Who likes their job?
#101
"For those of us who tried it during the last 3-5 years, we sort of got the short end of the stick."
I think part of the problem is the perception given to the guys who got a jet job at 500-700 hours. At 2000 hours I was making 600/mo, working 6 days a week, flying 172's in the Grand Canyon. It was never easy and working your way up takes time. It took me 10 years from solo to a 121 prop job. I can see how those who got to the shiny jet at 500 hours could have pretty high expectations and be pretty dissapointed with the current environment.
It's not an easy career but I think it's an awesome career. It's not for everybody, though, and the sooner one figures out it's not for them, and the sooner they get out, the better it will be. Also, the more that leave the better it will be for those who stay.
We are in uncertain times. Age 65. The economy is in the crapper and aviation tends to ebb and flow with the economy. I think with fuel prices so low, though, the airlines might actually make money next year. Most of the planes I jumpseat on are nearly full. I think those that decide to stick it out will have a good shot at what I'd consider a worthy job in aviation. But, it's still not for everybody...
I think part of the problem is the perception given to the guys who got a jet job at 500-700 hours. At 2000 hours I was making 600/mo, working 6 days a week, flying 172's in the Grand Canyon. It was never easy and working your way up takes time. It took me 10 years from solo to a 121 prop job. I can see how those who got to the shiny jet at 500 hours could have pretty high expectations and be pretty dissapointed with the current environment.
It's not an easy career but I think it's an awesome career. It's not for everybody, though, and the sooner one figures out it's not for them, and the sooner they get out, the better it will be. Also, the more that leave the better it will be for those who stay.
We are in uncertain times. Age 65. The economy is in the crapper and aviation tends to ebb and flow with the economy. I think with fuel prices so low, though, the airlines might actually make money next year. Most of the planes I jumpseat on are nearly full. I think those that decide to stick it out will have a good shot at what I'd consider a worthy job in aviation. But, it's still not for everybody...
#102
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jul 2007
Position: ERJ CA
Posts: 262
It's kind of funny how it's like two completely different jobs, between reserve and holding a line. I actually had a post a while back thinking about getting out of the industry back when I was on reserve. Now that I'm holding a line consistently, its not too bad. My commute is pretty easy and hopefully will continue to get fairly commutable schedules. Don't have a crashpad either right now which helps to save some cash. I'm definitely not at a "top tier" regional, but it's nice to just catch a flight, go to work and then come home and live my life. Yes I may hate the company I work for but it's an easy job when I can just go to work and not have to deal with crew trackers or sitting countless hours at the airport or crashpad.
#103
Moderator
Joined APC: Oct 2006
Position: B757/767
Posts: 13,088
Not to be a downer but I was attempting to do a reality check. The fact that someone is still considering getting into this profession with a family and kids off all things, is missing something. Not all of us will be Delta FOs anytime soon, which even then pay is not nearly enough. You can make 50-85k per year easily on other professions especially if you have a degree.
He is going to start flight training, that will cost 40-50K, I'd use that money for an MBA or your kids college fund.
He is going to start flight training, that will cost 40-50K, I'd use that money for an MBA or your kids college fund.
I respect your reality check. However, there aren't many careers(let alone jobs) where you will make $50-85K your 1st/2nd year. If you believe there are then you may want to give yourself a reality check.
#104
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Apr 2007
Posts: 456
What about the simple fact that you get to fly? Obviously I love it considering I went out and got my PPL... I was hooked after my first lesson... hell I was hooked after my first commercial flight in 1991 as a kid... Right now I just can't afford to enjoy it anymore... It seems like GA is now reserved for the rich...(Only way it's affordable is to fill the seats and have everyone pay) So I figure why not give it purpose rather than simple enjoyment? Why not make it my career?
That brings me to another point... What about all the 135 jobs that might pop up once these VLJ's and the like hit the market? My mind is open to anything flying... airlines or not.
That brings me to another point... What about all the 135 jobs that might pop up once these VLJ's and the like hit the market? My mind is open to anything flying... airlines or not.
