Any UPS pilots?
- Thread starter cole
- Start date
I_Money
Moderator
I think what these guys are tellling you - however much fun you enjoy flying when flying becomes your job, it looses a lot of its glamour and appeal - you have training, friends being laid off, possibility of being laid off yourself, spending times (including birthdays, christmas, New Years) away from family, staying in the HoJo, etc
I live my life by following my heart - it has served me well, and I am sure no doubt it will continue to do so.
I live my life by following my heart - it has served me well, and I am sure no doubt it will continue to do so.
A300Capt
Freight Dawg
[ QUOTE ]
Is it me or do you all regret your pilot jobs?
[/ QUOTE ]
Regret? No. But I've been extremely fortunate in my aviation career. I've seen a lot more deserving folks run into hard times through absolutely no fault of their own. It's true, life is not always fair. I grew up dreaming about becoming an airline pilot. Problem is, it's really not the fantasy I had dreamt about as a little boy. It never has lived up to the hype of the movies, books or magazines.
I've found myself spending a lot of hours and long duty days/nights away from my family during important occasions. This may not seem like much to the starry eyed young wannabe but I'd rather spend time with my family than spend another hour droning along in an airplane. This is why I have my doubts when I hear about some 30 or 40 something career changer with a family wanting to get into the biz. It's tough on those that have made it to that dream job and even tougher on those just starting out.
The reality is, I think you'll be extremely disappointed in an airline career if it's based on glossy brochures, movies or old books. An aviation job is peppered with potholes that one must circumnavigate successfully in order to have a long career. Problem is, many of those things are totally out of your control. Just ask Doug! Who would have thought 10 years ago that Delta, one of the premier airlines with a long history, would be in such dire financial conditions today? How about United? It's not the pilot's fault or any other employee group and they have very little control of their destiny. How would you like to be an 18 yr veteran at USAir and currently be at the bottom of the seniority list making peanuts wondering what happened to your career and what the future holds?
I feel like I'm one of the lucky few who is with a good company with good seniority #, but like Delta, United, USAir and others, I worry it could end tomorrow either through company financial problems, health issues, FAA enforcement actions, etc. Aviation is very volatile and as fortunate as I've been I'm just not sure I'd be willing to roll that dice again if I were just starting out in the biz. Maybe single and in my 20's but certainly not as a married man in my 30's or 40's with a family.
Just my opinion.
Is it me or do you all regret your pilot jobs?
[/ QUOTE ]
Regret? No. But I've been extremely fortunate in my aviation career. I've seen a lot more deserving folks run into hard times through absolutely no fault of their own. It's true, life is not always fair. I grew up dreaming about becoming an airline pilot. Problem is, it's really not the fantasy I had dreamt about as a little boy. It never has lived up to the hype of the movies, books or magazines.
I've found myself spending a lot of hours and long duty days/nights away from my family during important occasions. This may not seem like much to the starry eyed young wannabe but I'd rather spend time with my family than spend another hour droning along in an airplane. This is why I have my doubts when I hear about some 30 or 40 something career changer with a family wanting to get into the biz. It's tough on those that have made it to that dream job and even tougher on those just starting out.
The reality is, I think you'll be extremely disappointed in an airline career if it's based on glossy brochures, movies or old books. An aviation job is peppered with potholes that one must circumnavigate successfully in order to have a long career. Problem is, many of those things are totally out of your control. Just ask Doug! Who would have thought 10 years ago that Delta, one of the premier airlines with a long history, would be in such dire financial conditions today? How about United? It's not the pilot's fault or any other employee group and they have very little control of their destiny. How would you like to be an 18 yr veteran at USAir and currently be at the bottom of the seniority list making peanuts wondering what happened to your career and what the future holds?
I feel like I'm one of the lucky few who is with a good company with good seniority #, but like Delta, United, USAir and others, I worry it could end tomorrow either through company financial problems, health issues, FAA enforcement actions, etc. Aviation is very volatile and as fortunate as I've been I'm just not sure I'd be willing to roll that dice again if I were just starting out in the biz. Maybe single and in my 20's but certainly not as a married man in my 30's or 40's with a family.
Just my opinion.
buffalopilot
Well-Known Member
I appreciate all your information A300. I have done alot of research on the industry and I know that there is really no job security, and it is a difficult career to hang on too. I also know I really want to do it, but I am hesitant because of the issues that you mentioned. I knew those issues existed. I am just not sure what to do. I am hoping that in hard times, my wife can help get us back up on our feet. I guess i have some big decisions to make!!
Check out the Air guard/reserves.They will pay for your ratings then you can decide.I am about to enlist as a loadmaster with hopes of going to UPT.If you like it build time and go to the airlines or corporate outfits.Or get a full time slot with you unit and have the best of both worlds.And in todays world there isn't much job stability.
USMCmech
Well-Known Member
[ QUOTE ]
I am just not sure what to do.
[/ QUOTE ]
For my unsolicited advice:
Keep working as a PA, get all your pilots liscenses, fly part time with whatever corprate or flight instruction job you enjoy.
I too thought I wanted to fly as an airline pilot. But learning about all the downsides of that world has changed my mind. I now dream about owning my small airplane shop, and flight instructing part time. For me being my own boss would more than make up for never getting to fly a 777.
I am just not sure what to do.
[/ QUOTE ]
For my unsolicited advice:
Keep working as a PA, get all your pilots liscenses, fly part time with whatever corprate or flight instruction job you enjoy.
