UNDflier

So, I'm a sophmore at UND in the commercial aviation program. Do you think it's true that i'm wasting $90,000 on flight training for a not so large return in the future?

Thanks, Meg

Rama

If you're expecting a large return, yes.

zachleez

is that how much it costs?

UNDflier

Yeah it will cost you about that including tution and such...I'm also majoring in ATC and that's an extra $10K...So between $70K-$90K! It's fun though. I am enjoying it. I just hope it pays off in the long run!

Fools & Horses

Meg,
Forget about the whole flying thing. I'm sure you have some very ligit reason for wanting to go the the majors, but it's a whole new world out there. If I were much younger, I'd be all over the ATC thing. Decent pay, excellent retirement and a lot fewer hassles. You can always get your Commercial and Instrument ratings (the Instrument is always useful, and the Commercial might provide some sense of pride), but you don't really need them to go the ATC route. PM me if you want any further info... I flew for a major for a long time.
Fools & Horses

SigmaPIlot

Thank you to all of you who share your experiences with me, I am right a the cusp of landing a job with a regional and this helps. I have only begun to pay my dues, it doesn't compare to your dues. While what has been said may discourage others, it only makes me more eager to "fight the good fight". Thank you again, thank you to those of you who are my heros (if you have wings on your shirt, that qualifies you). Thank you all for being such good role models to us younger guys who sometimes can't see the big picture. To those of you that have served this great Nation...well, words would not be enough to express how proud I am of our military, I owe a great deal to you all, something I could never repay. Hoorah.

rheidorn

Ok so I'm pretty gun ho on making aviation my career. Im a newbee CFI and although the pay sucks and friends of mine who have *&% for brains are making more money than I am, I'm still having the time of my life and cant wait for the next day. Money, although important to me is not my real drive. I know weird, but true. If I win millions of $ tomorrow I would still fly and continue the path for commercial aviation. AM I CRAZY?

rheidorn

Sorry Guys I posted in the wrong forum well answer anyways

rheidorn

Ok so I'm pretty gun ho on making aviation my career. Im a newbee CFI and although the pay sucks and friends of mine who have *&% for brains are making more money than I am, I'm still having the time of my life and cant wait for the next day. Money, although important to me is not my real drive. I know weird, but true. If I win millions of $ tomorrow I would still fly and continue the path for commercial aviation. AM I CRAZY? I would appreciate any insight but please.

captain_drew

No. . I would say that you have "it" . . what it takes to chart the course and stick with it. . to a rewarding end. The guy who occupies the left seat of the 'heavy' at Brand X airline started with visions of flight and just kept slogging on.

What you are doing is called 'dues paying' and they don't reimburse you well for that. I never wanted to fly to get rich or even make a lot of money. It just worked out that way. You wake up some morning and realize .. after your latest upgrade . .“holy @#$#$ . . they are paying me a LOT to do this!" Airline captains make a lot of money, even with recent pay cuts. If they are savvy, they even get to keep some of it.

Doing something you really love is the most important thing. If you do. . it doesn't seem much like work. So. . you are about as crazy as everyone who preceded you.