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Physician to airline pilot

Old 10-12-2017, 07:13 PM
  #11  
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I once knew a ANG pilot(NYANG flying the LC-130s) that was a UA pilot, anesthesiologist, and a squadron commander. Died in his 50s, I understand. Another USN Pilot, Flight Surgeon and Spac3 Shuttle candidate who was killed in a plane crash, not as the pilot. Type A is difficult.

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Old 10-12-2017, 08:43 PM
  #12  
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Originally Posted by Fliestoomuch310 View Post
Thanks for all of the helpful replies. It’s not entirely a grass is greener (my aunt is an instructor for a legacy and I got pretty early exposure to the work) but more of a long standing dream. My early career goal was to fly for a major airline. However, I came out of college in 2006 when furloughs were common, which is why I never pursued it.

I will look in to my options. I am very lucky with radiology in that I have a lot of flexibility (I can switch to a 7 on/7 off and be full time with the caviat that this would be night work).

Once again, thanks for your feedback.
When I was 33 I was furloughed and almost made the opposite move. I was fed up with the airline career, and couldn't take the ups and downs, and flat out luck involved. I looked into several post-bachelor pre-med programs, and visited with the dean of the Harvard program. I nearly pulled the trigger, but was talked out of it.

I'd also be one to say "Don't do it." It's a great job (sometimes), but a terrible career, unless you happen to be really lucky.

I'm typing this from a Holiday Inn next to I-95 next to a gas station and a Cracker Barrel. I've lost all my savings three times in my career, and I started with $110,000 in student debt.
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Old 10-13-2017, 06:04 PM
  #13  
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I am in a mid life career crisis mode and looking to change. I went and got my first class medical and I'm currently working on my instrument rating and CPL. While i was getting my first class medical the doctor performing the exam got chatty and we talked for probably 30 minutes about medicine and aviation. He told me he had just given a 1st class medical to a physician who was also a radiologist. I believe he said his age was 55. The doctor went on to say that the radiologist got so sick and tired of medicine, he couldnt take it anymore. He was reading insane amounts of x-rays, MRIs and CT scans and he simply grew tired of the grind. This particular physician purchased a fairly affordable light twin aircraft and just flew the hell out of it, racking up his 1,500 hours within a year or so, went to Skywest and got hired right away. That may be a good path to consider. Get some training, buy a plane and build some time. I am sure you are making killer money and have the means to do whatever you want. Go for it!!
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Old 10-14-2017, 08:18 AM
  #14  
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Please no.
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Old 10-14-2017, 09:18 AM
  #15  
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Hi pilatus,
you recently got your first class medical, how tough is it ?
I am your age and got a second class decades ago when i got my licences. No longer current so I don't remember what to expect.
I use reading glasses now, should I get my vision checked before the AME or is that a non issue ?
Good luck with your career change.
thanks
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Old 10-14-2017, 09:28 AM
  #16  
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Originally Posted by renaissance2008 View Post
Hi pilatus,
you recently got your first class medical, how tough is it ?
I am your age and got a second class decades ago when i got my licences. No longer current so I don't remember what to expect.
I use reading glasses now, should I get my vision checked before the AME or is that a non issue ?
Good luck with your career change.
thanks
I thought it was rather easy. I've always had great uncorrected vision, so i passed at 20/20. They take basic vital stats from you, check your hearing, did a brief EKG, which went with no problem. I've always enjoyed good health, so there was no issue for me. I figured i would knock that out of the way and go from there. Hope to do my Instrument check ride in a few weeks, then work on my CPL.
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Old 10-14-2017, 09:42 AM
  #17  
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No way!Don't do it!! If you're married with a family, especially don't do it. It would be about the most selfish thing you could do to your family. If you still have your med school loans, you'd be an idiot to do this, sorry, but I have to call it like it is.

I know several pilot/doctors in the Air Force. Guys who do both jobs at the same time. When I've spoken to them about their post AF career, they both said they'd practice medicine, without a doubt. By the way, if you were younger, I'd say go this route, pretty sweet deal. You might even get a reserve or guard unit to pick you up with an age waiver based on your background.

You're QOL (and finances) will be in the gutter compared to what you have now, for 6 to 9 years, maybe even indefinitely.And you will never make the kind of money you can make as a radiologist (I'm assuming you can make $300 to $900k a year). Believe me, this will become a JOB someday, and be about the money.

What you can and should do, is get your ratings at a local school, become a CFII on the side, maybe do some part 91 contract work, get jet type ratings etc. you could easily be a contract for hire corporate pilot on the side, picking up trips as you want. Then down the road, you'd have the option to jump ship. Y
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Old 10-15-2017, 08:18 PM
  #18  
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While some would argue that you have the "grass is greener" viewpoint, as a long time major airline pilot, I have met career change professional who have enjoyed the change. Obviously, you are intelligent enough to have run the numbers to understand the financial hit. But at 33, you have looked at it and realized that money isn't everything when you are still looking at 30+ years of work. The 7 off/7 on schedule gives you tremendous flexibility. I don't want you waking up in 10-15 years unhappy in your current professional and then be financially strapped in a lifestyle. Take the road less traveled--try the switch! Right now, with the 7/7 schedule you can move forward with flight training and even working as a CFI so see if this is where you want to go. The only thing you are out is the cost of flight training which is not insurmountable with your income. Just like someone who expends time and money to start a small business on the side, there are opportunity costs. The opportunities right now are greater in this industry than they have for the last 50 years! Live without regrets. This job has many boxes to check along the way (just like med school/residency/etc.) that you are used to completing. Start with flight training. PM if you have other questions.
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Old 10-16-2017, 09:39 AM
  #19  
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I’m 61. Retired business owner. Got my private certificate 49 years after my first ride (wanted to fly since that ride). Bought a 182, used it for business travel. After 4 years flying, I decided last year to go for it, my wife supported (supports) the decision. Earned my CFII/MEI/AGI/IGI over the fall/winter. Instructed a couple hundred hours this year. Completed ATP/CTP class last week. Start FO training at regional tomorrow.
Your only limitations are your capabilities and your desires, which are really your attributes.
Good luck!
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Old 10-16-2017, 10:18 AM
  #20  
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There are many people who come from very wealthy families who are in this profession. Obviously, money is no issue for them and they become pilots because they love the job. Having said that, if you are really a radiologist and want to become an airline pilot then go for it. Worse case scenario you will lose a few million from lost income as a radiologist and will return to practicing medicine. Best case scenario, you will love the pilot job, do well and maybe just practice medicine one or two days a month just to stay current. I have many doctors in the family and they tend to like their jobs. They also say that flying for a living is a tough way to live but what do they know, they're not living the piloting life.
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