Quote:
Originally Posted by FlyingPig105
I left the regionals 13 years ago and became a cop to give my kids an opportunity to know their dad. They are older now and I'm filling out my Airline Apps to return to flying. I never disliked the airlines and every year I tried to talk myself into returning to the line.
People will tell you that you can fly for fun, but when I did, I just kept remembering why I became an airline pilot in the first place...the thrill of flying! Trust me, you won't fly enough to satisfy your addiction!
I will be giving up a steady, guaranteed retirement, but I can't live everyday longing to fly again and waiting for a pension check that is 12 years away.
Also, trust me when I say that the, "I want to help people and serve my community" attitude fades fairly quickly as you gain knowledge of the utter stupidity and selfishness of the people you are supposed to serve and protect. It WILL become just a "job".
So you are NOT flying in your law enforcement role?
If never flown the airlines so I can't speak for my own view on airline flying. I can only relate to the flying that I have done that I imagine would be like airline flying and my numerous fellow pilots who are either currently flying or have flown with the airlines - and not a one of them talks about the thrill of airline flying. Once they are senior enough and have the QOL they want, with the time off and the better pay - that is what they like about airline flying, but particular FedEx former squadronmate spent more time trying to figure out how to maximize his pay WITHOUT doing any flying at all. This was during a time when I was volunteering for the -3 in the night division formation training flights so it was very hard for me to imagine trying NOT TO fly.
Many others on this board relate the flying experience to a *job* - especially with the scheduled service obviously being told where, how, when, where, etc.... to fly and many relate that they like to fly for fun when they get to make those decisions (imagine the 777 CA who finds more *enjoyment* out of flying his Piper Cub).
Part of my enjoyment - and it is really all I've ever know since getting my civilian licenses/rating - is having some other mission between takeoff and landing.
I count myself as extremely lucky though that I've always had jobs, and I don't count my military time as a flying job, it just happen to be my weapons system, that truly is still a passion of mine and I have never experienced burnout. Those experiences have never been just a *job* to me, they are part of who I am and want to be. those who know me best say I am noticeably happier when I am flying. I'm fortunate to be able to do that thing for a *job* that brings me that much satisfaction.