Airline Pilot Central Forums

Airline Pilot Central Forums (https://www.airlinepilotforums.com/)
-   Flight Schools and Training (https://www.airlinepilotforums.com/flight-schools-training/)
-   -   Am I an Idiot for perusing this dream? (https://www.airlinepilotforums.com/flight-schools-training/53950-am-i-idiot-perusing-dream.html)

poor pilot 10-08-2010 07:27 PM

Just know that you can't raise a family from the pay that you will earn in the first few years at a 121. Depending on how the industry progresses you could be stuck on the low paying side of 121 operations year after year.

ryan1234 10-08-2010 08:41 PM


Originally Posted by siemprerojo (Post 881671)
If it is in your heart and you can't imagine yourself doing anything else, then you will fight for it and figure out a way to make it happen. If it is in your heart, you'll consider all facets of professional aviation and pick the one that suits you the best. Airlines, firefighting, air ambulance, etc.
If you want to strut down the concourse in your fancy uniform and this is just another job, then please run, don't walk away from this profession. Sadly, I run into the latter way too much (the "this is just another crappy job" part).
Once you do get to where you want to be, please be an advocate to improve the profession, not tear it down.
I wish you the best of luck and PM me if you have any questions. I have been at this for
29 years and have 5 family members in the airline industry (pilots). It was either that or take over the family ranch. ugh.
siemprerojo

+1 for avatar

Fly Boy Knight 10-09-2010 05:55 AM

The problem with forums is that when you ask a question on a forum, you get various answers including various opinions however, I have found that the hardest thing is getting a NON Bitter or NON Biased answer from people. Aviation is a very "Feast or Famine" business and thus the opinions regarding the industry are usually (Not all the time but a good number of the times) either "feast or famine" minded.

With that in mind...

The Truth About the Profession - Home

This page is probably the BEST overall, all inclusive, least bitter and least biased explanation of "The Truth about the Profession" that I have found out there. I explains not just the fly and the way of life but it also takes on a bunch of widely regarded rumors among pilots and the public as well. I hope it helps and good luck with your decision.

siemprerojo 10-09-2010 06:27 AM


Originally Posted by ryan1234 (Post 882148)
+1 for avatar

Likewise +1

PearlPilot 10-09-2010 11:51 AM

Agree with the above posters. I would strongly consider switching the major. I have a bachelor's degree in liberal arts, so that is not exactly a stable back up plan anyway. But, hopefully I won't have to use it...Do get your instrument rating, commercial, multi-engine and take your time. Enjoy flying now, and see where it takes you... Don't jump in and borrow a huge sum of money because you know it is not a good idea. I am also 25 with a PPL, working on my instrument, and face the same dilemma every day. It is frustrating sure, but I take one step at a time. Next up multi-engine, commercial, etc. Maybe have some fun and get a seaplane rating or fly a glider. Aviation is too much fun and there is no limit for what you can do with it. As far as a career goes, I wouldn't even think about it for now. Who knows, you might get a nice job after college and be able to instruct part-time. Keep flying, keep studying, and have fun.

erictgill 10-09-2010 01:16 PM


Originally Posted by Grumble (Post 882105)
eric... any chance you can still get the post 9/11 gi bill to pay for your flight training, and work on a non-aviation degree? Trust me, it's a safety net you want to have, ESPECIALLY if you're not paying for it. Don't miss out on the opportunity just because uncle sam is footing the bill.

Uncle Sam is paying 4 years of college, I am a Texas Resident so the hazlewood act entitles me to another 4 years. My GI Bill is paying for my Aviation Degree and I do plan on using to Hazlewood for a petroleum or chemical Engineering degree at Texas A&M.


All times are GMT -8. The time now is 11:04 AM.


Website Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands