Am I SOL if I want to get back into my flying career?

[burping_boy]

Hey guys,

I wanted to run my situation by you and get some opinions on where I stand.

A couple years back I was an FO for a regional. As much as I enjoyed the type of flying I was doing, the fact that I had to commute combined with the inefficient schedules at this regional put alot of stress on my home/personal life and marriage (more for me than her, unusual as that may be). I desparately wanted to switch to a regional that happened to be based where I lived, but they were going through very rough times and not hiring. Due to how uncomfortable the lifestyle was getting for me, I wound up leaving my flying career altogether and got a good office job in my alternate career field. While the work would not be as enjoyable, I'd at least be home every night and have every weekend off.

Now I see that things are going well for my regional of choice again, and they are doing some hiring. I am tempted to send in a resume and see if by some miracle I can get even an interview, but I wanted to get opinions first. In your opinion, have I blown my chance at an airline career by leaving an airline job for lifestyle reasons? Being based where I live would make all the difference, the thing is that we were unable to relocate before due to my wife's good job and her very needed income. But now, with this, it would be different. Is there still hope for me? I'm worried that if I got an interview, they would basically say, "hmmm... you already left an airline job for lifestyle reasons, why would we want to take a chance on you doing it again?" or something like that.

Has anyone gone through what I have and managed to get another shot?

Just wanted to get some opinions before I update and fire off my resume. Thank you most kindly.

-BB

 

[Dizel8]

Have you looked at airline economics lately, you might want to reconsider rejoining the game?

 

[SkyBoy1981]

Just be honest and explain it to them just like you explained it on here. Make sure you get your currency up before you interview though, most places want to see that you've flown at least 100 hours in the last 6 months.

 

[Clyde]

Send in your app and get the interview. Explain to them what you explained here. The worst they can say is no, and you'll still have your current job to fall back on.

Also, look carefully at what Dizel8 wrote, he makes a very good point.

 

[711-24-7]

I don't know if you just like flying or your interest is in Airline flying? But if you just like flying keep the job you have right now and if you can afford your own GA plane than get one if not just go teach people how to fly and fly once or twice a week. Because the way the industrys is going you do not want to back in to it. Unless you are one of those I wanna fly for an Airline buff.

 

[I Hate Freight]

"a lot" is TWO words. Not one.

 

[Cosmo1999]

I would recommend staying in your current field.. What if the airline you want to work for starts doing bad again? What if the base that you live in closes?This kind of stuff happens all the time. Initially they will expect you to work where they need you. If they only have one base then your set. The other problem as mentioned before is you have to get current. Unless there is only one base with this airline you may have to work and commute somewhere else for a while. If you can accept that then maybe give it a shot. I wouldnt say you are SOL at all. People have been hired in the past for doing much worse things than doing whats best for your family. Good luck.

Hey guys,

I wanted to run my situation by you and get some opinions on where I stand.

A couple years back I was an FO for a regional. As much as I enjoyed the type of flying I was doing, the fact that I had to commute combined with the inefficient schedules at this regional put alot of stress on my home/personal life and marriage (more for me than her, unusual as that may be). I desparately wanted to switch to a regional that happened to be based where I lived, but they were going through very rough times and not hiring. Due to how uncomfortable the lifestyle was getting for me, I wound up leaving my flying career altogether and got a good office job in my alternate career field. While the work would not be as enjoyable, I'd at least be home every night and have every weekend off.

Now I see that things are going well for my regional of choice again, and they are doing some hiring. I am tempted to send in a resume and see if by some miracle I can get even an interview, but I wanted to get opinions first. In your opinion, have I blown my chance at an airline career by leaving an airline job for lifestyle reasons? Being based where I live would make all the difference, the thing is that we were unable to relocate before due to my wife's good job and her very needed income. But now, with this, it would be different. Is there still hope for me? I'm worried that if I got an interview, they would basically say, "hmmm... you already left an airline job for lifestyle reasons, why would we want to take a chance on you doing it again?" or something like that.

Has anyone gone through what I have and managed to get another shot?

Just wanted to get some opinions before I update and fire off my resume. Thank you most kindly.

-BB

 

[atpcliff]

Hi!

I was out of flying for 10 years, and now I have 2x as many hours as I had before, and I'm building my PIC Jet hours. It is fun. It's not perfect, buy my wife and I like it better than before.

If you haven't flown much, some airlines won't touch you, while others are OK with it. When I was trying to get hired, Mesaba, Eagle, CoEx, Skyway, AWAC, and Comair wouldn't take me because I wasn't in a current flying job.

If you want to fly, and want to live at home, get a job, and move to your base. It is easier to see your family more if you live in your base! Sometimes, though, that isn't practical (I commute because my wife has a great job.).

Good luck!

Cliff
YIP

 

[mamba20]

This industry is so cyclical you could almost set your watch to it. If you wanna fly, fly. Its rough right now but just hang in there. Things are starting back on the upswing.

 

[burping_boy]

Thanks for the replies, much appreciated.

 

[Lequip]

"a lot" is TWO words. Not one.

"Not one." is NOT a sentence you IDIOT!!!!!

 

[aa73]

Burping Boy -

Come on back! Airlines are cyclical. History has shown that airlines, since the 60s, donswing in the early part of a decade and massively hire in the end.

Despite what the doomsayers tell you, they are no different than the doomsayers of the early 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s. They all told the same story - we're screwed, the sky is falling, this industry is over, etc, etc. Don't listen to them. Listen to your heart. If you want to fly, get on it. You will find a way to make it work, even during the downswings, which will come back.

Money is great, but doing what you love will always take precedence over that. You want to be able to look back and say, "I did what I loved" instead of saying "I'm well off but I missed out on what I really wanted to do."

This is coming from a furloughed guy.... and most of my fellow furloughees think I'm crazy when they hear me talking, they are all bugging out of this career. There are even guys still on the property considering getting out. I respect them completely for their decisions - but I myself couldn't do that.... I love flying.... contrails...into...the...sunset....<fade out>

73

 

[711-24-7]

"Not one." is NOT a sentence you IDIOT!!!!!

When I read this the only thing came out of my mouth was Ha hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahah. And bunch of beer out of my nose.

Good obeservation.

 

[hmmurdock]

Greetings..

If I were you I would think twice before getting back into the airline industry right now. You said earlier that it was harder on you than your wife with your previous airline. Dont become a statistic. You have a good job now that pays well, you are home at nights with your family. That is what is important. This industry is not worth wrecking a family for. If I were you I would stay where your at.



Rob

 

[hmmurdock]

Burping Boy -

Come on back! Airlines are cyclical. History has shown that airlines, since the 60s, donswing in the early part of a decade and massively hire in the end.

Despite what the doomsayers tell you, they are no different than the doomsayers of the early 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s. They all told the same story - we're screwed, the sky is falling, this industry is over, etc, etc. Don't listen to them. Listen to your heart. If you want to fly, get on it. You will find a way to make it work, even during the downswings, which will come back.

Money is great, but doing what you love will always take precedence over that. You want to be able to look back and say, "I did what I loved" instead of saying "I'm well off but I missed out on what I really wanted to do."

This is coming from a furloughed guy.... and most of my fellow furloughees think I'm crazy when they hear me talking, they are all bugging out of this career. There are even guys still on the property considering getting out. I respect them completely for their decisions - but I myself couldn't do that.... I love flying.... contrails...into...the...sunset....<fade out>

73

What a crack up...

I think family is more important than following a dream. Practicality should be considered here. Money is not everything, but you cant support a family on a regional salary..This is a fact. I think flying is fun as well, but if I cant make a living than whats the point? At 60, and broke I can say well at least I had fun!!

Rob

 

[Big Duke Six]

I got back in after taking 5 years off for family reasons as well. When I finally decided to start again, I took a job flying freight, thinking it would be the best way to show a prospective employer that 1) I REALLY wanted to fly and that 2) I still COULD fly. I got the freight job and logged about 1800 hours of turbine PIC in 2.5 years. When I finally got my interview with my "dream" company, they thought it was great experience to have. They hired me. You may have to look for an "intermediate" job like I did, but really, I enjoyed the flying. Just start flying SOMETHING.

 

[aa73]

What a crack up...

I think family is more important than following a dream. Practicality should be considered here. Money is not everything, but you cant support a family on a regional salary..This is a fact. I think flying is fun as well, but if I cant make a living than whats the point? At 60, and broke I can say well at least I had fun!!

Rob

With all due respect sir you are cracking ME up.

I had absolutely NO problem supporting my family on 1st year regional salary in the late 90s.... at $17/hr. It's called proper financial planning and keeping spending in check. Something that seems to elude the majority of US citizens, since we live in such a credit-friendly society. Are you one of them?

If you follow your dream, the money follows and your family is happy.

P.S> Why are you broke at 60 Rob? Hopefully it is not because of poor financial planning?

