Is it just me...or is anybody else worried about the state of the airlines this year? I just keep constantly reading on these threads about the price of oil forcing mainline carriers to reduce their regional flying, or regionals closing down bases, or regionals asking pilots to voluntarily take time off, or airlines going out of business, or class dates being cancelled, or airlines not currently hiring...If you put 2 and 2 together does this mean that it's going to be difficult to get a job this year? I'm not with a regional yet, but are my chances getting slimmer and slimmer by the month? What happened to the good ole' threads of "Pilot shortage, need pilots!!"

 

Part of the deal, I am concerned but, there is nothing you or I can do about it. The best advice I can give you is don't let the uncertainity & stress of this industry to get in the way of relationships at home. Life isn't fair and this industry is cyclical, usually on the upswing for very very short durations don't stress too much

 

I don’t get scared but it makes me second guess myself about not taking the flight job at piedmont…every week when I’m at school writing 15 page papers I have to tell (or Lie to myself lol..) that I will be better off in the long run. I don't know about you guys but the more i learn about this industry the more i ask myself why i did i get into this industry again??? lol

 

EXACTLY!!! I wish I could start all over...

 

Which is all the more reason to study something other than aviation in college and have a nice plan B.

 

I really feel sorry for some of my friends who don't even have a degree. They just don't have a clue about this industry.

 

At your age, it will be no big deal if it takes you another year (or 2, or 3) to get a regional job.

If you're worried about rapid career progression, stay and get the degree...you will DOA without it.

If you're worried about the industry in general, stay and get the degree...that will give you better options outside of aviation if necessary.

But the good news for you is that this economic issue was largerly triggered by the mortgage meltdown. This has resulted in lending standards being drastically tightened across the board...including student and flight training loans! Now it no longer possible for a young slacker with little motivation and no credit to jump right into an $80K flight training loan without a single thought about how he's going to pay it back. Net result: fewer entry-level pilots in the years ahead, and most of those will have had to earn the money first

 

Not to burst your bubble but I am headed out of another tanking world (Automotive Industry) to the airlines. Believe me the grass is no greener over here. I have friends in all industries from construction to sales and everyone is hurting. You just have to go where you are going to be happy doing the job! For me the airlines is where I want to be and it has taken me 10 years to get here. If it all tanks I will just pick up and move on when it does. That is all I can do there is no sense in sweating it to much. But you should always have a plan B in your back pocket; just in case.

 

I'm from the future and I'm not allowed to tell you about what happens, but its awesome!

 

There is always a down turn in this industry every 8-10 yrs. Depending where you are on that wave can make or break you. Its a continuing cycle.