Money
 

I was told that the guy who drives around in the truck with the flashing light on top and changes runway lights earns over 85K. Not bad. It is a job in aviation but it is not the same as pulling back the stick at 138 knots. A pilots compensation primarily comes from the joy of flight. Pilots are like religious zealots and are not in it for the money so they don't need much. It is almost blasphemous to live well and fly.

SkyHigh

Jonathon Ornstien once told me exactly that same thing (seriously).

A lot of it has to do with self-esteem / image.

I know many people that are comfortable in their skin and make good money / have a good middle-class life but don't have a fancy job title....They don't care...

I also know a lot of people (myself included) that always talk about who they are / what they do to try to impress people...

People respect airline pilots as professionals. I would be willing to do the job even if it doesn't pay that much...

-LAFF

Respect?
 

We are all watching the sunset on public respect for pilots. Anything that is left is a throwback from earlier times. In ten years people will feel sorry for pilots. Public opinion and status will be similar to ski instructors and paramedics. People at parties will ask why you do it?

SkyHigh

My family made very good money farming. 10 times more than most pilots. But I never drove anything that broke 15mph and shoveling dirt in 100 degree weather sure makes a pretty view and few G's pretty lovable. Just give it all you've got. Keep your eye on the ball. You'll make it to where you want sooner or later. People say it can't happen but there are thousands and thousands of pilots flying nice big jets and loving life. Apparently someone has to fill that captains chair. If determined enough it will be you.

Why do you say " in 10 years people will feel sorry for pilots"?

In time
 

Word is getting out. Pilots are low paid and are being treated without respect from their employers. Marinas and country clubs use to be populated by overpaid airline pilots now they occupy trailer parks, slums and starter homes. In time their reputation and status will sink to match the current reality.

http://www.wfaa.com/sharedcontent/dw....13e79330.html
http://www.wfaa.com/sharedcontent/dw....1b6739d3.html

Back when I was flying for Horizon Air there was a story in the news papers that Skywest pilots were given a memo instructing them not to wear their uniform to the food bank or welfare office anymore. Things like that tend to tarnish the fantasy.

SkyHigh

Farming
 

Once you have a belly full of hardship I am sure you will run back to the farm. There is an old truism in aviation "those who have an alternative occupation enevitably return to it". So far you have had an easy trip. In time that new farm truck and a Cessna 180 will look pretty good.



SKyHigh

My new triple wide is purty snazzy Sky.

Enough silliness Sky. Your passion for exposing the other side of aviation is stretching into dementia. You are a smart and witty guy, but you really need to come back toward the middle. You are getting so far out there that I may not have a rope long enough to get you back.

I second that, SkyHigh is just that, HIGH. And it's not life he's smoken.