Passion for Aviation
 

Has anybody ever struggled with whether they think that they have enough passion for aviation to make it all the way to the airlines? If yes what was your situation and how did you handle it?

Thanks!

How old are you?

18, fresh out of high school, I will be attending Western Michigan next year with a major in aviation flight science

What reservations do you have? Is there something in particular that worries you or makes you hesitate? A professional aviation career takes an extreme amount of fortitude and dedication.

I really want to be passionate about aviation I spend every second of the day hoping that I really am passionate about it. However, I'm just not currently getting super excited before I go flying. I'm only about 15 hours into my PPL training and I hope that when I start doing solos and cross country's my passion will really spark. What do you guys think? Would you agree with that?

Same exact thread that this user has started in the past.

I have asked a question similar to this a long time ago and got no response and now I am just trying to have a conversation with someone that is willing to help me.

I sort of feel like a psychiatrist for asking this, but why did you decide to get a PPL in the first place? Is it because you think it is an easy way to make a good living? It isn't. Are you feeling too nervous to enjoy the flight instruction, but when at home you study for long periods of time, you have a strong interest in aviation in general, and you read or inform yourself about a plethora of aviation topics.

If aviation isn't your interest, then do yourself a favor, and stop right now, it isn't for every one and enduring the path to the airlines is only for the hardy of spirit, those who get in for the money are miserable.

I am not in this for the money at all, I am also not in it because I think its an easy career. I am in this because I believe that this is my passion and I want it to be my passion more than anything in the world. I am just wondering why I am not feeling like it is my passion? I am not in this for the glamour or the pay.

he brings up an interesting point. The number of times you have asked this question is a little concerning. Asked differently, what appeals to you about being a pilot? I think you will find your answer within that answer. Perhaps you like flying but have some reservations about an airline career and think you are better suited for a different occupation.

Personally, I got bounced around from instructor to instructor when I started flying and at times it was discouraging because some weren't very motivating or engaging. I had a 9-5 at the time and knew I loved flying and definitely didn't want to be in a cube for my entire life but really didn't characterize it as a "passion". It was just something I enjoyed so much I didn't mind working 2 jobs and juggling school to afford the $100+ per hour price tab to do. The course material could be dry and it required a lot of commitment and hard work but something about running down a runway at the blazing fast speeds of my Cessna 152 always had me coming back wanting more.

Honestly, it wasn't until I became a CFI that I really realized I was, in fact, very passionate about aviation. Something about sharing the information I had and watching the transformation and growth that takes place as someone goes from 0 hours to a confident and capable aviator made me learn how much I really cared about this thing I just thought was fun. Now days, its hard for me to really define what I do as a job most times and I can't imagine myself doing anything else, despite the many sacrifices we make as pilots.

One of my first students was a great stick and a very hard working individual. We got a long really well and after a few lessons he admitted to me that although he though flying was fun and cool, it never really peaked his interests. He was only training because his parents thought it was a good path for him. What he REALLY liked was science and chemistry. I advised him to finish his private because he was so close to the end, but to reevaluate if this was a wise use of his time and his parent's money. The fulfillment and satisfaction I got from doing what I loved was unquantifiable and that's really what he should be pursuing. You don't want to look back one day and wonder "what if?".

I want to offer you the same advice. Again, what are you looking for in an aviation career? Success is a bit of a subjective term because it doesn't really mean you make xyz amount or have abc title. You can mop floors in a K-mart but if mopping K-mart floors was always your dream and makes you happy, I'd say you're pretty damn successful. You can ask when did you know you were passionate, or how did you know, or any variation of that question but the reality is only YOU will know if this line of work will make YOU happy.

Good luck on your decision, and wherever that decision takes you.