Better to fly professionally or for fun?

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02-21-2015 | 08:05 AM

#41

satpak77

Working weekends

Joined: Jul 2005

Posts: 2,384

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From: Left Seat

Quote:

Originally Posted by JamesAA

For all you career pilots: if you had the choice to either keep your job as a pilot, or have a "day job" that pays well---not superstar great, but enough that you could afford your own 6-8 seater twin engine (prop) and just fly on your own time, wherever you like, which would you choose?

(I ask because I'm trying to get a sense of what aviation would be like as a career. I already know I LOVE flying recreationally). But I get to choose where I fly, when I fly, etc. So I'm not sure if doing it "as a job" would drastically change things Would love some opinions).

Thanks in advance

Your scenario is basically "would you quit your flying job for a non-flying job"

Since most of us have seniority, etc on this forum at our respective places (this is not a CFI-focused forum, or hobby pilot forum), the answer you will get is mostly "no way"

Now, next life of mine, I would do it differently, knowing what I know now.

I would focus on answering "what high growth industries pays the best money/QOL/security for my family, then of THOSE industries I would see which one I would have the most fun at or satisfaction." Once that was picked, I would budget hobby flying into the equation.

Sadly, "off duty" I do NOTHING with flying. I do NOT subscribe to EAA magazine or get excited about a new Pilot kneeboard holder that Sporty's is selling. I could care less.

02-25-2015 | 12:41 AM

#42

AF2Navy

Gets Weekends Off

Joined: Jan 2011

Posts: 174

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This is great

What an enjoyable read! ..........by far one of the best discussions on this forum.

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnBurke

Someone wise once commented that one should make one's vocation something one enjoys; if so, then one never works another day in one's life.

Every job i had as a kid went towards paying for flight lessons. Every day on the ground was spent dreaming about being above. General aviation during high school & college was enough to convince me of what my place was in this life.

Quote:

Originally Posted by BoilerUP

I still enjoy flying and the moment I don't enjoy seeing distance lightning at night or climbing on top of a cloud layer into clear skies, it'll be time for me to go do something else.

Everyday at "the desk", doing an "additional duty", or just unable to fly.........i still have those visions of soaring around/through the clouds, taking 100s of people, my friends/family, or just myself....... somewhere......even if its just the traffic pattern at the local airport! I dont ever see myself doing anything different.

Quote:

Originally Posted by galaxy flyer

JamesAA,

Be careful, the choice of "fly professionally or for fun" is a false one. Loads of professionals find flying fun, loads of other professionals find flying drudgery or soul killing. Loads of "amateurs" fly haphazardly, loads of other "amateurs" fly so professionally they'd put the pros to shame.

This is something i never expected, nor would have believed if i had not seen it with my own eyes. I have seen this in general aviation, the military, and 121 flying...........and i cant figure out a way to explain it. Just do your part.....strive for excellence....mentor those around you......."a good pilot is ALWAYS learning".

Something that hasnt been mentioned yet........everything in moderation, eat healthy, exercise........you gotta keep that medical renewed!

If i had to do it all over again? I would do the same. I love flying professionally in the 121 world and the military and in my "free time" i still love being active with general aviation.........so many different types of aviation out there, the more exposure to each type i get, i find it helps me be better as a "professional" and an "amateur".