Looking To Get Into Airlines
12-20-2016 | 11:12 AM
#21
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When you say you have no flight experience, does that mean you have no time at all at the controls of an airplane? I'd recommend at least getting your PPL before fully committing.
There's no guarantee that you fly for a legacy making $25k per month at the end of your career. I have friends who spent years at the regionals, it tends to be a rough life. (I love my job as a pilot in the defense industry, BTW.)
If you don't absolutely love flying it's not a path I'd recommend--the reward is getting to fly airplanes, not necessarily having a great paycheck.
There's no guarantee that you fly for a legacy making $25k per month at the end of your career. I have friends who spent years at the regionals, it tends to be a rough life. (I love my job as a pilot in the defense industry, BTW.)
If you don't absolutely love flying it's not a path I'd recommend--the reward is getting to fly airplanes, not necessarily having a great paycheck.
I figured that the $25k and $30k per month at a legacy are for pilots who have been there for millions of years and fly wide bodies. What do you mean by your being a pilot in the defense industry? Are you military, or a civilian test pilot for DOD? I am just curious.
You're right, you shouldn't fly if you don't absolutely love flying. Thanks for your input Scraggly Heron!
12-20-2016 | 11:14 AM
#22
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12-20-2016 | 04:32 PM
#23
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From: Window seat
If you can fly locally I'd recommend that. Network and find out if the local place has decent instructors and management stability.
As others have mentioned you need to fly. You don't have to be Chuck Yeager and as excited as a newly wed in the beginning, but you have to realize that you like it AND you develop. Most do, some can't.
As others have mentioned you need to fly. You don't have to be Chuck Yeager and as excited as a newly wed in the beginning, but you have to realize that you like it AND you develop. Most do, some can't.
12-20-2016 | 04:44 PM
#24
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If you can fly locally I'd recommend that. Network and find out if the local place has decent instructors and management stability.
As others have mentioned you need to fly. You don't have to be Chuck Yeager and as excited as a newly wed in the beginning, but you have to realize that you like it AND you develop. Most do, some can't.
As others have mentioned you need to fly. You don't have to be Chuck Yeager and as excited as a newly wed in the beginning, but you have to realize that you like it AND you develop. Most do, some can't.
Well said, thanks! I'm almost certain I'd enjoy it?, but I agree that I need to try it first.
12-21-2016 | 08:31 AM
#25
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From: LM Skunk Works Pilot
Correct, I have zero time at the controls of a real airplane. Great idea about getting my PPL before committing!
I figured that the $25k and $30k per month at a legacy are for pilots who have been there for millions of years and fly wide bodies. What do you mean by your being a pilot in the defense industry? Are you military, or a civilian test pilot for DOD? I am just curious.
You're right, you shouldn't fly if you don't absolutely love flying. Thanks for your input Scraggly Heron!
I figured that the $25k and $30k per month at a legacy are for pilots who have been there for millions of years and fly wide bodies. What do you mean by your being a pilot in the defense industry? Are you military, or a civilian test pilot for DOD? I am just curious.
You're right, you shouldn't fly if you don't absolutely love flying. Thanks for your input Scraggly Heron!
I'm a former military pilot working for Lockheed--most defense industry pilots are former military or former law enforcement.
12-21-2016 | 09:18 AM
#26
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Joined: Jan 2013
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Not trying to sound depressing at all, just adding a dash of reality. My whole life, airline pilot was the job that I wanted. When I got there... well, it turned out to be nothing like I had expected to say the least. YMMV.
Again, flying airplanes for a living is still pretty cool, though! It just comes with a LOT of baggage (pun intended).
12-22-2016 | 12:02 PM
#27
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One can only hope Scraggly Heron!
That sounds like a fun job! I saw you flew C-130s. Where at? I have numerous family members who've flown C-130s, and it's probably my favorite aircraft of all time.
12-22-2016 | 12:04 PM
#28
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There's a huge difference once it becomes a career. I used to collect aviation memorabilia, go to air shows, enjoy getting my Sporty's airplane catalogue... Now all of that makes me feel ill. The industry has a way of crushing your excitement and love of flying. Does this happen to everyone? No, but it happens to a surprising amount of people, darn near a majority in my opinion. Should I just quit? Nah. I have too much invested, and I still really do enjoy the actual job most of time.
Not trying to sound depressing at all, just adding a dash of reality. My whole life, airline pilot was the job that I wanted. When I got there... well, it turned out to be nothing like I had expected to say the least. YMMV.
Again, flying airplanes for a living is still pretty cool, though! It just comes with a LOT of baggage (pun intended).
Not trying to sound depressing at all, just adding a dash of reality. My whole life, airline pilot was the job that I wanted. When I got there... well, it turned out to be nothing like I had expected to say the least. YMMV.
Again, flying airplanes for a living is still pretty cool, though! It just comes with a LOT of baggage (pun intended).
That's very true! And thank you for your "dash of reality," PotatoChip. Hopefully I make it there.
12-23-2016 | 05:25 AM
#29
Gets Weekends Off
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From: Line holder, barely
There are other ways to get to the 1500 hours that you need to qualify for the ATP rating and the regional airlines.
The most efficient (time and $$) is to buy an inexpensive IFR airplane, like a Cessna 150, with a couple partners and fly the ** out of it. But it needs money outlay since you can't get a loan for it.
If you need more details on what I mean - PM me
The most efficient (time and $$) is to buy an inexpensive IFR airplane, like a Cessna 150, with a couple partners and fly the ** out of it. But it needs money outlay since you can't get a loan for it.
If you need more details on what I mean - PM me
12-23-2016 | 09:02 AM
#30
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There are other ways to get to the 1500 hours that you need to qualify for the ATP rating and the regional airlines.
The most efficient (time and $$) is to buy an inexpensive IFR airplane, like a Cessna 150, with a couple partners and fly the ** out of it. But it needs money outlay since you can't get a loan for it.
If you need more details on what I mean - PM me
The most efficient (time and $$) is to buy an inexpensive IFR airplane, like a Cessna 150, with a couple partners and fly the ** out of it. But it needs money outlay since you can't get a loan for it.
If you need more details on what I mean - PM me
PM incoming, thank you MidLife!
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