Why'd you become a pilot?

[lightswitch]

I’ve been reading this forum for a while now, and airlinepilotforums.com, and I just watched that PBS documentary “Flying Cheap”. I am considering training to become a pilot (currently am a mechanical engineer chained to desk; it blows). Military is not an option for me.

Everything I have heard thus far is extremely discouraging. Flight school costs $20k maybe, people say, while you can expect to earn less than that when you get out and into your first job. You only get paid for the time you actually spend flying, not all the time you spend doing paperwork and waiting between flights. Expect to spend up to 16 hours, the legal limit, flying – that’s got to amount to 20 hour days. When do you eat and sleep? More importantly, what do you eat and where do you sleep? I’ve seen that crash pads website specifically for pilots, I’ve heard horror stories. It sounds like you are forced to live in conditions that are even worse than college dorm life, if that’s possible. Then, there is the uncertainty of being able to make it from regionals to majors – they might not be hiring when you become qualified…it is competitive and you may just not get picked…Then there’s the fact that the industry puts seniority before experience. If your airline goes under or you just don’t like it there, you could be forced to start at the bottom at a new airline. Is this all true?

And yet, when I look at the “What’s your dream job” thread on this forum, everyone that posts says their dream job has something to do with flying. There is no shortage of people pursuing pilot careers – that’s why it is so competitive.

Pilots: Why do you put up with this? Is it because flying is your first and only love? What makes a pilot career so attractive in spite of all the negatives? At this point, I am having a hard time understanding why anyone would want to be a pilot….and yet I haven’t been able to scratch “pilot” off my list of potential careers.

It would seem that there is more luck to making decent money (>$50k/year) as a pilot than skill. What do you think?

Another concern I have about flying for a living is air quality. Studies have shown that the air quality at and surrounding an airport is worse than that seen at industrial areas. That’s pretty bad. The indoor air quality inside a plane is also questionable to me – at least as a passenger, I don’t think it is very good. What are your thoughts on this?

Most of the information I’ve found about being a pilot is in reference to commercial aviation. I think it would be pretty cool to fly teams of scientists to very remote locations that the general public do not get to go to. Who gets those jobs? I also noticed the USDA hires pilots. What for (other than fighting fires)? Could you be a pilot for park rangers or something? What about corporate piloting for non profits like The Nature Conservancy? Or how about helicopter flying for the Coast Guard? Where can I find info about the pros and cons of these routes? How competitive are these jobs, how much do they pay?

Has anyone ever gone abroad (to say somewhere in Africa) to do their pilot training (presuming that it is cheaper in other countries) then came back to the states to secure a job?


Finally, what drew you to airplanes vs helicopters, or vice versa?

 

[t-cart]

I’ve been reading this forum for a while now, and airlinepilotforums.com, and I just watched that PBS documentary “Flying Cheap”. I am considering training to become a pilot (currently am a mechanical engineer chained to desk; it blows). Military is not an option for me.

Everything I have heard thus far is extremely discouraging. Flight school costs $20k maybe, people say, while you can expect to earn less than that when you get out and into your first job. You only get paid for the time you actually spend flying, not all the time you spend doing paperwork and waiting between flights. Expect to spend up to 16 hours, the legal limit, flying – that’s got to amount to 20 hour days. When do you eat and sleep? More importantly, what do you eat and where do you sleep? I’ve seen that crash pads website specifically for pilots, I’ve heard horror stories. It sounds like you are forced to live in conditions that are even worse than college dorm life, if that’s possible. Then, there is the uncertainty of being able to make it from regionals to majors – they might not be hiring when you become qualified…it is competitive and you may just not get picked…Then there’s the fact that the industry puts seniority before experience. If your airline goes under or you just don’t like it there, you could be forced to start at the bottom at a new airline. Is this all true?

And yet, when I look at the “What’s your dream job” thread on this forum, everyone that posts says their dream job has something to do with flying. There is no shortage of people pursuing pilot careers – that’s why it is so competitive.

