I've heard mixed reviews on the transition to rail; some like it, some don't. I recently interviewed with Norfolk Southern on the recommendation of a couple of former pilots I used to work with who are both there now (one is management, the other is a dispatcher). I didn't get the position this time, as the candidate pool was apparently very tough; but I was encouraged to try again, as they said I was well qualified. My biggest concern was more emotional rather than technical...I'm an aviation guy through and through, and I've never had any fascination with trains whatsoever. The idea of being immersed in a world where I must learn tons of new things that I've never cared about before, and spend thousands of hours in that world over the next 10-15 years, was a little intimidating. But the pilot who now works dispatch said he thought I could do the job without question, and the pay was far better than any airline dispatch job that I've seen in many years (short of getting on at a major, but we all know how easy that is these days). Still a viable option for those interested. I intend to keep trying, as I believe that is a far better avenue to provide for my family and eventual retirement than I'll ever see in the airline biz. Hurts to say it, but that's the reality I see.
