Is this the worst you have ever seen it?
06-07-2009 | 10:19 AM
#11
Gets Weekends Off
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 5,738
Likes: 5
From: Sleeping in the black swan’s nest.
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.
06-18-2009 | 06:13 AM
#12
Line Holder
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,832
Likes: 5
From: 737 Left
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.
06-23-2009 | 08:26 PM
#14
Line Holder
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
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. 
06-23-2009 | 09:28 PM
#15
Gets Weekends Off
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,413
Likes: 0
From: forever fo
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.
06-23-2009 | 09:45 PM
#16
Gets Weekends Off
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 13,843
Likes: 1
From: FAA 'Flight Check'
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
I'm thinking that I misread your post - or at least the intent.USMCFLYR
06-24-2009 | 10:05 AM
#17
Line Holder
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 72
Likes: 0
From: ERJ
06-24-2009 | 11:55 AM
#18
Gets Weekends Off
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 13,843
Likes: 1
From: FAA 'Flight Check'
USMCFLYR
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
