Never even entered the career...
04-11-2009, 10:21 AM
#11
Gets EVERY weekend off
Joined APC: Jul 2006
Position: SIC
Posts: 1,367
I think it's possible to get the 1st class medical and make it work, but as stated, you've just gotta jump through all the right hoops, and persevere. A friend of mine had a problem with seizures as a child, which would have automatically disqualified him from getting a medical, however, after finding a sympathetic AME, he was able to not only get a medical certificate, but a 1st class one at that, and has since flown corporate jets, one regional airline, and now a fractional airline...best of luck boys.
04-11-2009, 01:42 PM
#13
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Mar 2008
Position: FAA 'Flight Check'
Posts: 13,837
Originally Posted by bryris
Dan, I don't totally understand what you are asking for. It sounds like you are posing a question of whether we think you should pursue professional flying. Assuming that that is indeed your question, nobody can answer that for you. You mentioned "mob mentality groupthink bash flame fest". What is this? Do you mean that anytime someone tells you it isn't worth it, this label is to be applied to them to destroy their credibility? If that is your view, the answer to your question is go for it. It sounds like there can be no alternative.
I've seen your posts all around this board. When anyone, who has actually done or does this job posts their viewpoint in a negative light, you jump all over them. If I counted "IT" in your posts, I'd run out of fingers very quickly. Are you trying to escape IT or fly for a living? My opinion is that you'd be better off finishing your degree in something that interests you (outside aviation) and doing that. Meanwhile, finish your ratings, instruct, tow banners, drop parachutes, or whatever. When you arrive at about 1,000 hours, Comm Multi, CFI, and preferally II too, then take a look at the economy and state of affairs and make a decision. Doing it this way will be much more enjoyable for you. Go find a part 61 school and find an instructor who instructs for fun, not someone time building.
It would behoove you to not stack up multi thousands of dollars in debt. You mentioned you'd been working on making money for years and grew up lower middle class. People are lower middle class because they make the wrong decisions financially. Stacking yourself with 40k - which will likely come in higher when done - is a bad financial decision. Its just reality.
I've done the job for a little while and I get what these guys on this board say. I've seen it for myself. I can assure you that whatever rosy picture you've painted for yourself to look at is not the way it actually is out there. But, it DOES beat sitting in a cubicle, no doubt about that. But flying isn't the only way out of a cubicle and I'd advise you look into those options. Despite everything, I might even find myself back in an airline cockpit in the future. The draw is strong. If you want it bad enough, you owe it to yourself to try. But, make good decisions along the way and don't be surprised if it doesn't work out because we, as pilots, have little control over our professional destiny. We roll the dice, some win, some lose.
I've seen your posts all around this board. When anyone, who has actually done or does this job posts their viewpoint in a negative light, you jump all over them. If I counted "IT" in your posts, I'd run out of fingers very quickly. Are you trying to escape IT or fly for a living? My opinion is that you'd be better off finishing your degree in something that interests you (outside aviation) and doing that. Meanwhile, finish your ratings, instruct, tow banners, drop parachutes, or whatever. When you arrive at about 1,000 hours, Comm Multi, CFI, and preferally II too, then take a look at the economy and state of affairs and make a decision. Doing it this way will be much more enjoyable for you. Go find a part 61 school and find an instructor who instructs for fun, not someone time building.
It would behoove you to not stack up multi thousands of dollars in debt. You mentioned you'd been working on making money for years and grew up lower middle class. People are lower middle class because they make the wrong decisions financially. Stacking yourself with 40k - which will likely come in higher when done - is a bad financial decision. Its just reality.
I've done the job for a little while and I get what these guys on this board say. I've seen it for myself. I can assure you that whatever rosy picture you've painted for yourself to look at is not the way it actually is out there. But, it DOES beat sitting in a cubicle, no doubt about that. But flying isn't the only way out of a cubicle and I'd advise you look into those options. Despite everything, I might even find myself back in an airline cockpit in the future. The draw is strong. If you want it bad enough, you owe it to yourself to try. But, make good decisions along the way and don't be surprised if it doesn't work out because we, as pilots, have little control over our professional destiny. We roll the dice, some win, some lose.
That is a very good response. Informative, full of truth saying, and still leaves him with a position of it is his choice to pursue if the desire is there. Spread that same logic around these boards a little more!
USMCFLYR
04-12-2009, 04:28 AM
#14
Gets Weekends Off
Thread Starter
Joined APC: Apr 2007
Posts: 456
Originally Posted by waflyboy
LOL.
To ATP and Dan:
From what I've gathered, both of you are having trouble passing a medical. If you persevere, jump through the right hoops, and rub elbows with the right people you might obtain a first class med. If it's that tough to obtain the first time, what happens when it's time to renew? You don't think the rules will change against you? It sounds like a huge risk to me.
This might be one of those instances where it's best to make your living a different way and fly for fun. I know this advice won't stick... it never does... but I had to throw it out there.
To ATP and Dan:
From what I've gathered, both of you are having trouble passing a medical. If you persevere, jump through the right hoops, and rub elbows with the right people you might obtain a first class med. If it's that tough to obtain the first time, what happens when it's time to renew? You don't think the rules will change against you? It sounds like a huge risk to me.
