"The reason why i ask is because i feel like the aviation industry is very much in trouble with no hope for the future"

I don't see it that way unless the price of oil continues to go up. Myself, I tend to agree with those who say the bubble will pop. But I'd say up to this point, I don't see this cycle any different than the others in that the fortunes of the airlines tend to ebb and flow with the economy. If the economy is in the crapper, so will the airlines be.

Also. Remember there are non-airline jobs in the biz that are quite good jobs.

My dad was hired by UAL in '65. He tried to keep me out of the airline industry. I was hired by United about thirty years after he was. All I wanted to do was fly jets, for United.

He was right, I should have gone to law school...

The "up and down" nature of this industry is not worth it...

To the OP - This downturn is very bad because we have not recovered from the last one.

I don't recommend this industry to anyone.

Some talk about timing... I say it's ALL about timing. Take about 50 years off of 2008 and the timing would be GREAT!

It's just a matter of time before foreign pilots infiltrate.

I'm trying to think of something positive but "cloud surfing" and "sunsets" aren't canceling out the lost pensions, pay cuts, abrogated contracts, destroyed moral, management bonuses, furloughs and age 65 realities.

Would you recommend it to someone who has the ability to retain their old job at any time? I am considering making the switch. My job is high paying and very stable, although I watch the clock too much in my cube. I love to fly and don't mind an alternative life style.

If you got nothing to lose, and can just jump right back on the merry go-around, go fer it ~~

The reality is that MOST jobs are not very stable. Companies no longer feel that employees are an asset to nurture and respect, and employees dont feel that way toward employers, I guess it is an all about me world. Bottom line, "minimize your maximum regret". Translation is dont get to be an old drooling fart and look back on your life with a bunch of "I wish I would have's" and "If only I would have's". Life life with zeal and adventure whether flying is your dream or whatever. Remember, this forum might not be a perfect representation of the industry's attitudes as a whole, so take some advice and then make up your own mind.
BD

[quote=flybynuts;424939]Mine are hanging in the closet:D

You are 100% correct. No matter what industry, if you are an employee you are an "expendable asset". One difference about being a pilot, is that if you are furloughed and try to go to another airline then you start at the very bottom. Compared to other industries where you probably take a pay cut, but not to level 1. However, making a ton of money in any occupation isnt guarranteed. It involves some skill, luck, and timing. Looking on the bright side, what other industry beside aviation, as you advance can you make more money and have more time off?

The industry is obviously changing but you can't quickly get from LAX to Sydney or JFK to HKG except by air. There are significant challenges, not the least of which is the greenies and the carbon taxes being considered in Europe.

But the economies of China, India and others are expanding. One estimate I read said those two countries alone will need thousands of pilots in the next year and tens of thousand in the next decades. So, it depends.. if you want to stay in the US, things may be a bit slimmer for a while but if you are willing to travel, things may be getting fatter.

Previously, foreign carriers were paying at or below scale because many of the applicants were the older guys who wanted to keep flying. No more.. IF the foreign carriers are going to attract LONG TERM employees, they are going to have to pay MORE than the US contracts to get the younger pilots.

But the old rule still applies. Do what you love to do and you never have to go to work. Live within your means and save at least 10% of EVERYTHING you make.

The current focus is very short term and I keep saying it.. that is not without intent. It is an election year and the party out of power always does its best to show how bad things are. Yes, there are problems out there but they are not insurmountable.. unless Phil Gramm was right.

[QUOTE=DYNASTY HVY;425194]don't forget Magnum PI on primetime!