Well I plan to start training for FSS next week, but I will still be doing some pipeline work one the side, which is probably the most fun and hardest working flying job anyone could ever do.

I can say it was a hard decision to detour from flying full time at this point in my life...but it really wasnt. Driving cross country to find a plane where a lost contract meant no more flying, then flight instructing for peanuts while treated with the same respect as a red shirt from Star Trek, all in the name of a possible 121 job. Somewhere the drive slowed to a crawl.

However, from a logical frame of reference...pay, benefits, being home at night, and overall job stability dwarf what the regionals offer right now.

Not to mention I stand with double digits multi time, and triple digits is the only 'acceptable' number for hiring right now. (while renting is always an option to reach that everso changing multi time minimum, I see myself as a professional pilot; in that aspect, I refuse to rent)

And of course I say now because those minimums are going to drop across the board...Im still buying into my 'panic hiring' theory, but this isnt a rant on how the economy has limited new career pilots from entering the game, combine with 1500 hour legislation and the 65 year old exodus at the top which should leave the regionals in a bind. When this happens, I expect to see some change for the better. Think of the inverse of what happened 2007-2008...that is my prediction.

It may be a couple years before looking back to re-evaluate the state of the airlines and if it would be a smart career move. Business wise I may find myself owning and renting a plane to those who need the hours or just want a CFI who isnt in it just to reach hiring mins. The only place I have ever seen myself having an enjoyable career is aviation...and I am there. But will it be in the cockpit when it is time to retire? Guess time will tell...

Until then, I step to the sideline and say good luck to those on the line.
Get this profession to what and where it deserves to be.