LastTraintoMEM

Well, I am "that guy". I was laid off 4 years ago and haven't flown in 3.5 years. I recently started getting that itch (you know that itch?) to get back in a cockpit again. I found myself browsing pilot job boards and even sent a couple of resumes to jobs. I found this forum so I could see how the industry was doing, and see if it was worth it financially to get current again. I find post where not only the old timers are bailing on the business, but even the 23 year old newbies are throwing in the towels. I have been in and out of aviation 3 times in my life now. Aviation has been that mistress that uses and abuses you and then sends you packing, but you always come crawling back to her, even after years. Every time I get into aviation, I find myself more in debt and years older with no progress made in my career. But, I love to fly and I hate to let my experience and hours go out the window. I have a little over 2000tt mostly Hawker 700 with some LR35, 25, B200, 100 and B-1900. A lot of good time in quality airplanes. After I was laid off, I couldn't find a job unless I wanted to move to NYC or LA, or go to a $20k a year commuter job, so I re-invented myself and started working in video production. I now work for the government, but I am getting restless (plus the money isn't the greatest but the stability is great). I figured this might be my last shot at the aviation career before I get too far down the experience road. I am 40 with a wife and 2 kids and a mortgage. After reading post here today, I finally think my aviation career is over. And this my friends, is sad!

jedinein

It ain't over 'til you die.

Or 'til you have a heart attack at some sleazy hotel under the approach path to FLL on layover for a 121 non-sked, due the alarm clock going off at 2 AM which was set by some Fedex guy.

USMCFLYR

MEM -

Nice post - really. I understand your frustration and can understand where you're coming from even though I haven't been in your situation yet. The mistress comment rings true. I hope that you find what you are looking for out of the future. You do have some good experience and I like the aircraft that you have flown. Any chance that you could scratch that itch in GA flying and still be happy with both the flying and the stability of the gov't job? Recently I have been wondering about that non-flying job and flying GA when able to still keep my foot in the door. Good luck with whatever route you chose.

USMCFLYR

Learflyer

Always check the little itty-bitty bell icon is off on the face of the clock before you go night nights!

LastTraintoMEM

With the price of flying now a days, it's hard to do the GA route and keep family fed and keep up with other hobbies. I never looked at flying as a hobby anyway, but a career. It's hard for me to see it as a hobby. I've thought about going partners on a 172 or something, but I think plane ownership can be a pain. Actually, I am surprised anyone is learning to fly right now. I have had a couple of people tell me they want to be a pilot for a career, and I almost choke. I don't want to be one of those guys that runs down and destroys someones dream, but it gets hard to see a lot of positives in this business.

USMCFLYR

Agree on the cost of training/flying GA. This is why it would be a trade off for me. Take a higher paying NON-flying job and be able to fly recreational once in awhile or make far less for the most part and fly professionally. Oh decisions, decisions. Even with all the problems - I don't discourage people from following their dreams if they want to become a pilot - but like others have advised me - I tell them to make sure that they truly know what they are getting into when deiciding on a professional pilot career.

USMCFLYR

LastTraintoMEM

What is REALLY sad is that I graduated with an Aerospace Admin. degree along with several other friends. None of us have a job in the aerospace world, and we all think the degree has hurt our prospects of getting better jobs in other fields. The name "Aerospace Administration" scares non aviation employers off. I have had employers tell me this. Either they think you are going to bail on them for the next aviation job that comes open, or you are too qualified and should be working for NASA. I now only put Bachelor of Science on my resume now. Good advise for other that are in this boat.

SkyHigh

It isn't easy making the jump from professional to hobby pilot. Hobby guys just are not the same. Professional pilots like to argue about pay and what management should do. Hobby guys like to fight over marvel mystery oil and why their pile of tubes kit plane is better than your flying certified airplane. I went to an EAA meeting and it reminded me of visiting grandma at the rest home. Lots of yelling and cane waving. Not for me. However I did buy a Cessna 150 and I do enjoy taking it up a few times a month for some steep turns.

It has been almost five years since my last flying job. Quitting flying reminds me of quitting smoking. 20 years ago I had my last Marlboro and even now occasionally I get an urge to light up again, however it only takes a second or two for it to pass. It seems to me that aviation urges are similar. Over time it is getting better, but I doubt that it will ever go away completely.

Most of my flying buddies who have thrown in the towel turn their back on aviation completely and never seem to look back. I can't seem to be able do that.

Good Luck,

SkyHigh

Kilgore Trout

Sky, There's always gonna be a Sled up North for you!

SkyHigh

Are you referring to the Cessna 207 the Lead Sled? Man I loved that big ugly plane.

SkyHigh