Another Pilot Hangs Up His Wings....

[Ian J]

Originally Posted by Joekster

There has been a lot of slamming girlfriends in this post and I have to disagree with alot of it. If your girlfriend is trying to get you out of aviation constantly maybe there is a problem, but there is nothing wrong with leaving aviation because of the tolls on your significant other. I am over halfway through my training but if I think its going to work between myself and the girl I love, than I will be switching to ATC or aviation management. This is not because I am at all afraid of hardships, but because I would want to be there for her more than most jobs as a pilot would allow. Would she ever ask me to quit aviation? No. Is it my goal to be a professional pilot? Yes. But not at the expense of someone elses hardship. Like I have told her I would be happier working in ATC or management coming home everynight, Than I would be single and a professional pilot.
But thats just me and my goals, I am not gonna slam someone who feels different because people have different goals.

Don't worry about it man... it's the strength of your relationship, not your job.

[N8404U]

You guys are having a personal converstion on a public forum

[Ian J]

Originally Posted by N8404U

You guys are having a personal converstion on a public forum

And?

[SteveC]

Originally Posted by N8404U

You guys are having a personal converstion on a public forum

Is there a problem with that for some reason? Not sure I understand your comment...







<edit to add:> jinx!

[N8404U]

Yeah personal thats what PM's are for. Personal conversations

[SteveC]

Why do you think that the public forum is unsuitable for personal conversations?

[Ian J]

Originally Posted by SteveC

<edit to add:> jinx!

Dang! Do I owe you a coke now? Wait, is this too personal? Maybe I should send you a PM about the jinx...

[Doug Taylor]

Originally Posted by N8404U

Yeah personal thats what PM's are for. Personal conversations

Maybe you should email the webmaster about this!

[Sprint100]

Originally Posted by ChrisH

For someone young, and single, it shouldn't be too hard.

I'd have to disagree, because some guys and gals want to start a family and/or the human urge to have some of the more material things starts itching at them. Sacrificing for a pilot career is easier at this stage in life, but I wouldn't notion that it isn't hard, especially depending on the individual. I was single when I started training...........

Originally Posted by ChrisH

the same a FO can make, after first year.

This brings me back to the original post, combine instructing and primary training and it isn't just one year. Forget the captain clause, if I could tell bill collectors to stop calling until after my first year as FO, I'd be game.

Originally Posted by ChrisH

YES pilots are underpaid for the job they do, and YES they deserve more money.

I definitely agree, but in reality it this opinion depends on who you talk to and what POV your coming from.

Just don't get me wrong ChrisH, I wish I could be a career pilot. I'm still training at my own pace and maybe it will happen, maybe it won't. It isn't as easy or one-sided as sacrificing in pay for training, etc. that would be like telling a drug addict, smoker, alcoholic that all you gotta do is stop. Point is that it works for some, but not the majority.
I'd be happy renting a SR-20 as an afterwork/weekend warrior though.

[MQAAord]

Originally Posted by N8404U

You guys are having a personal converstion on a public forum

Wow. I'm so glad we have new members like you around to tell us how to have a conversation.


I think Doug's suggestion is a great one! Why not try emailing the webmaster! I hear he's a really cool guy

[Doug Taylor]

I met the webmaster once, he's a gentleman AND a scholar!

[ChrisH]

Originally Posted by Sprint100

I'd have to disagree, because some guys and gals want to start a family and/or the human urge to have some of the more material things starts itching at them. Sacrificing for a pilot career is easier at this stage in life, but I wouldn't notion that it isn't hard, especially depending on the individual. I was single when I started training...........

True. But, I'm referring to the financial responsibility of a 25 year old who is single, vs. someone who has a wife and kids to support. Of course the 25, single y/o may desire a family, but until then, surviving on FO pay, which can range in the $30-$40K range is very doable. People make it on much less.

This brings me back to the original post, combine instructing and primary training and it isn't just one year. Forget the captain clause, if I could tell bill collectors to stop calling until after my first year as FO, I'd be game.

I have never included training as part of one's career as a professional airline pilot, nor instructing. I look at it from the point you start working for an airline. I look at it the same way someone wouldn't include 4-6 years of college when calculating their years in a career, or a doctor including his 10 years of medical school as part of his career. Looking at it that way, it would definately bring average salaries WAY down. Especially while in school/training, when you are paying, not being paid. I guess it all depends on how you look at it.

I definitely agree, but in reality it this opinion depends on who you talk to and what POV your coming from.

Just don't get me wrong ChrisH, I wish I could be a career pilot. I'm still training at my own pace and maybe it will happen, maybe it won't. It isn't as easy or one-sided as sacrificing in pay for training, etc. that would be like telling a drug addict, smoker, alcoholic that all you gotta do is stop. Point is that it works for some, but not the majority.

Please don't get me wrong either. I am not arguing with you. Just stating how I view it. Certainly I realize bill collectors aren't going to stop calling until you become captain. Breaking into professional aviation does take sacrifice, and low pay for a few years. I guess I am just trying to point out that there is a light at the end of the tunnel, for those who are willing, and able to survive those first few years.

[GaTechKid]

This highly depends on the career field. The majority of career fields start in the $30-$40K range, out of college -- the same a FO can make, after first year.

Your fellow college graduates didn't have to drop another $40,000 on training and spend an additional 2-3 years making less than $25K before they "hit the jackpot."

[Fly4Pay]

Originally Posted by Doug Taylor

I met the webmaster once, he's a gentleman AND a scholar!

You sure you got the right guy?????

[Sprint100]

Originally Posted by ChrisH

I have never included training as part of one's career as a professional airline pilot, nor instructing. I look at it from the point you start working for an airline. I look at it the same way someone wouldn't include 4-6 years of college when calculating their years in a career, or a doctor including his 10 years of medical school as part of his career. Looking at it that way, it would definately bring average salaries WAY down. Especially while in school/training, when you are paying, not being paid. I guess it all depends on how you look at it.

Most likely, that position as a career pilot will require you to possess some sort of degree. Most likely the majority of training will be done outside of your college schooling. That is why I look at it a little differently

Originally Posted by ChrisH

I'm referring to the financial responsibility of a 25 year old who is single, vs. someone who has a wife and kids to support.

I agree the financial repsonsibility may not be as severe if you just look at bill amounts not comparing it with income. Comparing debt load to income a single man's debt load can be just as high, especially if he lives in a major city.