Originally Posted by BTDT

I haven't logged in here in quite awhile but am always curious as to the state of aviation today.

First a bit of background on my experience. I have loved flying since the beginning. After achiving my PPL before graduating high school and paying for it on my own, I've gone throught the flight instructor, jump pilot, banner tower, single pilot IFR night check hauler routine. Eagle flew me to Dallas for an interview right before I had an interview with my current employer but I left flying over 20 years ago.

I won't discourage anyone from a flying career but also remind them to have a backup. If the person is preparing for college DO NOT get an aviation management or pro pilot major. Those are close to useless if it doesn't work out. Aquiring a good aviation career is the equivelent to the local bar bands aspiring to become a rock star. It takes perseverance, timing and a bit of luck while living in the back of a bus. Being at the right place and right time is important. Also in the corporate world there is an excess of qualified people for the job. The HR department of any company is looking for those who fit into their corporate culture.

You have a good career to fall back on however there are other things to consider. Do you have a home with a mortgage payment? If so your savings will dwindle faster than a government budget surplus. Do you have a family? If so would the health insurance in an aviation career be better than at your engineering job? Trust me, when you say everyone is healthy and do not need anything is when things pop up. Would your current situation allow you to be awaken at any time to get to the airport? Undoubtedly you would be on reserve 24/7. How about staying away from home for extended periods?

O.K., you've answered those questions and as someone above stated "are living in mom's basement". That is not meant as a dig but as a way to say you are free from those constraints. Hell, I wish I'd have never moved out. I'd have a million in the bank. Remember, you are starting out and will get the dregs. Now how about health issues? Look at your family history for anything that would occur preventing you from a 1st class medical. I say this because I was the epitome of perfect health according to my docs. A few years ago I threw a blood clot which surprised them all and realize how fortunate I was to leave aviation and have a very good job most people in my area would kill for. I now go through a rig-a-marol for a special issuance medical certificate.

I know flying is in the blood including mine but I do not reqret leaving the career. It could be different for you but consider all the pros and cons. If you are able to try it out considering the above then go for it. You could also go for a part time gig in charter to get your flying fix. I'm getting my fix by going for a life long dream to build my own plane. A four place bushplane called a Bearhawk. I used to have SJS (shiny jet syndrome) but now realize the best flying is in small planes, including sailplanes, just for the fun of it. Good luck in whatever you choose.

Originally Posted by HotMamaPilot

Nice post. Good reminder about the medical. Another thing that people don't consider is playing football(e.g.) with their kids. One slip and there is a compound fracture. Out for six months. Loss of medical insurance? A joke. There are quite a few sdf guys that are having a midlife crisis and play in ice hockey leagues. This is a prime example of an accident waiting to happen. Order centre ice and let the pros entertain you. Moral of story: because of this profession, a dad can't even play football with his kids! How un-American is that?

Originally Posted by HotMamaPilot

Nice post. Good reminder about the medical. Another thing that people don't consider is playing football(e.g.) with their kids. One slip and there is a compound fracture. Out for six months. Loss of medical insurance? A joke. There are quite a few sdf guys that are having a midlife crisis and play in ice hockey leagues. This is a prime example of an accident waiting to happen. Order centre ice and let the pros entertain you. Moral of story: because of this profession, a dad can't even play football with his kids! How un-American is that?

Originally Posted by BaronRouge380

And you still enjoy your prefession, and there is nothing else you'd better be doing. So, stop complaining Hot Mama or why don't you find something else to do? Want to trade jobs? I will give you my IT Engineering job in a heart beat!!!
I know you are raising awareness for people in my situation and I do appreciate it!
Good luck to you and everyone!

Originally Posted by HotMamaPilot

I fit in a category different from 90% of the average.

I didn't pay for one red cent of my education, training etc.(mom and dad did).

I live at base and will NEVER have to commute.

Has this job been good to me? Yes, but I am by far the exception and NOT the rule.

Originally Posted by BaronRouge380

And you still enjoy your prefession, and there is nothing else you'd better be doing. So, stop complaining Hot Mama or why don't you find something else to do? Want to trade jobs? I will give you my IT Engineering job in a heart beat!!!
I know you are raising awareness for people in my situation and I do appreciate it!
Good luck to you and everyone!

Originally Posted by BaronRouge380

This is really funny! Just because Mommy and Daddy paid for you, and just because you live in base DOES NOT make you THE exception!
I do not think you are the ONLY one happy doing this job!

Originally Posted by HotMamaPilot

I had zero overhead from day one (at simmonds (eagle) and then brown). I was "profitable" from day one. How many others can say that (Except military)? That was my point. If I had an 1100 dollar per month key loan note for 15 years and was making 37 bucks an hour with slim chance of upgrade, I would be hating life, wondering why I did this.

Originally Posted by BaronRouge380

And my point HotMama is... everyone is different not just you. I did not pay for my education either, I come from a European Engineering school and didn't have to pay anything, you just need to make it through the selection process. Sure, I paid for my pilot training working as an engineer, Mommy and Daddy did not, unlike you. And I am not going into this with my eyes closed, I have 0 debt, just like you, saved a lot and with a plan B if things go south.