manilo52

Hey yall,

New here, first post. I've been thinking alot and would like some advice from really anyone willing to give it. I really havent made up my mind yet but here it goes.


I just started flying, I'm a first officer at a regional just got a hundred hours in SIC. So far things are looking great for this company. I could possibly get upgraded in two years or so, once I get the experience. However, at the end of the month I am taking the AT-SAT (Air trafic Control test) I made it through their bio assessment and things are looking good if I wanted to go down that field. I feel like I am at a crossroads, I havent made my mind on which way I want to go down. Both careers look like great options right now.

I do have a huge load of student loans, I need to pay back. I know Air Traffic, if I get in is a great career government job (for now) with very steady income. However, if I can get my time in and this regional..get upgraded and make it to a major I think I'll be fine.. There is alot of "ifs" in that situation though.

I am one class away from a Masters Degree, really just trying to figure which route to go down. I really like flying but I honestly need money to pay back this loans. I am single, no kids really nothing holding me down but these loans.

Any advice is appreciated.. I will continue applying for Air traffic until I get in entirely but If I gotta make this choice (only have till I turn 31 to do Air traffic) want some advice what other people would do.

Thanks again yall, really appreciate it.

JohnBurke

Your masters degree is largely irrelevant with respect to either job, but may provide you a teaching opportunity at some future date.

Your path to a major airline will not be quick. Bear that in mind, along with the income that will occur during that time.

You already have a job. If you are considering changing to ATC, keep your day job until your future with ATC is assured, or at least until you have a class date and a firm invitation to come to work. Bird in the hand, and all that.

If you're happy with either job, then it shouldn't matter which path you take, except for the particulars of which will provide the best income, most stable environment, etc.

You got into the cockpit for the money, or for some other reason? That may be a factor in your decision. How much do you want to fly? A flying career is by no means a slam-dunk, and there are few, if any, "gimme's." It's an ongoing process of sacrifice, which in my opinion means giving up something good to get something better. That's certainly possible from where you are now, but it's not a fast process. It's not a guaranteed process, either.

It's very unlikely that the industry will hold any kind of stability for the forseeable future of your career. There will be mergers, downsizing, sales, bankruptcies, and all kinds of other variabilities that will impact your career path. So long as you are able to roll with the changes and adjust yourself accordingly, it's a perfectly viable industry. If you're of the mindset that you're checking boxes and expect a clearly defined series of advances as your career progresses, the industry may not be stable enough for your tastes. There are no guarantees, and your ability to survive and get ahead as a pilot is all on you (despite the glacial seniority system of slow, steady progress toward upgrade and pay raises in the airline environment).

SONORA PASS

Manilo52,

Both are nice options…

My advice would be to view your current financial situation as temporary.

When you took those loans you out, likely had a strong interest in flying that warranted taking them out in the first place. If flying is what you would rather do, stick with it and find budget cuts and any financial help to hold you over until your income improves; it will.

On the other hand if flying is just another job and being a controller would be just as fulfilling, it would offer more financial benefits up front and allow you to spend less time away from home. It will offer a career that some would prefer over flying due to the schedule, less time away, job stability, steady income and life style that allows more consistent home life. Others love flying and the lifestyle that comes with it.

Try to think this out for the long run even though you are feeling the short term pressure right now. Both are great options, pick the one you will still want to be doing in 10 - 20 years.

All the best,

SP

manilo52

I realized this thread was posted in the wrong forum.. I reposted in the correct forum about career advice if a mod could delete or lock this I'd appreciate it.

manilo52

Thanks for moving this thread and keeping it open ignore my previous comment any advice os greatly appreciated!

PotatoChip

I disagree. I know several pilots who were hired/interviewed at legacies specifically because they had a masters degree. While I personally believe it's nonsense, it's one more thing that separates you from other would-be legacy drivers.