Dsalvagnini

I am currently a SES government civilian approaching my min retirement age of 56 this coming spring. I have broad latitude in my role and but QOL varies with mission demands. I can easily be working 50-60 hrs weekly with another 8 hrs per week commuting.

There are man things I enjoy about my position but I do not enjoy the politics and the bureaucracy associated with being part of a large government organization.

In my spare time I am also a CFI and will easily have 1500 hrs with ATP minimums by early spring 2020.

I have a passion for aviation and would love the opportunity to fly more advanced equipment to obtain turbofan, high altitude experience and the associated type rating(s). I also like the idea that I can control my schedule, at least in part, through the bidding process. Last, I like variety in my workday and the experiences encountered. It seems that everyday as a pilot would be different.

I am not seeking an opinion about salaries as I have already considered the numbers related to the transition and I am aware of the salary implications immediately and over time.

What I am interested in is crowd sourcing opinions about a career as a pilot. I am delusional to think flying an airline as a FO and later a Captain for a regional will be satisfying and fulfilling? Is leaving an executive position to fly for a regional crazy? At this point in my career I greatly value time, so part of this is taking back more control of my time. It seems to me many pilots achieve fulfillment through other pursuits when they are not flying. I also want to break away from the bureaucracy.

I am interested in thoughts and opinions from current or past pilots. Am I delusional to think that I will have more free time and more control over my schedule? I realize schedule control is directly related to seniority but it’s seems seniority at a regional can be gained fairly quickly given the hiring demand from the majors.

I look forward to reading your thoughts - thanks.

Dave

rickair7777

Fulfilling? Not so sure about that. Satisfying, sure on a nice day when things are going right it's nice to kick back with a cup of joe and enjoy the view while getting paid.


A significant factor is geography... living in base is a big factor, and many desireable bases (typically in the west) are more senior.

But if you can rapidly gain seniority, living in a base you like, then yeah it can be a good gig. Consider not just FO seniority but CA seniority as well... some high COL bases are junior for regional FO's (due to pay) but very senior with lifer CA's. If your finances require upgrade to CA within a set time frame, you'll need to consider that. QOL gets pretty good above 50%, and on the CA side coincidentally that's also about where the lifers start in highly desirable bases. Entirely possible to go from 99-50% as a CA in about 15 months, and then not move at all for 15 years.

Also consider that you might be underwhelmed with your co-workers and CA's... standards have dropped and upgrades come fast so as an FO you'll probably end up slinging gear for people who aren't cut from the cloth you're accustomed to. But most will probably be fine.

PRS Guitars

I’m not sure what SES government civilian is. I’m assuming an office job of some sort. I have an office job for my AF reserve job. I don’t care for the routine office lifestyle. Going to that job makes me really appreciate the airline job and lifestyle. That job feels like “dreading Monday” & “waiting for Friday”.

Now the airline lifestyle has its good and bad moments. The key is to embrace the bad moments (embrace the suck, as they say in the military) and go with the flow.

Your schedule will vary wildly based on airline/seniority/desire for money vs days off. On balance though, for me much better than regular scheduled job.

Yes, I find it fulfilling and satisfying.

rickair7777

It's GS GOFO equivalent, is O7+

Dsalvagnini

I live in Northern Virginia so I would only be interested in being based at IAD or DCA. I would do everything possible to avoid having to commute even if it meant a longer period of sitting reserve.

bamike

Get a first class medical before you contemplate this. To answer your original question, personally I think you are insane to leave at 56 during what will be your highest earning years in the SES, especially the financial damage to your retirement from a FERS, TSP, and Social Security perspective.

That aside, living in NOVA and working for a regional with a local base will be easier and less stressful than a SES job, especially if you don't care about the money. Much less responsibility as a first officer than as an executive. You will have to work odd hours, holidays, and during periods of bad weather.

If I was in your shoes I would try to go part time at my agency, and then get a second part time job flying a Pilatus or corporate aircraft. Or maybe you could take unpaid leave from your federal job, try out the airlines, and then go back to SES if you don't like it. The pilot lifestyle is very romanticized relative to reality and I would keep the option of going back to my old job if it doesn't work out.

Dsalvagnini

I appreciate the candid dialog. I have a first class medical and I have enjoyed great health thus far. I realize the medical is always a risk for any pilot.

I agree about the financial hit from the perspective of total earnings and total contribution to retirement. That said, a 3rd year Captain at a regional makes as much per hour as I do if you based purely on hours. the salary difference comes from a typical month being 80-90 hrs vs 160+ hrs.

I am looking at this more as a semi retirement gig but I realize that could very well be misguided given that the time commitment is more than just gate to gate.

I also agree there does seem be some romanticizing about the career and that flying in bad weather is not pleasurable.

Thanks. Please keep the thoughts coming.

AAfng

just do it, you only go around this big marble once. With that said, there are going to be lots of time you will be like "why did I quit my cush job to put up with this crap?", or "I wonder if they will hire me back?"

Dsalvagnini

That's what I am thinking. Every job has its challenges. Getting back into civil service might be challenging, but I can always do consulting or contractor work. Thanks.

PRS Guitars

While there is a good chance of getting a job in DC, every constraint you place on your career will lesson your chances of making it to a major. If you open it up to a short commute to NYC (which is not a hard commute, by the way) you’d add a ton more options.