Pilot Blues

[uwochris]

Well, because of the very poor wx we have been experiencing (SW ontario), I have not flown much at all lately. The last time I flew was 1.5 weeks ago on Canadian Thanksgiving (yup, I flew on TG, drove home after flying 7.5 hours that day, arrived just as my family finished their dinner at around 8pm).

Since that day, I have made $100, all of this being my base pay. It is really really frustrating!! I am supposed to be flying now, but once again, the wx is too low (ovc 900). What makes it all the more aggravating is that it is VFR where I need to be

My job is also coming to an end for the winter season. Starting next month I have to start paying my $16,000 student loan. Fortunately for me, my parents are helping me out here big time... without their help, I would simply not be able to keep doing this job without getting a second job.

I am only scheduled to fly 3-4 days per week with this job. I logged just over 150 hours in the previous 2 months, which I think is pretty good for a part-time flying job. Unfortunately, I have yet to earn $800/month. My best pay check was $230 for a week when I flew over 20 hours and shot 20 rolls of film.

Our company is also looking into sending us pilots down south for the winters, which means my job will no longer be season. This will hopefully start up next year. I am helping out with the paper work to make this happen (not fun at all), but I just hope things get better soon, and fast!

Chris.

 

[EagleRJ]

I hear ya! I had many weeks as a CFI when I hardly made any money at all because of wx. Hang in there- it only gets better!

 

[pilotman2105]

Hang in there man. Everyone has ups and downs in their professional life. You may just be in a temporary down. But remember, it's only temporary. Do what you need to do to get through the next few months while working hard to make the future better.

Good times come to those who make them possible. Chin up.