73

 

[bobs98tlr]

My opinion will not amout to much since i dont have the experiance, however i still think i may make a point.

If your happier flying and can afford to switch carrers for the company you wanted to fly for in the first place then go right ahead. Hopefully your family is in support of you. Like you said, it was a problem for you not your wife that you where gone all the time. If you see this start to happen again then you will know for yourself that flying for a company is not what is good for you or your family. As far as your time away from flying, it has been said already but its ok that you have had time away depending on the company and if your still current. Good luck to you and your family. Obviously if your reading on this board your still wanting the job or just love to read about it. Stop thinking about it and try it.

 

[crashpad]

Pretty good advice from a low time guy! Just goes to show the difference between pilots and aviators.

 

[hmmurdock]

With all due respect sir you are cracking ME up.

I had absolutely NO problem supporting my family on 1st year regional salary in the late 90s.... at $17/hr. It's called proper financial planning and keeping spending in check. Something that seems to elude the majority of US citizens, since we live in such a credit-friendly society. Are you one of them?

If you follow your dream, the money follows and your family is happy.

P.S> Why are you broke at 60 Rob? Hopefully it is not because of poor financial planning?

73

Greetings..

Point taken..However I did not think I would still be an FO making regional pay after 4 years either. The debt ran up to aquire this job( "Delta connection academy" and Airline training academy) are the main reason I am over loaded with debt right now. This is no ones fault but my own. How you made it on 17.00 an hour is beyond me, however it is good for you that you were able to do it. As for the age 60 comment, pure sarcasm, although may not be far from the truth.

Take Care

Rob

 

[msw]

The key is "lifestyle"...... If you did not like the airline lifestyle (and all that it entailed), "back then", what makes you think you'd like the lifestyle better now?

I got out of airline flying (for a small commuter airline) almost 30 years ago, for similiar lifestyle reasons. I liked flying (still do), primarily the technical aspects of it; but disliked travelling, especially spending a lot of time away from home, sleeping in hotels, being away from family. I also got bored pretty quickly with "gear up, autopilot on". So I got out of airline flying, got in another totally different career field, made decent $$ (though not anywhere near what I would have made as a senior Captain for a major airline, at least in the A scale era), and also did some occasional flight instructing and charter flying "on the side". Even eventually bought a small GA airplane for fun flying and little vacation trips with the family. About 7 years ago, a flying opportunity opened up with the outfit I worked for (and still work for); and I managed to get transferred to a typically hard-to-get flying position within my organization. And now I get to fly helos and little airplanes in a really fun job. And I hardly ever spend a night away from home.

You just really need to decide what is more important to you, now, as well as in the long run...... a quality lifestyle, or airline flying. Those two things may be compatible in the latter portion of an airline career, but are typically less compatible in the beginning of an airline career.

 

[aa73]

Greetings..

Point taken..However I did not think I would still be an FO making regional pay after 4 years either. The debt ran up to aquire this job( "Delta connection academy" and Airline training academy) are the main reason I am over loaded with debt right now. This is no ones fault but my own. How you made it on 17.00 an hour is beyond me, however it is good for you that you were able to do it. As for the age 60 comment, pure sarcasm, although may not be far from the truth.

Take Care

Rob

Rob,

I made it through sheer luck, determination and watching my spending. I think I pulled home about 22K my first year as a regional FO. My wife also worked, we lived in an inexpensive condo, but we made it through. Family life wasn't any more affected than as it is now - I was gone on average about 3 nights a week.

The guys I've known who had a rought time were the guys that overextended themselves on credit. I see it all the time here at AA, guys that went out and bought the boat, big house and fast car, now they're hurting.

The key is not to overextend and to live below your means.

Good luck to you,
73

 

[pilotyip]

I see aa73 is another beliver in the June 2007 hiring boom. It is coming all the signs are there.

 

[aa73]

I see aa73 is another beliver in the June 2007 hiring boom. It is coming all the signs are there.

Naw, I don't think it'll be 2007... maybe by 2010, for sure. Defintiely a boom coming, though. Read your history.

73

 

[walkoshame]

Have you tried other flying jobs in your area? I've been furloughed from the airlines and landed a pretty solid job flying charter. I'm home mostly every night, making double than I was, and getting PIC turbine time. Airline flying is great, but all the other BS involved sux. Just a thought.

 

[pilotyip]

Years ending in 3 are bad years to get pilots jobs, years ending in 8 are good years to get pilot jobs. It is history, my bet is history will repeat itself again.