The biggest problem here is the exercise of really bad judgement. I'm pretty open-minded about weed, but not for safety-sensitive jobs.

She might want to apply to Tommy Lee's flight department...they have a drug test too, but it's not quite the same as the DOT...

This is an interesting topic. I'm surprised someone currently practicing law would be willing to give that up and attempt to jump back into aviation. A tremendous amount of effort for a job at a "medium-sized airline"? My glass-half-empty outlook says she won't have much luck, but even considering doing this speaks volumes about a career in law.

From what I understand, practicing law is not necessarily a guaranteed meal ticket anymore.

IMHO, I believe that once the seed of aviation is planted, for most, it's there to stay. Those who have an true love for the profession will do just about anything, within reason, to get back into the profession if they've left if for one reason or another.

My believe and have faith, optimistic, glass-half-full outlook says that I don't believe that the "industry" will allow her intellectual and human capital to go to waste. It would be a shame if they did. Aviation professionals are no different from anyone else in any other profession in society. Yes, we are held to a higher standard because of the nature of the profession.....safety & security. However, so are TSA agents, LEO's, Senators, Congressmen and Congresswomen, teachers, priests and so on.


atp

But a lot of us who have "been-there-done-that" no longer have a compelling need to do airline or even professional aviation. I stick around because

a) I can afford to(no thanks to aviation).
b) Most of the dues paying is behind me, ie water under the bridge.
c) There are a few lifestyle perks left.

I enjoy GA more than going to work, and could be happy just renting a cessna once a week and maybe teaching or doing on-call contract flying on the side. If the industry and or my company declines any more, I'll have to punch.

If you could get a job right out of college (at no expense to you) as a line-holding regional CA or a line-holding major FO airlines would be a pretty good deal. I've already paid my dues and can't get them back. I also have no regrets but's that because my finances have evolved separately from aviation (which is to say I have some). I've certainly accumulated a lot of "lost-opportunity" economic costs, but I've been fortunate that it hasn't kept me down.

But paying all of the dues to get into the industry as it CURRENTLY stands? Cannot be justified unless you have a very skewed view of reality or simply have different priorities (ie no family plans, no need for money or stability). ATPW you understand what you're trying to get into to and have your own reasons. But most of these kids probably don't really comprehend where they're headed.

The only legit justification a young person could have for paying the dues right now is if he is intentionally and knowingly gambling on the post 2012 hiring boom. But even that's not a sure thing... when oil prices begin their eventual peak-oil climb the economy and the airlines will be toast. That is unless the gubmint exercises unprecedented foresight and initiative and develops an alternative energy infrastructure capable of meeting the specific needs of ALL economic sectors.

If one sector is allowed to fail (and that includes global players such as china) it will drag the rest of the global economy down too.

I think if I was your friend, I would consider "aviation law" as a profession. I've heard it's lucrative.
Zach

I'm in a somewhat similar situation, with a few sharp exceptions. I just can't get very excited about being at the bottom of a regional seniority list with not much hope for real advancement (due to getting canned from SkyWest for training failure). Even the premium off shore airlines have to live someplace that I don't really want to. Hey, Dubai is nice, and I would go if offered, but I'm not that bummed that I'm not there, either.

I've been paying dues to a flying club that has all kinds of cool planes, like a Malibu, Cirrii, Cessna(s) with G-1000, light twins, etc. Haven't flown anything in almost a year. Don't miss it much, unless I want to go some where !!! I think I'd rather build one that's perfect for me, even if I don't fly it much.

I have no desires to flight instruct. Zero. I'd do a ground school, though.




You and I both know the answer here. I'll bet that about half of America thinks we can just drill our way to oil nirvana.

I honestly can't believe we have not had another oil crisis like 1971 / 1973 / 1975. It will happen, though. Only worse.

Patent law is awesome, if she has an engineering degree.

So, you factored in recessions, single seat airlines, fuel at $10/gallon, mergers, bankruptcies, etc?

Fly 'til you die only works, IF you die crashing an airplane. Trust me on this, age 65, FAA physicals and natural aging will stop you from flying well before dying, unless you crash a plane.

GF