Lining a Dream: Pilot vs Actor
 

I was thinnking about the lifestyles of wanna-be-actors and wanna-be-airline pilots (read that as the classic Dean Martin in "Airport" trans oceanic CA). This has nothing to do with shat a pilot SHOULD be paid, it is only a thought on what one may be willing to do to follow a dream.

Some 20 years ago I was in college studying acting. The one thing all of hopeful stars knew was we faced zillions of auditions (called "cattle calls") in hopes of getting a bit part that might jumpstart our carrers. We also knew we would be working as waiters/busboys/vallets/ditch diggers making starvation wages all the while. Those that chose to follow the dream of acting accepted the risks and consequences of thier dream.

Now compare that to flying. We have all seen/heard of the 747 CA who flys Laguardia to Rome's Fiumicino and is only in the cockpit (sorry, flight deck) maybe six days per month. For some of us, that is the goal. Unfotunately, few will ever reach that point.

But, does that mean we have failed or at least come up short? There are many actors who make a fair living doing commercials, voice overs, or a slew of bit parts. No, they are not the lead in Rocky XXIII, but they still earn a living and do what they enjoy.

Again, I am not saying what a pilot should earn, but consider this: a fair but moderate pay doing what you love is pretty darn good. Maybe I am wierd, but flying the equivalent doing commercials is still a good gig.

Just food for thought......

jsh
Living the "stainless steal lined cloud" dream

Acting
 

I am not an actor however it seems to me that as an actor you are not paid well but mostly have their time free. Flying can keep you away from home, up all day and at all hours of the night. And, flying the little stuff can easily kill you.

SkyHigh

I don't think the 747's could take off from LGA though