I punched out and have no regrets.
11-11-2013, 04:59 PM
#42
Blue Light Special
Joined APC: Jan 2007
Position: Learjet 45 & G-IV
Posts: 637
It's funny how people differ... a year ago I tried walking away. I wasn't sure what I was going to do, but I decided it was time to hang up the flying hat.
... 6 months later, I was back in the air. Maybe it's the corporate vs. airline debate, but there's just something about it that's in my blood now and was too hard to get away. I have grown to love and almost depend on the spontaneity, and the randomness.
Has anyone else tried to get out only finding themselves back in a cockpit months, years later?
... 6 months later, I was back in the air. Maybe it's the corporate vs. airline debate, but there's just something about it that's in my blood now and was too hard to get away. I have grown to love and almost depend on the spontaneity, and the randomness.
Has anyone else tried to get out only finding themselves back in a cockpit months, years later?
11-11-2013, 06:45 PM
#43
On Reserve
Joined APC: Oct 2013
Position: None at the moment
Posts: 11
Walked when Independence went Ch7. Went to law school. Been sniffing around looking to get back in as I've got the magic 1000hrs of P121 Jet PIC but I just can't fathom going back to 100+ days a year in a hotel.
11-12-2013, 08:13 AM
#44
Blue Light Special
Joined APC: Jan 2007
Position: Learjet 45 & G-IV
Posts: 637
Originally Posted by nelsdvn
Walked when Independence went Ch7. Went to law school. Been sniffing around looking to get back in as I've got the magic 1000hrs of P121 Jet PIC but I just can't fathom going back to 100+ days a year in a hotel.
11-13-2013, 08:23 AM
#45
Self Employed.
Joined APC: May 2005
Position: Corporate Pilot
Posts: 7,119
Not easy
Horses, sailing, and aviation are as addictive as drugs. It is hard to turn away but if you value the other aspects in your life that made you decide to quit in the first place then perhaps one needs to muster the drive?
Skyhigh
Skyhigh
11-22-2013, 06:33 PM
#46
Line Holder
Joined APC: Nov 2006
Posts: 38
So what's the OP doing for a job? I like to hear about what other people that have left the industry. I've been out for 5 years as a stay at home dad while my wife started a business. I'll probably be heading back into the workforce in a couple of years and I'd love to hear about possible career options for refugee pilots.
11-27-2013, 09:26 AM
#48
On Reserve
Joined APC: Apr 2011
Posts: 24
Post Pilot Careers
Furloughed by Netjets and have been working as an accountant. Got my Master's in Accounting while at Comair and Netjets then graduated just prior to furlough. There are a lot of opportunities in the field once you get some experience. It is not flying, but if you want a profession that is in high demand, this is one.
12-01-2013, 03:28 PM
#50
Line Holder
Joined APC: Oct 2008
Position: 17 S.E. of Kedzi
Posts: 71
I have not logged on here in quite some time but did for the hell of it. I see people asking what you are in now, a fool for leaving etc.
I did the flight instructing, banner tow, skydiver driver, check hauler routine. Aviation is as much of a lifestyle as it is about flying airplanes. It appeals to some but not others.
Just like anything it boils down to the right place at the right time. I was never in the right place at the right time in aviation but my current career for the last 22+ years has worked out well. Most folks I know would very much want to be at my current employer. IF they were to advertise for 100 openings more than 5000 have applied and that was before the economic meltdown.They haven't advertised in several years.
I started at the gas and electric company after flying, also after an interview with AMR Eagle to fly ATR's back when the bare minimum requirements were 2500TT and 500 multi. I began as a janitor making close to what I did when I left the career hauling checks in an Aztec then proceeded to be a mechanic working on every type of equipment they own for 17 years. I am now a gas man keeping people from blowing themselves up or dying of CO poisoning. Don't pick on any honest profession. To do so is nothing more than small penis syndrome. Yeah, I was a janitor so what. It proved I was a worker who was not disinclined to get his fingies dirty.
