Thedude

Some of us actually had days like that back when turboprops ruled the commuter ranks. Ok, maybe it was only 10 non-precession out of 14 approaches.
Not joking either.

80ktsClamp

JSH just recently left the commuter ranks as a jet pilot.

AxialFlow

If you never experienced it, then it must have never happened. Move along...nothing to see here.

Blue Skys

I know this is an old post, but I wanted to respond in case anyone else is in a similar situation. I flew first for a regional (AWI) and then a major (UA) for 32 years. When I was flying for AWI, I thought that I'd never get hired by a major and was tired of the multiple legs I was flying and very little rest between. I had an opportunity to take a job with an engineering company that paid better money, standard 8 hour day, home every night and so on. My only problem was that I really wanted to fly, so I would tell myself, "OK, I'll give it 2 more months." I did that for maybe a year and was all but ready to hand in my resignation when low and behold, UA called me for an interview.

I played the game with the phone interview, then the two personal interviews and then the testing, getting all my papers together and so on. It was like a big circus for me that I had to endure just to get the job, but I was committed to doing whatever was necessary.

Then, after all that, came the waiting game for the call to come. Finally, almost 4 months after the circus began, I got an offer and grabbed it. Although I was in the right seat for the first 15 years, I would do it all over again and YES, I am telling anyone that if you have the "passion" for flying, it is well worth sticking it out. You won't be sorry.

(But, then again, each person is different and you have to make that decision for yourself. ) All that I am saying is be very sure of what you want, so that you don't regret it later.

Airdale

To the OP, I was exactly in your shoes in my aviation career. EXACTLY. 9 years I have spent as an airline pilot and the most money I've made in a single year was $38,000 gross. I've endured substantial financial trouble and went through a divorce as well.

I had been looking for a way out and just recently took a job with Flight Safety. My starting salary is more than double what I was making in the airlines. Today is my first day with Flight Safety and I have to admit I'm nervous. I also have to admit that this is all very bittersweet. I do love flying and I know I will miss those days, climbing through the deck to see a great sunset over the clouds. The Cat II ILS approaches in the fog at night. The crazy crosswinds where somehow you manage to pull off a greaser of a landing. The satisfaction of hearing a passenger thank you or say "Awesome job!". I'll miss the fun overnights with a good crew as well.

That being said, I will not ever come back to flying at the airlines. Never. I am getting married again soon and we have a child on the way due in February. I will no longer be selfish and chase metal at the sacrifice of my family. Won't do it.

Nobody can decide for you, you need to decide for yourself. But weigh the pros and cons. I plan to stay flying, I can actually afford to go fly for fun now. But at the end of the day, being an airline pilot is all about just flying a big piece of metal, and to me, its not worth the pay, the sacrifices and spending more than half of your life away from the only thing that matters in this one short life we have: family.

Goodluck to you.


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