Quote:
|
Originally Posted by Airdale I just don't understand how everyone on this site is so negative towards this career? |
Not everyone is negative toward this career. You have to remember the different situations of people posting here. Those that are Captains already made it. Those who are starting out are struggling hard to get to the Captain's place in life. The airlines today are not the same airlines many years ago when the gettin' is good. Sure they bear the same names, but they're in a different economic place.
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by Airdale If this industry is soo bad that people can't stop bitching about it for two minutes, then how is the industry still afloat?? |
Now I know you're not paying attention. Many of the regional airlines are struggling. Not all, but many. And they also have a direct relationship to the major airline they serve. Delta and Northwest are in bankruptcy protection. That's how they are staying aloat. You have to ask yourself how is it possible to operate an airplane when it costs $50K to operate a flight from point A to point B and you're only bringing in $30K on ticket sales, cargo, etc. The truth is, airlines are competing each other to death. Jet A prices go up, but there will be one or two airlines that will continue to keep their airfares cheap and the rest will have to follow suit. Why? Because they ALL know that you could care less about brand loyalty. You want CHEAP airfare. So airline A selling a seat for $99 while airline B sells it for $105 will ALWAYS win. Yet both are losing because of competition because the truth is, both airlines need to sell that seat for $200 to break even! This scenario runs its course everyday for every flight! Now do the math and figure out how much the airlines are losing money everyday. Very scary and mind boggling at the same time. You still think the industry is staying afloat? Ask yourself what happened to ACA and Independence Air. They drowned.
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by Airdale If so many people are unhappy about the pay, the QOL etc then QUIT! Get a desk job, I'm sure it would pay more. |
I'm sure it would at the beginning. But the dream is to get to where that Captain is; flying less, getting paid a lot more. And it's a very dangerous struggle and no guarantee that you will get there. You could fall victim to your airline going bankrupt, they furlough you, decrease your QOL and pay that you may not stay there or can financially make it all work out. For the record, I didn't make it and I'm now working a desk job.
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by Airdale If life is so horrible at the regionals or the industry as a whole, then why aren't more pilots quitting? Why aren't more airlines going under? Why aren't flight schools falling apart at the seams? |
If a pilot quits, you're not going to find them on these message boards. And as for flight schools, the one I graduated from, well, they're going out the way of the dodo bird. There was a flight school in Deland, FL that closed up shop last year. 80+ student pilots showed up one day and they were all told to go home because there is no more flight school. But, not every flight school is catering to pilots going to the commercial industry. There are plenty of people who want to learn to fly for the FUN of it.
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by Airdale And if in a few years I find out the airline industry isn't where I want to be, than at least I gave it my best shot, I pursued my dream and I'll go on with something else in my life. |
I'm not saying to you that you shouldn't pursue your dream to become an airline pilot. I just want to communicate the message that it could be very expensive and could ruin your life like it has mine. It's a very expensive dream to chase and one that can turn into a nightmare in a heartbeat. There are other dreams to chase that are a lot less detrimental.
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by Airdale But at least I won't look back and said "I could have been a pilot". Instead I can say, "I gave it my best shot, but the industry wasn't good then". I'd rather tell my grand kids the latter, that at least I didn't give up. |
By getting your Private pilot certificate, you ARE a pilot. Do you want to roll the dice and go for what's behind door #1 which could either be a struggling regional pilot job and/or a possible financial disaster OR a great pilot career if your timing and luck (both completely out of your control) is right? I didn't give up on aviation. I just don't have money left to continue to dream. Keep that in mind when you speak of "not giving up." You may not have a choice.
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by Airdale So my advice to anyone is, if its been a dream of yours, go for it. |
And I'll add to that statement, "...as long as you completely understand that it can turn into a living nightmare."
Just for your information regarding money matters, it could take you at least 5 years to upgrade to Captain. So let's take Pinnacle's pay scale for the first 5 years you'll be a FO. You'll take home $128,520 gross after 5 years based on guarantee pay, no per diem considered (which shouldn't be considered income anyway). Let's say you find yourself a $50K a year job. You'll make $250,000 in the same 5 years...and get to see your girlfriend/wife/significant other every night. Something to think about and look deeper into.