Is this the worst you have ever seen it?
#11
I graduated from my esteemed university aviation program just before the recession of the early 1990's. 80% of my graduating class never even got their first job as a pilot. I had to move several times. Flight schools were closing all over the place.
For 9 months I choose to live in my truck as I drove across the country in search of a flying job. Eventually a former student and I bought a 150 together and I began to instruct in it while still living in my truck. As a tip students would feed me lunch and let me crash on their couch for a day or two. No joke it was hard times but I was not about to let my dream go.
It took five years before things began to loosen up at the lower levels. I had officially given up, had an apartment and was working as a county firefighter when I received a job offer out of the blue for a flying job. It was a short contract but I did it anyway. Six months later I was back to crashing on peoples couches.
It took me 8 years to get to a regional airline. I was the lowest time guy in my class with 4000 hours.
Skyhigh
For 9 months I choose to live in my truck as I drove across the country in search of a flying job. Eventually a former student and I bought a 150 together and I began to instruct in it while still living in my truck. As a tip students would feed me lunch and let me crash on their couch for a day or two. No joke it was hard times but I was not about to let my dream go.
It took five years before things began to loosen up at the lower levels. I had officially given up, had an apartment and was working as a county firefighter when I received a job offer out of the blue for a flying job. It was a short contract but I did it anyway. Six months later I was back to crashing on peoples couches.
It took me 8 years to get to a regional airline. I was the lowest time guy in my class with 4000 hours.
Skyhigh
I had about 4500 hours in 1996 and I was getting one major airline interview after another. I wonder why the difference?
In the early 90's I was in Alaska working my butt off. It sure seemed like there was plenty of demand if you were willing to go where you were needed.
#12
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jan 2009
Position: 737 Left
Posts: 1,825
It's still possible...
There are still jobs out there, if you are willing to go to them or work non-traditionally. Right now I have 4 jobs, all in aviation, and 1 not in aviation. I had to beat the bushes and be very persistent. The problem, obviously, is that none of them pay well enough to rely on, hence 5 jobs. I instruct at 2 different schools, fly part-time on-demand charter (PIC Navajo and Baron) and fly for an individual non-pilot owner. I also have a reputation where I get calls from other people for day trips, aircraft deliveries, etc... In this environment, you have to be very flexible. I'm talking to 3 other companies about part-time flying employment. You have to show your face. 1900 hrs. TT, ATP, CFI, CFII, MEI. Turned down a Great Lakes offer in Feb. Couldn't take the pay cut.
#14
Line Holder
Joined APC: Oct 2008
Posts: 59
2500TT, all high performance military jet and transport time. B-737 type, ATP and the only call I received for an interview was with Colgan. $22hr, no thanks. I even applied to several oversees carriers. Now working a job in finance as I wait for the tide to reverse... may never return to the airline dream if finance pays me more than a 30 yr Captain at age 35. Just my .02. The industry will never be as good as it was to my father who retired after 30 at AA with a nice lump sum. ps... he retired on his 60th birthday.
#15
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Aug 2008
Position: forever fo
Posts: 2,413
2500TT, all high performance military jet and transport time. B-737 type, ATP and the only call I received for an interview was with Colgan. $22hr, no thanks. I even applied to several oversees carriers. Now working a job in finance as I wait for the tide to reverse... may never return to the airline dream if finance pays me more than a 30 yr Captain at age 35. Just my .02. The industry will never be as good as it was to my father who retired after 30 at AA with a nice lump sum. ps... he retired on his 60th birthday.
#16
Im 22 fresh out of college with 280 hrs and a comm. I did 2 months as office manager for a DZ, and im now flying jumpers 2 days a week plus some weekends and as needed, I got 310 hrs now I got to fly jumpers with a fresh comm inst and 270 hrs, i did my time and slowly am getting moved to fly more and more....and its 2009....just do your time and tough it out, and you will get your chance
USMCFLYR
#17
Line Holder
Joined APC: Apr 2009
Position: ERJ
Posts: 72
#18
USMCFLYR
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