Charter Times
- Thread starter nkoenig
- Start date
darrenf
resident denizen
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Dated?
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I was referring to parts of the article like this:
"With the numbers of pilots joining the major airlines on the increase - nearly 13,000 expected in 1998 alone " /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif
It's not 1998 any more. The actual job is still pretty much the same with the addition of some "security" measures. I don't think this segment of aviation was hit nearly as hard as the airlines. The company I work for is growing.
Dated?
[/ QUOTE ]
I was referring to parts of the article like this:
"With the numbers of pilots joining the major airlines on the increase - nearly 13,000 expected in 1998 alone " /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif
It's not 1998 any more. The actual job is still pretty much the same with the addition of some "security" measures. I don't think this segment of aviation was hit nearly as hard as the airlines. The company I work for is growing.
mtsu_av8er
Well-Known Member
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Have any of you guys had any regrets about entering this industry?? (aviation) /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/banghead.gif
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Not I!!
Have any of you guys had any regrets about entering this industry?? (aviation) /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/banghead.gif
[/ QUOTE ]
Not I!!
darrenf
resident denizen
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Dated?
[/ QUOTE ]
I was referring to parts of the article like this:
"With the numbers of pilots joining the major airlines on the increase - nearly 13,000 expected in 1998 alone " /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif
[/ QUOTE ]
Ahh, Yeah, I wish that still "fit". /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif
[ QUOTE ]
Dated?
[/ QUOTE ]
I was referring to parts of the article like this:
"With the numbers of pilots joining the major airlines on the increase - nearly 13,000 expected in 1998 alone " /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif
[/ QUOTE ]
Ahh, Yeah, I wish that still "fit". /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif
blee256
Well-Known Member
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Have any of you guys had any regrets about entering this industry?? (aviation) /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/banghead.gif
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I If I knew a couple years ago what I know now, I just dont know if I would do it all over again. With the industry in the shape that its in, you just dont know whats going to happen. I am not just talking about US airways and the possibility of United following the same footsteps ( which I doubt, I think United will pull thru) Pilot morale seems to be pretty low. Regionals are doing a lot of hiring, but it seems like the way regionals are getting contracts are just undercutting each other. which in turn would be lower pay for all, not just pilots.
the general public doesnt understand the sh*t we have to go thru to make it to the left seat of a legacy airline. Or even just the right seat of a beech 1900. the cost of training, the poor pay of flight instructing/banner towing/jump pilots/crop dusting. Not to mention how dangerous crop dusting and banner towing is. and then making 18K first year at a regional. living in a crash pad that is never clean, and sometimes coming in to sleep to see some stranger in your bed. sitting reserves for half a year to a year.ouh-leese
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paying 25K to 100K in flight training and not break the 25,000 dollar mark until your third or fourth year (after training) at the earliest is a joke.
most of the times on this message board people somewhat sugarcoat things. most new pilots have this idea that its easy. They think once they solo, it will be easier, or once they pass the Instrument rating or the oral portion of your CFI, then getting that job, then instructing for a year and half, almost getting killed by your students every other week (ok, its not really that bad /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif) and then its trying to get an interview only to be told you need more multi time. then once you get the interview you gotta study your arse off. and once you get the job offer and you wipe your brow. and say "i made it" then you spend a week in systems class and say, you gotta be kidding me! I dont know crap, I dont think I will pass"
right? didnt we all think it was gonna get easier? I did, but it never does. but then again thats what makes this pursuit of a dream just a lil bit sweeter. And as i write this and I read over what I wrote I whole heartedly agree, but would i give this up do be some desk jockey. not in a million years. so do i regret this? nah..... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/insane.gif I just needed to blow of some steam
-brian
Have any of you guys had any regrets about entering this industry?? (aviation) /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/banghead.gif
[/ QUOTE ]
I If I knew a couple years ago what I know now, I just dont know if I would do it all over again. With the industry in the shape that its in, you just dont know whats going to happen. I am not just talking about US airways and the possibility of United following the same footsteps ( which I doubt, I think United will pull thru) Pilot morale seems to be pretty low. Regionals are doing a lot of hiring, but it seems like the way regionals are getting contracts are just undercutting each other. which in turn would be lower pay for all, not just pilots.
the general public doesnt understand the sh*t we have to go thru to make it to the left seat of a legacy airline. Or even just the right seat of a beech 1900. the cost of training, the poor pay of flight instructing/banner towing/jump pilots/crop dusting. Not to mention how dangerous crop dusting and banner towing is. and then making 18K first year at a regional. living in a crash pad that is never clean, and sometimes coming in to sleep to see some stranger in your bed. sitting reserves for half a year to a year.ouh-leese
]
paying 25K to 100K in flight training and not break the 25,000 dollar mark until your third or fourth year (after training) at the earliest is a joke.
