Success Stories

[vonfonk]

I'd like to hear from those mid lifers, like myself (36yo), who have successfully made the transition to a full time pilot career. What steps you took, obstacles you've over come, prior background, how would you do it differently, regrets etc... And especially how you sold it to your wife or husband

Also, what do you think are the major reasons why people fail in their career change to flying?

[juskl]

Started flying in college in the early 90's and stopped. Then back again in 94 while I was a new Police Officer and stopped after soloing due to the purchase of a new SUV. Married and went back to flying in 02, finishing my Private. Finished my Instrument and Commercial in 03, all the FBO route. Was to start my CFI, but opened up a restaurant with my wife and was only able to fly here and there for the next few years.

Wife moved out in April of 06 and the gears began turning...... Left the department as a Sergeant after 13 years and found a flight school that I am honored to be now employed at, to finish up my CFI. Started back September 06 and passed my CFI Jan 07 and went to work.....

I am currently making about 1/4th what I made working for the city, but I love going to work everyday and I learn every day..... Something that hadn't happened for a long time in my other line of work......

As for my Ex, we were still happy and together when I started and she was awesome in her support for me, our Divorce did not occur due to my flying, actually it dealt with me being a cop and what it was doing to me.... Anyway, us going our separate ways was the push I needed to make the changes needed.....

I just love to fly and I want to fly it all..... DC-3's, Alaska, you name it.....

Hope this helps on the perspective.... Oh yeah, 36 by the way...

[JEP]

Originally Posted by vonfonk

I'd like to hear from those mid lifers, like myself (36yo), who have successfully made the transition to a full time pilot career. What steps you took, obstacles you've over come, prior background, how would you do it differently, regrets etc... And especially how you sold it to your wife or husband

Also, what do you think are the major reasons why people fail in their career change to flying?

read up on DesertDog here. Yes, you can teach an Old Trucker new tricks......


not too long ago he was a truck driver, then he went the cfi route, flew tourists in the canyon, and is now sitting in ground school for a 121 carrier.

[LoadMasterC141]

Yup Van (DesertDog) is a great example. So is Captain_Bob

After also being a copper for a while, Bob went to ATP and then instructed for them. He got hired by ExpressJet in 2004 and is currently going through Captain upgrade and is in his mid-late 30’s. He has been a great mentor to me through my career change. One thing he has always said is that you need, have to have, the support of your family to do this.

As a career changer myself, not quite there yet, I think if your spouse truly loves you and wants the best for you, he/she will give you the support you need. When I first went to my wife and said “Baby, I want to quit my $70k/yr job, spend a S$$$load of money on flight training, and become a regional airline pilot for about ¼ of what I currently make”, she was not very receptive. However, she knew I was miserable at my current cubicle monkey job, and also that this has been a dream of mine. It took a while, but she did come around and is fully supportive and dedicated to the dream; she would much rather see me happy then have plenty of dough, but miserable all the time.

Why do people fail in this endeavor? Well, my opinion, but certainly not the only reason…. it is a large commitment. A lot of career changers are nestled into a mortgage, kids, and a certain lifestyle. It takes a lot of change and hard work to get to..uh…a $20k first year regional job. Some people are either unwilling, or do not realize they are unwilling, to sacrifice. Some may lose the perceived glamour of flying when they get into the training and see how much work it is. Indeed, I see a lot of starry-eyed people waltz into my flight school, fly to solo, and disappear when the real work begins.

Myself, I stopped flying for a year, sold both our vehicles, got rid of cell phones, sweat at night, never ate out, etc…..Paid off all debt except my house. That laid the foundation. Now we continue to live very cheap to pay for flight training without needing credit. It was VERY hard at first. It even came to the point of dibbying out cash at the beginning of the month so we stayed on budget. After about 3-4 months, it was second nature.

Making the change to become a professional pilot takes a change in lifestyle, a lot of money, and serious dedication and commitment to get through all the training.

Jetcareers has been the best place on the web, for me personally, to research and ask questions about the flying world. The people here are awesome, and our leader, the great Doug, has spent a lot of time tailoring this site to all kinds, including the fresh meat! Other sites tend to be more oriented towards those who have already made it and are not as receptive to aspiring wannabe’s.

Welcome aboard!

[LoadMasterC141]

Originally Posted by LoadMasterC141

Doug tailoring.................... this site to all kinds, including the fresh meat! Other sites tend to be more oriented towards those who have already made it and are not as receptive to aspiring wannabe’s.

Welcome aboard!

Hehe

[Shamrok]

Originally Posted by vonfonk

I'd like to hear from those mid lifers, like myself (36yo), who have successfully made the transition to a full time pilot career. What steps you took, obstacles you've over come, prior background, how would you do it differently, regrets etc... And especially how you sold it to your wife or husband

Also, what do you think are the major reasons why people fail in their career change to flying?

