Hang the hat or continue?

[bobbysamd]

Quals

My flight time looks like this:

1200 + TT, 800 + multi-turbine, and 350 + single engine.
I flew right seat for a 135 operator for a while until they layed us off . . . .

You are a little light on total time, but you have excellent multi-turbine. Did you get a 135 letter out of that deal? That would be a good credential.

Your turbine time is a major plus, especially considering your overall experience. That kind of time does not grow on trees. You are still plenty young. Keep at it. Get your ATP when you hit 1500, even if you must pay for it yourself. Hiring will get better because it always does. Take it from someone who went through one cycle and observed a second cycle. You will be well-positioned when the time comes.

Come talk to me in ten years if you find yourself in the same position, and we'll discuss paralegal school. You already have one qual for that, your degree. But I doubt rather seriously that will happen.

 

[EngineOut]

I am alot younger (20yrs) and was thinking about the same thing. I, as well as millions, have dreamed about becoming an airline pilot with that perfect lifestyle (nice car, house, 2.5 kids, ect..). Unfortunateally it probablly isn't going to ever happen. I belive anything is possible but the reality of it is it seems like a very hard ladder to climb. It's almost like wanting to be a pro baseball or basketball player.

** SNIP **

The key here is that most folks jumping ship right now are those who boarded at the peak of the cycle. I'm 28 and don't know about you all, but I boarded the ship when I was seven. The more people (who saw United's contract triumph and decided to switch careers in 2000) that quit...the better. This may be kinda' harsh, but the industry didn't need you anyway.

I have been with the same woman for 9 years, I bartended, threw bags for AA, washed cars, washed cats, etc. for the last 4 years to get her through nursing school. Now, she told me she will work for a measly $23 an hour [TO START FOR CRYING OUT LOUD] to support us while I finish my business degrees and flight instruct. This is coming from a lady that taught me how to live WELL BELOW my means! I'm a lucky man...

 

[GEUAviator]

Flamebait from El Guapo?

I only ask this for this reason:

1200TT, 800 MULTI TURBINE!

My god! I'd love to have that kind of time!

Why don't you apply to some regionals?

Am I totally out of the loop thinking that El Guapo's flight times are great?

Someone set me straight here! Anyone? Bueller? Bueller?

GEUAviator

 

[Draginass]

It's, of course, a personal decision. If I were a younger person right now, I would not even consider a career in commercial airline aviation. In the last year, this industry has gone through a complete reversal of the power of unions. Unions are irrelevant, partly by their own actions, and partly by the wild swings in the economy, and partly by government disinterest in a coherent national transportation system.

While two years ago, I enjoyed commercial flying, I now get in a bad mood everytime I go to work. I haven't flown with anyone recently that actually wants to come to work.

If you don't mind low pay and constant downward pressure on your compensation, being treated like ditch digger, and being part of a boom/bust industry, then go right ahead.

I hope this will change, but I doubt it. The several of the major airline unions have already provided management with huge and permanent givebacks. Look at the "real" compensation for pilots over the last 20 years. The next attack will be on retirement. Expect the now neutered unions to make further concessions to management on pensions . . . . like creating a C-scale pension for newly hired pilots. Do NOT expect any protection from your union.

My advice would be to do something else that you enjoy and fly recreationally for fun.

Pick your own poison.

 

[sf3boy]

Tailwind is sort of correct on the whole pay thing. My first year at Mesaba, 18K. I have been at Mesaba for four years now and have made it up to 28K/yr. Some FO's will make more if they pick up open time, but while we still are furloughing, I will not. We currently have fo's with over two years in sitting straight reserve. At some airlines you will be able to upgrade after a few years and double your pay and others you will not. The only thing I have to go on is Mesaba and to be a captain here, it is 5 years plus with the number going higher by the minute.

 

[acarpe3448]

Even though I am on furlough at the moment and do not plan on being recalled anytime soon, I am in this for the long run. I am taking my bite of the sh$$ sandwich right now and living on minimum wage and unemployment benefits. I do believe that there will be a significant drop in the salaries and benefits of pilots for the near future, however, I am not one of those who believes that things will never be the same again. Even with the concesions that management is forcing on us, a pilot career with a major airline is very lucrative, if you do not believe that just start looking for another career that pays anywhere near what it does, if you find one let me know I would love to apply there for the mean time.

 

[KATL8R26L]

hay man

Well, his time doesn't sound bad, whish i had those numbers.

Here is what i intend to do during this down turn , first secure a high paying sales job thats rite go back into selling, reduce the dubt once again, continue to fly may be buy my own plane to build multi time in.

Just keep on learning all along the way, take a king air course, and be able to pay cash for time in the plane, and just work towards getting my ATP.

I am older than ony one so far that has posted here ,and i can say you kids give up to easly.

Keep your eye on the ball and never quit, either you can play hurt and suck it up or get out.

 

[Skygod]

Hello 'El'

I wonder if you will ever have enough money? I wonder how much you love -- need -- flying? Of course, only you can answer these questions.

It's good that you are asking the questions, and listening to the debate. For there are some that are better in the Dilbert world, and some that are only happy above the clouds. It's a question inward, with no right answer.

For me, it's flying. I supported my ATR F/O airline habit with a side job (yes, aviation related). I am happy I stuck with it, I know folks that thought long and hard about quitting (sorry, too biased word, let's say moving to other fields) but stayed in aviation and a REALLY REALLY HAPPY. Any path you take from here will test you, and your relationships. Maybe you should take the time to really look into other jobs -- it will scare you right back to flying or be the start of something new.

Good luck.

And I hope I see you in the sky . . . grooving with gravity, laughing at the clouds.

 

[bobbysamd]

Quality flight time

I only ask this for this reason:

1200TT, 800 MULTI TURBINE!

My god! I'd love to have that kind of time!

Why don't you apply to some regionals?

Am I totally out of the loop thinking that El Guapo's flight times are great?

Absolutely not. I would have died just to have 100 hours of multi turbine. He's a little light on total hours, but when compared to the MULTI TURBINE he has, he has nothing to complain about. He may not be competitive on paper at some of the regionals right now because of the 1200 TT, but the 800 of MULTI TURBINE should go far to overcome that shortcoming. Accordingly, El Guapo should be spamming the regionals.

He'd be extremely competitive with those hours and an ATP.