Jetcareers - View Single Post - Is It Too Late to Look to Flying as a Career?

juskl · April 5th, 2009, 15:15

Though this has already been said, realy consider the gut check (or lack of a check) that you will receive. I don't know what field you are currently working in, but I am going to assume that it took you quite a bit to get to the level that your are at now. Same in aviation. And the older we get, the less B.S. we are willing to put up with. I work with alot of older instructors at my school (me included at 38). All of us came from other fields. And all of us took huge hits in quality of life. Going from 80K a year with full benefits and retirement to 20k with nothing,is a hit. Let alone the family side of things...

Do I regret my decision? No, not one bit. I look forward to going to work every day. But I get to fly upside down and bounce off of dirt strips. Am I going to fly for the airlines (highly doubtful, but I realy don't want to anyway). Even if I did, I know that time is not on my side.

I have been teaching now for over two years and have over 2200 hours TT. But, I am still not realy a desired commodity to the airline industry. Mostly because 2185 of that is single engine. You realy have to love aviation to want to give up alot to work in the field. There are many paths and opportunities, just don't limit yourself to the airlines. Companies are always advertising, but usually you will never have enough of the right time. Meaning 1000 multi-turbine PIC with 3000TT (example only).

Also, do not go in debt for this career. Most of us have to one extent or the other. Or if you do, keep it very managable.

Anyway, good luck. Hell, first just get through the Private and see if this is really something you feel you want to do. No one really knows, until after that point.

April 5th, 2009, 15:15	#22
juskl Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 329	Re: Is It Too Late to Look to Flying as a Career? Though this has already been said, realy consider the gut check (or lack of a check) that you will receive. I don't know what field you are currently working in, but I am going to assume that it took you quite a bit to get to the level that your are at now. Same in aviation. And the older we get, the less B.S. we are willing to put up with. I work with alot of older instructors at my school (me included at 38). All of us came from other fields. And all of us took huge hits in quality of life. Going from 80K a year with full benefits and retirement to 20k with nothing,is a hit. Let alone the family side of things... Do I regret my decision? No, not one bit. I look forward to going to work every day. But I get to fly upside down and bounce off of dirt strips. Am I going to fly for the airlines (highly doubtful, but I realy don't want to anyway). Even if I did, I know that time is not on my side. I have been teaching now for over two years and have over 2200 hours TT. But, I am still not realy a desired commodity to the airline industry. Mostly because 2185 of that is single engine. You realy have to love aviation to want to give up alot to work in the field. There are many paths and opportunities, just don't limit yourself to the airlines. Companies are always advertising, but usually you will never have enough of the right time. Meaning 1000 multi-turbine PIC with 3000TT (example only). Also, do not go in debt for this career. Most of us have to one extent or the other. Or if you do, keep it very managable. Anyway, good luck. Hell, first just get through the Private and see if this is really something you feel you want to do. No one really knows, until after that point.