Hey Man, I'm 36 and just got hired by a 121 carrier. I started my own small building co about 8 years ago and enjoyed the time as an entrepreneur. But I have always had a passion for aviation since I was young boy. After 2 years of college my parents divorced and money was to tight for me to continue college since my parents also had my 3 sister's in college at the same time. I bowed out to let my sister's continue and joined the US Marines. Had a good career with them with 2D recon BN. After the Marines I went to work with a very reputable construction co here in new england.
Once I felt I was done making money for my employer I decided to start my own. Business took off and I never looked back. I had 5 employees and more work than I dreamed possible. It was good for the first few years but then it was just to much and there was no passion in it for me. It showed in my personal life that I was getting burned out at the age of 34. Not to mention my wife and I just had our first baby! I told my wife I wish I had gotten into aviation years ago and she said do it now. So, she was right, I went ahead and started flying aggresively and within 2 years at my local fbo I went from private to CFI/CFII/MEI. While in flight training I was not on the jobsites as much and owe a lot to my foreman Brian for running my projects smoothly.
Between running a business, raising a baby, flying and studying my arse off I think the odds were against me. Many friends and family though I was crazy but hey, life is short, don't let anyone stop you from realizing and achieving your dreams. Where there is a will there is a way, and if your willing to sacrifice a little you stand to gain a lot. I know I am taking a HUGE paycut, but at least I will be doing what I have dreamed of since I could say the word "airplane". Thanks to a supporting wife I was able to make this transition. And for the record, my wife does work and loves her job which pays pretty good, another factor in making this career change. If she did not work this might not have been anything more than a dream due to the poor pay rates in the industry. Good luck to anyone thinking of making the change. You must truely love aviation to do it or you will not make it because it's a marathon not a sprint to get there! I start training Sept 24th.

[Shamrok]

Originally Posted by LoadMasterC141

Hehe

Everyone was a wannabe at the begining. How quickly some forget! I will neve be one to squash someone with dreams of aviation. To those that are nay sayer's, they are the ones that will be single and lonely through life and make poor excuses of a captain. One day soon they will be sharing the cockpit with me as I sit next to them smiling at them.

[desertdog71]

Originally Posted by LoadMasterC141

When I first went to my wife and said “Baby, I want to quit my $70k/yr job, spend a S$$$load of money on flight training, and become a regional airline pilot for about ¼ of what I currently make”, she was not very receptive.

Yeah same here man, but my wife says I am less of an ####### now.

[eastbayk]

I already told my story in this thread- http://forums.jetcareers.com/changin...-question.html (Yes, Another Career Changer Question.....).

The hubby sucessfully changed careers less than 2 years ago, at age 35.

K

[Coney]

I suppose I always knew I'd be a pilot in some capacity. My dad and grandfather are both pilots, so I was exposed to it at an early age. Despite my passion for all things that can fly, I didn't begin my flight training until I completed college in May 1997, making me 24.

I graduated from college and began working at an ad agency in Houston. It wasn't at all fulfilling, so I began to gravitate toward my old passion of aviation. The idea of actually becoming a certificated pilot began to sink in and take hold. I took some weekend lesson toward my PPL, but the financial burden of actively pursuing it dampened my hopes and my progress. I eventually realized that I would wake up one day and be 50-something years old and that I had only one shot at this rather short life. The next day I decided to make it happen. I took out a student loan and moved back to Waco to enroll as a full-time flight student at TSTC. I earned my PPL in Waco then promptly ran out of money. Throughout my training, I began to ponder the possibility of becoming a Naval Aviator, like others in my family. So, that's what I did. After seven months of application process, I had been accepted to OCS in Pensacola, FL. Off I went. It just wasn't for me, so I chose to come home to my fiancée, closing the door on a lifelong dream of being a carrier pilot.

I then knew that it was flying that I was so in love with, not being in the military. I came home, got married and had to get some sort of job that would fund my dream of being a professional pilot. That job turned out to be a loan officer at Wells Fargo. It paid the bills okay, but I spent a lot of time gazing out the window in my office everyday, knowing that I should be up there in the blue. And that's really the fuel that inched me along from one certificate or rating to the next. It took me nearly ten years to make it to the airlines, and I remember that every time I strap myself into that Saab.

My wife tells me she knew from the start of our relationship that flying is as much a part of me as the color of my hair or the way I laugh. She's always been behind my flying 110%. I'm awfully fortunate for that.

Well, that's my story. Sorry for it being so long.

[Beechlover]

I'm currently working as a new hire CFI in the school I trained at. I have numerous posts beginning last june that go into this whole ordeal. The short story is after marrying my second wife, we decided that life was too short to have regrets and shoulda, woulda, coulda's. Our kids were raised, it was just the two of us, and we were going to live life! We sold the house, quite our well paying jobs with a combined income of 100k. Moved from Oklahoma City to south florida last September. I've been blessed.., to have such a supportive, loving wife who has supported me in every way that matters.., no way I coulda done this with out her.

