Am I an Idiot for perusing this dream?
10-08-2010 | 07:27 PM
#11
Gets Weekends Off
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 574
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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.
10-08-2010 | 08:41 PM
#12
Gets Weekends Off
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,398
Likes: 0
From: USAF
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
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
10-09-2010 | 05:55 AM
#13
Gets Weekends Off
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 219
Likes: 0
From: PT Inbound
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.
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.
10-09-2010 | 11:51 AM
#15
Gets Weekends Off
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 634
Likes: 0
From: DHC-8 SIC
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.
10-09-2010 | 01:16 PM
#16
Line Holder
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 56
Likes: 0
From: Student
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.
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