Looking Back
06-21-2010, 10:58 AM
#211
Self Employed.
Thread Starter
Joined APC: May 2005
Position: Corporate Pilot
Posts: 7,119
Thank you
Originally Posted by FLowpayFO
Skyhigh, I have read your posts for years while I was getting my ratings, and I'm proud to say I've never let your influence stop me. My mind frame has always been, if this guy is a 777 Captain, why can't I be one? My greatest tool I had growing up was to ask questions and seek advice from all pilots, if it was a UA 747 Capatain, a corporate pilot or even a CFI. Within three years I was lucky enough to make it to a regional from the time I started training(I know timing is key). This industry has obviously gone up and down and has dramatically changed into a direction that we couldn't deem possible. I understand what you are trying to do, but look back at your life and look at how YOU made the mistakes that could have altered your career, then look at someone that "made it". Maybe you never presented yourself more than a bush pilot? I just don't know your situation enough....I have a realistic outlook on this career, there needs to be improvements made, but I will never give up on my goals. The Pan Am days are over, but I still know there are decent rewarding flying jobs out there since I have met those people flying for companies like Cathay, Delta, Southwest, Top 100 Fortune companies, etc..I will continue to better myself professionally so that those opportunities will surface, and continue to surface. Skyhigh, it's evident that you are miserable, you are now successful in your own business, but now angry that the same success didn't apply into your aviation career. This shows you still have a dream, I think your biggest mistake was giving up on your dreams and letting hard times defeat you, here is a quote for you that helps me...
"Never give up on your dreams, because your dreams will never give up on you"
"Never give up on your dreams, because your dreams will never give up on you"
Thank you for your concern. I am sad that my dreams did not work out. In my case I had to struggle for most of a decade before I got a chance at a regional. It is my contention that it does not work out for the vast majority. I am very glad that you had an easier time of it however I hope you understand that you were very lucky. The pilots who are following in your foot steps will have a much harder time.
In addition as the years play out you might begin to understand more of what I have written about in regards to the hardships of the career. Getting there is only half the battle. Finding a way to fit a normal family life into your career is yet another hill to climb. In my case I came to a place where I had to choose between my family and career.
I had reached a place in my career where the sacrifices it would have taken to remain in the industry where too high. I chose my wife and childrens happiness over mine. It should not have to be this hard. It is just a job after all. To me your career should be the rock upon which you build your life upon and not your entire life. Since 9-11 the compensation and benefits have slid to a point where it is difficult to justify the career anymore.
One day you might reach a place where you too will have to choose. Just as you have I also have taken advice from every pilot I came across and I think it is important to measure the price some of them have made to remain in the saddle. In addition to those who have good jobs in aviation you should seek advice from those who have had their lives destroyed by aviation as well. You are only getting a small part of the issue if you don't.
Don't give up on your dreams but I think it is important to regularly evaluate if the dream is still worth the price it demands.
Best of luck,
Skyhigh
Last edited by SkyHigh; 06-21-2010 at 11:49 AM.
06-21-2010, 10:59 AM
#212
Self Employed.
Thread Starter
Joined APC: May 2005
Position: Corporate Pilot
Posts: 7,119
Look into it
Originally Posted by Cargo Man
Wow, a Mailman makes more then me.
Skyhigh
06-21-2010, 12:27 PM
#213
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Apr 2008
Position: Sleeping in the black swan’s nest.
Posts: 5,709
Just as you have I also have taken advice from every pilot I came across and I think it is important to measure the price some of them have made to remain in the saddle.
06-21-2010, 02:25 PM
#214
Self Employed.
Thread Starter
Joined APC: May 2005
Position: Corporate Pilot
Posts: 7,119
I do listen
Originally Posted by Airhoss
You have soundly disregarded anything I or any other professional pilot on this site has ever offered you. Why should you listen your mind is already made up and you think you know better.
You and I have seen aviation from two very different vantage points. You had some very good luck and I did not. I understand and envy why you don't relate to my position. How would you know what it is like to be one the outside? Things for you worked out. You have not had to look for a job since the 1990's.
I believe that my experience is the most common one. Be thankful for what you have.
Skyhigh
06-21-2010, 02:35 PM
#215
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,919
Originally Posted by SkyHigh
I enjoy your commentary and carefully read every word. You and I just disagree on a few things and that is alright.
You and I have seen aviation from two very different vantage points. You had some very good luck and I did not. I understand and envy why you don't relate to my position. How would you know what it is like to be one the outside? Things for you worked out. You have not had to look for a job since the 1990's.
I believe that my experience is the most common one. Be thankful for what you have.
Skyhigh
You and I have seen aviation from two very different vantage points. You had some very good luck and I did not. I understand and envy why you don't relate to my position. How would you know what it is like to be one the outside? Things for you worked out. You have not had to look for a job since the 1990's.
I believe that my experience is the most common one. Be thankful for what you have.
Skyhigh
(Probably not a fair statement for me to write)
Do you even see how condescending you are when you say something like that?
You are essentially summing up the entire background and experience level of some one you have never met to nothing more than having "good luck".
You right, this industry is competitive and isn't always fair, but it does have a way a weeding out those who have bad attitudes and personalities. Flying is no different then any other career, if you are a knuckle head, then you will only make it so far in any field.
06-21-2010, 03:49 PM
#216
Self Employed.
Thread Starter
Joined APC: May 2005
Position: Corporate Pilot
Posts: 7,119
Weeding out
Originally Posted by DeadHead
Maybe it's not just good luck, maybe Airhoss is more professional, has a better personality/attitude, and, overall, is more knowledgeable/experienced than you.
(Probably not a fair statement for me to write)
Do you even see how condescending you are when you say something like that?
