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Excargodog 02-05-2019 10:19 AM


Originally Posted by JayMahon (Post 2757351)
That's a great idea. Any idea how much more expensive a first class medical is compared to a 3rd class medical?

Generally not much more than the cost of the ECG. Otherwise mostly the same exam, just held to higher standards, although AMEs set their own prices so ymmv.

JohnBurke 02-05-2019 11:03 AM


Originally Posted by JayMahon (Post 2757174)
I don't need to fly a wide body as a captain making the big bucks.

If it helps, there are plenty of wide body captain's making peanuts.

rickair7777 02-05-2019 11:14 AM


Originally Posted by JayMahon (Post 2757365)
Expound on this please.

At the moment I'm looking at about a year and a half worth of low income (35k) working as a CFI before I'm at the hours to get an interview with a Regional Carrier. We've budgeted for this level of income before and will make ends meet (no debt, humble lifestyle in a rural area of Virginia). But this only addresses the income concerns, what other concerns should I be aware of that could trash my family?

Kevbo is one of our resident "glass is almost empty" chicken-littles.

His attitudes are informed by his personal experiences and own personality.

But there's a grain of truth there... someone who does not have the aptitude will struggle, possibly fail, and will not make it to the higher echelons. There are some reasonably accurate predictors of success, if I had your resume and hobbies/interests I could make a prediction. If I talked to you in person, I could make an even better prediction. But that's not foolproof and there's only way to know for sure....

Also the entry-level can be hard on the family, especially if you have to commute to keep them anchored. Best to drive to work, or have a short, easy commute.

JayMahon 02-05-2019 12:11 PM


Originally Posted by JohnBurke (Post 2757469)
If it helps, there are plenty of wide body captain's making peanuts.

Why? Why would you get to that level and accept peanuts for your compensation? Who are they flying for?

JayMahon 02-05-2019 12:14 PM


Originally Posted by rickair7777 (Post 2757481)
Kevbo is one of our resident "glass is almost empty" chicken-littles.

His attitudes are informed by his personal experiences and own personality.

But there's a grain of truth there... someone who does not have the aptitude will struggle, possibly fail, and will not make it to the higher echelons. There are some reasonably accurate predictors of success, if I had your resume and hobbies/interests I could make a prediction. If I talked to you in person, I could make an even better prediction. But that's not foolproof and there's only way to know for sure....

Also the entry-level can be hard on the family, especially if you have to commute to keep them anchored. Best to drive to work, or have a short, easy commute.

I'd be willing to take you up on that offer. I can easily email you my current resume and I'd be willing to Skype for a face to face. Getting a professional's take is worth it's weight in gold.

JohnBurke 02-06-2019 06:46 AM


Originally Posted by JayMahon (Post 2757516)
Who are they flying for?

For whom are they flying.

The operators that pay peanuts.'

Not everybody wins the lottery.

hindsight2020 02-06-2019 07:06 AM


Originally Posted by JohnBurke (Post 2757930)
For whom are they flying.

The operators that pay peanuts.'

Not everybody wins the lottery.

Excatly. But but but....optimism bias says that never happens to ME, only to YOU. This is why these career change questions are insufferable. Nobody ever listens to nuance.

JayMahon 02-06-2019 07:18 AM


Originally Posted by hindsight2020 (Post 2757966)
Excatly. But but but....optimism bias says that never happens to ME, only to YOU. This is why these career change questions are insufferable. Nobody ever listens to nuance.

I'm LOOKING for dark clouds. So, some pilots get stuck with an operator that pays peanuts to fly the big boys. Sounds like a bad deal.

How does it happen?

What keeps the pilot there instead of taking his experience elsewhere? Seniority? Lack of desire to fly in overseas environments that pay well for this level of experience?

Give me some examples to deflate the optimism. That's SPECIFICALLY why I posted. I've read though these forums voraciously over the past few weeks collecting information. I'm reaching out to fill in the gaps and check the conclusions I've come to.

JohnBurke 02-06-2019 08:19 AM

Overseas may not be the panacea you think.

Having a fist full of ratings and certificate doesn't necessarily mean that you get to write your own ticket.

By and large, pilots are a dime a dozen, despite the feeding frenzy at the bottom rungs.

Airbum 02-06-2019 08:31 AM


Originally Posted by JayMahon (Post 2757979)
I'm LOOKING for dark clouds. So, some pilots get stuck with an operator that pays peanuts to fly the big boys. Sounds like a bad deal.

How does it happen?

What keeps the pilot there instead of taking his experience elsewhere? Seniority? Lack of desire to fly in overseas environments that pay well for this level of experience?

Give me some examples to deflate the optimism. That's SPECIFICALLY why I posted. I've read though these forums voraciously over the past few weeks collecting information. I'm reaching out to fill in the gaps and check the conclusions I've come to.

Many things will be out of your control on a journey such as this. Look at the number of times throughout history that airlines have disappeared or gone bankrupt. If you're a finance guy it should be easy. Remember your job is not portable from employer to employer.



You make a mistake, have a FAA action against you. You fail check rides, your Captain makes a mistake you don't catch. You have a simple accident and the CVR confirms you didn't write up the problem when you became aware of it. Now you are someone who competes with others who don't have these issues.

You are already middle aged. Becoming a senior wide body captain at the best paying airlines may not be a option for you based on the seniority system. How many of those jobs are there anyway?

You make a career sacrifice to help the family instead of a divorce.

The highest paying airlines may not want to hire you. They have thousands of applicants. Why hire you over every single military pilot or every single pilot currently at the regional with more experience and ability. The shortage or at least higher demand is in the lower paying positions. These are often contract carriers who do not own any flying and have contracts whipsawed.
The low paying airline may be your only employment opportunity., remember there are pilot in pilot training every year wanting to take your job for much less money.

The economy tanks again. Cabotage is allowed in the USA. Flags of convince become common. Unions weaken at the airlines due to regulatory actions.

Ok i gotta stop I'm depressed!!! It can certainly be a good job. But you said to mention some downside.

Good luck


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