KDENPilot

I agree with what an earlier poster said about not trusting this forum to be representative of most airline pilots. I, for one, enjoy my career, yes career. Is everything perfect and rosy all of the time, no, it's not, and it's not that way at any company in the world. Are there some companies where things are absolutely terrbile? Yes, there are. Is there any way to guarantee that you won't wind up working for one of those companies if you pursue a pilot career. Unfortunately not, but that's the case with any career field. What you really need to decide is if you want to get into flying for the love of flying, travel and being on the road, or because it seems like a neat job with a big paycheck. If it's the latter, you're likely to be disappointed and wind up like a lot of the people complaining on here, in which case you're better off finding something else. If it's the former, and you're willing to make the best of whatever situation you encounter along the way, this can be a fun, enjoyable career. Good luck with whatever you decide.

AirWillie

I would take your own advice...

I think people aren't complaining about day to day stuff or that this job sucks, it's the future that concern many. It was a great career, even though you're gone for a lot of the time. But the benefits were good. Now people don't even have that other than non tangible benefits like a view at 40000 feet. When you get back on the ground you become uncertain again. Something that's not worth finding out if you're just starting out in the business. You are basically saying, it sucks but oh well at leas the view is good and we don't actually work. Well most of us do want the compensation and the benefits as well, not just about the view.

USMCFLYR

That is a good post and I agree with most of it...but it does make mr wonder about the bold part above. I think I could rightly say that you are one of the above that wants it both - and rightly so no doubt in my mind. But you are fairly new to the industry aren't you? Did you not know about the state of affairs prior to getting into this business?

USMCFLYR

Doug

Hi Guys, I wonder if any of you could comment about an ATPL career later in life? I am considering this and have the opportunity to do a full time Diploma of Aviation (Airline Pilot) commencing in 2010. It is for one year at an Australian University and covers PPL, CPL, ATPL with 160 hours flying to twin engine rating and all CASA subjects. Is it too late for me at 48 years old to consider a career in aviation? I have no previous flying experience but am familiar with flying through a keen interest of helicopters (also considering a CPL here instead). I saw the advertisement, I have the cash and the time to do an ATPL-A (about $80K Australian dollars) but will I ever get a job? Will I ever get my money back? I liked the comparison by Rickair of the corporate world to airline pilot and can I add my two cents? Yes, the Corporate world does suck as much as aviation. I HAVE walked away from a $160K job and now want to do something useful with my life. I hated the hours, I hated the bullying. Will flying full time be any different? Would anyone employ an ATPL with 200 hours even in a regional airline? There are supposedly 400 registered aviation companies in Australia and then we have Qantas, Qantaslink, Virgin, Rex and so on operating jets to 146s to 747s. Should I spend the money or not? Cheers...Doug.

rickair7777

Most of us here are in the US, try pprune.org for an overseas perspective.

I can tell you that you could have gotten a regional job here in the US in 2006-2007. It is probably easier here than anywhere else in the world.

But right now there is little to no hiring, and the people who are getting hired probably already have plenty of airline experience. When hiring does resume they will probably have a pool of people with 1500-2000 hours, so a 200 hour pilot would not be considered. Worse the US congress will likely pass a law requiring an ATP for all airline pilots...we don't have a frozen ATP here, so you will need 1500 hours, period. If you come here you will have to work in general aviation (flight instruction, etc) to build time.

Will you ever get your money back? Well, no of course not because you have to consider the "lost opportunity" cost of aviation. If you get paid $25K to fly and could have been making $150K, then you are making a negative $125k/year. Basically you are paying $125K per year for the privilege of flying.

As far as quality of life and work environment, here in the US that depends on your seniority and the company in question...some have good climates, some horrible. With a few exceptions, european and pacific airlines are good places to work (Ryan is the notable exception). Not sure about small australian regionals.

Doug

Rick, this is what I am trying to work out. A change of career and an investment of $80K at 48 years old. I am not considering what I might earn elsewhere, just the return on my investment. If it only pays $25K per year (considering the Aussie dollar is at 90c US now, it's all pretty close) I would be better getting a job at MacDonalds. Is that all it pays? really? So where is the incentive to learn? Why is the pay so bad flying an aircraft? I am an electrician and made it into the corporate ranks over 30 years earning something close to a 767 Captain, but doesn't mean I want to continue doing that. My curiosity came about with the thread comparing corporate life to that of an airline pilot and I can say that corporate jobs do suck! I want out. Maybe a helicopter CPL for $45K is better value. A bit of tourism, some fire spotting, police, TV station might be a better way to go. At least you can start at about $60K.

NWA320pilot

Boy this is a great question..... By reading the above posts one would wonder why anybody would ever become a pilot! That being said there are many very happy pilots in this country. From what I read on these boards most of the discontent comes from the younger (instant gratification) generation. This is not meant as a personal jab at anyone in particular. I have not been flying all that long (about 25 years), but when I was acquiring the experience needed to land a good job I really enjoyed what I was doing.

Our profession has changed over the years but two of the biggest changes are the top-end pay at the majors has been severely diminished and the chances of working for a major carrier gets lower daily! The regional pay has always sucked, with tough schedules and poor working conditions. No longer is a regional viewed as a stepping stone but rather a potential career position. That being said strides are being made in the regional field. Regional pilots are paid more on average than I was when I started (even accounting for inflation). The aircraft flown are much more automated and comfortable than the old Bandits, shorts, metros, etc.

The people that are really successful in this career are normally guys who really enjoy what they do and also understand the negatives and pitfalls of this career path. I for one really enjoy my job and I can say they same for 99% of the guys I work with!