7 Reasons NOT to Become An Airline Pilot
03-03-2015, 08:24 AM
#1
Gets Weekends Off
Thread Starter
Joined APC: Dec 2014
Position: CL65
Posts: 955
7 Reasons NOT to Become An Airline Pilot
There have been several posts recently about people wanting to become airline pilots, and which regional to choose. I saw this article and couldn't help but think about them.
I enjoy my job, but it is certainly different than what most people think it is like. I think that some of these are not necessarily true, but thought it might make a good discussion.
What should new people to the industry, or people that are thinking about becoming airline pilots, know before they jump in?
Credit: http://aviation.about.com/od/Pilot-T...hareurlbuttons
.................................................. .............................................
There are a lot of reasons to become a pilot: flying is a lot of fun and for most, it's a very satisfying career. But there are a few misconceptions to clear up about the lifestyle of a commercial pilot.
Here are 7 reasons that you should not become a pilot:
1. For the Money
A senior captain at a legacy airline makes a decent salary, but if you get into aviation for the salary, you'll probably be very disappointed.
One of the downsides to flying is that flight training is really expensive, and the starting salary for most flight instructors or regional airline pilots is hardly enough to make a living. Throw student loans and a family into the mix and that $30,000 starting pilot salary isn't going to cut it.
Those that are patient and also happen to enjoy their lower-paying flying jobs will stick around long enough to move up and make more money -- but patience is key. It won't happen overnight.
There are many pilots out there that make a very good salary, but you can bet that they've put in their time. So if you're getting into aviation for the money, you may want to consider a different career path.
2. For the Fame
Back in the day, it used to be that pilots were really, really cool. (At least that's what I hear.) Don't get me wrong, pilots are still super cool, but not in the famous/lavish/extravagant/Hollywood way. The economy has, indeed, taken its toll on the aviation industry and airline pilots are sometimes seen as nothing more than glorified bus drivers.
Today's pilots are cool in a more laid-back "I-don't-stress-about-my-job" and "I -spend-every-weekend-at-the-lake" way. For the most part, pilots can leave work at work. When they clock out, they don't usually have to spend long hours behind a desk at home filing reports or answering emails.
3. For the Awards and Accolades
One thing pilots miss out on when they choose their profession is positive feedback. Promotions and rewards that come with a corporate office job, such as a raise for good performance, don't exist for pilots. (But some corporate office workers would argue that they don't get those perks, either, so this point may be a moot one.)
Really, though, if you're the type of person that needs constant "atta-boys" for a job well done or expect a raise when you fly well, then flying is not the career for you. Pilots show up, do their jobs, go home and get paid. That's about it. Sometimes promotions happen for those that want to move up the executive chain at an airline, but in general pilots don't get rewarded for good flying. In fact, the contrary is true: Each and every performance must be stellar just to keep people alive, so any flight that isn't 100 percent perfect could mean you're fired.
4. For the Travel Perks
The travel perks for some airline pilots are nice, but the reality is that after flying around the country, the last thing you want to do on your downtime is fly standby somewhere else. Pilots like to stay home when they aren't flying, so all of those vacation days and free flight benefits won't really matter when you haven't slept in your own bed for three weeks.
Airline pilots use their travel perks to fly family members around every now and then, but otherwise there's not much time for vacations to Hawaii.
If you want to become a pilot for the travel benefits, you might be disappointed to find out that pilots actually work a lot and have little time for fun.
5. For the Awesome Schedule
Pilots don't always have a great work schedule. Today, airlines are operating at the highest possible efficiency. When it comes to operating lean, airlines would rather fly their pilots a few more hours each month than hire new ones. These days, pilots are flying a lot and have less downtime than in previous years.
Most pilots are expected to fly at least 75 hours per month, not including the time it takes to commute or sitting at the airport, which averages to be about 150 additional hours, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Many pilots, especially junior pilots, will work over 50 hours a week after all is said and done. New pilots will work overnights, weekends and holidays.
The good news is that senior pilots do have some flexibility in their schedule and can often fix their schedules to fit their own needs and desires. But like a good salary, it takes time to climb up the ranks and set your own schedule.