Pilots: Why do you put up with this? Is it because flying is your first and only love? What makes a pilot career so attractive in spite of all the negatives? At this point, I am having a hard time understanding why anyone would want to be a pilot….and yet I haven’t been able to scratch “pilot” off my list of potential careers.

It would seem that there is more luck to making decent money (>$50k/year) as a pilot than skill. What do you think?

Another concern I have about flying for a living is air quality. Studies have shown that the air quality at and surrounding an airport is worse than that seen at industrial areas. That’s pretty bad. The indoor air quality inside a plane is also questionable to me – at least as a passenger, I don’t think it is very good. What are your thoughts on this?

Most of the information I’ve found about being a pilot is in reference to commercial aviation. I think it would be pretty cool to fly teams of scientists to very remote locations that the general public do not get to go to. Who gets those jobs? I also noticed the USDA hires pilots. What for (other than fighting fires)? Could you be a pilot for park rangers or something? What about corporate piloting for non profits like The Nature Conservancy? Or how about helicopter flying for the Coast Guard? Where can I find info about the pros and cons of these routes? How competitive are these jobs, how much do they pay?

Has anyone ever gone abroad (to say somewhere in Africa) to do their pilot training (presuming that it is cheaper in other countries) then came back to the states to secure a job?


Finally, what drew you to airplanes vs helicopters, or vice versa?

Lots of good questions lightswitch, and welcome.

I am not in the airline piloting business so I can't comment on that. I'm sure some of the guys will answer those questions for you.

You had a question about the dream job. I personally think that 99% of the pilots on this website still love flying. It is all of the other "junk" that goes along with some of it that takes flying from a dream job to what is often described here. If you notice, a lot of the guys often say to get a job doing something else so you can fly when and where you want. That tells me that flying is still something that they care about.

I've said it here before, but airlines aren't the only way to make a paycheck in aviation. There is Charter, Air Ambulance, Flight Instructing, Pipe-line patrol, Ag flying and all of those jobs that you mentioned in your post. I'll also add this... Airline flying is often confused as being the only "commercial aviation" job. If you are making a check by flying, you are in commercial aviation.

I'm probably not the guy to ask about air quality.

You asked about where to find information on different types of flying. Well, I think you are at an excellent starting point right here. There are Military pilots, Major airline pilots, Regional airline pilots, Freight pilots, Fire Fighting pilots, Charter pilots, Flight Instructors, Mapping/Survey pilots, Flight Attendants, and even an Ag pilot. There's also former pilots that have moved on to something else. There are also some guys on here flying in other countries, and some retired pilots. There is a very deep pool of resources and experience right here.

Good luck figuring it all out!

Don't really know why I picked airplanes over helicopters.

 

[derg]

If your airline goes under or you just don’t like it there, you could be forced to start at the bottom at a new airline. Is this all true?

Sure, but that's most professions too. My neighbor was the VP of a large retail chain, lost his job with an administration change and hasn't regained employment because he expects to be VP.

To steal a line from one of my favorite video games, you've got to "stay frosty".

There's really no 'holy grail' career, where you have both job satisfaction, stability and money raining from the skies. There is always a balance.

There are people that left aviation because of money or career stability but I'll betchya if you sat 'em down and fed them some scotch, they'd probably start complaining about how bored they are.

Pilots: Why do you put up with this? Is it because flying is your first and only love? What makes a pilot career so attractive in spite of all the negatives? At this point, I am having a hard time understanding why anyone would want to be a pilot….and yet I haven’t been able to scratch “pilot” off my list of potential careers.

It's a basic occupational hazard. I like to fly airplanes but love the ability to leave work at work. Hell, I'm sitting here in Madrid writing this post on free wireless. I'm getting paid to spend the entire day running around Spain and make an ass of myself, what other profession would afford me that opportunity?

Another concern I have about flying for a living is air quality. Studies have shown that the air quality at and surrounding an airport is worse than that seen at industrial areas. That’s pretty bad. The indoor air quality inside a plane is also questionable to me – at least as a passenger, I don’t think it is very good. What are your thoughts on this?

