Is an aircraft pilot a more respected profession than a truck driver?

Question

Im trying to decide which way to go with my career.Truck driver or pilot.There always seems to be work for truckers and pilots are always complaining. They must have hard jobs.

Answer 1

Yes

Answer 2

pilot uniform makes you look stunning!!

Answer 3

a pilot would be, but you won't be cut out for it, considering you posted such a retarded question

Answer 4

Just backing up John B, there are alot of pilots who dont have my respect. To tell you the truth, the top 10 worst people I have met have been pilots, it attracts scum who just want the prestige.

Answer 5

Come on,flying is alot better then driving.Truckers have nothing and commercial pilots have $500,000 houses.As a pilot you can sleep at the Hilton Airlines expense,or you can sleep in the back of a truck.

Answer 6

Very good question.

Pilots get more respect and require substantial training.  However, Truck Drivers work in a more dangerous environment with few safeguards they can readily call on.  Driving is also much more physically demanding than flying and there are no rules about the quality of your rest time.

In the end it must be said the .Kerosene Taxis' get preference to the diesel long haulers but if trucks didn't move it would have more impact on daily life than if airplanes are grounded.

Good Question!

Answer 7

Keep in mind if you're aiming to be a commercial airline pilot....after all that time consuming expensive training, you've still got to work your way up to the top.  Airline pilots definitely DO NOT start off making 6 figures a year.  

In fact, when I worked for Delta Airlines about 6 years ago, I was a ramp agent (baggage handler more or less) and I made MORE MONEY PER YEAR than a First Officer (co-pilot) for ComAir.  And I only made 8.50 an hour.  

As an airline pilot you start out low on the totem pole in terms of seniority.  You will have the fewest flight hours, you'll often be on "standby" (in other words, you'll be on-call in case another flight crew cannot fly- but you won't be actually scheduled.)  And when the layoffs come (just watch the news- they're pretty frequent & the airline industry hasn't been very profitable in a while) you will be the FIRST to go.  

If you're looking to do something else with your flight training....there is more consistent & reliable work to be had flying cargo, as a flight instructor, or even as a crop duster (cool job!).  But if you're set on being an airline pilot, be prepared to commit to a LONG period of time, working your way up to the top of the totem pole, before you're able to have that 6-figure a year, captain of a 747 job....there is a REASON why all the captains of the big widebody airplanes are older people & the younger folks are flying the commuter jets :).  

I found myself in the same situation about 6 yrs ago....at Delta I really discovered a love for airplanes but I'd wanted to be a truck driver for a long time.  I did some research into becoming an airline pilot & decided I didn't want to wait until I was 45 to make any serious money.  

I've been trucking just under 6 years now and I've already found several ways to bring home 6 figures a year in this industry, yes even despite the fuel prices.  It can certainly be done, it just takes someone willing to figure out HOW to do it.  

And personally, I don't care who "respects" my profession or not....I ENJOY my job and that's the main thing.  And I know I provide an important service to my country by helping keep the flow of commodities moving so you can all have your Corn Flakes in the morning :)....most folks don't realize how important trucking is to their world, but I didn't get into this job so people would think I'm cool :).

Answer 8

Pilots only fly 80 hours a month and make a lot of money, plus see the world.  A great job if you are qualified for it.  Trucking is a very hard life.

Answer 9

truckers are much more down-to-earth than pilots

Answer 10

IMHO i think pilots are more respected because its a job that requires more schooling and the image of a pilot is better than a trucker.

Answer 11

Thats like comparing ditch diggers with contractors. Airline pilots go through a lot of EXPENSIVE training and most companies require a college degree. I'm a little outdated on my truck driving job preparation, but I think most truck drivers don't need a college degree OR expensive training.

Answer 12

I would say pilot.  I can speak from personal experience, because I am both.  I fly during the spraying season, and fill in with truck driving during winter months.  I consider myself a pilot first, truck driver second.  The flying season lasts for about 4 or 5 months, but that alone pays far more than driving a truck year 'round would.  Pilot.  Definitely.

Answer 13

In general, pilots are more respected than truck drivers.  In some cases, they deserve to be.

Answer 14

Yep, take the trucking route. Many many of my fellow pilots I have little respect for.