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mcdavi02 · June 5th, 2007, 17:25

I have been out of the cockpit for around two years, but recently learned that the site where I work as a chemist is being closed within the next year. I am 37 years old, have apx 280 hours tt, having received my comm, multi, and IR at Ari-Ben in 2003. Since then I have only flown a few times due to lack of cash. After some soul searching, I realized that my decision to come back to chemistry after my commercial was a mistake; now, the time looks right, or at least it should be within the next 6 months. However, I have some serious hurdles to overcome financially, but fortunately I have real estate that has appreciable equity. I am in the process of deciding what path to take; I would love to fly for the regionals, but to be frank any paying flying job would be better than lab work. After having been a chemist for 6 years, I can honestly say that I have never been excited to go to work. As a pilot, I know I would be more satisfied inside, even after it becomes "just another job". I am in the info gathering stage right now, but am thinking about my options. I could go back to Ari-ben, where I had a great experience in 2003. I could go to ATP, and look at the experience positively and as something new. I have looked at other schools, those mentioned on posts here and on airlinepilotcentral.com. Lately, while at larger airports, I have been asking pilots about the state of the industry, and for the most part it seems like now is the time to move. I even had one the other day tell me to start applying now, which I see as completely unrealistic, but it got me motivated to get home and start studying. I would go back to flight school right now, but I'm waiting to see what if any "separation package" my company will offer - and I need the money to pay for training. Any suggestions or motivational comments would be appreciated. I would especially appreciate comments on how I can get back up the curve quickly in terms of proficiency....

June 5th, 2007, 17:25	#1
mcdavi02 Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Posts: 66	Return to aviation I have been out of the cockpit for around two years, but recently learned that the site where I work as a chemist is being closed within the next year. I am 37 years old, have apx 280 hours tt, having received my comm, multi, and IR at Ari-Ben in 2003. Since then I have only flown a few times due to lack of cash. After some soul searching, I realized that my decision to come back to chemistry after my commercial was a mistake; now, the time looks right, or at least it should be within the next 6 months. However, I have some serious hurdles to overcome financially, but fortunately I have real estate that has appreciable equity. I am in the process of deciding what path to take; I would love to fly for the regionals, but to be frank any paying flying job would be better than lab work. After having been a chemist for 6 years, I can honestly say that I have never been excited to go to work. As a pilot, I know I would be more satisfied inside, even after it becomes "just another job". I am in the info gathering stage right now, but am thinking about my options. I could go back to Ari-ben, where I had a great experience in 2003. I could go to ATP, and look at the experience positively and as something new. I have looked at other schools, those mentioned on posts here and on airlinepilotcentral.com. Lately, while at larger airports, I have been asking pilots about the state of the industry, and for the most part it seems like now is the time to move. I even had one the other day tell me to start applying now, which I see as completely unrealistic, but it got me motivated to get home and start studying. I would go back to flight school right now, but I'm waiting to see what if any "separation package" my company will offer - and I need the money to pay for training. Any suggestions or motivational comments would be appreciated. I would especially appreciate comments on how I can get back up the curve quickly in terms of proficiency....