Learflyer

Herc, back about 20 years ago, I DID know what I was getting into. Back when regional jobs were hard to get, and you HAD to flight instruct to move on to the next level. I DID understand what the salaries were, and the qol that the majors offered. The salaries were high including generous pensions, and big fat 401k building capabilities. There were no pilot mills yet. There was only Embry Riddle, and a few others. Back then, I would have died knowing i'd be able to fly a Shorts 360 someday. Nowadays, there are numerous CRJ captains in their 20's who complain about everything under the sun. There WAS a much better outlook than their is now. Having said that, and I'll say it again, I would never turn anyone away from this profession. There is a love that only a pilot can know for aviation and flying. That can't be taken away from the young folks, or the older career changers.

Heck, even Sky himself said he's always thinking of ways to get back into flying everyday. I am too. (even though i'm kinda still in it being a sim/ground instructor). And Sky, my man, you should find a way to at least fly part time. Some of the folks on here are correct. It ain't THAT bad in aviation. Although i'm seeking other opportunities right now such as finishing my degree, and looking to get into some kind of small business to own, I'm keeping my options open if the right flying opportunity comes along. SkyHigh, I think you ought to keep your flying options open too. It might help you have some more peace. Maybe when your beautiful kids get older? Maybe sooner than that. USMC, and the others, i'm excited for you, and wish you success.

SeatMeat

True. Most, or at least many, have never had a "real" job until they got hired by an airline. I would love to have an airline pilot's schedule. I don't think I wouldn't know what to do with myself if I had more than five days off in a month.

$60k and 13 days off a month? Only a dream.

SkyHigh

It didn't work out for you either until you had an outside source of income. Like my post mentioned aviation is better as a hobby job. You are living proof of that example.

I do no think it is fair or accurate of you to sell a contradictory position to mine. You are an airline refuge just like the rest of us. I too have had opportunities to fly as an FO for a part 135 outfit but I need to make a living for my family.

Aviation dose not work out for many because the pay, lifestyle and future are inadequate. Other professions have their challenges as well but nothing like what flying demands. You might be enjoying the fun side of flying now, but if you were in your mid-30's and trying to support a stay at home wife and kids on what the profession offers you would not be very happy.

Skyhigh

SkyHigh

It is a dream for most pilots as well. However to be fair some are getting every day off right now (furlough).

Get a job that works 4 ten hour shifts a week and you will have much more quality time off than most airline pilots. You could also work double shifts and take the rest of the week off.

Skyhigh

de727ups

"Aviation dose not work out for many because the pay, lifestyle and future are inadequate."

But just above,

"$60k and 13 days off a month? Only a dream."

My problem with Skyhigh is that he bashes the career, without exception, and without realizing that not everyone is in his shoes. Not everyone needs to be home every night not everyone has to work for an airline with a base in their home state. These are nice things to have, but some will find the sacrifice worth the reward, and might be quite pleased with the career that Skyhigh so desperately considers unworthy.

To each his own....

SkyHigh

I have had some flying opportunities over the last few years. One place hired me and sent me through king air school but did not end up buying the plane. Another place offered to hire me instead but the pay was 30K per year and I had to work in the potato shed when I wasn't flying.

I had a job offer a few summers ago to do some seasonal contract flying, but they would not give me the time off I needed. During a training mission the plane crashed and the guy who took my job died along with a few other company principals.

I could go on. The problem is that most part time local jobs demand too much for to little. I can't afford to sit around an FBO all day waiting for students and I am not in a position to be able to leave at the drop of a hat for a charter flight that pays $22 a flight hour.

Yesterday I flew my 150. I climbed up to 8000 feet and encountered a bird the size of a robin flying up there. I found it as extremely odd. The bird was alone. It was early in the day and there were no thermals, no wind. I wonder just what he was doing up there.

SkyHigh

SkyHigh

I realize that some people do not feel the need to be home. They may not care about money or retirement. Others would eagerly leave the country and live in a foreign land in order to satisfy their flying dreams. and to each his own.

However my point is that most are evaluating aviation against other more normal professions. Flight schools and flying magazines allow people to assume income and lifestyle expectations. The average person would not wish to leave home, does have real income needs and assumes that they will have a bright and stable financial future.

People need to know what they are getting into. Aviation is not like most other professions that demand a similar level of sacrifices. I would not dream of dissuading the fringe element that thrives on what an aviation career can offer. However others are blowing a fortune and many years of their lives on a dead end.

SkyHigh

SkyHigh

My 150 has an IFR capable GPS. All it needs is a GPS CDI to make it IFR legal. It would cost around $1500 to get installed and certified. Is it a waste of money in a Cessna 150M?

Skyhigh

rickair7777

All depends on where you live...

I've gone back and forth on airplane ownership, and an IFR 150 would be my first choice given budget limits.

I'm at sea level in a temperate clime, so power would not be critical, but the marine layer makes a non-IFR bird useless. I'm not sure I'd want to use a 150 for anything more demanding the penetrating a 1000' deck.

SkyHigh

Yea, that is how I feel about it. I live in a mountainous area and would not like to tempt actual IFR in a 150 however it would make a heck of an IFR trainer with a VOR, ILS, Marker beacon and IFR GPS.

The prices of Cessna 150's are on the rise I have been told. The price of fuel, cheap dollar and possibility of being included into the LSA category have put upwards pressure on prices.

I have heard that foreign countries have been buying up 152's and 150's since the dollar was so weak and taking them out of the country.

Skyhigh