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Career changer advice please

Old 02-10-2010, 06:47 AM
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Default Career changer advice please

Hi everyone,

I am looking for some advice on a career path as a career changer. I have spent many many years researching this change, I know the risks and there are many... and while I know I should wait until I have completed my PPL before I really jump into this (which I will) I would like anyone’s advice.

I'm 27 now, work as an engineer (with 4 year degree) in the mining industry (that I am far from passionate about) it pays well and gives me lots of time off, as I fly in and fly out. My rough plan is to spend the next 3 years getting certified up to CFII and then spending the following 2 years paying for multi time to give myself a bit of a competitive edge on getting that first job. For the record I know that’s not going to get me into a regional, but being in Canada I would plan to move to a northern operator or CFI.

What I would like advice on, is if I finish my PPL then get to CFI doing it part time in the next 3 years would I be disadvantaged from an employers perspective of paying for post training flying multi hours when I can? Secondly am I wasting my money paying for multi time to build hours? And what certificates would be worth while above CFI and MEI?

The reason I would like the 5 years is that I am working on a project with a 5 year deadline, and after 5 years I would be financially very comfortable, have my house paid off, no student loans no flying debt and be in as good a position as I ever will be to live off 20k a year for the next x years. Also working in mining having another 5 years experience will guarantee me a job at the drop of a hat, if and when furloughs happen or it just isn't working out how I expected it. Or would I be better off finishing my CFI then either starting to instruct or move up north when the opportunity arises?

Sounds stupid moving from one profession with one of the highest demands for qualified people to another with an oversupply of highly qualified individuals, but it's what I've always wanted to do. And even though I've seen family and friends go through ups and downs in aviation, I want to give it a shot.

I know there are a lot of what, ifs and buts, and the situation in Canada is different, but I really would appreciate anyone’s advice. Especially any career changers out there.

Cheers everyone
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Old 02-10-2010, 08:22 AM
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Default wrong forum

Sorry everyone I just realised this is in the wrong thread was meant to be in Flight Training.
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Old 02-10-2010, 09:03 AM
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Aussie -

If the current job pays so well and gives you plenty of time off then why change careers? Use that good pay and time off to get into General Aviation. Join a flight club, rent by the hour, buy shares in, or buy outright your own airplane and enjoy the flying where and when you want. Maybe that will satisfy the flying bug and you could have the best of both worlds.

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Old 02-10-2010, 05:24 PM
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I agree with usmcflyer, buy yourself a sweet bonanza and fly on the weekends or your time off.
If you really have to be a commercial pilot then what about trying to fly for the very mine companies that you currently work for?
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Old 02-10-2010, 05:49 PM
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Since you have already committed to aviation...

The conventional (ancient history) wisdom is that airline seniority is so critical that you should do everything you can to get that number asap.

But the reality today is that civilian aviation will not provide a decent reliable income (to say nothing of retirement) for a very long time, if ever. Being financially secure with a fallback position sounds like a good trade off for a couple years of seniority to me.
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Old 02-10-2010, 05:54 PM
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Thanks guys, the mining work is hardly a passion of mine, and isn't exactly sustainable for a lifelong career, I work 14, long days on and then get 7 off. Perfect for earning money while I do my training. Like I said I probably should be asking this question after I finish my CPL, and really decide I want to commit to this as a career or a hobby.

I just seem to spend so much time on this forum and wanted some feedback if what I am planning would be a good thing to do or not.

And I guess from reading these forums any young people out there who are looking to do a non aviation related degree, get an engineering degree, it's alot of work but im now working in my 3rd country since graduating 4 years ago. Pay is good

I actually do have a few contacts with the mining regions a lot of companies fly king airs for the crews in and out. But flying commercially is what I've always wanted to do. So if things work out its something im going to pursue!

Cheers everyone!
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Old 02-21-2010, 08:59 AM
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Default Go for it!

Hey Al,

I am a career changer. I wanted to be an airline pilot as far back as I can remember. I was discouraged from trying to fly professionally by several mentors, the long odds of gaining employment (especially in the early '80's when I was considering what to do), and physical shortcomings (need glasses to be 20/20, and have limited use of 2 fingers on 1 hand after motorboat accident).

Nevertheless, I found it impossible to be satisfied working 60 - 70 hours a week at a job I had no interest in and flying on the rare occasion I had sufficient free time and money. Flying which consisted of the same old hour or two in a worn out Cessna. My unhappiness eventually gave me the push I needed to jettison a comfortable job and give flying a shot. The absolutely best move I ever made. I was so freaking orgasmic to get the chance to fly with people I had always looked up to and aspired to emulate, even the fact I was flying for peanuts couldn't ruin it. As Jimmy Buffett says, "...expanding the view of the captain and crew like a man just released from indenture..".

Through outstanding good fortune, I made it to a major after only a few years at a regional. Yes the job has its drawbacks and nothing in life is perfect, but if you truly love to fly, there is nothing else that will make you happy. If you spend 95% of your waking hours at a job you dislike, then you are wasting your whole life being unhappy. If you are fortunate enough to have a calling at which you can actually (eventually) make a living, by all means give it a go. This is not a dress rehearsal, you only get one turn.

I think your plan of getting your financial house in order as best you can before you make the leap is a wise one. You very well may need the backup (I have used mine several times), and when the market is tanking, it is very comforting to know you have the ability to earn a living elsewhere.

I made the leap at the age of 34 though I had been flying since age 18 and had some experience hauling freight and flight instructing. You are young compared to that. I think you have some time to finish your job, but fly as much as you can and make the jump as soon as you can when the market looks favorable (you'd hate to miss the next hiring cycle and have to wait another 5 years for the next one).

Best of luck,

Jim
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Old 02-21-2010, 09:44 PM
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Originally Posted by deferredap View Post
,as soon as you can when the market looks favorable (you'd hate to miss the next hiring cycle and have to wait another 5 years for the next one).

Best of luck,

Jim
That sums it up right there. Why wait? For what? to fly a plane? There's more to life than a 747. It's not worth it anymore. Stay away. This industry is on a race to the bottom. You will most defiantly be able to fly a Boeing or Airbus in the future as this job is on a path to becoming on par with being a bus driver, if it hasn't already for most of us, no one in their right mind would pursue.
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Old 02-21-2010, 10:22 PM
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Stay away. Save your money, purchase your own aircraft and fly when/where you want to.
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Old 02-23-2010, 10:22 AM
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I am a career changer also. My only regret from leaving a well paid, but cojone busting job? Not leaving it sooner...
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