Love of Flying

[alberchico]

If flying is so full of challenges,long hard years working as a flight instructor for minimum wage knowing ,that any infraction or physical mishap could cost you your career,then why do you guys do it.Professors at my college(College of Aeronautics,Flushing ,New York)told me that only a fool would set himself for many years of dissapointment and despair to work in an industry that is so volatile.I went back to college after a few years of flying to get my 4-year degree and this is what they told me!

 

[Jedi_Cheese]

Simply, it's the only job where I would be able to sit up front and fly the aircraft and get paid to do it. I have the brains to run a computer and cubical and be good at it, but that isn't what I want to do for the next 39+ years of my life.

And if I REALLY need a pick-me-up, I take up someone that hasn't flown in a small aircraft before and remember that I get to do this whenever I want to (and in my case hopefully will get paid to do it in the near future). It's like christmas with little children only better, they get a present they will remember for a lifetime and I get the satisifaction of their reaction.

And tell me, what would be the job without any downsides? I am shure I can poke holes in any job (except a cookie/ice cream quality control person, they have a sweet job).

 

[Tripower455]

I can honestly say that there isn't anything else that I would rather do for a living. There are certainly some downsides, but there are in any career.

Every time I start complaining that I only have 3 days off this week instead of 4, my friends look at me like I'm nuts........

I worked very hard for a long time to reach this point, and I am VERY fortunate to work for a stable company though......

 

[nonstop]

If flying is so full of challenges,long hard years working as a flight instructor for minimum wage knowing ,that any infraction or physical mishap could cost you your career,then why do you guys do it.Professors at my college(College of Aeronautics,Flushing ,New York)told me that only a fool would set himself for many years of dissapointment and despair to work in an industry that is so volatile.I went back to college after a few years of flying to get my 4-year degree and this is what they told me!

I don't think people fully comprehend what they're getting into when they begin this career. I certainly wouldn't do it over again if I had the chance, many people I know feel the same way.

The downsides are a little more obvious to an outsider now than they were 10 years ago. Probably because they've become much more the norm, it's difficult for flight schools to cover up all the negatives now with their propoganda. That's a good thing, I can't see anyone in their right mind selecting this career given all the facts.

Your professors are giving out good information, this has become a fools career.

 

[BD King]

We complain, bitch, and moan. The difference with aviation, is that it is more than a job. It is a way of life that has a very rich history. Of course, maybe a proctologist views his job in the same manner.

 

[vetteracer]

I can never remembering wanting to do anything else. I guess I would just not be happy doing anything else and I am not sure what value you can put on happiness. I am 28 and have been flying since I was 14. So half my life and 14 years to this career. I never minded the hurdles or the work involved. But you are right, this career demands from you on all fronts, every facet of your life.

There are many good aviation jobs out there that pay well, treat you good, and let you be home almost every day of the week. In this career you must be willing to change your destination and redefine your goals and stay positive.

Ask any Doctor if they would do it all over again, most would say no! Doctors do not make what you would think either, and they are always being sued, and live a litigation existence.

I fear the day I wake up in the mirror and see a beaten down by life man looking back at me. There is not any amount of money that is worth that. If you are not happy in life, no amount of money, a better job, spouse, etc that will make you happy. That is up to you.

Mark

 

[PHX767]

I think my reply to your esteemed professor would be, "Those that can, fly. Those that cannot, teach."

 

[Matterhorn]

why do you guys do it.Professors at my college(College of Aeronautics,Flushing ,New York)told me that only a fool would set himself for many years of dissapointment and despair

1. I guess I'm a fool then.
2. I've been in aviation so long, I don't know how to do much else.
3. It's better than real work.

 

[Dubya]

I can never remembering wanting to do anything else. I guess I would just not be happy doing anything else and I am not sure what value you can put on happiness. I am 28 and have been flying since I was 14. So half my life and 14 years to this career. I never minded the hurdles or the work involved. But you are right, this career demands from you on all fronts, every facet of your life.

There are many good aviation jobs out there that pay well, treat you good, and let you be home almost every day of the week. In this career you must be willing to change your destination and redefine your goals and stay positive.

Ask any Doctor if they would do it all over again, most would say no! Doctors do not make what you would think either, and they are always being sued, and live a litigation existence.

I fear the day I wake up in the mirror and see a beaten down by life man looking back at me. There is not any amount of money that is worth that. If you are not happy in life, no amount of money, a better job, spouse, etc that will make you happy. That is up to you.

Mark

Aaahhhh....my eyes! Dude..your font is more challenging than my last eye exam!

Flying is about happiness....not financial security.

Stay the course. The Glass is half full. It's not what you know...it's who you know. If you build it..they will come.

W

 

[vetteracer]

You are the second guy to mention my font is to small. It, must be my settings.

If I use the default setting Font (2) it appears really large on my format.

Thanks for the info, I will use the #2

Mark

 

[ThomasR]

Aviators are all crazy.

 

[AA717driver]

Come to think of it, we have a lot in common with proctologists. We work with a bunch of assholes and on our time off, we talk about the assholes we work with...

Thomas R has it right. We are all kind of messed up. In a good kind of way... I think. TC