most of the times on this message board people somewhat sugarcoat things. most new pilots have this idea that its easy. They think once they solo, it will be easier, or once they pass the Instrument rating or the oral portion of your CFI, then getting that job, then instructing for a year and half, almost getting killed by your students every other week (ok, its not really that bad /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif) and then its trying to get an interview only to be told you need more multi time. then once you get the interview you gotta study your arse off. and once you get the job offer and you wipe your brow. and say "i made it" then you spend a week in systems class and say, you gotta be kidding me! I dont know crap, I dont think I will pass"
right? didnt we all think it was gonna get easier? I did, but it never does. but then again thats what makes this pursuit of a dream just a lil bit sweeter. And as i write this and I read over what I wrote I whole heartedly agree, but would i give this up do be some desk jockey. not in a million years. so do i regret this? nah..... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/insane.gif I just needed to blow of some steam
-brian
mtsu_av8er
Well-Known Member
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Have any of you guys had any regrets about entering this industry?? (aviation) /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/banghead.gif
[/ QUOTE ]
I If I knew a couple years ago what I know now, I just dont know if I would do it all over again.
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I would have. No changes. I'm enjoying every bit of it.
I've seen much worse....
[ QUOTE ]
Have any of you guys had any regrets about entering this industry?? (aviation) /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/banghead.gif
[/ QUOTE ]
I If I knew a couple years ago what I know now, I just dont know if I would do it all over again.
[/ QUOTE ]
I would have. No changes. I'm enjoying every bit of it.
I've seen much worse....
Mr_Creepy
Well-Known Member
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Have any of you guys had any regrets about entering this industry?? (aviation) /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/banghead.gif
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I would have. No changes. I'm enjoying every bit of it.
I've seen much worse....
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And what airline are you flying for Lloyd? I thought you were a CFI right now.
I agree with his post. I don't regret doing it but I would not do it again. I empathize with the back-biting, cost cutting description of regionals (and their pilots also.)
The days of 6 figure pilots retiring as millionaires are dwindling. It is my fervent hope and prayer that sense comes to the industry and my heart yearns for the "good ole days" return, but my brain tells me that it's over. It's not going to get better.
I miss the way it was, but do not want to go back to the way it is.
Another reflection, it was fun, but if I had spent the same enthusiam and energy on another field, insurance for example, I would own a corporate jet by now.
I've been in many fields, and I've never seen anything like the competition for jobs in the pilot industry.
[ QUOTE ]
Have any of you guys had any regrets about entering this industry?? (aviation) /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/banghead.gif
[/ QUOTE ]
I would have. No changes. I'm enjoying every bit of it.
I've seen much worse....
[/ QUOTE ]
And what airline are you flying for Lloyd? I thought you were a CFI right now.
I agree with his post. I don't regret doing it but I would not do it again. I empathize with the back-biting, cost cutting description of regionals (and their pilots also.)
The days of 6 figure pilots retiring as millionaires are dwindling. It is my fervent hope and prayer that sense comes to the industry and my heart yearns for the "good ole days" return, but my brain tells me that it's over. It's not going to get better.
I miss the way it was, but do not want to go back to the way it is.
Another reflection, it was fun, but if I had spent the same enthusiam and energy on another field, insurance for example, I would own a corporate jet by now.
I've been in many fields, and I've never seen anything like the competition for jobs in the pilot industry.
fsuflyer
New Member
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Another reflection, it was fun, but if I had spent the same enthusiam and energy on another field, insurance for example, I would own a corporate jet by now.
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I believe that putting down the compensation of pilot relative to another field is BS. Becoming an airline pilot has always been a dream of children. And when those children someday make it as a pilot, it will be the sweetest thing ever. On the other hand, have you ever heard a child mention he would love to handle insurance claims one day? Please. If you share the same passion as much as most on this board, GO FOR IT. If not, maybe you may like to look somewhere else, as training/becoming a pilot could be just as time consuming as becoming a physician, NO JOKE.
P.S. John--the insurance thing was not directed towards you, i could fill in almost any career there and it would hold just as true (ie accountant, software engineer,etc)
Another reflection, it was fun, but if I had spent the same enthusiam and energy on another field, insurance for example, I would own a corporate jet by now.
[/ QUOTE ]
I believe that putting down the compensation of pilot relative to another field is BS. Becoming an airline pilot has always been a dream of children. And when those children someday make it as a pilot, it will be the sweetest thing ever. On the other hand, have you ever heard a child mention he would love to handle insurance claims one day? Please. If you share the same passion as much as most on this board, GO FOR IT. If not, maybe you may like to look somewhere else, as training/becoming a pilot could be just as time consuming as becoming a physician, NO JOKE.