Well, when we're taking a few thousand gallons of kerosene and pooping it out the engine, an airport might not be the best place for a teddy bear picnic! I'll bet you between the cleaning chemicals, pesticides, silicon from electronic products and EMF emitters in a home, home's probably not all that better than the cabin of an airplane.

Most of the information I’ve found about being a pilot is in reference to commercial aviation. I think it would be pretty cool to fly teams of scientists to very remote locations that the general public do not get to go to. Who gets those jobs?

People that want to do the work, are well-networked and... apply! We all know a guy that went from Firefighter to Big Band Vocalist to Airline Captain to Air Attack Pilot in a short amount of time.

 

[Papoo]

Wholly in agreement with what's been said. I'm about to head over to the introductions forum and 'formally' join the community here, there's all the advice in the world on tap; a great resource.

I want to fly because I love to fly, I love handling machinery, the challenges, constant honing of skills, and lifestyle. As Doug has said, he's afforded the opportunity to enjoy far-off locations, see the world etc. Of course, as we all know, some employers are much better than others. Some will offer you a very nice balance of paycheck, time off and rostering. Others, not so much. I guess you pay your dues, work hard and network.

My interest is ultimately in the corporate world. It is a different lifestyle with different challenges. Just like the airlines, there are some poorer places/people to work for, but if you are ambitious and open minded, there are some truly brilliant jobs out there.

Sadly, the industry, like many others, is in the duldrums right now. It's slowing down people's progression and consequently moral suffers. If it's your dream and your passion, don't let it slow you down.

Best of luck.

 

[splash]

Finally, what drew you to airplanes vs helicopters, or vice versa?

Well, I'm gonna try my best to not make it look like I'm not on anyone's side here. irate:

airplanes- The airframe plays a big part in flying or gliding. It is sturdy and it doesn't mechanically move. However, it is needed for flight.op:

Choppers- Many mechanical moving parts is what keeps a chopper in the air.

They are both safe, I just like the idea of knowing there is something I can do as a pilot when the crap hits the fan (pun intended). One relies on the fan big time for flight and the other ...well, not so much.

 

[CaptBill]

Welcome. I think many here (including myself), never really considered doing something else because being a pilot is who we are, not what we do. If an individual has the luxury of being content doing other things, this is probably not the career for them. The pain and sacrifice required to become a professional pilot cannot be justified using any type of rational thinking or common sense.

 

[ppragman]

I’ve been reading this forum for a while now, and airlinepilotforums.com, and I just watched that PBS documentary “Flying Cheap”. I am considering training to become a pilot (currently am a mechanical engineer chained to desk; it blows). Military is not an option for me.

Everything I have heard thus far is extremely discouraging. Flight school costs $20k maybe, people say, while you can expect to earn less than that when you get out and into your first job. You only get paid for the time you actually spend flying, not all the time you spend doing paperwork and waiting between flights. Expect to spend up to 16 hours, the legal limit, flying – that’s got to amount to 20 hour days. When do you eat and sleep? More importantly, what do you eat and where do you sleep? I’ve seen that crash pads website specifically for pilots, I’ve heard horror stories. It sounds like you are forced to live in conditions that are even worse than college dorm life, if that’s possible. Then, there is the uncertainty of being able to make it from regionals to majors – they might not be hiring when you become qualified…it is competitive and you may just not get picked…Then there’s the fact that the industry puts seniority before experience. If your airline goes under or you just don’t like it there, you could be forced to start at the bottom at a new airline. Is this all true?

And yet, when I look at the “What’s your dream job” thread on this forum, everyone that posts says their dream job has something to do with flying. There is no shortage of people pursuing pilot careers – that’s why it is so competitive.

Pilots: Why do you put up with this? Is it because flying is your first and only love? What makes a pilot career so attractive in spite of all the negatives? At this point, I am having a hard time understanding why anyone would want to be a pilot….and yet I haven’t been able to scratch “pilot” off my list of potential careers.

It would seem that there is more luck to making decent money (>$50k/year) as a pilot than skill. What do you think?

