Yawn.

It still amazes me how much somebody so disillusioned and dejected can spend so much time talking about it Sky.

99% of the people in college are going into fields that have absolutely ZERO need for a college degree. College is the new high school. Tom hits the nail on the head. There are thousands out there that have the same stories of not making to their respective "big leagues" or whatever your definition of success may be.

Again, nothing wrong with making people see all sides and knocking the rose colored lenses out but you seem to think that because it didn't work for you it will work for nobody.

Which failed LCC did you run to for the fast/easy upgrade again?

That wouldn't happen to include not getting hired by AS would it SP?

As
 

Yes that would include not getting hired by AS.

Skyhigh

The Industry
 

Increasingly this industry isn't really working out for anyone. Most just don't know it yet.

I flew for National Airlines of LAS. And yes, I took a chance at getting a quick upgrade that did not work out.

Skyhigh

"Which failed LCC did you run to for the fast/easy upgrade again?"

Sky was an F/O at Horizon and left for a 757 F/O job at National. National tanked in 2002.

"Looking back I never really cared for flying the big stuff much and I don't like the airlines either. I had the most fun flying in Alaska."

Skyhigh 4/19/09

With the above said, is there any wonder Skyhigh holds the opinion of the career he does? Make perfect sense to me. What Sky has never understood, though, and fails to acknowledge, is that we each seek different things out of life and out of the career. What Skyhigh walked away from the next guy might have endured and found success in. To each his own....

Sky I appreciate your comments, I really do.

However, it seems you make the assumption that every college age kid jumps into debt, not knowing the truth about the Aviation biz.

Some make poor decision, yes. Not all.

I am also in debt, for flight training. No where near 100k, mind you... Yes the Flashy Flight schools, ALL ATP, COMAIR, etc etc... Are over priced. We have beat that horse till is is thoroughly dead.

You use yourself as a prime example of why not to into aviation...

Let me ask you this, Are you happy now? And honestly, if Aviation, had not worked out the way it did would you be where you are today?

Now, take me for example... College graduate, Double Major, Organic Chemistry and Physics. Scored in the 97% on the MCATS, and my GRE score was pretty darn good aswell... My IQ tested in the top 5% of the Nation, and I am a member of MENSA. I said all of that to say this, everyone wants something different out of their careers. Sure, I could go to Med school... I have had offers for interviews with just about every top school in the country, and the ones in the Bahamas are practically begging me to go there. Sure, I could go on and get my Masters, and the PHD. Go teach at a University somewhere. (I am getting my Masters Either way, but that is a side point) BUT, I love aviation. That is where I am happy. I took the courses I did in college, because they interested me. I dont love it, im interested in it.

I love aviation. No I am not selling myself short, it is simply what I want out of my career. You have done so many things that I am just alittle envious over, Bush flying, being the number one.

So, I will endure, the Ups and Downs, The never ending *Downward Spiral* the industry as a whole is in. I will take the 3am shows, and the Scheduling woes... I do this because it is what I want. America is the Land of oppurtunity, and everyone sees oppurtunity is different things.

Sure your dump supervisor may make more money, but at the end of the day, he still smells like, and works with trash. We use a saying in the Army, "If it looks like ****, smells like ****, well buddy.... It is ****." So yea, I would rather, put on my nice clean uniform shirt, with my three bars, my silver wings, pull down my Uniform Cap square, and low. Then I can walk into public, and say yes, I am a pilot. Go to the Airport, and say yes, I am a pilot. To me, the simple fact of being a pilot, is better than being a Garbage man. Who wants to be the dad, whose kid is ashamed to bring him to school? Not me. So what, if I may never have flashy cars, a huge house, or a supermodel for a wife... Monetary, and financial possesions, can buy alot, but not happiness... If anyone truly believes that, Then they are simply, and truly messed up.

I am very happy with my current Fiance and do not intend to trade her in... Yea her cyclinders may mis fire from time to time, sure she has some leaky seals... And Burns through oil like you wouldnt believe... But I love her.

What do I expect you to take from this? Well, Its up to you really. I know things did not work ou like you wanted. They may not for me, or anyone like me... But wouldnt you rather have tried? I mean you said yourself, you liked the Alaska flying, and never cared much for the big stuff.... Then why give it up? Find where you are happy, and Stay there...

In the end, thank you for not being, the "Aviation is great, easy and you make a ****-ton of money." guy.

The Wrestler
 

I thought the movie was just "ok", but......... my question is...... what do you guys think: Did he die in the end, or not? I guess I just don't like movies/shows that end with a big ? (I didn't like the finale of The Sopranos either.)

Information
 

Jay Dee,

Aviation might be what you want out of a career but what do you want out of life? My point is that aviation is increasingly making it harder to accommodate the rest of what most people consider as a full and normal life. It takes certain elements to build a happy life. Most people probably have a spouse and children in their future. A family needs stability, financial security and quality time at home. The demands of an aviation career are making it exceedingly difficult to meet the lifestyle needs of the average family.

I understand that not every college student is in financial debt as a result of their education and training. However, my main point is that they all have incurred high opportunity costs by virtue of a wasted educational opportunity in choosing an aviation degree. It is a debt against your future prospects in life. Not everyone goes to college to develop a career but at some point it is a good idea to think about your future. I heard on the radio the other day that the University of Idaho is now offering a major in "Fly Fishing Guide". I am sure that there is a kid who it trying to convince his parents that it is what he is interested in and wants to do.

You may be happy with your profession now, but your needs and perspective will change as you get older. I am happy with my new life. Aviation was supposed to help me to reach my dreams. Instead it was an obstacle. As far as I am concerned my entire aviation career was a waste. I went into it with a specific purpose and that was to make a better life for myself. All my classmates had the same goals. To that end aviation was a complete failure. It did not provide a better income or lifestyle and as we go into the future I can not see much of a hope of things getting any better.

People need to know what they are getting into. I hope that you have a plan "B".

Skyhigh

THe End
 

I think that if he did not die in that moment he was going to push it until the end came.

Skyhigh

I agree
 

I understand your point. Everyone is different. There are people out there who enjoy prison life. It isn't for me but for some it is great. My position is that aviation is sold to people as something it isn't. Tell them how many applications UPS has on file for the average job openings per year and you are starting to get the true story.

In your life all you see are wealthy pilots. In mine I see people who are desperately trying to hold together a decomposing dream. Flight schools, universities and aviation magazines promote the idea that "you too can be a UPS captain" but they do not fill in the heavily weighted down side. The investment required in years and money to get trained and educated is massive. I can not understand how anyone could accept the high level of investment unless they all expect to make a fortune when they hit the job market.

Everyone is different but most people have a natural interest in self preservation. Somehow the truth needs to be told.

Skyhigh