Its hangin'. You see the sky falling? ;)

I know
 

Sometimes I come off a bit strong. I consider you a friend and hope that I haven't offended you.

Its just that I am passionate about getting what I feel is an important point across. Everything is a trade off and lucky for you you can afford to trade off the responsibility of earning a real living. Others are not so fortunate. I hope to be able to return one day to flying also after I have a solid form of outside support. However it doesn't change the fact that it makes both our careers a working hobby and not a viable form of self supporting employment.

The 150 is great but the way !!! Thanks for asking. I am hoping to go flying in it tomorrow !! :)

Skyhigh

No way a motivational speaker. The Anti-Tony Robbins.

Except all attendees would have their shoe laces and belts taken away afterwards. This guy could convince a newborn to commit suicide.

There are some pilots that "love flying" and are paid very well.

One that comes to mind is a fellow who, after graduating college, could not secure a military flight slot. 14 years ago there was a huge reduction in our armed services.

He kept his eyes on the end goal and started his own business that many might think menial - tree removal and mulching. Through his hard work, the business grew and he was able to purchase a home, pay off loans and save up big $ for flight training.

Started and completed training from zero to CFI, multi, hired at regional, upgrade, check airman, bought the 73 type and all the while networked.

Hired at the most successful US carrier, now a family man and happy flying and getting paid very well.

Sure he considers himself lucky, but without drive, determination, know-how and a great work ethic he couldn't have made it......

It's not all gloom and doom. There is lots of storys out there just like this one. Good for your friend.

There's the key that I think so many 20 somethings and some 30 somethings lack in this day and age. Great story!! :D

Training can suck. just get through it and things will get better. trust me. I hated training, absolutely hated it. made me hate aviation, the choices i made, etc... but I was just being ****y. once you get on line the difference is like night and day. I love it. I can't imagine diong anything else.

The reasons for the delay into this profession are mine and mine alone.
However, if working in the Baltimore Washington area as a firefighter/medic for $33,000 a year (after 10 years experience no less - and that's gross, not net) sounds "adequate", then I want some of what you're smoking. Working in an office isn't for me. I've tried it, and it doesn't work (part time jobs to make up for the lack of pay in my "dream job"... sound familiar?)
I'm very happy that your plumber can make $80K a year after just 5 years. I know if I were doing that job, I'd be miserable, and I'd need $80K a year to make a dent in my misery.
As for pilot wages, pretty much anything after year 2 at the better regionals is more than I make now (and have been making for the last 4 years). As I said, I can take the cut for 2 years. I know about "paying my dues"... Firefighters have been making new people do it A LOT longer than pilots.

Median income in SkyHigh's world is about $90K. Unfortunately, that won't get you very far as the poverty level is around $65K.

"To whom I address when I write a post is really the 18 year old kid with an ocean of life's paths to choose from. It is from that perspective that I highly suggest looking elsewhere. Aviation is too expensive to risky and if oil hits as high as some suggest then there is little future for any of us

Skyhigh 3/14/08"

Any 18 year olds here?

Until you preach it at JC, where all the newbs are, I can only come to the conclusion Skyhigh is here to vent about his failed flying career. It makes him feel better. I think they call it a defense mechanism...