NOTE: I considered posting this in the "leaving" section, but this info is for current pilots who stayed, not the ones who are leaving.

To the guys who went on to the majors or for the regional lifers - I understand we are all in different situations and I'm not asking what you would do. What I want to know is if you would have done it differently.

Here's the deal: I'm 35 and at a good regional (if there is such a thing) and have good seniorty. I know there should be good movement for a few major carriers in the next 10 years if I go that route. However, I also have the opportunity to own/operate a small business - and yes, it is something I would enjoy.

Based on where this industry is going and where it's been, I'm leaning towards getting out. HOWEVER, the income is not guaranteed and as always, risk even if calculated is always a gamble - even if I stayed where I am or moved on to the next best flying gig (I fully understand this dilemma)

So, based on your experiences would you say that:
A.) It was or will be worth it to keep flying
B.) I (You) should have gotten out a long time ago
C.) <enter your own answer here>

I'd appreciate serious responses please. Thanks for your input.

 

Fender,

First of all welcome to the suck of aviation. You've been here a while obviously so I won't bore you with the nitty gritty.

I have recently spoken to several aviation consultants (for lack of a better term) and asked them about an upcoming pilot shortage. The 2 that I spoke with that pretty much know everyone who knows everyone simply asked me one question ... "Do you remember the pilot shortage that we experienced during '07-'08?". I said I did since I was hired in April of '07. The answer was simply this ... "The pilot shortage we are coming up on, depending on the price of oil to a certain extent, is going to make that look like nothing."

Take this for what it's worth. I don't have exact dates, but I can tell you that it's expected within the next 3-8 years. If you can get on with a "better" airline on the upswing of the hiring curve that would of course be the way to go. But you've been around this industry long enough to know what I'm talking about in that regard.

If you have the opportunity to own/run a small business and are happy where you are with the seniority you hold (QOL, pay, days off, etc.) taken into account, maybe stick around to see where the business goes?? If it takes off you could always buy a small plane and cruise around every so often. You may be one that doesn't want to work two jobs though.

It's a double edged sword as I like to call it. It could be great either way or it could suck either way. It will be a gamble for the business, but it will also be a gamble getting on with a better airline on the upswing too.

I'm sure I've been a lot of help ... not ... but that's just my take. I tried to cover both sides and give some info.

Cheers!

 

Question: Is the small business a strip club? If it's a strip club, then yes, you should definatly do that.

Kidding aside, the best advice I've heard is that you won't know if you made the right choice until the day you retire.

Best of luck and hope it all works out for you whatever you choose to pursue.

Cheers,
ImTumbleweed

 

The point of life is to be happy, not successful or rich. It took me too long to figure that out. Whatever that means to you, I'm on a message board on a Saturday night...

 

I remember a lot of regionals hiring in 07-08.

I don't remember Delta, American, Southwest, United, USAir, etc hiring a lot in 07-08.

 

I appreciate the responses. Before everyone goes off on a tangent with pilot shortage - yes, the age 65 delay is coming to a close and will expedite movement.

My concern is not how short or full we are on pilots. Please continue...

 

Well, "a lot" is a relative term.

I don't know how many were hired at UAL, or USAir, or Southwest. But the combined DAL/NW list that was released after the list was finished shows roughly 850(+) with 2007/2008 hire dates.

CAL has slightly over 600 for 2007-2008.

 

I was hired by DAL in 07/08. CAL, SWA, UAL, UPS, and a few others were also hiring in 07.

 

I was in the top 15% at skywest when I left in 2007. I loved working there. Best move I ever made was coming to Delta. If you live in base this job is great. Lots of time to run your strip club.

 

After being furloughed twice from United, here's my advice.

I returned from my first furlough and most of the pilots had something else going on. They could not trust the company or ALPA anymore. A lot of the pilots were using their seniority to get more time off and get the days off they needed so they could have a life.

When I first went to United early 2000 loads of pilots bid the biggest highest paying equipment they could, and sat on standby. You didn't fly all the time on reserve so if you lived close by it was a good call. Now all the junior guys because of PBS fly 95 hours a month and min time off every month. Reserve fly max days too.

If you want to run your own business and have the security of airline income for a while to help out, stay where you are. Use your seniority to get a good schedule. If the business takes off either hire a helper for when you are at work or try to take a leave of absence, or if you have to quit.

If you go to a major you maybe stuck at the bottom of the seniority on reserve with no life for years like I was. It sucked. I had no life and couldn't run any business on the side, and the pay was terrible.

Being furloughed twice and having no back up income sucked. But in the long run I think I will come to think that it gave me the extra push to go on and do what I really love. Flying domestic on reserve 20 days a month and commuting was not a passion, and it never will be.

I no longer have to drink someone else's Cool aid. I pour my own. LOL

Good luck with your business. I would tell you all what I'm doing but I don't think thats allowed.