Do I Want To Do This?
02-08-2009 | 09:20 AM
#11
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Ok, appreciate the input on that stuff. However, the two main questions still remain: #1: Should I do what I love even though so many complain about it? I think at least before I had a family, I'd love it..maybe I've been reading too many of SkyHigh's posts? #2: Should I go to UND and transfer from UM? I know (think) I want to do something related to aviation. I really don't feel like I'd be happy doing anything else.
02-08-2009 | 01:42 PM
#12
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From: UPS 757/767 Capt ONT
I wouldn't read too much into Skyhigh. His is a worst case example. I've been in the career longer than him and I can honestly say none of my professional pilot friends have ended up like Skyhigh.
It's always good to know about the worst case scenario but don't think that everyone ends up in the same boat.
It's always good to know about the worst case scenario but don't think that everyone ends up in the same boat.
02-08-2009 | 04:14 PM
#13
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Do what you love! If that is aviation or business or whatever it may be, just make sure you love what you do. Coming from UND don't come here if you already have your PPL and IR it would be a waste of money. They would make you do a bunch of check courses that would run you to much money. Like it has been said many times before get your ratings at an FBO finish at Miami and then see if you want to fly professionally.
02-08-2009 | 04:17 PM
#14
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And about the money and time issue. Fly when you can and what you can pay for when you are in school and then maybe take 6 months when you graduate to finish all the ratings. UND, between weather and other factors, will cost you a lot more in the long run.
02-09-2009 | 04:12 AM
#15
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From: holding pattern
Ok, appreciate the input on that stuff. However, the two main questions still remain: #1: Should I do what I love even though so many complain about it? I think at least before I had a family, I'd love it..maybe I've been reading too many of SkyHigh's posts? #2: Should I go to UND and transfer from UM? I know (think) I want to do something related to aviation. I really don't feel like I'd be happy doing anything else.
2. No, there's no need to go all the way to N. Dakota for flight school, unless, perhaps, you're from there or have friends or family there. There are plenty of four-year degree programs down south. I'm sure UND is a great program, but big picture, if you find a Part 141 school at a college, then it'll be safe and well-regulated.
Zach
02-09-2009 | 08:41 AM
#16
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Do it before you have a family. Its a great single-person lifestyle to have. If your young and can hold off on the family thing for a while go for it. I know people on both sides of that and I can truly say that the single guys have a much better time of it. Look at Sky's(family guy) and DE's(single guy) post, exact polar opposites in their views aviation. Any captain/FO I flew with or know who actually loves or puts their family first has alot more jaded view of the industry...
Do you need to go to UND? Nope, I knew someone that went there and his debt is up there(in the $100,000 range). Go to an FBO like everyone said and pay to play as you go. You will not enjoy making $24,000 with a $400-800 monthly payment for school loans.
Sounds like you want to be in aviation, go for it. Thats the great thing about life, if you find that you don't like it go find something else you enjoy doing. Flying should be just one aspect of your life, not your whole entire defining meaning for existing...
Do you need to go to UND? Nope, I knew someone that went there and his debt is up there(in the $100,000 range). Go to an FBO like everyone said and pay to play as you go. You will not enjoy making $24,000 with a $400-800 monthly payment for school loans.
Sounds like you want to be in aviation, go for it. Thats the great thing about life, if you find that you don't like it go find something else you enjoy doing. Flying should be just one aspect of your life, not your whole entire defining meaning for existing...
02-12-2009 | 08:26 PM
#17
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Yeah, yeah I know you guys have gotten these threads before, but it's so different when you're the one asking...
I'd bore you with my story about how I got into aviation and how much I love it and blah blah blah, but I'll just let you assume that I love it to death, and I honestly cannot see myself being happy doing anything else because that's the truth.
I'm presently a student at U Miami, but I'm wondering if I want to transfer to a place like UND or something similar. I know the deal about doing an aviation major, and I wouldn't do it. Right now, I have my PPL and IR, and I can't do anything past that cause of money and time. If I went to UND, I could pick up all my ratings.
I have heard from so many regional guys and even people at the majors how much it sucks. It hurts to have your life dream shat on like that by reality, but I guess that's, well, reality. I just want to be able to do what I love, have a relatively normal life, normal family, and hopefully a few years in, at least a normal paycheck.
Do what I love, or...?