This might be one of those instances where it's best to make your living a different way and fly for fun. I know this advice won't stick... it never does... but I had to throw it out there.
04-12-2009, 05:48 AM
#15
Self Employed.
Joined APC: May 2005
Position: Corporate Pilot
Posts: 7,119
Let nothing stop you
It seems to me that if a guy is destined to become a pilot then they let little get in their way. I can understand the medical issue however if one little girl friend was able to bump you off track then what is going to happen when the next one comes along?
When I was 16 years old wild horses couldn't stop me from my aviation dream. Against reason, girl friends, money and advice it is just something that you have to do. If you have already been able to be side tracked so easily then maybe what you really want is a lifestyle and career change and not necessarily to aviation.
I would pursue a four year degree (other than in aviation) or other similar professional certification and change jobs. Hopefully your new profession will provide enough surplus income to permit you to flight train on the side.
Skyhigh
When I was 16 years old wild horses couldn't stop me from my aviation dream. Against reason, girl friends, money and advice it is just something that you have to do. If you have already been able to be side tracked so easily then maybe what you really want is a lifestyle and career change and not necessarily to aviation.
I would pursue a four year degree (other than in aviation) or other similar professional certification and change jobs. Hopefully your new profession will provide enough surplus income to permit you to flight train on the side.
Skyhigh
04-12-2009, 09:21 AM
#16
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jan 2006
Position: Math Teacher
Posts: 2,273
Dan:
Sounds like you're single and no responsibilities other than yourself. If in fact that is the case, my suggestion to you is:
I believe that by the time that the spring loaded chair of hiring is in full tilt again, you will be in an excellent position in terms of your employment track record and your flight training accomplishments/endeavors. You will have killed two birds with one stone so to speak. If possible, stay with the company you're with, if not, go and offer your services in a smaller (real estate) market, where the cost of living is not as high as that of Philly or its surrounding area.
atp
Sounds like you're single and no responsibilities other than yourself. If in fact that is the case, my suggestion to you is:
- with job offer first, move to less expensive part of country (if able)
- work FT; fly and go to school PT
- get BS degree, secure additional licenses/ratings; build TT & ME (if able)
- keep risk and liabilites to a minimum (personal & professional)
I believe that by the time that the spring loaded chair of hiring is in full tilt again, you will be in an excellent position in terms of your employment track record and your flight training accomplishments/endeavors. You will have killed two birds with one stone so to speak. If possible, stay with the company you're with, if not, go and offer your services in a smaller (real estate) market, where the cost of living is not as high as that of Philly or its surrounding area.
atp
05-02-2009, 10:45 AM
#17
Line Holder
Joined APC: Oct 2008
Position: King Air 200 Left
Posts: 41
Dan,
Your receiving a ton of good information here. I also agree with all of it. I started in aviation as my first career then left it during the last recession of 1992. Close to the bottom of the roster with furloughs looming, I left flying for railroading. After 13 years and 3 railroads with a lifestyle worse than any regional can throw at you I pulled the plug and moved west to California. Starting over at 41 was very daunting until aviation found me again. I may never see the inside of a (well) paying airline cockpit again but I'm glad to be back. This recession is not helping, but like all have said things will improve again. Following their advice will put you in a very good position to follow those dreams. Eventually the money will come back to you. The job I just got laid off from found me. It happen to be one of the better paying jobs of my life. 70k flying a G58 Baron part 91. Shame to see it go, but better things await me, I'm sure of it.
Your receiving a ton of good information here. I also agree with all of it. I started in aviation as my first career then left it during the last recession of 1992. Close to the bottom of the roster with furloughs looming, I left flying for railroading. After 13 years and 3 railroads with a lifestyle worse than any regional can throw at you I pulled the plug and moved west to California. Starting over at 41 was very daunting until aviation found me again. I may never see the inside of a (well) paying airline cockpit again but I'm glad to be back. This recession is not helping, but like all have said things will improve again. Following their advice will put you in a very good position to follow those dreams. Eventually the money will come back to you. The job I just got laid off from found me. It happen to be one of the better paying jobs of my life. 70k flying a G58 Baron part 91. Shame to see it go, but better things await me, I'm sure of it.
05-17-2009, 12:08 AM
#18
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jan 2006
Position: Math Teacher
Posts: 2,273
Originally Posted by waflyboy
LOL.
To ATP and Dan:
From what I've gathered, both of you are having trouble passing a medical. If you persevere, jump through the right hoops, and rub elbows with the right people you might obtain a first class med. If it's that tough to obtain the first time, what happens when it's time to renew? You don't think the rules will change against you? It sounds like a huge risk to me.
To ATP and Dan:
From what I've gathered, both of you are having trouble passing a medical. If you persevere, jump through the right hoops, and rub elbows with the right people you might obtain a first class med. If it's that tough to obtain the first time, what happens when it's time to renew? You don't think the rules will change against you? It sounds like a huge risk to me.
atp
05-17-2009, 07:36 AM
#19
Self Employed.
Joined APC: May 2005
Position: Corporate Pilot
Posts: 7,119
Letting it go?
Originally Posted by atpwannabe
Tired of jumping through hoops and the like. I started this process back in September 2007.
atp
atp
Skyhigh
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