P.S. John--the insurance thing was not directed towards you, i could fill in almost any career there and it would hold just as true (ie accountant, software engineer,etc)
flyover
New Member
Great post from a very current, in the trenches perspective. Some thoughts:
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With the industry in the shape that its in, you just dont know whats going to happen.
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Actually I think we've got a pretty good idea. The industry is going to shed it's prederegulation baggage. This is a shakeout that had to happen. When we emerge on the other side in just a few years, things will be leaner and meaner, but profitable companies make for better careers.
[ QUOTE ]
the general public doesnt understand the sh*t we have to go thru to make it to the left seat of a legacy airline. Or even just the right seat of a beech 1900.
[/ QUOTE ]
True, but if you want to do something in life, what other people think doesn't matter. The guys I've known who really enjoy(ed) their careers couldn't care less what other people think of their profession.
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but would i give this up do be some desk jockey. not in a million years. so do i regret this? nah..... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/insane.gif I just needed to blow of some steam
-brian
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That's what it boils down to. Anyone pursuing this career because they had an uncle who flew for a legacy who always had a lot of time off and lived in a big house had better look somewhere else. If you want to fly airplanes for a living, though, you've got to go where the airplanes are.
This whole meltdown/shakeout is something I've been expecting for quite awhile. It is necessary and will finally put the industry on solid footing for the future. That doesn't mean it's a cakewalk ahead, but it isn't the end of the world for commercial aviation or pilot careers either.
[ QUOTE ]
With the industry in the shape that its in, you just dont know whats going to happen.
[/ QUOTE ]
Actually I think we've got a pretty good idea. The industry is going to shed it's prederegulation baggage. This is a shakeout that had to happen. When we emerge on the other side in just a few years, things will be leaner and meaner, but profitable companies make for better careers.
[ QUOTE ]
the general public doesnt understand the sh*t we have to go thru to make it to the left seat of a legacy airline. Or even just the right seat of a beech 1900.
[/ QUOTE ]
True, but if you want to do something in life, what other people think doesn't matter. The guys I've known who really enjoy(ed) their careers couldn't care less what other people think of their profession.
[ QUOTE ]
but would i give this up do be some desk jockey. not in a million years. so do i regret this? nah..... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/insane.gif I just needed to blow of some steam
-brian
[/ QUOTE ]
That's what it boils down to. Anyone pursuing this career because they had an uncle who flew for a legacy who always had a lot of time off and lived in a big house had better look somewhere else. If you want to fly airplanes for a living, though, you've got to go where the airplanes are.
This whole meltdown/shakeout is something I've been expecting for quite awhile. It is necessary and will finally put the industry on solid footing for the future. That doesn't mean it's a cakewalk ahead, but it isn't the end of the world for commercial aviation or pilot careers either.
tonyw
Well-Known Member
It's not all gloom and doom, though.
Look at Southwest. They pay their pilots pretty well. Last time I looked at their salary scales, their senior captains made MORE than the senior captains on 737s at the legacy carriers. Throw in a little profit sharing and stock, and it looks even better.
And cargo ain't too shabby, either. FedEx and UPS pay their pilots well and they're making money.
While it looks bad if you only look at the legacy carriers, with them putting thousands of people on the streets and cutting pay and pensions, there are bright spots in the industry.
Look at Southwest. They pay their pilots pretty well. Last time I looked at their salary scales, their senior captains made MORE than the senior captains on 737s at the legacy carriers. Throw in a little profit sharing and stock, and it looks even better.
And cargo ain't too shabby, either. FedEx and UPS pay their pilots well and they're making money.
While it looks bad if you only look at the legacy carriers, with them putting thousands of people on the streets and cutting pay and pensions, there are bright spots in the industry.
No Regrets
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Have any of you guys had any regrets about entering this industry?? (aviation) /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/banghead.gif
[/ QUOTE ]
No, but I took a non-traditional route and was never interested in the airlines.
Look at it this way. No matter what field you choose, you can never predict what will happen to that industry or to your life in general during the span of your career. Therefore, you might as well pick something that interests you but be prepared to be flexible.
[ QUOTE ]
Have any of you guys had any regrets about entering this industry?? (aviation) /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/banghead.gif
[/ QUOTE ]
No, but I took a non-traditional route and was never interested in the airlines.
Look at it this way. No matter what field you choose, you can never predict what will happen to that industry or to your life in general during the span of your career. Therefore, you might as well pick something that interests you but be prepared to be flexible.