You are essentially summing up the entire background and experience level of some one you have never met to nothing more than having "good luck".
You right, this industry is competitive and isn't always fair, but it does have a way a weeding out those who have bad attitudes and personalities. Flying is no different then any other career, if you are a knuckle head, then you will only make it so far in any field.
(Probably not a fair statement for me to write)
Do you even see how condescending you are when you say something like that?
You are essentially summing up the entire background and experience level of some one you have never met to nothing more than having "good luck".
You right, this industry is competitive and isn't always fair, but it does have a way a weeding out those who have bad attitudes and personalities. Flying is no different then any other career, if you are a knuckle head, then you will only make it so far in any field.
The industry weeds out most along with the "knuckleheads". There is only room for a few at the top. The majority will not make it no matter how sunny their disposition is. So along with a good attitude and strong work ethic it takes a boatload of luck.
Sometimes it is easy to overlook how big of a role fate plays. Most do not wish to acknowledge it since they want to maintain the hope that they can make the difference if they just believe hard enough and keep a forced smile long enough. The truth is that the majority are throwing years of their lives away into an empty hole. Some figure it our early while it takes others until they are forced out at 65 for the realization to hit them.
I take offense to others who have had the good fortune to have made it and want to blame the rest of us for our career outcomes as if we were inadequate for some reason. It does not really matter how hard or long you try luck, circumstances and contacts make the biggest difference.
Skyhigh
06-21-2010, 05:29 PM
#217
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Nov 2005
Position: UPS 757/767 Capt ONT
Posts: 4,357
"It does not really matter how hard or long you try luck, circumstances and contacts make the biggest difference."
How is that different than rising to the top of the the United States Post Office?
How is that different than rising to the top of the the United States Post Office?
06-21-2010, 05:44 PM
#218
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Oct 2006
Position: NU Guy
Posts: 437
Originally Posted by DeadHead
Maybe it's not just good luck, maybe Airhoss is more professional, has a better personality/attitude, and, overall, is more knowledgeable/experienced than you.
(Probably not a fair statement for me to write)
Do you even see how condescending you are when you say something like that?
You are essentially summing up the entire background and experience level of some one you have never met to nothing more than having "good luck".
You right, this industry is competitive and isn't always fair, but it does have a way a weeding out those who have bad attitudes and personalities. Flying is no different then any other career, if you are a knuckle head, then you will only make it so far in any field.
(Probably not a fair statement for me to write)
Do you even see how condescending you are when you say something like that?
You are essentially summing up the entire background and experience level of some one you have never met to nothing more than having "good luck".
You right, this industry is competitive and isn't always fair, but it does have a way a weeding out those who have bad attitudes and personalities. Flying is no different then any other career, if you are a knuckle head, then you will only make it so far in any field.
A friend of mine who "made it" has now been furloughed from United two times. That was the place to be back when......
Food for thought.
06-21-2010, 05:44 PM
#219
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,919
Originally Posted by SkyHigh
Deadhead,
The industry weeds out most along with the "knuckleheads". There is only room for a few at the top. The majority will not make it no matter how sunny their disposition is. So along with a good attitude and strong work ethic it takes a boatload of luck.
Sometimes it is easy to overlook how big of a role fate plays. Most do not wish to acknowledge it since they want to maintain the hope that they can make the difference if they just believe hard enough and keep a forced smile long enough. The truth is that the majority are throwing years of their lives away into an empty hole. Some figure it our early while it takes others until they are forced out at 65 for the realization to hit them.
I take offense to others who have had the good fortune to have made it and want to blame the rest of us for our career outcomes as if we were inadequate for some reason. It does not really matter how hard or long you try luck, circumstances and contacts make the biggest difference.
Skyhigh
The industry weeds out most along with the "knuckleheads". There is only room for a few at the top. The majority will not make it no matter how sunny their disposition is. So along with a good attitude and strong work ethic it takes a boatload of luck.
Sometimes it is easy to overlook how big of a role fate plays. Most do not wish to acknowledge it since they want to maintain the hope that they can make the difference if they just believe hard enough and keep a forced smile long enough. The truth is that the majority are throwing years of their lives away into an empty hole. Some figure it our early while it takes others until they are forced out at 65 for the realization to hit them.
I take offense to others who have had the good fortune to have made it and want to blame the rest of us for our career outcomes as if we were inadequate for some reason. It does not really matter how hard or long you try luck, circumstances and contacts make the biggest difference.
Skyhigh
Most professional pilots who have made it to their dream job are thankful along with being realistic that a component of luck played a part. Luck might help get a pilot in the right place at the right time, but at the end of the day each and every pilot needs to have a reputation and career to build on.
You, my friend, are unequivocally one of the most arrogant people I have ever seen on these boards. In your eyes, the ONLY reason this career never worked for you was because of bad luck and not having someone to write you a recommendation. My guess is there is a very good reason people didn't want to write you a recommendation and I'm pretty sure that goes hand in hand with having a poor defeatist attitude.
06-21-2010, 06:43 PM
#220
Self Employed.
Thread Starter
Joined APC: May 2005
Position: Corporate Pilot
Posts: 7,119
The diffrence?
The difference is that it takes a huge and ongoing stream of luck to have a happy ending in regards to an airline career and only a little bit to make it as a plumber or mailman.
In most other career arenas luck plays a much smaller role. Hard work and natural ability can make a difference. Pilots are struck with the seniority system. You are only as good as your place in line.
Skyhigh
In most other career arenas luck plays a much smaller role. Hard work and natural ability can make a difference. Pilots are struck with the seniority system. You are only as good as your place in line.
Skyhigh
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
