Quote:
Originally Posted by DAnbert  If you figure the cost of flying recreationally the same amount you get to fly as a pilot out of your salary at another "higher paying" job, how much are you really gaining at said job? If you truly love to fly, why not fly and consider the flying time as money in your pocket (that the government cant touch) and live off the "small" salaries as a pilot? |
There's a big difference. It's all about having control over your life. An example:
Situation A: $25,000 a year as a professional pilot
100 units of flying fun as a professional pilot
Situation B: $50,000 a year as a professional outside of aviation
$25,000 of that is used to buy 100 units of flying fun doing
aerobatics, or something else that suits you
These situations might be equivalent to you, and perhaps they are, if your life is running smoothly. However, let's suppose you run into a challenge and life gets real. Perhaps you and your wife just had a child that unfortunately has some disability that needs special care, which costs money. In situation B you can immediately cut off your flying to have more resources to take care of your family. In situation A you are stuck with your flying, which is no longer as important. You are left wondering how you will give your child the life he or she deserves.
Another thing, which young pilots might gloss over, is health insurance. While training to get your ratings and working at the lower level jobs (CFI) it is unlikely you will have health insurance from your employer. While at the beginning of your career you are likely in tip-top shape and it is unlikely that you will develop a nasty medical condition, these things do occur. I've had a couple of things pop up that in the end were neither life altering nor medical-affecting, but they were costly and needed to be taken care of. Also, accidents and injuries happen to everyone and are blind to your youth. If you are unlucky and get in an accident without health insurance, it could bankrupt you and anyone who cares for you. At least with the jobs I am looking at, health insurance is more readily provided outside of professional aviation.
Once upon a time assuming these risks was part of how one earned the reward of a big airline job and a very good life for one's family. Those jobs are fading, yet the risk remains.
Life is full of risk, and one should not be afraid of engaging in risky activities. By all means, figure out what your dreams are and pursue them with gusto. Just be aware of the risks you take and make an informed decision.