Considering career as pilot...need help
02-28-2006, 05:29 AM
#21
Self Employed.
Joined APC: May 2005
Position: Corporate Pilot
Posts: 7,119
Washington
Originally Posted by Paul76086
Where do you live Sky High?
I live in eastern WA. My wife and I have four sons. I was a professional pilot for over 16 years. I use to fly over Weatherford on my way to Dallas in a 757. I miss flying everyday but know the hardships that would befall my family if I was to give in to the pain. We live in a great town surrounded by friends and family. Our lives are full with outdoor activities that we enjoy and are able to afford a standard of living that is well above what could be supplied by the airlines. We have all this because I traded my dream for it three years ago when my last employer shut down. It is a hard way to go through life but I know that the altrenative would be even harder. Perhaps I can return to flying someday. I own a Taylorcraft F19 that I haven't flown in many years. It is about time to get that thing going again.
SkyHigh
04-13-2006, 08:10 AM
#22
Guest
Posts: n/a
Paul,
I do my best to stay positive about life as much as possible, but Im afraid I agree with Skyhigh. I love all aspects of aviation. I grew up with a J-3, fly gliders, seaplanes, and anything else with wings. As far as a career in the airlines go; it might be a larger sacrifice than what you're looking for. Right now, my loan payback is over half of my netted salary. Its very difficult on me, not only because of the $, but also other commitments involved and Im single. Ive already seen this career eat relationships like the cookiemonster just in the short time Ive been in. I do feel however that we are at the bottom of this rollercoaster about to go back up. With early retirements on top of normal attrition, increased training costs, and the loss of a major lending institution for flight schools, I feel in the near future there will be a larger demand for airline pilots and less of a supply of qualified candidates. With that said though, there are still so many ways to enjoy aviation without commiting yourself AND your family. I recommend geting a couple of ratings and enjoy aviation outside of the commercial world and on your terms. Some of the most fun flying Ive had in the last 15 years have been in a $10G J-3 and a $3G 2-33 Glider :+), not the $30M jet.
I do my best to stay positive about life as much as possible, but Im afraid I agree with Skyhigh. I love all aspects of aviation. I grew up with a J-3, fly gliders, seaplanes, and anything else with wings. As far as a career in the airlines go; it might be a larger sacrifice than what you're looking for. Right now, my loan payback is over half of my netted salary. Its very difficult on me, not only because of the $, but also other commitments involved and Im single. Ive already seen this career eat relationships like the cookiemonster just in the short time Ive been in. I do feel however that we are at the bottom of this rollercoaster about to go back up. With early retirements on top of normal attrition, increased training costs, and the loss of a major lending institution for flight schools, I feel in the near future there will be a larger demand for airline pilots and less of a supply of qualified candidates. With that said though, there are still so many ways to enjoy aviation without commiting yourself AND your family. I recommend geting a couple of ratings and enjoy aviation outside of the commercial world and on your terms. Some of the most fun flying Ive had in the last 15 years have been in a $10G J-3 and a $3G 2-33 Glider :+), not the $30M jet.
04-15-2006, 05:37 PM
#23
Line Holder
Joined APC: Mar 2006
Position: CRJ 200
Posts: 45
You Said It Son
Originally Posted by VanillaGorilla
Paul,
I do my best to stay positive about life as much as possible, but Im afraid I agree with Skyhigh. I love all aspects of aviation. I grew up with a J-3, fly gliders, seaplanes, and anything else with wings. As far as a career in the airlines go; it might be a larger sacrifice than what you're looking for. Right now, my loan payback is over half of my netted salary. Its very difficult on me, not only because of the $, but also other commitments involved and Im single. Ive already seen this career eat relationships like the cookiemonster just in the short time Ive been in. I do feel however that we are at the bottom of this rollercoaster about to go back up. With early retirements on top of normal attrition, increased training costs, and the loss of a major lending institution for flight schools, I feel in the near future there will be a larger demand for airline pilots and less of a supply of qualified candidates. With that said though, there are still so many ways to enjoy aviation without commiting yourself AND your family. I recommend geting a couple of ratings and enjoy aviation outside of the commercial world and on your terms. Some of the most fun flying Ive had in the last 15 years have been in a $10G J-3 and a $3G 2-33 Glider :+), not the $30M jet.