Another concern I have about flying for a living is air quality. Studies have shown that the air quality at and surrounding an airport is worse than that seen at industrial areas. That’s pretty bad. The indoor air quality inside a plane is also questionable to me – at least as a passenger, I don’t think it is very good. What are your thoughts on this?

Most of the information I’ve found about being a pilot is in reference to commercial aviation. I think it would be pretty cool to fly teams of scientists to very remote locations that the general public do not get to go to. Who gets those jobs? I also noticed the USDA hires pilots. What for (other than fighting fires)? Could you be a pilot for park rangers or something? What about corporate piloting for non profits like The Nature Conservancy? Or how about helicopter flying for the Coast Guard? Where can I find info about the pros and cons of these routes? How competitive are these jobs, how much do they pay?

Has anyone ever gone abroad (to say somewhere in Africa) to do their pilot training (presuming that it is cheaper in other countries) then came back to the states to secure a job?


Finally, what drew you to airplanes vs helicopters, or vice versa?

You always start from the bottom, every job you're ever going to have is always going to start you at the bottom, you just hope that the lower bound of pay and QoL will be higher each time you move on, that's not always the case.

I put up with the BS, because I couldn't see myself doing anything else. Being a pilot, and the lifestyle that that entails has become part of who I am (for better or worse) so for now, mostly I do this because I can't think of anything better to do with my time. That said, in my sector of aviation there's very little BS if you can put up with the conditions.

To get ahead in this industry you have to go where the money is, not where the next "time" is, unless you have no choice other than that. Most of us will have more than 20 years in this industry by the time we're done, you don't have to make it over night, but if you're patient, things will work out. Flying isn't a get rich quick scheme, but it can be lucrative.

As for air quality, don't really know the answer to that.

If you're going to join the military, remember that you're going to be paying for your flight training just as much as if you went civilian, just in a different way. The military will get their money's worth out of you. Make no mistake. As for flying for USDA, or the parks department, these are mostly civilian jobs (NOAA is a uniformed service), so it varies from place to place. That said, you'll need at least a couple thousand hours before you'll even be eligible for a lot of these jobs.

Going abroad is almost always more expensive for flight training.

I fly airplanes because I grew up listening bush planes take off from Lake Hood, and because I can't afford to fly helicopters (yet).

Best way to see if you want to be a pilot is to take some lessons. If you don't like it, then do something else.

 

[ChasenSFO]

People are pilots because thats what they've always wanted to do. Pilots also generally strive to do their best, which is a trait you need in any kind of flying, therefor no matter what the world throws at them, most people dedicated to flying stick to their guns. Aviation is not for the timid, its for the masochistic. As Calcapt said, there is no logic or rational that can be applied to why anyone would put so much on the line in a career where nothing is a guarantee.

 

[Orange Anchor]

Airplanes are the biggest and most fun toy I have ever been allowed to play with.

The challenge to fly better is always there. The conditions vary every day and the challenge is different every day.

There are some very interesting people in the aviation community and it is not only enjoyable but amazing discussing their passions.

The pay is better than digging ditches.

And as for helicopters or fixed wing.. why OR?

 

[deeriver]

Just wanted to give you my thoughts. I am not a commercial pilot, just a 172 pilot, and I do it for fun.

I have been flip flopping about taking it to the next level and doing it as my profession, but there are factors in the way that make me think otherwise.

First, is the pay. If you are worried about pay, then do not do it. Do something else. I am worried about the crappy pay and the amount of money it takes to get all the ratings done to get a right seat in an RJ, DHC etc.

Lifestyle is rough. I have many buddies who are in the regionals who have a crazy schedule. They liked it at first, being 22, flying, non rev benefits, traveling, single. But now they are craving a more balanced life and some can't even get a gal to stick with them bc of the insane travel. The ones that are married, miss home a lot and barely see their sig. other.

Career advancement is choppy. Yes other industries as well, but this one seems really choppy.

