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awf · May 2nd, 2009, 14:39

So after lurking on this forum for years I've finally decided to register and make a post. Like most everyone else here, I've wanted to be involved in aviation for as long as I can remember. I began working towards my PP years ago only to see my Flight School go out of business after 9/11 due to a huge increase in insurance costs. I recently relocated to Phoenix, the Valley of Sun and coincidentally one of the flight training meccas of the country. I began taking lessons again. I used to dream about working for the airlines but reading the many rants from regional pilots I've decided that between the headaches and dismal pay that I can't support my family with, it's not a realistic option for me.
That having been said What other options exist for aspiring professional pilots that have higher entry level pay? I'm willing to work as a part time pilot for several years as I tansition over but I can't afford to take a $40k cut in pay to start over as a regional airline pilot full time. Is it possible to slowly transition without giving up the security of the good paying management job that I have now? Maybe flight instruct to build time than fly charter flights part-time and eventually be able to transition to a full time flying job with a decent rate of pay? Doesn't need to be in the airlines I just want to eventually be able to support my family flying full time for a living.

May 2nd, 2009, 14:39	#1
awf Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Chandler, AZ Posts: 31	Happy Thoughts Please So after lurking on this forum for years I've finally decided to register and make a post. Like most everyone else here, I've wanted to be involved in aviation for as long as I can remember. I began working towards my PP years ago only to see my Flight School go out of business after 9/11 due to a huge increase in insurance costs. I recently relocated to Phoenix, the Valley of Sun and coincidentally one of the flight training meccas of the country. I began taking lessons again. I used to dream about working for the airlines but reading the many rants from regional pilots I've decided that between the headaches and dismal pay that I can't support my family with, it's not a realistic option for me. That having been said What other options exist for aspiring professional pilots that have higher entry level pay? I'm willing to work as a part time pilot for several years as I tansition over but I can't afford to take a $40k cut in pay to start over as a regional airline pilot full time. Is it possible to slowly transition without giving up the security of the good paying management job that I have now? Maybe flight instruct to build time than fly charter flights part-time and eventually be able to transition to a full time flying job with a decent rate of pay? Doesn't need to be in the airlines I just want to eventually be able to support my family flying full time for a living.