Well I plan to start training for FSS next week, but I will still be doing some pipeline work one the side, which is probably the most fun and hardest working flying job anyone could ever do.

I can say it was a hard decision to detour from flying full time at this point in my life...but it really wasnt. Driving cross country to find a plane where a lost contract meant no more flying, then flight instructing for peanuts while treated with the same respect as a red shirt from Star Trek, all in the name of a possible 121 job. Somewhere the drive slowed to a crawl.

However, from a logical frame of reference...pay, benefits, being home at night, and overall job stability dwarf what the regionals offer right now.

Not to mention I stand with double digits multi time, and triple digits is the only 'acceptable' number for hiring right now. (while renting is always an option to reach that everso changing multi time minimum, I see myself as a professional pilot; in that aspect, I refuse to rent)

And of course I say now because those minimums are going to drop across the board...Im still buying into my 'panic hiring' theory, but this isnt a rant on how the economy has limited new career pilots from entering the game, combine with 1500 hour legislation and the 65 year old exodus at the top which should leave the regionals in a bind. When this happens, I expect to see some change for the better. Think of the inverse of what happened 2007-2008...that is my prediction.

It may be a couple years before looking back to re-evaluate the state of the airlines and if it would be a smart career move. Business wise I may find myself owning and renting a plane to those who need the hours or just want a CFI who isnt in it just to reach hiring mins. The only place I have ever seen myself having an enjoyable career is aviation...and I am there. But will it be in the cockpit when it is time to retire? Guess time will tell...

Until then, I step to the sideline and say good luck to those on the line.
Get this profession to what and where it deserves to be.

 

Good luck !!


Skyhigh

 

as long as you can keep in a cockpit i think you'll be doing pretty good. I got out of the flying biz a year and a half ago. Coming from a regional airline, the financial improvements and stability are mindblowing. I had been at the regional nearly three years when i left, dividing it up, the first 1.5 years was great, and the last 1.5 years sucked...I had a quick initial reserve, jumped up the senority fast, upgraded to CA in 14 Mos. spent 10 Months on captain reserve before getting the inevitable downgrade, watched my senority flow the opposite way, ended up holding one of the bottom lines and commuting as an FO, suddenly life sucked.

The new gig, federal employee, retirement, 5% 401K matching, sick time, vacation time, and no one to tell you that you can't take it, paid holidays, home everynight (unless i don't want to be), pay raise, and future raises, job security, advancement oppurtunities, free education, (the list goes on and on and on) the downfall, i'm not in a cockpit anymore and i miss it everyday. A co-worker/ex airline co-worker as well did the smart thing, bought himself a C-172 and started a small flight instruction business...He keeps a couple students himself, hired a full time flight instructor to take the rest, and the airplane is paying for not only itself and the hanger as well, but making extra $$ on the side for the owner....Now that's a smart go-getter!!! You mgiht be able to make something like that work too...good luck, we're all counting on you!

 

And what you buddy did with the 172 could be something I can see myself doing once I bankroll myself a little. I plan to keep flying and keep my CFI certs current.

As of right now, I just dont see the benefits behind going 121 right now. One argument could be jumpseat/CASS/ID90 privlidges, but with the pay I stand to get right now, I can easily just buy the ticket and not have it hurt my wallet.

I ask this in all sincerity...right now, where is the motivation behind an airline career? Anyone?

 

When i left the airlines the biggest benefit i saw were the travel benies. My wife and I were able to go to Paris, riding in first class for about 600 bucks roundtrip for both of us, would have been 300 bucks had we traveled in Coach. Since i've been out, my friends have mentioned that that travel benefits have been significantly reduced even with our codeshares, so even though we fly for United Express, we don't get "buddy passes" for our spouses anymore, at least nothing that's "discounted" and US Airways makes you pay a fee in advance for the "oppurtunity" to list as standby...kind of a joke if you ask me.

So, in all honesty i don't know what the big pay off is for flying for a regional. Probably building flight time and experience for some better job, whether that be a major airline, fractional gig, corporate job, etc....Having some jet experience under your belt will help you do something in the future, especially if it involves flying...Same can be true for about every other piece of flight experience as well though.

 

How did you find an available position with FSS?

And flynavyj what type of government job do you have, if you don't mind me asking?

I am looking to get out too. I've been job searching for the last 2 months and haven't really found anything. I am wanting to get a government job, however I am having a hard time finding something that I qualify for. I am a CFII with good total time, but like outlaw I have double digit multi. And I have no interest at all pursuing a 121 job or life style.

Any suggestions on government jobs to look for would be appreciated much.

Cheers.