As I said, I am now an instructor, I've got 5 students who keep me VERY busy, and I learn something new, both about flying and myself EVERYDAY. My first paycheck after having flown 29 hrs was 439.00 bucks! (One quater what I used to make) I wake up EVERYDAY (usually no later than 4:30 am) physically excited to go to work.., can you say adrenalline?! I'm so busy I sometimes forget to stop and eat my sandwich I bring for lunch. (Thats a first!) My work day is usually 12 to 15 hrs 6 days a week. I do try to limit my satudays to half a day though. Despite all this apparent hardship, I am having the time of my life, and am very excited about the future of my new career. No regrets so far. Best of luck

[mooneyguy]

Thanks all for the reply's I love reading them. I'm a 39 y/o working my way through a career change the slow way! I'm almost done with the IR and then on to commercial! desertdog, I would like to chat with you sometime (maybe after your training when you have a life again) Im curious about your path. I too am changing from being a truck driver!
and K love your blog! if you guys end up in texas you'll have to give a shout.
express jet will be my #1 pick for a regional. anyway your little blog prompted me to do the same, what a cool way to remember where you have been!

[wanabe]

I just left my job of 12 years with the worlds largest Telecommunications company. I can honestly say that every day in a cubicle was the worst day of my life (yes that is messed up . I got so tired of constantly looking to the sky and wishing that I was flying that I finally decided to make my move.

After minimizing my lifestyle and paying off debt I completed my CFI and walked away from my desk job. I have never been happier. I now make 25% of my old salary but I am happy and that makes everything worthwhile. I am having a blast instructing.

As everyone has already said, support from family is key. None of this would be possible without the support of my wife.

Good luck to you

[PGT]

ask Kellwolf...he changed careers and now makes a boat load of money

[cfii2007]

Originally Posted by wanabe

I just left my job of 12 years with the worlds largest Telecommunications company. I can honestly say that every day in a cubicle was the worst day of my life (yes that is messed up . I got so tired of constantly looking to the sky and wishing that I was flying that I finally decided to make my move.

After minimizing my lifestyle and paying off debt I completed my CFI and walked away from my desk job. I have never been happier. I now make 25% of my old salary but I am happy and that makes everything worthwhile. I am having a blast instructing.

As everyone has already said, support from family is key. None of this would be possible without the support of my wife.

Good luck to you

Kinda reminds you of the movie Office Space....huh??

[SmokeyAir]

Here's my success story:
I've been pursuing the dream since 1999. After receiving my PPL in December 1998, I made the decision (with my wife and family's support and sacrifices) to change careers from civil engineering to becoming a commercial pilot whether corporate, airline, charter, or cargo. I just wanted to fly.

I went all out and got all my ratings and started instructing in November 2000. I broke the magic 500 hour mark (at that time) during the first week of September 2001. I sent out my first resumes to several regionals on Sept. 8, 2001. We all know what happened after that.

Well, I became very discouraged and only flew 25 hours in 2002. Bad mistake. I did alot of re-evaluating and decided on becoming the best instructor I could and put together a flight training program and enjoyed teaching on a part-time basis. I kept working as a full-time engineer in consulting and government jobs. I have had a good base of clients and still keep in touch with former students after the checkride is over. I also flew for the Forestry Service doing aerial detection of wildfire on weekends and holidays.

However, the "itch" came back last year when I saw that regional minimums were coming down. I was 40 years old. First, I went to the doctor for the First Class Medical. I had plenty of hours (1200+TT/150+ME) so I thought a regional job would be there for me. I sent out the resume, went to the interview in February 2007, survived the first day but messed up the simulator ride on the second day due to my lack of preparation. That's another story.

I stayed bummed out for a few weeks but I realized that route probably was not meant to be. I knew there was still something out there and to keep going. However, I am 41 years old and time was ticking fast.

Now for the good part. I have always told my wife that hanging out at the airport was the way to make good contacts. In casual conversation with an engineering and construction executive taking flying lessons, I asked him why he was taking lessons when I could come to work for him doing engineering and flying. He said he would call me about that.

I started on September 17. The company has three airplanes and looking at a fourth. I have been flying all over the southeast. I also work for them doing the engineering and construction stuff. I have a company vehicle, laptop and cell and more salary than my government job I left. I also have access to all airplanes for personal use. It really is a "dream job" but I know I will have to work extra hard to make the company money in order to keep the flying going. A little motivation.

So, hang in there Career Changers! It was a long road for me. But with prayer, hard work, lots of money, and a little luck - It will HAPPEN!

[jerrywhite7]

Can I just say, that from a 33 year old career changer you guys, and JC is just the best!!!! Man, I am finishing up my PPT right now, I thought I was going to ATP, I decided to go the FBO route, it is great to read these blogs!!!! Thanks guys!!!!

I look forward to the day that I can be a "success story"!!!!!

[mooneyguy]

Originally Posted by jerrywhite7

Can I just say, that from a 33 year old career changer you guys, and JC is just the best!!!! Man, I am finishing up my PPT right now, I thought I was going to ATP, I decided to go the FBO route, it is great to read these blogs!!!! Thanks guys!!!!

I look forward to the day that I can be a "success story"!!!!!

Good to hear Jerry, Stick with it, just wait til you start the IR training, Im two days away from finishing, it has kicked my butt! Drop me a line when you start your CC stuff I'm down here in good ole San Antonio, if you ever fly down, it would be great to meet another JC'r

[jerrywhite7]

OH yeah. . . I'll give you a shout!!! Likewise my friend!!! ( i should start IR in 3 weeks. . .) Let's get some "real flying" started!!!!
Jerry