Airline Pilots vs Active Duty Pilots

[Nocturnal1]

OPIE01,
I went through a lot of similiar feelings last year. Was hired by AA, retired from the Air Force/Army after 22 1/2 years in August and was looking forward to spending September with the family before starting training in October. Well that obviously didn't happen.

When I informed my boss about my retirement papers he told me, " I won't retire until I'm useless on the outside." Hey different strokes etc. but I also had my family at the bottom of the priorties list and chose to be with them instead of hearing about all the things I had missed.

My current life is not anything like I had predicted. Unfortunately I'm gone now more than I was before, probably the same if I'd stayed in. The difference is I have the power to say "NO!" We all have to make sacrifices, especially in aviation, but at what costs? Think of the three generations of americans that have never been in the service. We have all given a tremendous thing to this country, ourselves, our talent, and our youth.

Life is too short as it is. Do what brings you happiness and brings you closer to those you care about.

 

[Yahtzee]

Opie,

God Bless you sir!

It seems the USAF misssed yet another chance to promote a real leader.

Trust me on this one... you will be missed by those you leave behind. But more importantly, you have demonstrated true leadership through your actions and not your words... and that makes all the difference!

Teach a man to fish, and feed him for a lifetime.

Best Wishes to you and your family!