Wwyd?
 

I haven't flown in nearly 6 months, and am mentally "over" flying at least for a career... or am I?

I have been struggling to get by and pay bill for the last few months and started a floor cleaning biz, a trade I used to do as a teenager for a contractor, and thoroughly enjoyed it much to my chagrin. I am on my way to making well over $50,000 this year (2011).

I have interviewed with Colgan, and may have an opportunity to interview with CommutAir. Would you go a Regional now that there is finally "hiring"?

My backround: I worked for the last 1.5 years at a 141 flight school instructing, ~1470tt/143me, 23 years old

I do like working for myself and being somewhat entrepreneurial. I do work a lot of hours, but I also get paid handsomely. I get to sleep in my bed every night, and be with all of my friends and family basically whenever I want.

you will never make 50k at CommutAir. money isn't everything but it does go a long way. Nights at home and a schedule you control isn't everything but it does go a long way.

If you work on growing your business then perhaps you can scratch the flying itch with your own plane in the future. Just a thought.

Ya, an expanding business to the next town, and a tax deductable plane to check on the business. Win / win.

I'm hoping that $50k will be a baseline for me at least this year. And I've entertained the idea of just renting which is they most likely choice. I don't really have a need to buy a plane to expand business, since I have to haul equipment and jobs won't be anymore than 3 hours away. So an out-and-back won't be a big deal.

Just wanted some opinions. Thanks

I think Tony meant, set up a satelllite business a town or two away and on a nice Saturday afternoon fly over for a business lunch with the local supervisor then enjoy the tax deduction for flying in order to check up on your business.


You won't be making more than 50k for quite some time at places like colgan, and you can't count on the quick upgrade. Things can change quickly and unpredictably in an aviation career, for the better and worse.

Think carefully about your options. And be careful what you wish for, you just may get it.

What ever course you take good luck.

IMO, start your own 135.

1. grow business
2. rent plane for fun or "currency"

Money, stability and all other factors aside. What do you really want to do? Personally, I'd forget about flying and continue growing this business. But that's coming from someone who flew at Colgan for 3 years and resigned as a Captain. I feel like I made it far enough in aviation to "smash the bug." From my perspective, beyond the larger equipment and the initial enjoyment of working in the 121 environment, you can get most of your aviation fix from smaller aircraft. I'm completely happy as a stay at home dad right now (beyond the paycheck), but I wonder if I would be if I had never gone down the 121 path? If you have a burning desire to fly for the airlines you can always give it a try, and if it doesn't work out head back to your business. At 23 you still have lots of time to change your mind.

Another option would be to continue your business, maybe part time, and work an aviation job on the side. Colgan used to be an option for that when there was primarily outstation basing but that probably wouldn't work now. Otherwise I'm sure there are jobs locally flying 135 or corporate.

Since this thread is about what I would do, as someone that's been down the 121 path both as a pilot and the son of a pilot, I'd turn my back and never look back. If you have the drive and ambition to run a profitable business at 23 you're never going to be happy in a senority based system. You won't made 50,000 for years, and your personal life will suffer in numerous other intangible ways. Keep up with the business, I bet you'll be making a 100,000 by 30. I'd also like to hear more about this business, it sounds like a great way to make money.