CPOonfinal

As my military career draws to a close in the next two years my intentions were to make flying my 'Plan B'. I realize a lot can happen between now and the next 24 months but I'm beginning to set myself up for a different follow-on career. I've worked for the government for the past 18 years and going to a civilian job scares the hell out of me. Similarly, starting another government job makes me feel like I don't have the intestinal fortitude to work in the civilian sector (other than flying). I'm close to a degree and haven't chosen a definite major. I'm looking at getting my certifications in Lean, Six Sigma, etc... and find a job in Process Improvement. I've been doing conferences for the Naval Aviation Enterprise for the past couple of years and really like being an outside set of eyes on a process. My wife will probably continue ATC after she retires this year but because of her sexual orientation there is nothing for sure. Women!?!? :\ In order for me to match what I currently make in the Navy I need about 65K. Shouldn't be too terribly hard to find based on the research I've done thus far. Still want to fly if it's at all possible. I've been on the ground maintenance side for nearly 20 years knowing I'm capable of being up there vice down here.

Rnav

Thanks Starlifter,

My family(especially my wife) has asked me to ride the industry out. I've been getting less and less flying and sitting reserve alot. But for me its personally more about coming home and seeing your son change before your eyes week to week because your gone. Flying the jet is great, but the guilt of not seeing my son daily is greater... Someday the industry will turn around and those that stuck it out(throw in a little luck also) and sacrificed will be rewarded. For me its finish this next trip off as an airline pilot then off to government work(for now)... See ya'

Rnav

CE750

I took a job with an ACMI that "Deployed" you for 3-6 weeks at a time.. my take home pay was just south of $3000 a month for that! I could have sold used cares and cleared twice as much and been home every night.. I hear you.

SkyHigh

I have nothing to back it up, but my instincts say that organic farming and free range organic beef is going to be a big deal in the near future.

Farming has been in the dumps over the last 30 years or so but its time has come. Especially if you have a smaller organic farm that is near a big city.

PS I am not a hippie.

Skyhigh

CE750

My wife hasn't bought non-organic food in more than 2 years... we probably spend 2x on food what we could if we went to the normal sources, you could be onto something... the demand is clearly high and the supply low.

Rnav

This industry really is for the single/non-married type(especially when you first start off). It helps not having that extra stuff at home allowing you to focus on your carrier no matter the circumstances or dilemma's we face in the industry. My friends who are having the best time/success flying are all single with only girlfriends and no children. Its sad that the profession of being an airline pilot has reverted to one that primarily is survivable more as a part-time job with another job to help pay the bills. Almost like working at McDee's, but with more hours and lower wages! LOL

I still love the flying the line though no matter what the other crap is, just not willing to sacrifice another ounce for the management! Sad to see so many of our brother's/sister's on the flightdeck that have dedicated time, energy and everything to make the machine work safely on a daily basis have to make tuff decisions about their careers in a profession we all love.

Starlifter

Rnav,
My other half is telling me the same. I'm still flying quite abit, getting my 900hrs per year and should have it by Oct. I'll have a few months to make a decision before 2009. I also have another full-time flying opportunity in Zurich. We'll seeing how that pans out as well. The US govt job has an occupant at the moment and he is trying to extend for 2 more years but this appears to be a no go, so he'll have to move soon. Perhaps I can wait it out until March or April but not too much longer if I stay with my current carrier. It's not a money issue for me, I'm actually paid quite well plus I have an income from my previous govt job which i left a few years ago.

Hang in there my friend and at least keep flying small planes on the side. It will all work out for you I'm sure.

R,
Lifter

DAK1

This is my first post on Airline Pilot Central Forums.

1st question: Does anyone have a plan B that includes being a public school teacher full time/ flight instruct part time? If so, hows that working out?

In the long term a teacher's salary is low but seems like for many furloughed FO's it might actually be a pay increase initially.

2nd question: I heard that in some states a CFI qualifies you to teach grades 6-12. Can anyone verify that as true?

Nightsky

Just found this forum. Thanks for putting it up webmaster! Wish I had a plan B. I don't, but I do hope to find something in the not too distant future, and leave the industry for good. Anyway - I agree 100% with your post. I love to fly, but hate the profession. So tired of being gone for what seems to be all the time. Tired of my wife and family always sad to see me go, always talking about the stuff they did while I was gone. I commute, and that doesn't help of course. Not willing to live in base though, even for day trips, as my family and I are very happy where we are and love where we live - and I'm not anywhere near senior enough anyway. Base closures have bitten a few of my die-hard live-in-base- friends in the arse a few times anyway. I really feel like I am missing out on so much at home. Yes, I have higher than normal days off, but I spend the first day off sleeping and recovering from the trip, and the last day 'preoccupied', as my family puts it, dreading the return to work and of course getting ready for work. And I can't believe I am gone so much for such crappy pay. For crying out loud my wifes brother, a high school drop out, is making double what I am. Makes my blood pressure rise just thinking about it. I am finding myself actually resenting this occupation.

Just yesterday I was talking to my grandpa; he retired out as a railroad conductor. There are some industry similarities, but after our conversation, he came right out and told me I was nuts for sticking it out in this field. That hit home as I really respect him. He was gone a lot also - but he got paid well for it, and has a great pension too boot. I know I need to get out. The thought excites me and raises my spirit-but I don't have direction.

Anway - best of luck and grats on getting out.

Learflyer

good post! the preoccupied part hits home. I'd count down the days off I have left, and be miserable on my last day off! Even when I tried to hide it, my wife would still ask what is wrong. You'll find your way. Ever thought of being a Sim/ground instructor? Yesterday was a four hour day, and so is today. I've got another weekend off coming up again this weekend starting on Friday. All while making $75,000 per year. Hey, NJA guys can boast, so can I!