to the cockpit for a chat and have had a few Captains and FO's give me their email address. A few FA's as well. I make sure to send the occasional "hey, how's it been?" and they all have replied to my emails (so far). A few have even offered to help me out in the future when my TT is where it should be to get an entry-level flying gig. So, who knows where it all will lead. I remain focused and will absolutely move any place that will offer up a job. I'll continue to do whatever it takes to make it to a Major one day.
Of course, the industry is horrible right now and looks bad. But, I remain optimistic in realizing that this economic situation will rebound and every industry (not just Aviation) will recover to its fullest potential. Upgrade times are bad now, but I know one day that will turn around too. I think it'd be a bit unrealistic to honestly adopt the idea that the airline industry will always remain in the shape it is now; that notion is simply ludicrous.
I look forward to coming back to this thread (and I most definitely will) when I eventually land a job at my initial airline and then again when on to a Major. In the meantime, I'll look forward to gaining as much knowledge about the industry as I can from this site and many others. I appreciate all the helpful, insightful comments of substance, even to SkyHigh who provides the "other" POV for me and balances it all out nicely.
Many thanks and fly safe!
IMHO, you want to be in the training/time building stage during the down cycles in the industry. That's when everyone else gives up and goes home, but you are out there building time and waiting in the wings when things turn back up. An aviation career is a lot like the stock market, buy in low - not high.
Like you, my goal was always an airline pilot.
I was a relatively freshly minted CFI during 9/11 (was actually out the door and on the way to an aircraft with a student when one of the line guys said I need to come watch the TV). A lot of guys gave up and bought into the gloom/doom that was going on and quit. I just kept building time and networking constantly looking for something better. Point being, just because things are bad now, doesn't mean they will be in 4-5 years and you need to be laying the foundation for your career NOW so that you can take advantage when things are more favorable.
Again, good luck.