Do you think the word is finally out about this so called aviation piloting career?

Question

I think people, parents, and kids, are finally waking up to the fact that a career and gainful employment as a pilot is open to a very small percentage of lucky people. Not trying to be negative, but trying to urge parents and candidates avoid a life of utter folly.

Answer 1

>>  Do you think the word is finally out

I read your other posts.  I didn't know.  And I don't think most people still knows. You only posted one message 5:30 AM (EST).  I don't think 10 people read that question.

You need to work harder if you want the word to get out.

Good luck...

Answer 2

This career has been on the decline ever since deregulation in the US (late 1970s), yet still, there are always plenty of people willing to do the job for next to nothing.  Major airlines could stop paying pilots today and I'd bet there would be enough fools lined up to fly the planes.

Answer 3

It's always been a tough field to break into, and the greatest personal risk in an aviation career has always been the risk of starvation.

It is very competitive nowadays, and probably won't get easier any time in the foreseeable future.

But it is not utter folly.  If you are talented and dedicated, and willing to face the risks and the unpleasantness and the hard work, there are still slots open for the future.  You just have to be realistic, and patient.

Good luck!

Answer 4

The days of glamour pilot are over!  You are correct the community is very hard and expensive to get into now.  Many years ago it was open to who ever had the dream now it's just a dream.  I fly now for a cargo company in old equipment and bad conditions, and the pay is Not good.  You pretty much have to give up your life and if you have a family they are gone to.  

Pilot on CAVU days and enjoy flight.

CAVU= Clear air visibility unlimited

Answer 5

Nah, adversity just separates the winners from the quitters.  If there is the will there is a way.  Pilots don't just fly airliners, and pilots who love flying will fly an old steam gauge plane just as soon as they'll fly a new glass panel plane.  One man's life of utter folly is another man's life of adventure and enjoyment.  So just know who your are and what you want in life.  Some people will have great stories to tell their grandkids, some will not, that's how it goes.

Answer 6

What are you talking about?  

Answer 7

GO NICKSON

Answer 8

The airlines have always been cyclical. This current problem is a very big down for the industry, but it will rebound.

Most people who choose to make an airline career know that nothing is guaranteed. It's been said that you aren't a real airline pilot until you've been laid off at least once.  But there isn't any job security anywhere any more. The days of working at the same employer for 20+ years are becoming more rare.

That being said, there are many pilots out there who've never been laid-off or switched airlines for 20+ years.

I always wanted to be a pilot. I've achieved that goal and if something happens that I become laid off, at least I've done what I always wanted to do.  

Answer 9

I learned to fly when I was sixteen. I wanted always to be a pilot. I joined the military to become a pilot and was washed out at the first physical. I never gave up on my dream, continued to fly privately and became an Army Aviation air crewman. First as a door gunner, and then as an ECM operator in a C12. I flew hundreds of hours and even piloted the aircraft at times while airborne. When I retired, I looked back and decided that just because I wasn't the bus driver, I still got to see all of the scenery along the way. I never gave up, I have a Private Ticket with 400 hours, I will always be an aviator in mind and soul.

Answer 10

Yea everybody...don't shoot for the stars because they're too far away, and set your expectations low so you don't get disappointed.  That's what I always say...

I suggest you re-evaluate your own perspective before bestowing it on the formative mind of a child.  If this is not possible, then I recommend keeping it to yourself.  Go ahead, give me the thumbs down...I know it's coming, but out in the real world, perspectives like mine eat perspectives like yours for breakfast.  There are reasons other than luck why pilots are made from good stuff.  There are reasons other than luck why some people are entrusted with so much whereas most are not.

Answer 11

I question the depth of your knowledge, experience, and background. Your premise has some validity with respect to legacy carriers, but is otherwise not validated. How do you define "career and gainful employment"? I worked for a company which now employs about 2,800 pilots and operates hundreds of aircraft. Essentially, all Captains there make over $100k, some are even in the $150k+ range. Upgrade to left seat is a few years and new hires in the right seat make about $60-70k. The company is doing very well financially. No, it's not an "airline" and, yes, you have to have an ATP to get hired. Which is as it should be, in my opinion. Now, (non-airline) opportunities outside of the environment I described are harder to find but they are there. For those seeking the jobs, the fewer candidates, the better. Moreover, if you limit yourself to the the "airlines", you have only yourself to blame.

Answer 12

i know that having an aviation career is hard to get. But i love flying and if i didn't go for it, i would regret it my whole life wondering what i could've done as a pilot. But if i can't find any pilot jobs, i would still be happy because i still got to fly in my life (the training part of it). Thats why if you want to be a pilot, you go get a 4 year degree in something unrelated to aviation. That way you still have a backup.

Answer 13

I see your point... but if everybody "gave up" on thier dream simply becasue they might not make it, we would end up with a lot of people with a lot of regrets in the future.

I for one am still willing to give it a go... I'll be starting my training within the year and taking it as far as I can.

If I didn't, I'd be betraying myself and my family.

I don't want to live with that.

And if I don't make it, then at least I tried.

Answer 14

It can be a difficult career to be sure.  And the glory days of making $500k while working 10 days per month are long since over.  However, I fly for a stable company that is making money and I am in no danger of losing my job.  I make a fairly solid income that allows me to live well, enjoy myself, and save for my retirement.  I also hold a very friendly schedule that allows me the freedom to do whatever I want.  this summer I have traveled to Maui, Oahu, and Cancun, and have also taken 4 days off work to climb a mountain.

All in all, its still a pretty good job, it just isn't as good as Leo made it look like in "Catch me if you Can"

As for it being open to a small percentage of people, you may be onto something there.  In order to be a pilot, you must be somewhat intelligent, educated, and must be able to stick to it through a couple lean years at the beginning.  Those years are a test of tenacity. I think it is that part which weeds out those not qualified most.   You really have to want it in order to get it.  No free rides...until you make it then you don't pay for airline tickets any more and all your rides are free.