Finally, having worked for the airlines in non pilot capacity, I had the chance to just ask captains what they feel. About 80% say that I should consider not becoming a pilot. These were not RJ guys, these were 777 chiefs down to 757 guys. Flying the globe and making good money. Here they were at the top of their career, 39,000 ft over Iraq, amazing views, telling me there are better things to do.

I think if you don't give a damn about anything else, just drool at the grinding of an RB 211 on take off, with sexy heavy wing flex, are willing to be tossed around for the first 10 yrs, just insane in the head for airplanes, then do it. It's your passion. If you have reservations like I do, then do something else. Don't waste your time wish washing, because a ton of people will surpass you as you ponder, and before you know it, it may be too late.

Best of luck!

 

[JPilot9]

Finally, having worked for the airlines in non pilot capacity, I had the chance to just ask captains what they feel. About 80% say that I should consider not becoming a pilot.

Best of luck!

I think you could find this statistic true for doctors, lawyers, accountants, police officers, or any other random profession. The grass is always greener on the other side.

I'll bet if you talked to a lawyer leaving his office at 9:30 PM on a Friday, he'd get misty-eyed at the idea of burning Jet-A halfway around the world.

 

[ChasenSFO]

About 80% say that I should consider not becoming a pilot.

If 80% of the people you knew said you should drive a hot pink smart car around town, would you do it?

I'm still buzzing around the sky in a 172 just like you, but I can tell you if anything "statistics"(since most of them are made up anyway) like that only get me to try harder so I come out on top. Do what you want to do in life, not what you think is easiest.

 

[JordanD]

Because a desk doesn't go fast enough or make enough noise.

 

[Boris Badenov]

Circus wasn't hiring and it was only a two week course.

 

[jerrywhite7]

I had too much money before flying and needed to drain my bank account!!!

Other than that, I LOVE what I do . . . I am off work more than anyone I know, and get paid to sit at home and stay on JC while my friends and wife work there butts off!! I fly corprate and there is life other than the airlines! Like what has been said already. But my advice and I'm sure anyone elses advice around here is GET THE PRIVATE DONE FIRST! Or at least go up a few times and take it to your solo . . . you may then understand why some folks have decided to do this for a living . . . and you may decide that that is something that may intrest you. Or maybe (if your smart) you'll keep your job get a few ratings and own your own airplane and you would be the envy of MOST professional pilots out there!
Keep us posted on what you want to do. Look in the forums and threads on the different careers possible in the industry. AND HAVE FUN!!!!:rawk:

 

[Roger, Roger]

So I could appreciate the pay and QOL when I started turning wrenches.

 

[pdxcfi]

Driving guided missile ships were just too slow. Why take two weeks to cross the Atlantic when you can get there in ~10 hrs. Plus hotels are better than a rack...no water hours...you can drink beer in the hotel...so on.

 

[bksslc]

I wanted to spend more than i make on a career that will come with furloughs and pay just barely enough to pay the money back sometime in the next 40 years. .

In all honesty though, there is not a single other career out there that sounds the least bit appealing.

 

[cmill]

If air quality is a major concern, then maybe aviation isnt for you. Not trying to be an ass, but theres things that can kill you instantly in a plane, as opposed to cancer 40 years from now.

 

[jerrywhite7]

think about this as well . . . what other career do they MAKE you retire, and the folks doing the job DONT want to retire. Then when they retire, they buy a plane and fly around for fun!
Ever heard of a CPA that HAS to retire, then when they do, they go out and play with calculators in their spare time? All the time wishing they were back in their cubical crunching numbers?

 

[t-cart]

think about this as well . . . what other career do they MAKE you retire, and the folks doing the job DONT want to retire. Then when they retire, they buy a plane and fly around for fun!
Ever heard of a CPA that HAS to retire, then when they do, they go out and play with calculators in their spare time? All the time wishing they were back in their cubical crunching numbers?

Merlindriver, it's funny that you mention this. I still pull off to the side of the road and watch airplanes. I just can't help it. My wife is a CPA and she thinks it's funny that I do this. I have never seen her fiddling around with a calculator when she's not working.

Some of us just get to really enjoy what we do!