Too Old?

[crzepilot]

I agree with the last post it is shaky but even though I am still very young I don't think I would have changed a thing in my life. I find it to be a very rewarding job even when after a 15:58 duty and then some min rest. It is better than being stuck in a cubical from 9-5 and then getting stuck in a 2hour traffic jam day in and day out. I spend more time with my friends and family per week as a regional airline pilot than my step-father does who works a regular 9-5 job. And when I say time I mean quality time not time that i'm at home.

 

[mar2003]

If you really want to fly for a living buy your own airplane, get your CFII and teach in your airplane part time (evenings and weekends). See if you really like flying before quitting your day job. A part time CFI job may be more fun than trying to make a living at flying.

The worst part about teaching is that you don't get paid when the airplane is broke or the weather is bad. If it's a part time job then you don't need to worry about the pay.

 

[sorenk]

I thank you for your post. Before I spend the time and money I truly want to understand your side. Perhaps you would be kind enough to share a bit more of your particular circumstances and why you think it's a bad Idea for me. I have no family.

 

[mar2003]

I don't think it's bad. If you love flying and want to make a career out of it that's great. Most of the people here already made that descision.

I am just warning you about the state of the industry. Nothing will get better until one or two of the majors go out of business, or upper management gets on the ball and increases ticket prices. It costs more to drive than it does to fly.

The ERAU Capt program costs about $60,000. I am a Riddle Grad (got by undergrad there with most of my ratings) and can say their training is excellent, although they don't teach you to think outside the box and are a little restrictive in what and where they will let you go. I guess that is expected at such a large flight school.

If you get hired by Mesa flying a BE 1900 you can expect to get paid about 19,000 your first year and a few more thousand for 2 to 3 more years until you can upgrade to Captain where you will top out at $35,000 after about 5 years. If you get lucky and start in a jet you will make $35,000 in a 2 to 3 years and will be well on your way to making $50,000 in about 5 years. ATPs website has a listing of regional airlines and their pay (allatps.com). Remember 75 hours a month is typical guaranteed pay at an airline.

I just think $60,000 is a lot to pay considering it will take you 3 years in the industry (IF you get hired) to make that money back, and a lot longer to pay off any loans you may have for the $60,000.

Again the industry is not stable. I have had numerous friends invest 3 to 4 years at an airline to end up on furlough just before they upgrade captain. (Lots of jet time with no Jet PIC). The only people I know who have been successful are the ones who started in the industry around 98 or 99. Most of them have moved on to captain or FO at a national carrier. The problem is that the industry will come back and hiring will be good again. The question is when will it happen.

 

[sorenk]

Yes, Xfather in law hired at Continietial as FO in 97-- NOT furloughed. Whats better than flyin?