Airline Pilot Central Forums - career change, opinions wanted

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"I saw a senior captain pulling out of a trailer park on his way to work."

Maybe he was a commuter. I live in a van down by the ocean when I'm on reserve, and I like it. Getting ready to upgrade to a mobile home out in the desert. It ain't no thing...

Quote:

Originally Posted by de727ups (Post 279068)

http://www.brouleesurfschool.com.au/...school-van.jpg

- OR -

http://www.surfersvillage.com/gal/pi...Surfgirls1.jpg

'MY' neighbors!!

http://www.surfersvillage.com/gal/pi.../clipper41.jpg

My commuter flight......

Quote:

Originally Posted by SkyHigh (Post 278831)

Heck even ten years ago most planes had only an HSI as the hottest thing in the instrument panel. You had to navigate and orient yourself using mathematics and mental spacial orientation skills. If you got the numbers reversed in your head or lost your position on approach you were dead.

I agree.

There are very few opportunities for new pilots to get real hand flying skills. Now pilots just sit back and watch the little plane track a course across the sky and the MFD. Holding patterns are merely a few button pushes. Even student pilots have full glass cockpits. Practically the only oasis of pilot skill left is the old cross wind excuse.

In the near future hand flying will be an emergency procedure.

SkyHigh

Anyone who thinks becoming dependent on automation is a good idea never flew a maddog! All the gee wiz stuff is just there to lull you into a false sense of security.

well there sure alot of opinions here

Quote:

Originally Posted by 69chevyshortt (Post 279128)

well there sure alot of opinions here

"alot"?..... whats "alot"? Is that where I parked my car?:D Kidding. Welcome aboard.

whats wrong with management in aviation do they not realize without pilots, planes dont fly. i was considering this line of work because i thought it would be a cool job. but suddenly it doesnt sound so cool ,or is it my imagination? ive noticed that the pay is a topic that comes up pretty frequently. how much better was the pay before 9-11? it seems as though the aviation industry has suffered quite a bit, i always thought pilots had it made ,but it sounds like things are different than i thought. as i stated before im an automotive painter looking for a second career to go after. this is due to my pay getting harder and harder to make every year, we used to make between 90k and 130k a year . now its down to 70k to 90k a year and getting lower each year.due to crappy insurance companies. seems like every industry is suffering these days, is there any hint of things getting better ?

Quote:

Originally Posted by 69chevyshortt (Post 279160)

It is very difficult to reach 130K as a pilot. Over the last 25 years the pay and working conditions have consistantly gotten worse. It will never go back. Stay with car painting.

Skyhigh

Quote:

Originally Posted by SkyHigh (Post 279173)

It is very difficult to reach 130K as a pilot. Over the last 25 years the pay and working conditions have consistantly gotten worse. It will never go back. Stay with car painting.

Skyhigh

It's a lot easier to make 130k/hr as a pilot when you don't quit. It does however take an abundance of time, hard work, and luck.

Hi 69chevyshortt

Just stay away from the Airline Pilot Training programs that guarantee you a Regional Pilot Job interview or even a First Officer position. I’m your age too and trying to go the Air Guard route. In regards to the Airline Pilot programs you will find that they are going to cost you between 40-100k when all is said and done. Check this place out: http://www.prairieairservice.com/ (I might do this if they keep selecting me as an alternate)

Oh and once your done with training everyone says not to fly for Mesa. Just thought I’d pass that along.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 69chevyshortt (Post 279160)

The big issue why so many become disillusioned is because at the time they make the decision to become a commercial pilot they take a snapshot. That snapshot contains real or imagined pay and working conditions of a pilot career. Satisfied with the reward they set out on their quest. Eventually they will come to realize they will never come close to what reward was in the picture because they are chasing a moving target that keeps getting smaller until finally they give up or run out of time, 60 (now 65).

Since 1978 the career has been in decline. Yes, it has been cyclical. But each down period has wiped out any long term gains then some only to be followed by another cycle. Often pilots early will just assume "It'll come back". Eventually they realized it never will.

If you are considering getting in right now do the following: Take a snapshot of the current reward package for becoming a commercial pilot. Cut it in half. If at the end of your career you are making the half amount and you are happy with that, press on. If you think it's going to get better you are betting against a well established 30 year trend line.

http://www.landings.com/_landings/st...ainicarus.html

I didn't happen all by itself. It had help.

http://aircon.org