Advice please!!!!
 

Hello all,

I am just asking for some advice. I have wanted to be an airline pilot for 6-7 years. I have invested a huge amount of time and money into a degree and ratings/licences. I am currently 22 years old flying a king air for a 135 company. As I look to the industry is only depresses me. Airlines going into bankruptcy, oil prices only going up, pay decreasing, pensions gone, and schedules getting crappier. Most of the airlines are losing money and its only a matter of time before they are Ch.11. I am in a very serious relationship with my girlfriend and I know its going to be damn hard when/if I am on reserve far from home and I know commuting is a hassel. It just seems like you dont read/hear anything good about this industry.

So I ask myself with all this going on, who in their right mind would want to get themsevles involved in this career?

What do you all think? Any advice?

I mean no disrespect to anyone for the career they chose.

Simple, decide with all the current problems in this industry whether you are willing to take a risk at the proverbial(and now ever shrinking) pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. You've got plenty of years left to get in on the upswing. Imagine being in your 30's, 40's or 50's and dealing with all of this! According to you one would have to be crazy to enter this profession today. So, are you?

If you really want to do this for a living you will find a way, if you want an easy path,a safe secure path, go to law school. I came of age in the early 90's (aeronautically),PanAm and Eastern had just dissapeared, the rest of the majors were furloughing, there were no LCC's or fractionals in existence let alone hiring (WN was just considered another airline back then). Back then the consensus was the profession was doomed,and that those of us struggling for entry were crazy to do so. 5 years later it was morning in America again for the industry,and those who didn't lose heart found themselves in a pretty good position when the rolls were opened again at the majors. If you love flying,if you have the passion,the true,burning passion for it,hang in there, and find a way, if you don't, this industry probably isn't for you anyway,God knows there are easier,saner ways to make a buck,and a living. Ah,don't listen to me, what do I know, I was so in love with round engined airplanes that I flew DC-3s,and piston Convairs for 12 years, probably not the sanest career move. Good luck,and Godspeed with whatever you decide.

This is a good question. I'm sure there are many pondering about this. Sounds like you are a relationship kind of guy. Not a good mix with entry level flying. I'm sure that it will be hell for your partner. All the close friends that I know that are airline pilots, most divorced with money sucked out of them, have told me NOT to get married untill you pass the entry level flying. If I was you I would try another job you can always fly for fun. Making 100K or more is not that unusual anymore for other proffesions. My mother is a chemist and she started with 40k 4 years ago and she now makes 80k a year and she could make more is she become manager of the division. Not to mention the stock options that have made her over 20K. All she does now for that 80k a year is mix a few chemical solutions for diabetes biotech comp. She tells me that she does about 5 hours of ACTUAL solid work each week. Rest, just sitting in the cubicle. A JOKE, stay in school kids get that degree and forget about flying for hire. Some airlines don't even have 401ks anymore which are the lowest of the low retirement options.

Flying is not for the faint of heart!

pilottim - I'm struggleing with the same thoughts. My girlfriend wants to be engaged in 2 years and I'm only now finishing my PPL and starting my degree at age 22. Which puts my in the worst possible spot for what she wants.

Ahh the struggles of life.

If she is a good chick and understands COMPLETELY what the hardships are going to be and is willing to roll with the punches, move around, and hold a JOB for a few years it could be a really fun adventure for both of you...and there could be a financial and QOL payoff in the long run.

If she wants to not work, not go to the gym, sit home (except when she's at the mall $$$), watch soaps, eat bon-bons, pack on the pounds (and maybe have a kid to justify it all) RUN LIKE HELL. You already know in your heart which way it's going to go.... ;)