I know a pilot flying right seat in 747's who is making about what I do now but that is after maybe 8-10 years as a regional captain,,,after getting to that point. Sure he may end up earning more than me eventually but what about those 22 years making quite a bit less. It is not all about money but I have been home every night, did some of my own traveling, hunted and fished when I wanted to, etc. Flying can be like tunnel vision.
Now let us speak of something the young pups do not realize would happen. How about your health? Yeah I know, "that isn't going to happen". B.S. That is what I thought. I currently have a special issuance for something that hasn't kept me from doing a thing. The FAA requires tests that the regular medical establishment doesn't deem necessary. I won't even talk about the sleep apnea thing the FAA likes, which by the way doesn't affect me. I know of a UPS pilot who has been on medical leave for a long time because of certification and who knows if he will ever return to the cockpit.
I kind of liked the last man to give me a BFR and was wondering who I would use after he moved on. Hmm, he is back instructing after the stint with Avant Air. Something else that happens all too frequently in aviation.
One other aspect I found rather interesting. An aquaintance's daughter has just graduated from Purdue with a B.S. in aviation. Yeah they produced more astronauts than anybody but man do they fill these kids full of hyperbole. They get the sim training and time in a Phenom. She thought as soon as she graduated she would be instantly in a jet making the big bucks. Then she didn't think the newer rules for needing 1500 hours for regionals was right and she would have to instruct. wah wah wah. Reality.
If the career is working for you and the family is not starving, your needs are being met, good for you. Always have an ace in the hole. For some leaving the career was the best thing they ever did. I am one of them.
I did the flight instructing, banner tow, skydiver driver, check hauler routine. Aviation is as much of a lifestyle as it is about flying airplanes. It appeals to some but not others.
Just like anything it boils down to the right place at the right time. I was never in the right place at the right time in aviation but my current career for the last 22+ years has worked out well. Most folks I know would very much want to be at my current employer. IF they were to advertise for 100 openings more than 5000 have applied and that was before the economic meltdown.They haven't advertised in several years.
I started at the gas and electric company after flying, also after an interview with AMR Eagle to fly ATR's back when the bare minimum requirements were 2500TT and 500 multi. I began as a janitor making close to what I did when I left the career hauling checks in an Aztec then proceeded to be a mechanic working on every type of equipment they own for 17 years. I am now a gas man keeping people from blowing themselves up or dying of CO poisoning. Don't pick on any honest profession. To do so is nothing more than small penis syndrome. Yeah, I was a janitor so what. It proved I was a worker who was not disinclined to get his fingies dirty.
I know a pilot flying right seat in 747's who is making about what I do now but that is after maybe 8-10 years as a regional captain,,,after getting to that point. Sure he may end up earning more than me eventually but what about those 22 years making quite a bit less. It is not all about money but I have been home every night, did some of my own traveling, hunted and fished when I wanted to, etc. Flying can be like tunnel vision.
Now let us speak of something the young pups do not realize would happen. How about your health? Yeah I know, "that isn't going to happen". B.S. That is what I thought. I currently have a special issuance for something that hasn't kept me from doing a thing. The FAA requires tests that the regular medical establishment doesn't deem necessary. I won't even talk about the sleep apnea thing the FAA likes, which by the way doesn't affect me. I know of a UPS pilot who has been on medical leave for a long time because of certification and who knows if he will ever return to the cockpit.
I kind of liked the last man to give me a BFR and was wondering who I would use after he moved on. Hmm, he is back instructing after the stint with Avant Air. Something else that happens all too frequently in aviation.
One other aspect I found rather interesting. An aquaintance's daughter has just graduated from Purdue with a B.S. in aviation. Yeah they produced more astronauts than anybody but man do they fill these kids full of hyperbole. They get the sim training and time in a Phenom. She thought as soon as she graduated she would be instantly in a jet making the big bucks. Then she didn't think the newer rules for needing 1500 hours for regionals was right and she would have to instruct. wah wah wah. Reality.
If the career is working for you and the family is not starving, your needs are being met, good for you. Always have an ace in the hole. For some leaving the career was the best thing they ever did. I am one of them.
