I think someone getting started in aviation should focus on being an "aviator" and not an "airline pilot." There are MANY avenues that will allow you to fly, military, corporate and 135 just to name a few. These are much more stable than the airline industry. Professional flight instructing will probably continue to be in demand, and in many cases offers good pay and lifestyle.

Absolutely...Airline Pilot is only a small facet of what is available in aviation. And it is no longer the place to be. Keep your eyes and options open for other opportunities!

A. The military isn't the only way to serve our country.

B. It is arrogant to make such a broad brushed, spurious and downright ignorant claim that only those in the military are exposed to the "real world" and that skills attained in the military always makes one more marketable than a civilian.

Give me a break!:rolleyes:

Tell you what, I retract my encouraging post to you. The flying profession will be better off without your cocky and sanctimonious "I am better than you because I wear/wore a military uniform" attitude.

Grow up.

Now IS the time to get ready for the up swing. I guess I'm one who really enjoys his job. I make a good wage and have lots of time off!
I can only encourage....

Good Luck!!

NICE JOB!!!!! :D

Thanks Guys
 

Thank you to all who posted messages of support. My role here can be difficult but I believe in what I write. It is no fun to be a fun buster all the time but people need to know the other side of the coin.

I am not negative. I just have a different opinion that goes against the grain of most here. My perspective is unique since I have spent nearly 20 year in pursuit of professional aviation however my income doesn't rely on it anymore. I am free to see the situation as I really think it is and not how I wish it to be.

SkyHigh

Difficult to justify
 

Sound advice however, I think it is difficult to justify the cost of training and education unless you have SWA, UPS or FedEx as your immediate goal.

Just the other day I was checking out the expense of a college education listed on the local public university web site and it estimated modest costs of $72,000 in tuition, books, fees and room and board for four years of college.

I also was quoted an estimate of 70 to 75K as what the average student will pay for all the ratings at the associated flight school on top of the regular college costs. As such the total is a staggering $142,000 to graduate from a university flight program ready to work as a CFI.

Seems to me that if this venture is going to justify itself on a financial basis that part 135 or instructing isn't going to cut it. However if someone merely wants to enjoy the adventure of aviation then who cares if you make any money at it or not.

Skyhigh

Misconception
 

I don't ever making the statement that "only those in the military are exposed to the "real world" and that skills attained in the military always makes one more marketable than a civilian".
I was speaking for myself. Where did you get that from? Don't go putting words in my statement that I never said to begin with.

huh? messages of support? no, you're not illustrating "the other side of the coin". you're only illustrating the lunatic fringe.

you think that you're so unique because you spent 20 years in pursuit of professional aviation??? ha ha ha! there are plenty of people here with more experience than you. The difference? You failed and you gave up.

"I'm not out of the lunch line, everyone else is!" Was that you in elementary school?

Look here loser. You have zero validity and your opinion holds no value. You're not a professional pilot, you're now just a part of the uninformed nonflying public. Come off of your little crusade to inform those considering a flying career.....you have nothing to offer.


Quit trying to bring everyone else down just because you washed out,




for most everyone else that got out of professional aviation, I maintain respect for you. I do only as long as you don't try to cut down those of us that stayed and persevered. SkyHigh only cuts down the career because he has a low self-esteem and tries to bring everyone to his low level of self respect.

okay, if that wasn't what you meant, then your English and syntax needs improvement.