Talked to a fractional captain...

bjm

bjm

New Member
Saturday when I was at the airport. I was discussing hours and career plans with a CFI, and he was there paying for fuel. The first thing he said when I started talking to him was, "If I could give you my job, I'd let you have it right now!" We discussed his background and working conditions, etc. for about 20 minutes. He wasn't one of these guys who says aviation sucks, don't even bother! He genuinely misses his wife and kids, and he just doesn't feel the passion he once had with flying. Said he was lucky cuz he has a strong wife who comes from a background that she is used to being on her own and staying at home. And my g/f was with me, so she got to hear a true story of the family hardships that come with flying pro. Anyway, just thought it was cool for us to learn about his career life and family life. Plus, possibly another job opening for some lucky pilot! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif
 
I've heard it from numerous Netjet guys. And not the new hires, I've heard it from their Falcon and X drivers.
 
You'll hear that from more than just the fractional guys - I think that the vast majority of professional pilots will say that they still 'like' their jobs but it is just that - a job - and they generally don't have the same 'passion' for flying that they did. Yeah flying airplanes is cool but it's a tough career being on the road and putting up with all of the BS that goes along with the flying. After a period of time it's enough to make anyone reconsider their career choice.

Jason
 
And he said he was looking into real estate. Another former pilot friend of his was doing it and making good money. A couple guys from JC have talked about doing that too. What is it with pilots wanting to go sell real estate??
 
I know a couple of SWA FOs that do real estate on the side. I think b/c it's a nice, potentially part time gig that could net some decent money.
 
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What is it with pilots wanting to go sell real estate??

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I guess pilots are just seeing how much money is in it, and they would rather own thier own plane then fly some one elses

A nieghbor of mine was started a crop dusting company back in the late thirties and kept it untill 1987 when he started in real estate. He never became a rich man in aviation. Sence he started in Real Estate he's made a fourtune and now owns four planes (one jet, one turboprop, one GA plane, and one warbird).
 
It just reminds me of how it used to be with flying. You know the old idea that you can "work 8 days a month and make $200K!" As lots have pointed out, if it is a job, it will eventually feel like a job. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Here's something I was thinking about though. A lot of the more experienced pro's who are leaving the field started during the glory days. I wonder if they are wanting to get out because the chance of making big money with short work weeks isn't there like it was when they started. Not saying that they're all out for money, just a thought.
 
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