Sky,
When we build our house, will you help me paint it? :)

I have to agree with Skyhigh on point one. Being ex-military probably helps with an aviation career. I disagree with having to have family in the business though. I have never once seen that as a prerequisite for being hired at a Major. Strike three are all issues that can affect you no matter what job you are trying for. But you should really know all that at the onset when you decide to make aviation your career, not when you are trying to get on at a Major airline and wondering why no one will hire you. I remember reading everything I could on the industry 17 years ago when I took my first flight lesson. I knew what was expected. Books like "Becoming an Airline Pilot" by Jeff Griffin, "Airline Pilot" by Future Airline Professionals of America, "Checklist for Success" by Cheryl Cage, Air Inc's "Questions", "The Neglected Art of Being Interviewed" by Medley. I could go on. The fact is, if you are well prepared, reasonably intelligent, network, and have a good attitude and decent personality, you have a good shot at a descent career at one of the Majors...

That's just my opinion though, I know there are a limited number of jobs and that not all pilots will make it out of the Regionals (if that is their goal). I wasn't ex-military, no family in the biz, and I even had a minor misdemeanor on my record I had to explain away. Not to mention a fluff degree from a State University. Having said that I'm enjoying my 9th year at a Major cargo airline.

I agree with a lot of what Skyhigh says, and I can sense his frustration. Unfortunately, that's life. Sometimes things don't work out the way we want them to no matter how hard we try...

You got it !!
 

I am not to fond of heights though. I hope it is only one story.:)

SkyHigh

Secret Society
 

For your sake lets hope not.

As for the anti-nepotism older captains have friends at other companies and they will trade kids to help each others son get hired.

Skyhigh

It's 2 but we'll get you some safe scaffolding, I promise. :p

NO such thing.

Based on one's current needs and opportunities, he may fall back on a different job than flying -- but never a better one.


I didn't fly F-16s, I'm the only guy in my family that ever thought about aviation, I'm not handsome or slender, and I don't play golf. Oh, and I'm just as old as anybody else my age.

On the other hand, I worked hard to finish my college degree. I get along well with people -- something I learned in kindergarten. I won't blame my misfortune on a "HR gal's bad day." And I'm smart enough to not drink alcohol and insert car keys into the ignition.

And yet, every time I go to "work" I get paid (quite well) to do something I absolutely love to do.


You've lumped some real obstacles -- that you've placed yourself (no college, DUI, failure to succeed in formal training) -- alongside some artificial barriers to make it appear that it's impossible to achieve a dream. The picture you paint is bleak, indeed, but it is grossly inaccurate. Success, and the attainment of a dream, is as achievable as ever. It takes hard work, determination, and aptitude. I'm not sure what your downfall was, but your failure doesn't require that everyone else with your dream will also fail.

I think you'd be better served, and your family would be happier, if you would concentrate on your successes. Take care of your family, and excel in the job that you have. Bitterness will sour everything you touch if you don't let it go. Your quest to spread the failure story isn't helping anyone.


Go love your family.



.

Success
 

Say aren't you living in the Middle East in order to keep your dream alive? To me that is the ultimate in desperation.

SkyHigh

SkyHigh: Let's not insult the folks that are serving OUR country. They don't do it out of "desperation" to keep their dream alive.

Good debate is fine but there are limits to how honorable people should be catagorized.

Starting? He's a bitter, wish he could have made something of his life, human. Read his post's and you wanta put a gun to your head.

I guess I got lucky. I am 35, NCD (no college degree), and was still able to land an airline job. Guess my looks got me in. Instead of college I started my own business, had a baby and earned my certificates and ratings while doing the duties required for both parenthood and business owner. If your smart, you'll have no prob getting what you want. I practically aced every written I have ever taken and never found them challenging while I have watched several college grads fail. The degree just gives the ailrine confidence that you will pass ground school. I think being a former Marine, business owner and parent shows dedication and honor to pursuing a job or dream. I laugh at the people that said" oh, you want to be a pilot? You need your degree.." NCD Baby!