jetcareers - View Single Post - Is there a light at the end of the tunnel?

meritflyer · July 5th, 2006, 20:01

Air Dale,

I can understand your thoughts and I am with you 100%. I was in the same boat. I went to professional flight school in Phoenix and luckily b/c of a business I had built, I was able to pay cash for school. I earned all of my commercial ratings and just recently did my instructor ratings (CFIIME). I had a great paying job prior to entering flight school (six figures), a thriving company, nice cars, and a decent QOL with my wife.

So what did I do? I left my job enrolled in flight school and planned on pursuing my dream of making captain on a major one day. After I got into the industry a little bit and poked my nose around, I was also having a hard time with CFI and FO pay. Even though my income would be supplemented by my company, it didnt sit well. I couldnt imagine being a captain one day making six figures, having my house and family, then getting furloughed or the company I work for going bust. It was an awful thought. I thought to myself how would I make it. What kind of stress would I put on my family when this situation happens?

It came down to me having to make a choice. Establishing a stable, great paying career and flying for fun or flying as a professional. My thoughts were I can have a job with company X and still fly but I cant fly professionally and have a job with company X. So, I made the tough decision to take a job with my previous employer that started me out basically at captains pay my first year. I still average about 20 hours in the air a month and instruct a little here and there but I realized I had a decision to make. Be a professional aviator with all that comes along with it (which can be ALOT of bad and good) or be a businessman that has an incredibly stable job and with the rate of pay I have now can afford my own aircraft and still fly a fair amount.

There is no right or wrong answer but I feel your despair completely. You need to weigh your options. In my case it was sooner than later. I didnt want the seemingly unstable life of a professional pilot. Doesnt mean I cant still be involved in aviation.. just on a different level.

I jumped into my family business. The offer was just too good. Now, I fly for fun and work for food. I was a little inspired by a wrist watch ad I saw in AOPA's magazine featuring John Travolta. The theme of the ad said 'Profession: Actor, Career: Pilot'. That told me that I could still be involved on the highest level just not as a profession.

Let me know what you decide. Good luck.

July 5th, 2006, 20:01	#7
meritflyer Old Skool Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Winchestertonfieldville Posts: 6,240	Re: Is there a light at the end of the tunnel? Air Dale, I can understand your thoughts and I am with you 100%. I was in the same boat. I went to professional flight school in Phoenix and luckily b/c of a business I had built, I was able to pay cash for school. I earned all of my commercial ratings and just recently did my instructor ratings (CFIIME). I had a great paying job prior to entering flight school (six figures), a thriving company, nice cars, and a decent QOL with my wife. So what did I do? I left my job enrolled in flight school and planned on pursuing my dream of making captain on a major one day. After I got into the industry a little bit and poked my nose around, I was also having a hard time with CFI and FO pay. Even though my income would be supplemented by my company, it didnt sit well. I couldnt imagine being a captain one day making six figures, having my house and family, then getting furloughed or the company I work for going bust. It was an awful thought. I thought to myself how would I make it. What kind of stress would I put on my family when this situation happens? It came down to me having to make a choice. Establishing a stable, great paying career and flying for fun or flying as a professional. My thoughts were I can have a job with company X and still fly but I cant fly professionally and have a job with company X. So, I made the tough decision to take a job with my previous employer that started me out basically at captains pay my first year. I still average about 20 hours in the air a month and instruct a little here and there but I realized I had a decision to make. Be a professional aviator with all that comes along with it (which can be ALOT of bad and good) or be a businessman that has an incredibly stable job and with the rate of pay I have now can afford my own aircraft and still fly a fair amount. There is no right or wrong answer but I feel your despair completely. You need to weigh your options. In my case it was sooner than later. I didnt want the seemingly unstable life of a professional pilot. Doesnt mean I cant still be involved in aviation.. just on a different level. I jumped into my family business. The offer was just too good. Now, I fly for fun and work for food. I was a little inspired by a wrist watch ad I saw in AOPA's magazine featuring John Travolta. The theme of the ad said 'Profession: Actor, Career: Pilot'. That told me that I could still be involved on the highest level just not as a profession. Let me know what you decide. Good luck. __________________ The simplest answer tends to be correct.