The airline industry today is like training to be a passenger train engineer in like 1965. Do you want to be a pilot for the love and joy of flying? Then jump right in, corporate LOVES you people. You will work for nothing and praise the company at every turn, maybe even ratting out your co-worker's union activity. Airline Pilot, It's not just a job, it's the joy of over-nighting in Oakland, over and over and over again. The BEST pilots aren't in the left seat of a 777, they have just been with the company the longest.

I dont mean to pick apart your analogy, but its not like passenger flight is really going anywhere. People need to fly, its the fastest method of transportation in the world, and there arent many ideas on the horizon that are faster or more reliable. The training and experience one puts into becoming a pilot arent going to fall completely by the wayside the way trains have, not for another few generations at least.

EDIT: I dont mean to say that you arent valid in saying a career as a commerical aviator doesn't have to be for the love of the job, Im simply saying that the industry isnt disappearing anytime soon. Passenger airlines are in a ****ty spot right now, which is one of the reasons I have no aspirations of becoming an airline pilot, but the industry will eventually break and be forced to fix itself.

You mean they were just kidding when they said; “Beam me up, Scotty” ?

I thought FOR SURE that technology was JUST around the corner. Going to the airport is just NO fun anymore.

Cap. Drew,

You have hit the nail on the head for the above postings. I've gone the civilian route and consider myself to be very lucky to be where I am at (for my F/O position and in being here today). Most of my peers have been furloughed or have downgraded to working back at the regionals (these guys are also feeling lucky to have a job).

One thing you forgot to mention is the divorce rate of pilots. About 75% have been divorced, some two or three times. Try to pay for all of that alimony and child support! We are rich airline pilots!!!

Also, training costs about three times as much today. And, it costs about three times as much to rent out that Piper.

The main reason for my profession is "The Love of Flying"!!! I know that is hard for some to understand. If I had to do it all over again I would. But, I would really have to take some time to convince myself.

I will print the above for ammunition to give to anyone who questions me about my pay!!!

Hope you are enjoying retirement!!!
Thanks for the post!!!

I didn’t forget . . it just very rarely crosses my mind :p Still have ‘original issue’ spouse. It will be 30 years (seems like 60:D ) this June. Should have set up a sideline business: ‘Airline Pilot Advisor’ years ago. Of course, how many would have followed the sage advice: ‘in sickness & health, for rich or for poor’?

Count me in
 

I did! Just celebrated 30 with no end in sight. I choose to keep my life simple. Same wife and keep all my money. Looks like there are at least two of us in this industry with the same philosophy. Working good for me so far! BTW, I like my job too!

Good for you!

Sometimes I think . .. wistfully . . . that the ‘alternative’ (variety) might have been a little more ‘fun’ . . but only transitory. I look at my multiple-divorced peers and subordinates . . and grin all the way to the bank. No lawyers . . no fights over ‘stuff’ and custody.

Keeping all your ‘stuff’ and being ‘rich’ is SO much better than the ‘alternative’ . . not to mention that Dr. Laura approves -and we didn’t screw up any kids lives along the way.
:(

I remember some advice from a crusty old Capt years ago.

He said in his good ol' boy country Drawl......................

"Keep your Engineer Wife, your First Officer house and your Captain's paycheck........" Simply advice, yet very accurate:)

Wow
 

I just stumbled across this post. Next month I start ground school for my first job at a regional level. Reading this thread really puts the long term career path into perspective.

And man does that advice apply to a willingness to stick out all the lumps for that sensation of breaking out in the flight levels....I remind myself everyday that the flying is the only part of being an airline pilot I like...lol