[Fr8dog44]

Well, I must admit, I've read some interesting things on this topic, some true some not. I started at 31 and am now in my 50's and have been a professional pilot for 18 years. I have thousands of hours of flying time, everything from single-engine cessnas to corporate jets. I have been unemployed as much if not more than employed. Aviation isn't what it used to be, in fact, years ago it was great. Since Frank Lorenzo destroyed Eastern Airlines and Reagan deregulated aviation, it's been all downhill. One person said "it's a business" and he's right. It's now run by bean-counters and lying, back-stabbing, ruthless businesss types, especially in the charter arena. Some of the "true" stories I could tell you!

Here's what you need to know, AGE IS A FACTOR!! Trust me on this. I have watched age discrimination take place right before my eyes. It's that obvious! And when I called them on it, they quickly coverd their tracks. And they are very good at covering their tracks. Two in particular, Comair and Pinnacle. Commuters and Regionals want "Young, Fresh, Meat" that they can chew up and spit out at will while paying below poverty level wages. Young, idealistic pilots with dreams and asperations are willing targets for their excuses for paying low wages in exchange for experience. I've been hearing this ALL my carreer, even after I've accumilated thousands of hours of flying time. They all sing the "we ain't got no money" blues!! Why do you think that plane went down outside of Buffalo not too long ago? Inexperience!!! They don't care! Profit is the goal and let the Insurance companies deal with the mis-haps!

The other thing that was said is "don't pay for a job"! I agree with that! However, here's the reality. For every one pilot who sticks to his guns, there are a hundred pilots who WILL PAY for a job, and the companies know it! Especially where Type-Ratings are concerned! Now, to be fair, there are many ass-hole pilots who were hired, sent for type training and took the first offer for more pay by some other company and left the first company holding the bag for the costs. This isn't fair! And I can understand why most companies no longer wish to foot the bill for type-ratings. We all have these superlative, greedy little, self indulgent a-holes for screwing the rest of us on this issue! You guys know who you are.... thank you very little!!! And while I'm on the subject of "fellow pilots" ... The Industry seems to be attracting a few too many "back-stabbers". Yes, this has become a VERY competitive industry. There are more and more pilots and fewer seats. As such, it's bringing out the worst in some pilots. There are pilots badmouthing other pilots just to get them fired so they can move into their position. It's happening more and more and all to frequently. Even when it's not true, if another pilot says your incompetant, the company has to look at it! And there's nothing you can do about it. Imagine spending upwards of $100,000 to get all your qualifications only to get blown out of the water by some slime-bag who probably is himself a lousy pilot!! Something to think about!!

Also, Ameriflight, Alpine-Air and a few others are selling right-seat time for thousands of dollars and there are no shortage of pilots with rich parents paying for it. I know, I've seen it first hand! I flew with them! It's true many of them are from other countries who come here to build time, then go back and obtain good to great paying jobs. Our corporations love these guys. It's pure profit. Unfortunatley, our corporations are pimps and we are turned into prostitutes and there's little we can do about. When you look into overseas job, which I have, they tell you "nationals first, oversea pilots last". We'll train our own 1st and only if we can't, then we'll hire overseas pilots. Wouldn't it be great if our own corporations thought that way!!

I could go on and on but I won't, it's too depressing. I agree with tempering your expectations, in fact don't have any at all! You'll be better off. Getting a left seat position in a 747 isn't impossible but the odds are the same as you becoming a famous hollywood star. It's a tough business. If you really want it, if you are really that "hell-bent" on flying for a living, you had REALLY better LOVE flying because you will pay your dues. I know I have, and in spades!!!!! And I'm still getting screwed! I'm also currently unemployed, again! There's a good chance your credit score will suffer, just from all the moving around and there will be the not being able to pay your bills syndrome. Oh, and try finding a woman who's willing to put up with hardships of you "chasing an impossible dream"!! Yes there are other jobs in niche markets. I've had those too. They don't pay much and some are actually a lot of fun! But loooong hours. If none of this puts you off, then by all means.... go for it! If any of this is even creating any doubts what so ever, then just fly for fun.

Here's what I tell young wanna-be's who ask me about flying for a living. After sharing a few of my experiences with them, I tell them,"If I had it to do all over again, I'd take the money I spent on lessons and start a business, I would have been much better off".

Do I have regrets? Yes and no. I've had some great experiences, but the jury is still out on whether it was worth it.