6. For the Luxurious Hotel Rooms
Pilots don't often get special treatment when it comes to their hotels and overnight stays. They stay at regular old hotels, just like everyone else and rely on public airport transportation, just like a normal passenger. There is nothing luxurious about spending every night in a hotel.
7. For the Relaxed Work Environment
When off the clock, a pilot isn't usually bogged down by work matters and can relax without thinking about work.
But in the cockpit it's a different story. Pilots need to be on top of their game during every flight and not all flights go as planned. The cockpit environment is a busy one and one bad patch of weather or hiccup in a communication device can significantly increase the stress level in a cockpit.
It's not only the flight environment that's stressful. The instability of the airline industry also leads to tension and anxiety for pilots. Furloughs and union strikes can mean flying one day and grounded the next. And then there's the constant training and frequent check rides with the FAA monitoring and evaluating your skills.
But If You Really Love Flying...
Then go for it! This article is not meant to deter people from becoming pilots, just to make it clear that if you're in it for the money or the lavish lifestyle, you're in it for the wrong reason! If you truly enjoy flying, there's not a better job in the world!
I enjoy my job, but it is certainly different than what most people think it is like. I think that some of these are not necessarily true, but thought it might make a good discussion.
What should new people to the industry, or people that are thinking about becoming airline pilots, know before they jump in?
Credit: http://aviation.about.com/od/Pilot-T...hareurlbuttons
.................................................. .............................................
There are a lot of reasons to become a pilot: flying is a lot of fun and for most, it's a very satisfying career. But there are a few misconceptions to clear up about the lifestyle of a commercial pilot.
Here are 7 reasons that you should not become a pilot:
1. For the Money
A senior captain at a legacy airline makes a decent salary, but if you get into aviation for the salary, you'll probably be very disappointed.
One of the downsides to flying is that flight training is really expensive, and the starting salary for most flight instructors or regional airline pilots is hardly enough to make a living. Throw student loans and a family into the mix and that $30,000 starting pilot salary isn't going to cut it.
Those that are patient and also happen to enjoy their lower-paying flying jobs will stick around long enough to move up and make more money -- but patience is key. It won't happen overnight.
There are many pilots out there that make a very good salary, but you can bet that they've put in their time. So if you're getting into aviation for the money, you may want to consider a different career path.
2. For the Fame
Back in the day, it used to be that pilots were really, really cool. (At least that's what I hear.) Don't get me wrong, pilots are still super cool, but not in the famous/lavish/extravagant/Hollywood way. The economy has, indeed, taken its toll on the aviation industry and airline pilots are sometimes seen as nothing more than glorified bus drivers.
Today's pilots are cool in a more laid-back "I-don't-stress-about-my-job" and "I -spend-every-weekend-at-the-lake" way. For the most part, pilots can leave work at work. When they clock out, they don't usually have to spend long hours behind a desk at home filing reports or answering emails.
3. For the Awards and Accolades
One thing pilots miss out on when they choose their profession is positive feedback. Promotions and rewards that come with a corporate office job, such as a raise for good performance, don't exist for pilots. (But some corporate office workers would argue that they don't get those perks, either, so this point may be a moot one.)
Really, though, if you're the type of person that needs constant "atta-boys" for a job well done or expect a raise when you fly well, then flying is not the career for you. Pilots show up, do their jobs, go home and get paid. That's about it. Sometimes promotions happen for those that want to move up the executive chain at an airline, but in general pilots don't get rewarded for good flying. In fact, the contrary is true: Each and every performance must be stellar just to keep people alive, so any flight that isn't 100 percent perfect could mean you're fired.
4. For the Travel Perks
The travel perks for some airline pilots are nice, but the reality is that after flying around the country, the last thing you want to do on your downtime is fly standby somewhere else. Pilots like to stay home when they aren't flying, so all of those vacation days and free flight benefits won't really matter when you haven't slept in your own bed for three weeks.
Airline pilots use their travel perks to fly family members around every now and then, but otherwise there's not much time for vacations to Hawaii.
If you want to become a pilot for the travel benefits, you might be disappointed to find out that pilots actually work a lot and have little time for fun.