I too thought I wanted to fly as an airline pilot. But learning about all the downsides of that world has changed my mind. I now dream about owning my small airplane shop, and flight instructing part time. For me being my own boss would more than make up for never getting to fly a 777.
[ QUOTE ]
Check out the Air guard/reserves.They will pay for your ratings then you can decide.I am about to enlist as a loadmaster with hopes of going to UPT.If you like it build time and go to the airlines or corporate outfits.Or get a full time slot with you unit and have the best of both worlds.And in todays world there isn't much job stability.
[/ QUOTE ]
The Guard/Reserve isn't the easy life it used to be. If one is using it as a timebuilder, they're gonna be very disappointed when they find themselves in Iraq. Flying is but a small part of being a military pilot. The AF doesn't want pilots, they want future pencil pushers.
Check out the Air guard/reserves.They will pay for your ratings then you can decide.I am about to enlist as a loadmaster with hopes of going to UPT.If you like it build time and go to the airlines or corporate outfits.Or get a full time slot with you unit and have the best of both worlds.And in todays world there isn't much job stability.
[/ QUOTE ]
The Guard/Reserve isn't the easy life it used to be. If one is using it as a timebuilder, they're gonna be very disappointed when they find themselves in Iraq. Flying is but a small part of being a military pilot. The AF doesn't want pilots, they want future pencil pushers.
If its a heavy unit they have lots of people just flying.Yes they have those trips to the middle east but they come home every week.Also what can a newbie at UPS expect for schedules.What kind of reserve lines.And are international trip in the day?Do senior pilots bid reserve more?
DE727UPS
Well-Known Member
Newbies get reserve, or lines that are worse than reserve, if you can imagine that. Reserve is 8 on 6 off, or 16 on 12 off. Some international trips are in the day...I´m gonna guess 50/50. Some senior pilots who live in domicle bid reserve though I think it's safe to say reserve is junior in general. Some Newbies will be going straight to the right seat. Just heard today we are pulling some 727's out of the desert.
Alaskaairlines
New Member
[ QUOTE ]
Newbies get reserve, or lines that are worse than reserve, if you can imagine that. Reserve is 8 on 6 off, or 16 on 12 off. Some international trips are in the day...I´m gonna guess 50/50. Some senior pilots who live in domicle bid reserve though I think it's safe to say reserve is junior in general. Some Newbies will be going straight to the right seat. Just heard today we are pulling some 727's out of the desert.
[/ QUOTE ]
727's living on, huh? Is it just aircraft shortage? Whats the story with the 747? I'm seeing less and less each day at ANC........
Newbies get reserve, or lines that are worse than reserve, if you can imagine that. Reserve is 8 on 6 off, or 16 on 12 off. Some international trips are in the day...I´m gonna guess 50/50. Some senior pilots who live in domicle bid reserve though I think it's safe to say reserve is junior in general. Some Newbies will be going straight to the right seat. Just heard today we are pulling some 727's out of the desert.
[/ QUOTE ]
727's living on, huh? Is it just aircraft shortage? Whats the story with the 747? I'm seeing less and less each day at ANC........
Another ? for you guys.I was talking to a pilot who said he enjoyed flying at night over day.He said less traffic and smoother air.Even though he was a Fedex pilot he said that he flew 2-4 legs into a sort center,sleep for a couple of hour and do another 2-4 legs.Then he would get in at six or seven and sleep till one or two.Then he would get up eat see the sights or workout have dinner and take at nap before doing it again.Does this seem normal sounds good to me.
[ QUOTE ]
I was talking to a pilot who said he enjoyed flying at night over day.He said less traffic and smoother air.
[/ QUOTE ]
Agree. Flew night cargo most of my civvie career, and now I practically live in the dark flying-wise.
...........Beware the Nightstalkers.....
I was talking to a pilot who said he enjoyed flying at night over day.He said less traffic and smoother air.
[/ QUOTE ]
Agree. Flew night cargo most of my civvie career, and now I practically live in the dark flying-wise.
...........Beware the Nightstalkers.....
DE727UPS
Well-Known Member
I'd say that sounds pretty normal. I was never able to sleep during the sorts. UPS won't set us up with bunks, like FEDEX and all the other freighters, but we have a huge room filled with recliners and many guys try to sleep.
Personally, I don't mind flying nights but would rather fly days, and with my seniority, I'm able to make that work out.
It's true, there is less traffic at night. You often get direct anywhere you want to go. Air being smoother? Maybe down low, other than that, I wouldn't say so. Freight isn't glamorus, but I don't care about that. There were a few guys in my class that were more into the whole thing of being an airline pilot...running around the terminal looking good in their uniform. Those guys didn't stick around.
I never thought I'd be a freight dawg all my life but, the more I fly on pax airlines, the more I think freight is great.
Personally, I don't mind flying nights but would rather fly days, and with my seniority, I'm able to make that work out.
It's true, there is less traffic at night. You often get direct anywhere you want to go. Air being smoother? Maybe down low, other than that, I wouldn't say so. Freight isn't glamorus, but I don't care about that. There were a few guys in my class that were more into the whole thing of being an airline pilot...running around the terminal looking good in their uniform. Those guys didn't stick around.
I never thought I'd be a freight dawg all my life but, the more I fly on pax airlines, the more I think freight is great.