I do my best to stay positive about life as much as possible, but Im afraid I agree with Skyhigh. I love all aspects of aviation. I grew up with a J-3, fly gliders, seaplanes, and anything else with wings. As far as a career in the airlines go; it might be a larger sacrifice than what you're looking for. Right now, my loan payback is over half of my netted salary. Its very difficult on me, not only because of the $, but also other commitments involved and Im single. Ive already seen this career eat relationships like the cookiemonster just in the short time Ive been in. I do feel however that we are at the bottom of this rollercoaster about to go back up. With early retirements on top of normal attrition, increased training costs, and the loss of a major lending institution for flight schools, I feel in the near future there will be a larger demand for airline pilots and less of a supply of qualified candidates. With that said though, there are still so many ways to enjoy aviation without commiting yourself AND your family. I recommend geting a couple of ratings and enjoy aviation outside of the commercial world and on your terms. Some of the most fun flying Ive had in the last 15 years have been in a $10G J-3 and a $3G 2-33 Glider :+), not the $30M jet.
04-16-2006, 06:48 PM
#24
On Reserve
Joined APC: Mar 2006
Position: ballistic
Posts: 13
Considering career as pilot...need help
Don't starve yourself or your family to get into the flying business. Fly only if you have spendable income. Don't go into a debt spiral or spin. Check out completely any flight schools and personally visit them before ever enrolling in any flight training program. Make sure you like flying before investing in any commercial oriented program. Try to get into commercial flying before age 35 if possible.
04-17-2006, 01:27 PM
#25
Big Poppa
Joined APC: Apr 2006
Posts: 613
So would you recommend going through an FBO instead of, lets say ATP or Flight Safety? If I went through an FBO, what would be the ratings I would need to become an instructor to start earning hours? I know private, inst., comm, CFI, CFII, anything else? do I need an ME rating?
LeoSV
LeoSV
05-08-2006, 07:58 PM
#26
Guest
Posts: n/a
Thanks for your thoughts on this subject
Hey Fellows. Thank you all for your thoughts. Flying has been my dream since 5 years old. My original plan was Air Force but for various reasons I decided on Plan B: make a lot of money and fly for fun. Now, 13 years later, I think that may have been poor planning. I am also 30 with a full family. I make enough money to fly but haven't found the time yet.
I was beginning to get the itch so bad that I was considering a career change but this little thread came up in my research and it seems that Plan B is now my best option and really, it's not that bad of an option. Thanks.
I was beginning to get the itch so bad that I was considering a career change but this little thread came up in my research and it seems that Plan B is now my best option and really, it's not that bad of an option. Thanks.
05-24-2006, 07:19 PM
#27
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: May 2006
Position: Left Seat
Posts: 279
Hey Paul, I am 35 and I have a wife, a 20 month old girl and a small building company that I started 6 years ago. A year ago I decided to follow my heart and take to the skies. I have earned my private and Instrument within the year and still have been able to raise my daughter and run my company. Now I will say that my company has been very good to my bank acounts, but its not my passion. So I will be finishing my Comm and CFI by October and have been offered a job @ my FBO as an instructor. From there I will transition to full time instructing and enjoy it until I have enough golden hours to start my search for a regional job. And it will be a tough search ( do your research). But money isnt everything, being happy with your career is more important. Things will be tough for you and the family here and there, but youll get through it. Especially if your wife is supporting your career change. My wife has been very understanding and knows the road ahead can be very volatile. But hey, who wants a boring life, you'll always provide the things your family needs, maybe not all the wants. At least you will have a smile on your face. Good luck and stay focused..
06-02-2006, 11:13 AM
#28
On Reserve
Joined APC: Jun 2006
Position: CE-510, BE200
Posts: 17
career as a pilot
I posted this on another thread. I'll share...