Now, the reason I want to go to UND is because it opens up a bunch more options for me. ATC has always been in the picture, too. Maybe I could do that. Or if I decide to stick with the flying route, I could do that. Or say I decide to do neither, well, that could work too. Agree? Disagree? Comments, suggestions, opinions, thoughts? All I know right now is that I hope to do something involving aviation. I feel like it's all I'd be happy doing. So, if you'd be so kind, please take that into account, and everything else I've said too.
Try not to let me down too hard...I think I smell what's coming.
I'd bore you with my story about how I got into aviation and how much I love it and blah blah blah, but I'll just let you assume that I love it to death, and I honestly cannot see myself being happy doing anything else because that's the truth.
I'm presently a student at U Miami, but I'm wondering if I want to transfer to a place like UND or something similar. I know the deal about doing an aviation major, and I wouldn't do it. Right now, I have my PPL and IR, and I can't do anything past that cause of money and time. If I went to UND, I could pick up all my ratings.
I have heard from so many regional guys and even people at the majors how much it sucks. It hurts to have your life dream shat on like that by reality, but I guess that's, well, reality. I just want to be able to do what I love, have a relatively normal life, normal family, and hopefully a few years in, at least a normal paycheck.
Do what I love, or...?
Now, the reason I want to go to UND is because it opens up a bunch more options for me. ATC has always been in the picture, too. Maybe I could do that. Or if I decide to stick with the flying route, I could do that. Or say I decide to do neither, well, that could work too. Agree? Disagree? Comments, suggestions, opinions, thoughts? All I know right now is that I hope to do something involving aviation. I feel like it's all I'd be happy doing. So, if you'd be so kind, please take that into account, and everything else I've said too.
Try not to let me down too hard...I think I smell what's coming.
Out of curiosity, what FBO do you fly out of down here? I've been keeping myself current flying out of TMB, but all the rental places there pretty well blow it seems like, I've been debating heading over to OPF for a while now, which seems like really isn't that much further from campus.
02-13-2009 | 07:46 AM
#18
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Its a great job, bad career. If you dont mind making sacrifices and compromises to do what you love then you will be happy. It may take you a long time with many set backs to get to where your "normal" friends are in the house/wife/kids situation. Good luck, PM me if you have any specific questions.
02-13-2009 | 08:48 AM
#19
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From: Corporate Pilot
Sullenberger
If you don't believe me then what about Captain Sullenberger?
"I don't know a single professional pilot who would recommend that their children follow in their footsteps,"
Everyone has dreams. At some point you will have to make grown up decisions that will greatly effect the rest of your life. Everyone here feels the same as you do about aviation. Sadly however the reality just does not match up with our dreams and expectations.
If you are a loner who has few expectations of life beyond the flight deck then knock yourself out. However if you have a girlfriend and enjoy a normal lifestyle with friends and family then perhaps you need to make some hard choices.
You can survive letting go of a few dreams. In life we all have to cull the ones that are unrealistic or come at too high a price. Know yourself and be prepared to sacrifice. I would remain at Miami U. Finish whatever it is that you are currently studying and then pursue aviation if you are still inclined.
Skyhigh
"I don't know a single professional pilot who would recommend that their children follow in their footsteps,"
Everyone has dreams. At some point you will have to make grown up decisions that will greatly effect the rest of your life. Everyone here feels the same as you do about aviation. Sadly however the reality just does not match up with our dreams and expectations.
If you are a loner who has few expectations of life beyond the flight deck then knock yourself out. However if you have a girlfriend and enjoy a normal lifestyle with friends and family then perhaps you need to make some hard choices.
You can survive letting go of a few dreams. In life we all have to cull the ones that are unrealistic or come at too high a price. Know yourself and be prepared to sacrifice. I would remain at Miami U. Finish whatever it is that you are currently studying and then pursue aviation if you are still inclined.
Skyhigh
02-13-2009 | 09:37 AM
#20
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So many variables. Does your wife make a good living? Are you able to move, most likely multiple times, uprooting your family over and over? Or can you stomach commuting? Is it ok that there is a good chance you will never make it to a major? Lots of people get into flying thinking about flying large jets internationally. More then half the planes out there are flown at regional airlines. I would suggest limiting you debt. The quick upgrade thru growth at the regional airline is done for. That means being an fo for 3, 4, or more years, at best making $24-$25k a year. That doesn't go far if you are the primary income maker trying to pay down debt. You will be furloughed at one point always be prepared. Flying is fun. Destinations can be nice. Remember flying can be fun but a job's purpose is to feed you family. Now I am not saying I can't feed my family but as a family we may be moving in with parents. If I were single this would be a great job, but I would rather have my family.
