Something I don't get
02-09-2007, 09:46 AM
#51
Prime Minister/Moderator
Joined APC: Jan 2006
Position: Engines Turn Or People Swim
Posts: 39,293
Originally Posted by pilot_man
Did you ever stop to think that maybe some pilots aren't in it for the money. Maybe just having a job in aviation is a dream come true. Who cares if its flying Rj's for 20k a year, who cares if your flying an A380 out of Hong Kong flying rubber dog poo. The point is flying is flying. To me I don't care how much I make or what I fly. As long as I am living comfortably and flying. I do understand at the salary pilots have these days, living is pretty hard. But if you love what you do, it doesn't matter.
1) Flying will become a job after 1-2 years at an airline. I agree it's good job with enjoyable moments, but like any other other job I'd rather be home than working.
2) If you ever get married and/or have kids financial reality will arrive...your peers in other industries (ANY other industry) will be making three times what you do, you will live in marginal housing and drive a 20 y/o car which you share with your wife...since you're usually gone you don't need and can't afford two beaters anyway (extra $400 insurance). On weekends you will visit your friend's palatial new homes in the new developments...you watch the game at their place since you can't afford a wide HD TV.
3) When you start to get gray hair, and have FINALLY gotten slightly ahead of the 8 ball finacially, they will downsize you and give your job to...You Guessed It! A 20-something punk who doesn't need "money" to fly, he just loves to fly! Why would they possibly keep you around when you cost 5 times as much???
This is the reality at the regional level (and sometimes at the majors too). This cycle has been repeating almost as long as there have been airplanes...
02-09-2007, 10:10 AM
#52
Reserve Indefinitely
Joined APC: Oct 2006
Posts: 178
Yes I am young and only been at training for alittle over a year. However I have been following aviation heavily for at least 5 years. I know that the financial world in aviation sucks and even Wal Mart cashiers make more than some pilots. Im single and I know it will be tough even for one person to live of off 20k a year. Believe me I am still no where as experienced as any of you who fly for a living, but like I said I know its gonna be rough starting out, but in a few years it will be better even if I have to have a second job on my days off. I will do whatever it takes to fly, its been my dream since I was little and I will not take no for an answer.