Dreams do come true. Take mine for example. 22 years as a Mechanical Engineer in NYC designing buildings, married, house, etc. Had a PPL, flew for fun on weekends and always aspired to be an airline pilot. Saved my pennies and one day decided to move to South Florida, work part time as a mechanical engineer and pursue my dream of being a professional pilot. Got an instrument rating, then my CPL and finally the CFI. Mixed it up with banner towing over Ft. Lauderdale and Miami Beach. Flew for a local regional for one year as a B-1900 FO while continuing to work the engineer job part time. Decided part 121 wasn't my cup of tea (long hours, LOW pay) but received terrific training and experience. Now I am a Corporate pilot PIC flying well maintained, very sophisticated airplanes in paradise making 3X more salary then as a 121 FO and working fewer hours. Last night I dropped off my boss and his five friends in Nassau, Bahamas and flew back to FXE, single pilot, night IFR, weaving through level 3,4 and 5 cells using my Bendix radar and Garmin Nexrad. I'm very happy now. Dreams do come true if you do your homework first.
Dreams do come true. Take mine for example. 22 years as a Mechanical Engineer in NYC designing buildings, married, house, etc. Had a PPL, flew for fun on weekends and always aspired to be an airline pilot. Saved my pennies and one day decided to move to South Florida, work part time as a mechanical engineer and pursue my dream of being a professional pilot. Got an instrument rating, then my CPL and finally the CFI. Mixed it up with banner towing over Ft. Lauderdale and Miami Beach. Flew for a local regional for one year as a B-1900 FO while continuing to work the engineer job part time. Decided part 121 wasn't my cup of tea (long hours, LOW pay) but received terrific training and experience. Now I am a Corporate pilot PIC flying well maintained, very sophisticated airplanes in paradise making 3X more salary then as a 121 FO and working fewer hours. Last night I dropped off my boss and his five friends in Nassau, Bahamas and flew back to FXE, single pilot, night IFR, weaving through level 3,4 and 5 cells using my Bendix radar and Garmin Nexrad. I'm very happy now. Dreams do come true if you do your homework first.
06-04-2006, 01:25 PM
#29
Guest
Posts: n/a
Originally Posted by SkyHigh
Hey, You are 30 and have a new family this isn't what you want to do right now. Life is about choices and you have made yours now you need to live up to them. Aviation is a punishingly difficult road with huge financial pitfalls and sacrifices. In your situation it is too huge a task to drag a family through. Suck it up and push it out of your mind. If you love your family you will do what is right for them. Aviation will plunge you into debt and force your family to move about the country chasing an empty dream. Do more research outside of the flight school. Statistically one in ten pilots hopefuls ever land a survivable job. You will be 40 before you even get back to teacher salary. Slow down and think a little. These enthusiastic young kids will lead you astray. They havent felt the pain yet.
SKyHigh
SKyHigh
As far as dragging your family around, my son speaks 3 languages, drives a 2003 Mustang at the age of 16, and has known how to fly since he was 5 years old.
I dont think that I would consider him ( or more importantly that he would consider himself ) to be deprived.
Statistics dont mean anything !!
06-04-2006, 05:30 PM
#30
Line Holder
Joined APC: Jun 2006
Position: Embry-Riddle wrecked me finincially and turned me into a bitter old S.*.B.
Posts: 48
Originally Posted by tcm614ce
Hey Fellows. Thank you all for your thoughts. Flying has been my dream since 5 years old. My original plan was Air Force but for various reasons I decided on Plan B: make a lot of money and fly for fun. Now, 13 years later, I think that may have been poor planning. I am also 30 with a full family. I make enough money to fly but haven't found the time yet.
I was beginning to get the itch so bad that I was considering a career change but this little thread came up in my research and it seems that Plan B is now my best option and really, it's not that bad of an option. Thanks.
I was beginning to get the itch so bad that I was considering a career change but this little thread came up in my research and it seems that Plan B is now my best option and really, it's not that bad of an option. Thanks.
Here are a couple of pages to look at:
http://www.loehle.com/FokkerKit.htm
http://www.loehle.com/SE5Kit.htm
http://www.loehle.com/SpadKit.htm
http://www.pilotfriend.com/experimental/acft3/39.htm
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