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Would you do it all over again?

Welcome to Flightinfo.com

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why can't it be a good thing. It is about flying airplanes. It is good to be able to do something you like.
 
So far so good. I really get a kick out of flying a Beech in the 121 world. Can't lie, actually flying (no a/p) helps (self respect boost!), and so does the size of the airplane since the salary seems to bother me less. Flying an RJ for that money (or less!) would really tick me off.

Anyway, at my current gig I am home everynight, usually work two long days and two SUPER short days, work with great people, get three or four day weekends almost every week - this is supposed to be a job? I worked real jobs before all of this - some payed better. ...you know what though? Real jobs suck!

Guess it all depends which airline you end up in. Made a good choice as to a regional, now I just want PIC and to make another good choice as to a major.
 
rfa understands it is about flying airplanes, he is an aviator
 
After 9/11 I went from an office job at a Fractional to street with a severence package and the promise of unemployment for a while. I already had my Inst/Multi Comm so I finished my last semester loaded up the Honda and went to South Florida. I ended up towing banners for two great seasons. One in Hollywood and the other in Panama City Beach. I was living two blocks off the beach flying off of grass with some really cool people, all of them are still my friends. Not to mention the loads of tourist girls cutting loose for their one week a year, a new batch every week. Got back home and sold cars then got a job flying freight in Caravans then 401/402's. I did that for the next 2 years. Lots of good times there and alot of lessons learned. Now I'm an F/O at Expressjet flying the branded product looking at upgrade after the first of the year. It's what you make it and I would not change a thing, I love to fly!
 
I'd have made some different stock purchases, and would be retired already and flying just for fun!
 
I am pretty sure the original poster meant would you start over if you knew then what you know now ABOUT AVIATION! I mean ******************** it would just take the knowledge of one lotter number or great stock run and we would all be screwing hot models for a living.
 
I wouldn't have gotten so stressed-out right before checkrides... otherwise all is good.
 
Thanks for those that support the Aviator thread. Those that want to quit, go ahead. Pushing the throttles up after 30 years is still a great thrill for me.
Yip, I've been in and out of YIP in a DC-10 and thought it was great. I hope you still get some time behind the yoke. All you other guys who are living for the paycheck, get another job or get in line with what we do.
When they scatter my ashes at 6000 feet, they'll be able to say he lived the life he loved. Chose your fate wisely. I do't go to work pissed off anymore, and I'm loving every minute of it.
 
Fedora is spot on.

Would not change a thing.
Its about Flying! I've loved it since my first flight in the Good Year Blimp at 7 years old, MIA 1957. Sat in a EA connie jump seat MIA to BOS 1960,sad that kids today can do that. Never imagined or wanted to do any thing other then Fly aircraft. I'm an aviator always was, always will be. I tried 'not' flying for several years. I could not give it up knowing what the world felt like on those special times aloft. Happiness for me is following ones bliss My bliss is not earth bound but skyward.
 
I left aviation after flying here and there for 8 years. I made it to a regional and even stayed for a year. One of the main reasons i left, besides low pay, and no job security, is that flying a passenger plane was boring to me compared to flying fireght in a broken piece of ****** airplane through weather that makes your knees shake. I guess I am a frieght dog at heart who got bored with crew scheduling. Although, I did like flying the Turbo Prop (J-41) at 6,000 ft and trying to get to my destination by folowing train tracks and towers across MO. So in answering your question, yes I do it all over again the journey to get the airline job was the best part.
 
Regardless of how you feel about flying now, would you get into aviation again if you knew what was in store? Especially if you started in the early 90's or 2001 or any other stellar stretch of aviation hiring. Yes, No, or Hell No

I would have joined the kool aid drinkers at ERAU, worn top-gun jackets and sun glasses, Taken on even more debt, maybe do a little PFT and get a "job" flying a jetstream
 
Im still pretty young and just got my first real flyng job.

Would i do it again? YES....but-

I would started flying in high school rather then chased tail and worried about who had a faster car then me. I would have joined the air force right after high school and flown/cfi stuff while i was enlisted. After my 4-6 years i would have went after a pilot slot in the military or went elsewhere with a 4 year degree and my flying all paid off by the same age i am now. Here i am with no degree and $15k in flying loans left. At least i am flying for a living though. That was always my dream and i have made it. I look forward to a life of avaition (as my whole life has been for a hobby/job so far) and continuing to do what i love.
 
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So you would have chosen airplanes over hot high school a$$? You are the only pilot in the world who has ever or will ever say that.
 
I would never have done it, knowing what I know now. The pay and benefits will only get worse. For those of you thinking about, or just getting into this business, it's not too late to do something else.
 
So you would have chosen airplanes over hot high school a$$? You are the only pilot in the world who has ever or will ever say that.

HAHA....nice. Guess you read the part and just focused on that. Im not saying i would have ONLY flown airplanes while in high school. I would have just gave up having a fast ass car and spending money on go fast parts/speeding tickets. Either way its in the past and im here now....its just one of those what ifs.
 
I would never have done it, knowing what I know now. The pay and benefits will only get worse. For those of you thinking about, or just getting into this business, it's not too late to do something else.

Not true better times are coming because of the worldwide pilot shortage. Even at today's wages and benefits pilots are in the upper 10% of all wage earners in the country. If you like to fly airplanes, it is a great way to make a living. Still living the childhood dream.
 
Hey, Yip, I believe you're right on.
Let the SpaceCadet go. It sounds like his heart's not in it. He'll be making 80K at some 9-5 job someday soon and say he's happy, and maybe he will be. If you and I probably remember correctly, "Space Cadet" was the absolute lowest score on an old arcade game we used to play. Some goals are easily reached when we set our sights low enough. I never really liked that game very much, and preferred the "Wing Commander" game instead.
The shortage overseas is becoming increasingly evident with the ICAO increase to age 65, and the Indian, Chinese, and UAE airlines stretching their arms out right now for qualified flight crewmembers. The regionals and fractionals are all hiring, and the LCC's and Majors will have to follow soon. It won't happen overnight, but the salaries and benefits will naturaly rise to attract and retain qualified individuals. I believe those that stick it out will have a brighter future.
 
Yes, I'd do it again. There are days that I'm miserable, but any job is going to have those days. I worked in the corporate-office world before I took up flying. Made good money. Also I was furloughed after 9/11, and took a non flying job to pay the bills for a couple years. Even though I was home every night I was miserable. The daily 9-5 grind with bosses and office politics and deadlines.. ugh that whole world is hell incarnate to me. I couldn't wait to fly again.

I'm the only pilot is my family. I've got an uncle who's a doctor, another who owns a real estate brokerage house, an aunt who's an architect, and so on. Most of them are making excellent money, but do nothing but complain about their jobs. Especially my uncle who is the doctor. He really regrets going that route, and I get the impression he wishes to trade places with me, despite the pay cut. It just proves to me that the 'grass is greener ' on the other side syndrome is all too common. Life is what you make of it, and overall I'm happy doing this. Don't get me wrong, I'd like more money, no doubt, but like other's have said, we still make more than most other working people out there. Honestly, if money is the most important thing to people, and talking to most bitter pilots I'd say it is, why are you working for someone? If money is your goal, you need to be your own boss.
 
I bet 11th hr is flying because he likes to?
 

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