Attitude Ind.
Member
- Joined
- Mar 17, 2006
- Posts
- 6
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pilotyip said:I left professional flying for five years in the 80's then came back because I liked being around airplanes and pilots more than water coolers and desks. I believe you will find a lot more happy pilots if they have done something else in their lives to compare with the pilot's job.
Fugawe said:We beat this subject up on another thread I think, but it's always pertinent -- espec to those looking to enter the field.
I think you are correct in that, when compared to other choices, flying is by far the best 'office' you could have......espec if you have a love for flying.
As discussed before though, when the glamour of the office wears off, it can become much less attractive. From the outside looking in, we all generally view the grass as greener.
Major airline problems include -- Disappearing pensions, lack of schedule control, huge pay cuts with more promised, cabotage looming, mgmt involvement in private lives (AA rule 32 has gotten at least one pilot fired recently), poor security, erosion of worker's rights, disappearing medical insurance coverage, etc, etc.
The tendency of the outside viewer to think the pay makes all these problems worth it, may not know the whole picture. Most major's pilots (except cargos) are making pre-1997 wages.....and many making less. So, the money is not like the rumors of old. Most pilots I know are doing additional work of some kind to supplement income and retirement planning.
Most of these problems affect all flying (regionals, corporate, etc). I do know there are some great flying jobs out there that aren't as affected, but they are few and far between.
For a shiny, new pilot, none of these issues seems that important.
Unfortunately, after 10-20 years or so in the business, you have to think about retirement (hopefully you plan before that), income, med ins, time off, etc. If you find that the plan you thought you signed up for isn't playing out, you tend to be less happy.
The complaining you hear nowadays, largely comes from those who've commited their careers to being professional pilots but find that the govt, and corporate America have changed the 'rules'. Ask the Delta and United pilots what they think of recent events. The courts and corporate BODs are brutal toward workers (pilots are just workers in this game).
If you understand the game and commit to it you may do fine. You'll have to fly because you love it, and be ready to plan for your own retirement, ins, and other normal job bennies on your own. Gets complicated when you throw spouse, kids, schools, mortgage, toys, vacations, illness, etc into the mix.
There's nothing more satisfying than launching off into the sunrise in a shiny jet. But, when your 'jet' is dragging an 800,000 pound anchor of job 'crap', the shine can wear off quickly.
Find a way to keep your jet 'shiny', and you'll be a happy camper. Dont' think the Tony Robbins or Oprah 'positive mental attitude' happy-crap will carry you either. The reality of paying bills blows that away quickly.
I think that if you can find financial independence from the airline, you have the best world. Tough to do, but not impossible.......takes planning.
Flying can be a GREAT job......just understand the 'job' part and plan ahead.
Fugawe
pilotyip said:I left professional flying for five years in the 80's then came back because I liked being around airplanes and pilots more than water coolers and desks. I believe you will find a lot more happy pilots if they have done something else in their lives to compare with the pilot's job.