5. For the Awesome Schedule
Pilots don't always have a great work schedule. Today, airlines are operating at the highest possible efficiency. When it comes to operating lean, airlines would rather fly their pilots a few more hours each month than hire new ones. These days, pilots are flying a lot and have less downtime than in previous years.
Most pilots are expected to fly at least 75 hours per month, not including the time it takes to commute or sitting at the airport, which averages to be about 150 additional hours, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Many pilots, especially junior pilots, will work over 50 hours a week after all is said and done. New pilots will work overnights, weekends and holidays.
The good news is that senior pilots do have some flexibility in their schedule and can often fix their schedules to fit their own needs and desires. But like a good salary, it takes time to climb up the ranks and set your own schedule.
6. For the Luxurious Hotel Rooms
Pilots don't often get special treatment when it comes to their hotels and overnight stays. They stay at regular old hotels, just like everyone else and rely on public airport transportation, just like a normal passenger. There is nothing luxurious about spending every night in a hotel.
7. For the Relaxed Work Environment
When off the clock, a pilot isn't usually bogged down by work matters and can relax without thinking about work.
But in the cockpit it's a different story. Pilots need to be on top of their game during every flight and not all flights go as planned. The cockpit environment is a busy one and one bad patch of weather or hiccup in a communication device can significantly increase the stress level in a cockpit.
It's not only the flight environment that's stressful. The instability of the airline industry also leads to tension and anxiety for pilots. Furloughs and union strikes can mean flying one day and grounded the next. And then there's the constant training and frequent check rides with the FAA monitoring and evaluating your skills.
But If You Really Love Flying...
Then go for it! This article is not meant to deter people from becoming pilots, just to make it clear that if you're in it for the money or the lavish lifestyle, you're in it for the wrong reason! If you truly enjoy flying, there's not a better job in the world!
Last edited by CLT Guy; 03-03-2015 at 08:27 AM. Reason: Giving Credit
03-03-2015, 09:05 AM
#5
Banned
Joined APC: Nov 2008
Position: doggy style
Posts: 1,006
For the most part, these are not unique to the pilot profession. I could easily say the same about doctors, lawyers, and most other careers. With the rising costs of a college degree, relatively speaking, becoming a pilot doesn't cost you much more than any other career path requiring specialized training or a degree.
03-03-2015, 09:14 AM
#6
Prime Minister/Moderator
Joined APC: Jan 2006
Position: Engines Turn Or People Swim
Posts: 39,293
I need to elaborate...
Travel Benefits: A very nice perk for a single pilot. But because in the last five years the airlines have gotten VERY good at using web-tech to fill (and over-book) EVERY LAST SEAT on EVERY FLIGHT, the travel benefits are essentially useless for family members unless they have infinite lifestyle flexibility (ie retired/unemployed).
Regional vs. Major Stratification: Used to be you could make an acceptable living at a commuter airline, and stay until you retired. But industry dynamics have re-allocated what little money and benefits there were from regionals to majors...if you make it to a legacy, you're golden (although major pilots will beg to differ, and find many things to whine about). If you get stuck at a regional, you can expect continued erosion of compensation/benefits and ZERO job/career stability as flying is continually re-allocated to the lowest bidder (ie youngest pilot group). So if you expect any sort of normal upper-middle class life, you need to have a plan B, and hard-cutoff date as to when you'll leave the regionals if you haven't passed the majors personality screening tests or whatever. Age 30-ish comes to mind...you can re-evaluate when you get there (if say there's a big pilot shortage right around the corner) but you need to be spring-loaded to bail out in order to salvage your financial future.
Travel Benefits: A very nice perk for a single pilot. But because in the last five years the airlines have gotten VERY good at using web-tech to fill (and over-book) EVERY LAST SEAT on EVERY FLIGHT, the travel benefits are essentially useless for family members unless they have infinite lifestyle flexibility (ie retired/unemployed).
