I'm interested in your guys input. Aviation and relationships. And ATC Career?

[starvingcfi]

why get married anyway? it's just gonna end up in divorce. 'lease' a woman. 18-21...preferrably. once a year (say...on her b-day) trade her in for a new one.

it's the wave of the future

 

[Flyingdutchman]

Yeah it sucks. I broke up with my girlfriend for a job overseas, and I still regret it. Made that mistake twice now. Damn chicks, Ill tell ya they are dangerous for your mind!! women.... - sigh -

 

[jafo20]

It's tough, but you can have your cake and eat it too.

If you want a stable job, you could get a degree in something that pays (ATC, egineeering, business, etc.) and keep your hand in aviation flying a Caravan, King Air, PT Charter, etc. Of course, you'll be working two jobs.

Here's another thing:
Who are the rich dudes who fly around in P-38s or F-86s? They're doctors, lawyers, etc. You could have a happy home life, earn huge stacks of cash, walk past some skinny, bald dude sleeping on an FBO couch, step into your Mig-17 and do an airshow routine. Is that really such a bad fate?

Finally, you just got socked on a CFI ride by the FAA. Some FSDOs are worse than others. In fact, I hear rumors that MKE FSDO fails ALL their guys (somebody check me on that). Don't worry about this affecting your career or anything.

I aced my exams passed my checkrides, and, professionally, I'm a spectacular failure! I'll wager a dollar that you'll be able to buy and sell guys like me inside of five years.

 

[dash8driver]

if it flys, floats or f^cks.....its cheaper to rent.

 

[smellthejeta]

There are thousands of people in CTI's now and thousands waiting to get hired. The FAA is in the process of throwing the majority of the new hires into ARTCC's with a predicted washout rate of about 40%.

Not sure where you got your numbers, but they aren't nearly that high. I'm guessing there are around 1500 people MAX waiting to get hired. As far as who's in school, the last GAO report I read (okay, it was a couple of years old) said that there was about 800 students graduating every year (or in the program) from the CTI schools collectively. That report was rather informative; did you know some schools only have 25 students in an ATC graduating class and some have like one or two (namely Hampton University or whatever its called)? My school is number four in terms of graduation numbers, and our capacity was limited to about 40 per year. Yes some like Beaver and Purdue have upwards of 100 a year (but not much more). Remember, there are only 13 schools in the country that train ATC. That 800 is sure to increase, but I don't think it will increase to the point the schools are graduating MORE than the FAA is forecasted to hire every year. Right now, most people in the programs have *wanted* to be there. Now, with the publicity the job is getting, you are finding people solely attracted to the pay. They still have to do three things to graduate from the CTI school: 1) actually graduate, 2) Pass the AT-SAT, and 3) Get a reccomendation for hire from their school. In other words, schools shouldn't be letting "schmucks" get hired.

Second, that 40% washout may have to do with that direct hire program. Right now, they are taking about 100 people off the street at each of the centers, giving them the AT-SAT, and sending 60% or so right to OKC. I'd believe a 40% washout with a system like that; I don't quite believe a 40% washout of people with a solid aviation background.

 

[flydrummer]

I'll tell ya the 3 worst dream killers are family, women and children. My advice, and this goes for ANY career, is to focus on your goals now while you're young. You're 24, you shouldn't even think about marriage and kids at this point. focus now on your career while you have the freedom. As soon as you take on the responsibility of a wife and kids you could be forced into a position where you'll have to settle for a job you can't stand just to make ends meet. I've seen it happen to way too many guys. Achieve your goals now!