Happy Thoughts Please

[awf]

So after lurking on this forum for years I've finally decided to register and make a post. Like most everyone else here, I've wanted to be involved in aviation for as long as I can remember. I began working towards my PP years ago only to see my Flight School go out of business after 9/11 due to a huge increase in insurance costs. I recently relocated to Phoenix, the Valley of Sun and coincidentally one of the flight training meccas of the country. I began taking lessons again. I used to dream about working for the airlines but reading the many rants from regional pilots I've decided that between the headaches and dismal pay that I can't support my family with, it's not a realistic option for me.
That having been said What other options exist for aspiring professional pilots that have higher entry level pay? I'm willing to work as a part time pilot for several years as I tansition over but I can't afford to take a $40k cut in pay to start over as a regional airline pilot full time. Is it possible to slowly transition without giving up the security of the good paying management job that I have now? Maybe flight instruct to build time than fly charter flights part-time and eventually be able to transition to a full time flying job with a decent rate of pay? Doesn't need to be in the airlines I just want to eventually be able to support my family flying full time for a living.

[Stone Cold]

I'm heading to bed now, but there should be some good posts after this. Welcome to the forums...you are in the right spot.

As for your questions, I'll keep it short. If this is what you want to do, and you don't want to take a huge pay cut, or lose income altogether while you train, then go at your own pace. Get your ratings, flight instruct on the side, get a job flying skydivers on the weekends (what I lovingly refer to as meat missiles), just build your flight time.

I have to break it to you, but unless you know people, you will take a big pay cut. Just be prepared for it as best you can. You know from lurking here the market sucks, so take your time. If and when the charter market improves, try to find a spot part time charter and go from there.

No matter what you do, you will take a huge pay cut. No matter what you do, there will be industry downturns. No matter what you do, there will be people that undercut you just because it's "a cool job and I live with mommy". Just enjoy the journey and hold on to steady employment as long as possible.

[splash]

Originally Posted by awf

Is it possible to slowly transition without giving up the security of the good paying management job that I have now? Maybe flight instruct to build time than fly charter flights part-time and eventually be able to transition to a full time flying job with a decent rate of pay? Doesn't need to be in the airlines I just want to eventually be able to support my family flying full time for a living.

It depends on who you know, simply!

I hope you never have to flight instruct just for flight time and I hope you flight instruct because you like the idea of teaching others. This may not seem like a happy thought for you right now but help the aviation community as a whole, not just you for flight time, and it becomes a happy thought for you and many of us. Yep, I as well want to be able to support my family flying full time for a living. Good luck to you.

[FoxTwo]

I don't think aviation is a job you can approach with too many financial expectations or hopes (though if you end up somewhere nice, then that is fantastic). The fact that you are thinking about pay and supporting a family probably means you are too rational of a person to become a pilot.

[BajtheJino]

I think people need to (Finally) wake up and realize there is so much MORE to aviation than regional airlines!!!

[awf]

Originally Posted by BajtheJino

I think people need to (Finally) wake up and realize there is so much MORE to aviation than regional airlines!!!

That's my point. There is a rediculous amount of information on this forum about going the way of the airlines but not a lot about working your way into other areas of the industry. I'd like to hear stories from pilots who took another path, became a pilot doing a diffirent kind of private sector work and how they got there. Like I said I'm in no rush. I'd happily tool along doing part time flying jobs for years and years. I'd just like to eventually transfer into flying full time while making enough to support my family. Maybe become a Master CFI or do ag flying or charter who knows. Who out there has successfully carved out a career outside the airlines? How did you get there?

[splash]

Originally Posted by awf

Who out there has successfully carved out a career outside the airlines? How did you get there?

I'd like to think I'm damn close. I would say many many sacrifices. I sill grind away at meeting people and bugging the company of my dream job.

Their are many careers out side of the liners...

Danzig, is that you...Ah, it's Bajthe.

[bloodhound96]

Welcome to the forums...this coming from someone who is trying to start posting and stop lurking as well. I've been registered for years, but never bothered to post. Good luck to you, hope your aviation experiences are good!

[t-cart]

Hi awf, I posted a thread about my aviation job, ag flying. Search t-cart...another option? If you have any questions, just ask and I'll get back to you. Good luck!....

I don't know how to lift a thread and put it here.