#105
What about the simple fact that you get to fly? Obviously I love it considering I went out and got my PPL... I was hooked after my first lesson... hell I was hooked after my first commercial flight in 1991 as a kid... Right now I just can't afford to enjoy it anymore... It seems like GA is now reserved for the rich...(Only way it's affordable is to fill the seats and have everyone pay) So I figure why not give it purpose rather than simple enjoyment? Why not make it my career?
That brings me to another point... What about all the 135 jobs that might pop up once these VLJ's and the like hit the market? My mind is open to anything flying... airlines or not.
That brings me to another point... What about all the 135 jobs that might pop up once these VLJ's and the like hit the market? My mind is open to anything flying... airlines or not.
As far as the flying, it never gets old to me. I love flying. But, its the other stuff that makes it a rough and tumble career choice.
#106
Open Mind
What about the simple fact that you get to fly? Obviously I love it considering I went out and got my PPL... I was hooked after my first lesson... hell I was hooked after my first commercial flight in 1991 as a kid... Right now I just can't afford to enjoy it anymore... It seems like GA is now reserved for the rich...(Only way it's affordable is to fill the seats and have everyone pay) So I figure why not give it purpose rather than simple enjoyment? Why not make it my career?
That brings me to another point... What about all the 135 jobs that might pop up once these VLJ's and the like hit the market? My mind is open to anything flying... airlines or not.
That brings me to another point... What about all the 135 jobs that might pop up once these VLJ's and the like hit the market? My mind is open to anything flying... airlines or not.
Everyone who jumps into aviation at one time or another felt the way that you do now. It is a dirty trick that a love of aviation is so difficult to satisfy unless you are well off or are prepared to throw your entire life into it.
My advise is to strive to reach a place where you can afford to live and also afford to follow your aviation dream. These days it is common to have multiple streams of income in order to survive an aviation career anyway. Why not start off with the business?
SkyHigh
#107
Line Holder
Joined APC: Mar 2007
Posts: 30
So this is where all those salty guys who hate their jobs and whom my buddies talk about how much it sucks doing a four day trip with come to hang out. I was wondering if they had a forum for those guys! Wow I am glad that I don't have to fly with guys/gals like the whiners on this thread.
#108
kinda like not having to fly with a guy named insanelyradical, if i heard those two words come up in an airplane, uttered by a crew, i might burst into laughter....
Neway, it can be a disheartening to read a post in which many individuals seem "angered" or turned off by the profession. At the same time, it's a necessary evil. Checks and Balance if you will, for the individuals who believe that the best day for flying a jet is today, tomorrow, and forever.
Neway, it can be a disheartening to read a post in which many individuals seem "angered" or turned off by the profession. At the same time, it's a necessary evil. Checks and Balance if you will, for the individuals who believe that the best day for flying a jet is today, tomorrow, and forever.
#110
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jun 2008
Position: Reclined
Posts: 2,168
**EDIT
Let me say that I understand that the airline industry is hard, I've worked within the airline industry for about 2.5 years, in a non-flying job, and have been laid off twice, and potentially facing a third time. I understand that the job of being an airline pilot means low pay, in the beginning,
Let me say that I understand that the airline industry is hard, I've worked within the airline industry for about 2.5 years, in a non-flying job, and have been laid off twice, and potentially facing a third time. I understand that the job of being an airline pilot means low pay, in the beginning,
**I know people who are happy with their job as an airline pilot, and I also know people who are veru unhappy in their job working 9-5. The lifestyle of being a pilot will be for some people, and not for others. Just because one person doesn't like the career, doesn't mean that everybody will hate it,
Have you been paying attention the last 2.5 years at your non flying airline job? The majors/legacy's are shrinking at an increasing rate, in at least one case and ENTIRE mainline pilot group was replaced by regional crap... there will be no mainline good jobs to go to so lang as people keep accepting crappy regional jobs for zero money, and zero QOL because they think that this is a great stepping stone job to go to a major...
True about finding what makes you happy, the rest of your line of thought is jibberish.
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