SkyHigh

You are right I didn't fit in. When I signed up years ago it was to learn a trade and to be able to provide a good living for myself. I had no idea that I was getting into a situation that would require fairytale logic, nepotism and luck to get anywhere.

It is my contention that others today who evaluate the profession are lead to believe that the majors are within easy reach of most anyone. If they were given a more accurate estimate of their chances I am sure that few would sign up for a Keybank loan that expects $1000 monthly homage.

For some aviation is a religion and feel blessed with the simple privilege of being able to fly a plane. However I believe that most begin with the intent of earn a living. They make the false assumption that flying is a real vocation and that their skills are valued. The reality is that after investing in a four year college education, flight training and wasted years as a CFI all you get is a chance to sit at the table for a few hands.

We all love aviation. After so many years of disappointments and letdowns the trick is to be able to stay in love. Perhaps it takes the disposition of a victim, or low self esteem? Anyone who respects themselves can not endure the abuse for long. In my estimation if you have not made it to a major by 35 you face greatly decreasing returns and chances that begin to rapidly race towards zero.

Shackones position is that flying for a regional is a good opportunity. Others are proud of their position as a pilot for an LCC. After so much sacrifice and losses I expected a significant return. Compared to what the legacy carriers traditionally paid, the best that an old DC9 or RJ can offer are crumbs. I don't fit into that world and most rational people wouldn't either. Aviation today is closer to a religion or working hobby. Young people who are evaluating aviation as a career should know that flying is closer to a dream shot on American Idol than a real occupation.

SkyHigh

shackone

I certainly do.

As a matter of fact, most legacy carriers did fly the DC-9 or its derivatives. As for pay, as a DC-9 Captain, I made $180 an hour. That may be 'crumbs' to you, but my guess is that most folks here would sell off their first born child to make that kind of dough!!

SkyHigh

Yes most would sacrifice a lot for the pay and benefits at a legacy carrier. I was referring to the LCC's that operate the DC9. The LCC's are like generic brands, they seem the same, you can tell yourself that you are an airline pilot of a big jet but in reality the career is a fraud.

Back when I started my training there was no such thing as a regional or LCC. I wonder what new sub-levels will emerge over the next 20 years?

I also wonder what your disposition would be like if you were faced with the same shortened career expectations?

SkyHigh

shackone

SWA is a LCC. Do you think a SWA pilot's career is a fraud?

Baloney. People Express was in operation then.

LOL!! I was faced with that...as were pilots from PanAm, Eastern, USAir, etc. My disposition was to be quite concerned about my future. The main difference between you and the rest of us is that we didn't blame the industry for our worries.

tomgoodman

I think it's more like the deck gets re-shuffled after a pilot has made his bet. That's been happening ever since deregulation. Picking the "wrong" airline job is easy to do, even if you have all the facts, and your "mistake" will become visible only in hindsight. In addition, many pilots (including myself), got only one offer. Too bad that luck is such a major factor in airline career success, but it's been that way for almost 30 years, and maybe longer.

vagabond

That's right, Tom, luck plays a big role not only in aviation, but just about every aspect of life. Take my clients, for example. Many of them find themselves in the situation they are in because they happen to come upon a bit of bad luck. They are all good people, hardworking, faithful and hold out hope that life cannot get any worse. They are just like all of us - regular people who want a better life for themselves and their family. Quite a few of them do pull through, but some seem to be cursed with bad luck or no luck whatsoever. It really hurts sometimes to see how their lives can change so dramatically with just a little bit of help or luck, and none was forthcoming.

Apply this analogy to those who want to work for the airlines. All of them, I'm sure, possess a love of flying. Some are lucky to have parents and friends who can help them get a foot in the door. Some have pluck and self-confidence. And many found themselves in the right place at the right time. These latter ones also seem to have the self-awareness to know and appreciate that they landed something good. There is a place in this world for everybody. Some aspire to fly the big planes, while others are more than happy with a little one.

So, what does all this have to do with this thread comparing SkyHigh to Jonathan? Nothing probably, but I sure feel better though! Almost like a massage at Gene Juarez Salon and Spa.

shackone

True enough. Those of us who went to Eastern, PanAm, TWA, etc know that all too well.

But SH didn't. Horizon is doing OK, and he would be in the left seat there today had he stayed.

SkyHigh

I could have been in the left seat of a Dash 8 but what kind of life would I have been able to offer my family for their trouble? Not much of one I can assure you. I signed up for the big time and I swung for the fence and lost. I don't think that makes me a hero but I don't think it qualifies me as a total loser either. No one knows what the future will bring. At the time I was at Horizon Air new captain pay was 35K. I made the best decision I could with the information I had.

Your Friend,

SkyHigh

I appreciate your dedication.