Originally Posted by AirWillie

Because they are following a pipe dream. If you read the CVR transcripts of the FO before they went down, she was talking about going to fEDEX/UPS/Alaska. Well, how many of us will be applying there? Just about everyone that meets the mins. The chances of you NOW going someplace that would make your above statement valid is lower than winning the lottery because in most cases it is impossible.

Originally Posted by 577nitro

I'm not the problem, I know what the pay is, and I know what the life style is, and I don't complain. Those of you who constantly complain, and STILL stay in your joke of a pay position are. You say "I'll quit in an instant.." BS! If this were true, you would have already, the reality is that you LIKE/LOVE your job too much to quit. Because it is the "coolest job in the world" and to prove it, I give the argument that you and the other "pay sucks" guys, are still there flying for peanuts. It's not like your mentally challenged, or physically handicapped, your a pilot so you have to have some smarts. You could do almost anything else in the world that requires technical competency. So the old and tired argument of "I only know this" is BS also. If you want to be a beer taster, go for it, how hard could it be?

And, "No", I don't want to do anything else. If I made more money, I'd use it to fly more or start a 135 op just for fun.

I'll be more than happy to point anybody on this thread to a new exciting (yeah right) lucrative career in data center virtualizing. More money than you can image to be made ($75,000.00 starting), and its EASY for a smart guy. However, like everything in life there is a price to pay, high stress, tedious, boredom and having to deal with complete buffoons.

If money is your goal, EVERYBODY knows flying is not the route to go. So you must be doing it (flying) because you LOVE it, and its the "coolest job in the world" and money is secondary.

IMHO, the only way to raise the pay is to raise the standards. More hours to get in, require an ATP, require a four year degree in engineering, and require an IQ test. These things are weeders, and when the pool of qualified applicants shrinks, those that are left can demand more pay. This is how the rest of the world works, especially in the IT/Computer industry. Thats why Datacenter Virtualizing experts are in constant demand, are paid stupid amounts of money no matter what skill level they are. Demand and Supply, plain and simple.

Originally Posted by 577nitro

So everybody that is flying for a living is following a pipe dream? I don't buy it.

Originally Posted by JoeyMeatballs

well said, F1 driver or actor................

Originally Posted by AirWillie

It's not easy to quit when you have so much invested. Not to mention your personal life. All this stuff is geared towards those from the outside looking in that actually have a choice.

Originally Posted by 577nitro

No way, no how, do I believe this. This is pure defeatist attitude. I've changed careers three times in my life, and if I can, with a wife and three small kids, anybody can.

Originally Posted by AirWillie

If you have three kids and are interviewing for an entry level FO job, then good luck to you sir. 2nd or 3rd career? No care about pay? It all makes perfect sense, another case of someone making this a hobby.

Originally Posted by 577nitro

Oh I care about the pay, I'm just smart enough to have many backup plans that allow me to pursue my passions without sacrificing my families quality of life. As far as flying as an FO, well don't we all have to start someplace. I mean if you have a better plan, please tell me and the rest how to start at the top as an mainline CA. Following your logic, or lack of, everybody entering this career is a hobbyist because we all have to start as an FO at low pay.

Originally Posted by 577nitro

Oh I care about the pay, I'm just smart enough to have many backup plans that allow me to pursue my passions without sacrificing my families quality of life. As far as flying as an FO, well don't we all have to start someplace. I mean if you have a better plan, please tell me and the rest how to start at the top as an mainline CA. Following your logic, or lack of, everybody entering this career is a hobbyist because we all have to start as an FO at low pay.

Originally Posted by GlobeTreker

Why don't we have this conversation again after you have actually entered this industry. Your comments are like a virgin preaching about how great sex is. Seriously, what do you know about being an airline pilot? Like everyone else, you won't understand until it's too late.