Regional vs. Major Stratification: Used to be you could make an acceptable living at a commuter airline, and stay until you retired. But industry dynamics have re-allocated what little money and benefits there were from regionals to majors...if you make it to a legacy, you're golden (although major pilots will beg to differ, and find many things to whine about). If you get stuck at a regional, you can expect continued erosion of compensation/benefits and ZERO job/career stability as flying is continually re-allocated to the lowest bidder (ie youngest pilot group). So if you expect any sort of normal upper-middle class life, you need to have a plan B, and hard-cutoff date as to when you'll leave the regionals if you haven't passed the majors personality screening tests or whatever. Age 30-ish comes to mind...you can re-evaluate when you get there (if say there's a big pilot shortage right around the corner) but you need to be spring-loaded to bail out in order to salvage your financial future.
03-03-2015, 09:18 AM
#7
Self Employed.
Joined APC: May 2005
Position: Corporate Pilot
Posts: 7,119
Disagree
Originally Posted by DENpilot
For the most part, these are not unique to the pilot profession. I could easily say the same about doctors, lawyers, and most other careers. With the rising costs of a college degree, relatively speaking, becoming a pilot doesn't cost you much more than any other career path requiring specialized training or a degree.
An aviation career is a costly and risky venture. It should pay a small fortune to overcome the sacrifice it takes to get there and professional risk that is ever present.
Downgrade
Furlough
Lay off
Loss of medical
Base change
Merger
If a profession can not provide a return that is worthy of the investment that it takes to get there then it is a working hobby.
Skyhigh
03-03-2015, 09:28 AM
#8
Gets Weekends Off
Thread Starter
Joined APC: Dec 2014
Position: CL65
Posts: 955
Originally Posted by rickair7777
I need to elaborate...
Travel Benefits: A very nice perk for a single pilot. But because in the last five years the airlines have gotten VERY good at using web-tech to fill (and over-book) EVERY LAST SEAT on EVERY FLIGHT, the travel benefits are essentially useless for family members unless they have infinite lifestyle flexibility (ie retired/unemployed).
Travel Benefits: A very nice perk for a single pilot. But because in the last five years the airlines have gotten VERY good at using web-tech to fill (and over-book) EVERY LAST SEAT on EVERY FLIGHT, the travel benefits are essentially useless for family members unless they have infinite lifestyle flexibility (ie retired/unemployed).
There is a lot of truth to the stratification, and to a point the benefits.
Travel benefits do depend on who you work for and what airline they are with. If you have decent benefits, you and your immediate family all have the same boarding priority as employees, even if they travel without you. In those cases, priority is based on order of check-in. That isn't too bad. Parents are a different story, and they are down the priority list quite a bit.
If you are wise in your travel choices, then you can use these benefits and enjoy them. If you want to go to Hawaii or Aruba in the winter, I hope that you have a plan B, C, D, and so on. You just aren't getting on. If you want to go to Europe in the winter, the flights are almost empty. It isn't ideal, but if you choose your destinations carefully, you will get on just about every time.
For instance, when flying to Europe in peak season, go to the city that has the most flights every day from the US. It is usually London or Paris. From there, book a cheap ticket on a European carrier to the city that you want to travel to. These are usually about $100 each way. You may have to pay more tax on the way home if flying from Heathrow, but it is a good plan B if you can't get out from somewhere else.
Want to go to Amsterdam during peak season? Non-rev to one of these cities (London, Paris, etc...), and take a local regional carrier (full fare) or a train to Amsterdam. That beats not being able to make flights for 3 or 4 days in a row.
03-03-2015, 09:36 AM
#9
Does NOT get weekends off
Joined APC: Jul 2007
Position: ERJ - 145
Posts: 1,631
Travel benefits, people either love them or hate them. If they hate them it's usually because they got burned in the past by not knowing how to use them properly or just do not like the uncertainty of dealing with it. Yeah, it can add stress but with working the system right you can travel the world so easily and cheaply. And not just air fare but car rentals and hotels you can get deeply discounted.
Agreed though that which airline you work for does matter and while many things suck for wholly owned carriers, having the same priority as mainline helps, especially on some of those trickier routes.
Some people will ***** and complain non stop about this career. It is what you make of it and there are ways to make it work with your life style. I do not need to justify why I am doing it to others.
Agreed though that which airline you work for does matter and while many things suck for wholly owned carriers, having the same priority as mainline helps, especially on some of those trickier routes.
Some people will ***** and complain non stop about this career. It is what you make of it and there are ways to make it work with your life style. I do not need to justify why I am doing it to others.
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