Remembering Career Changers

[SuperBTT]

I have been following jetcareers and many other forums for years. I remember not long ago that there were tons of career changer posts. Now there are only a few since last January.

I guess I am out of touch as I am currently deployed to Iraq. I have dreamed of being a pilot since I was in high school in the 80's. Even scraped up enough money to attend Indiana State University for one semester in their Aviation Program. Due to family committments over the years, I put the dream on backburner.

I have had two successful jobs, one at GE, and my current position with the U.S. Army as a Warrant Officer in Electronic Systems Maintenance.
But, like many people, the dream resurfaces every few years...what if?

I am disheartened at the current industry and wonder if I should just be happy with my current career. I will have a Master's degree before I retire in a few years and a wealth of technical experience; not too bad for a farm boy from the midwest.

Honestly, I can't imagine doing anything in the civilian world except something in Aviation...and if I can't do that...I will stay 30 years and call it quits.

I am thinking I am doing everything backwards compared to the younger, eager prospective pilots. My kids are all grown, I want to retire from the military and try and go into career flight instructing and/or collegiate aviation at the community college level.

You know, I always wanted to fly for the airlines...but after all the research I have been doing, all the deployments and time away from the wife...I think I would be happier flying out of an old airstrip and less headaches. Much like the old movie "The Pilot" where an airline pilot who has a drinking problem leaves the airline and retires to a small flying job. Some of you old-timers might have seen the movie.

Anyway, enough rambling...I have not given up at 43; however, I am going to finish my first career first, start drawing a decent pension first, then start my passion of flying for a living...or not. If I love what I am doing...I will finally be able to live comfortably without worrying about surviving in this industry.

Best of luck to all you guys, I hope things turn around...and I will let you know as things progress.

Warrant in Iraq.

 

[Murdoughnut]

First of all, thank you for your service.

Is flying for the Army out of the question - is it something you've looked into in the past?

 

[moxiepilot]

personally, if you're already a WO I'd stay in the Army. It's steady work and of course has benefits.

Then, of course, there is the aspect of redeployment....

 

[SuperBTT]

First of all, thank you for your service.

Is flying for the Army out of the question - is it something you've looked into in the past?

Yes, I am 43...the age limit is around 32-33. I work electronics and avionic systems.

 

[SuperBTT]

personally, if you're already a WO I'd stay in the Army. It's steady work and of course has benefits.

Then, of course, there is the aspect of redeployment....

Oh, I am definitely staying...that is why I am going to work on my ratings at an FBO and maybe instruct part-time once I get the CFI ticket.

I figure when things turn around, I'll have a Master's, CFI, some instructing experience; and most of all---a good retirement. Then I can start a second career and not worry about eating ramen on $12-17K a year.

 

[jskibo]

Any flying clubs at your base, or another nearby base? Good way to get cheap time and some pretty good instructors.

I was flying out of NAS Whidbey Island (many moons ago) and getting a PA28-140 for $28 / hr wet. MWR seemed to be setting rates at cost. Hell the 310 was $90 then.

All the instructors there were reserve P3 drivers, good group.

 

[greaper007]

There are plenty of career changers on this board, they're just changing away from the Airlines. If you have the itch just keep working on all your ratings while you're still working. It honestly won't take that much longer than going the pilot mill route. Then when you get your 20 in you can go fly for the airlines.

If you get the itch really bad before that just follow these few steps. Take everything you have that's valuable and throw it away. Then give all your money to a homeless dude. Then on every holiday go hang out at the airport or in room with 20 illegal aliens. Go live in a cheap hotel and talk to your family on the phone everyday.

Honestly though, flying for an airline can be a fun and rewarding experience in small doses. With the insecurity and pay though it's not worth it as a career for the average person. It sounds like you have the right idea as doing it as a retirement job. I've met dozens of people that have done it this way and they all seemed to be pretty happy.

 

[SuperBTT]

Any flying clubs at your base, or another nearby base? Good way to get cheap time and some pretty good instructors.

I was flying out of NAS Whidbey Island (many moons ago) and getting a PA28-140 for $28 / hr wet. MWR seemed to be setting rates at cost. Hell the 310 was $90 then.

All the instructors there were reserve P3 drivers, good group.

Even the military's flying clubs are slowly disappearing. Of course, all the posts/bases that do have them are nowhere near my location. I have found a 200+ member flying club which is pretty reasonable for my location.

**C152 $65 wet/hr + $25 instr/hr + $7.50(.3 Pre/Post)= $97.62 hour!
That's pretty darn good, don't you think?
**Ground School is 42hr course over 2 months for $180

I am pretty happy with these rates, and if I quit chewing Copenhagen...I can fly an extra lesson per month for free...lol..

 

[beasly]

I dumped my computer programming career in my mid-forties at it is the best decision of my life. I am very happy now--un-employed, mind you, but very happy.

Sounds like you are managing the money side of it very nicely and have a very good plan.


Sincerely,

b.


p.s. thanks for keeping our butts safe here in the u.s.a.

 

[jskibo]

Even the military's flying clubs are slowly disappearing. Of course, all the posts/bases that do have them are nowhere near my location. I have found a 200+ member flying club which is pretty reasonable for my location.

**C152 $65 wet/hr + $25 instr/hr + $7.50(.3 Pre/Post)= $97.62 hour!
That's pretty darn good, don't you think?
**Ground School is 42hr course over 2 months for $180

I am pretty happy with these rates, and if I quit chewing Copenhagen...I can fly an extra lesson per month for free...lol..

That's a good rate. C152 at KLGB is $78 and the instructor is $50 for a perspective

My Sr. Manager is an old CWO3 Cobra guy, he wants to go back and start flying but will only fly turbine, best rate he got was $1100 an hour...LOL

 

[OhioStatePilot]

Hey b... I did the same thing... except I never finished my CompE degree and transferred schools, but I'm still unemployed! :beer: