You Can't Make Money Being A Pilot!!!

[NEWBY101]

Originally Posted by bumblebee

It was funny . . .

although unnecessary.

COME ON!PGT

I like a good sense of humor. He might want to be careful though.

[Murdoughnut]

Originally Posted by PGA07

Say it ain't so yo.................

In all seriousness, I give you props for taking into account ALL aspects of your life that could be affected by your decision to chase this career. It must not have been an easy decision to make.

Wishing you the very best in what ever you pursue!

Thanks man - yeah it was a tough decision, but I think best for my situation. If I were younger and unattached, it wouldn't be a problem, but I had that time in my life. Now I'm focused on building my family and making sure they're taken care of. I have a good career that allows me to do that.

Appreciate the kind words - I'm not trying to discourage anyone for sure - just wanted people to know why I've folded my hand.

[Murdoughnut]

Originally Posted by NEWBY101

I just want my family and I to be happy. If there are other ways to make a living as a pilot( and I'm not talking 100K a year ) I will explore those options as well. Thanks for your input.

I can certainly understand that - your happiness directly relates to theirs. I would never attempt to influence someone else's decision - each set of circumstances is unique. For me, it was the fact that I went through a period of financial sacrifice while I was in grad school, and the more I thought about it, I really couldn't ask my wife to go through that again. What sealed the deal was a winter weekend trip on US Air - just seeing how miserable all of these employees looked - how beaten and downtrodden. A light just sorta went on in my head and I started to think about how good I have it in my present career.

I wish you all the best of luck - like I said, my only advice would be to really consider how it would affect your family. Fly safe!

[NEWBY101]

Originally Posted by Murdoughnut

I can certainly understand that - your happiness directly relates to theirs. I would never attempt to influence someone else's decision - each set of circumstances is unique. For me, it was the fact that I went through a period of financial sacrifice while I was in grad school, and the more I thought about it, I really couldn't ask my wife to go through that again. What sealed the deal was a winter weekend trip on US Air - just seeing how miserable all of these employees looked - how beaten and downtrodden. A light just sorta went on in my head and I started to think about how good I have it in my present career.

I wish you all the best of luck - like I said, my only advice would be to really consider how it would affect your family. Fly safe!

Thanks again for your advice. We all have our circumstances as you mentioned, I'm 30 almost 31 now and have a good trade to fall back on if need be, I just want to fly. As far as considering my family, I know there are a lot of people out there that might not take them into consideration, but I can assure you I am not one of them. Again though, thank you for your comments.

[flyguy969]

The owner of the flight school I went to before I moved also flies for Continental. I remember one of the first things he said to me was the money will not always be what you want. When that is the case gotta remember one thing. You simply have to love flying. And that really is it. Regardless if it is a computer job, police officer or a pilot, the people who really love their occupation will stick with it through good and bad.

[Dreampilot]

Some should watch "The Office" and let everyone know if flying still sucks!!

[tonyw]

Originally Posted by NEWBY101

I want to fly because I want to fly, but, again, it would be nice to be able to eat while I'm doing it

You've got to ask yourself a question first.

Can you eat the paycut and still manage to make things work? Because that's going to determine whether you're going to be happy or not.

I personally am not willing to eat the paycut that I'd have to take in order to enter this profession. It would take me around five years and an upgrade to get back to where I am right now. That's also assuming that I wouldn't get any raises if I stay where I am, which is not the case.

Now, there's a catch here. I like my job. If I were miserable at my job, then I'd be a lot more open to trying the aviation route.

You seem to hate your job. So, if you can make the numbers work, then I'd say go for it. Are you married? Make sure your spouse is okay with it, too, otherwise, all the fun you have flying is going to go right out the window when you get home and get ripped to shreds by an angry spouse.

[NEWBY101]

I realy appreciate everyones concerns, but I'm not a "Newby" to life! I just asked some questions about the aviation industry. Everyone seems to be giving me a life lesson now. Please keep your answers to the aviation field. I hope I'm not coming across rude or anything, but the "life thing" I've got control of. Thanks

[NEWBY101]

Originally Posted by Toonces

Am I the only one that is pissed off by "Newbies'" first post? I am tired of people coming to this profession with such low expectations. People wonder why airlines aren't handing out fists full of cash. Answer: because too many chumps come crawling out of the woodwork who only wish to make enough to pay the rent on their mobile home and have enough left over to buy a six pack. Do all the real professional aviators a favor and take that "I don't need to make money" attitude to walmart.

We need to expect more if we are to get more.

Why dont you try to actually READ what I wrote. Where did I come across has having low expectations? Sit Down!

[category]

To be honest I don't think it is good working for a US airline domestic or whatever kind but I think the best is to go oversea if you want to make good money.

[Kristie]

Originally Posted by NEWBY101

I realy appreciate everyones concerns, but I'm not a "Newby" to life! I just asked some questions about the aviation industry. Everyone seems to be giving me a life lesson now. Please keep your answers to the aviation field. I hope I'm not coming across rude or anything, but the "life thing" I've got control of. Thanks

you have to admit though that the two go hand in hand....you may have "control" over it at the moment... but life is not easy when you go from a big paycheck to a small paycheck. making sure that everyone is on the same page is only going to help...

as are the guys who are attempting to give you the "what's up" and make sure you're prepared....

If you really want to fly but don't want to affect family that much, it may just be better to fly on a recreational level because doing a career change will change the entire family lifestyle and it's not always for the better. That's why people are not only commenting on the aviation side but also the lifestyle side.

you mentioned that you have a family and don't want to affect them much...and you mention that you're concerned about the payscale because you don't want to affect your family lifestyle that much...that type of conversation perks up the ears and it's what would probably be considered as a yellow flag as to whether or not you really want to get into this career. at the young age of 30-31, your also not an old fuddy duddy when it comes to "life"either. there's always something to remember....I've learned a ton *more* since i turned 30 and that was almost 9 years ago.

[mrivc211]

For the most part, I think I got off very very lucky thus far in my career. Here's what I made solely based on this profession since I started:

2003: flight instructed $22,000
2004: flight instruct till august, start ground school, $31,000.
2005: continued to flight instruct part time, EMB FO, $12,000/$27,000=$39,000
2006: upgraded march 2006, partial flight instruction: $56,000/5,000=$61,000
2007: EMB captain/ started ground school for CRJ captain march 2007. $67,000.
2008: On track for $92,000 working some overtime. some months getting 10 days off, some months 16.

If and when I go to a major it will take me 4-5 years to recover AND make what I used to make here. Which i have no problem with because of the long term potential.

[Tiger815]

Originally Posted by mrivc211

For the most part, I think I got off very very lucky thus far in my career. Here's what I made solely based on this profession since I started:

2003: flight instructed $22,000
2004: flight instruct till august, start ground school, $31,000.
2005: continued to flight instruct part time, EMB FO, $12,000/$27,000=$39,000
2006: upgraded march 2006, partial flight instruction: $56,000/5,000=$61,000
2007: EMB captain/ started ground school for CRJ captain march 2007. $67,000.
2008: On track for $92,000 working some overtime. some months getting 10 days off, some months 16.

If and when I go to a major it will take me 4-5 years to recover AND make what I used to make here. Which i have no problem with because of the long term potential.

This progression to me would make flying a very attractive profession for someone starting out.

The issue is, it 'aint that cut and dried. If you get bumped off the ladder in 2009, you can't just go get hired somewhere else and have a chance of making close to your '08 salary. In many, if not most, other jobs you can go somewhere else and expect a salary based on your cumulative experience. Not so in the Airlines. That's why there are former Independence Captains with thousands of hours out selling insurance, while guys with 500/50 are in airliner cockpits.

As far as my comment re: making $70K out of school it probably was somewhat overstated, but when I was still in Telco finance I was hiring folks only a couple of years out of school (accounting, computer science or statistics backgrounds) in the high to mid $50's and that was over 10 years ago. Granted I'm in an area with high salaries and a high cost of living to go with it.

[mrivc211]

If and IF I were to be hired somewhere else, I might end up number 11001 on the seniority list after a merger. Thats if I don't get furloughed either, or the airline goes under. It's all a dice game.

[ryanmickG]

Originally Posted by Toonces

Am I the only one that is pissed off by "Newbies'" first post? I am tired of people coming to this profession with such low expectations. People wonder why airlines aren't handing out fists full of cash. Answer: because too many chumps come crawling out of the woodwork who only wish to make enough to pay the rent on their mobile home and have enough left over to buy a six pack. Do all the real professional aviators a favor and take that "I don't need to make money" attitude to walmart.

We need to expect more if we are to get more.

Why are you in the profession? To make money? I think you are in it for the wrong reason.

Who are the "real professional aviators"?

enlighten me...

[PCL_128]

Originally Posted by ryanmickG

Why are you in the profession? To make money? I think you are in it for the wrong reason.

Umm, I'm not defending the tone of his posts, but you should be in this profession to make money. I love flying as much as the next guy, but that's not why I do it for a living. I do it for a living to make money, fund a retirement, have a decent QOL, and have good insurance. That's what a job is for. If you just want to have a good time, then go rent a 150 down at the local airport. If you want to have a career, then by all means, enter the profession and fight for a better career.

[Sprint100]

Originally Posted by Toonces

Am I the only one that is pissed off by "Newbies'" first post? I am tired of people coming to this profession with such low expectations. People wonder why airlines aren't handing out fists full of cash. Answer: because too many chumps come crawling out of the woodwork who only wish to make enough to pay the rent on their mobile home and have enough left over to buy a six pack. Do all the real professional aviators a favor and take that "I don't need to make money" attitude to walmart.

We need to expect more if we are to get more.

My man, bring down the over-zealous attitude down about 10 levels. Newby had a legit question. Did you even read his post? If so, the context you understood it to be means you read it right after a barfight and ya ready for some mo'.

[NEWBY101]

Originally Posted by Kristie

you have to admit though that the two go hand in hand....you may have "control" over it at the moment... but life is not easy when you go from a big paycheck to a small paycheck. making sure that everyone is on the same page is only going to help...

as are the guys who are attempting to give you the "what's up" and make sure you're prepared....

If you really want to fly but don't want to affect family that much, it may just be better to fly on a recreational level because doing a career change will change the entire family lifestyle and it's not always for the better. That's why people are not only commenting on the aviation side but also the lifestyle side.

you mentioned that you have a family and don't want to affect them much...and you mention that you're concerned about the payscale because you don't want to affect your family lifestyle that much...that type of conversation perks up the ears and it's what would probably be considered as a yellow flag as to whether or not you really want to get into this career. at the young age of 30-31, your also not an old fuddy duddy when it comes to "life"either. there's always something to remember....I've learned a ton *more* since i turned 30 and that was almost 9 years ago.

Absolutley, but just because I ask how much can I expect to get paid as a pilot, doesn't mean what do I do with my life if indeed I do get paid less than what I'm getting paid now. The two don't go hand in hand in my opinion, also you don't have to be an old fuddy duddy to know how to manage your money. 40 is also a very young age to be giving out life advice and not that far away from 31, depending on your lifes achievements. Thank you for your commments, but again, I can make my own decisions on whether or not I will put myself in the poor house. I do not want to come across as being rude, but please keep your life lessons to yourselves.

[NEWBY101]

Originally Posted by mrivc211

For the most part, I think I got off very very lucky thus far in my career. Here's what I made solely based on this profession since I started:

2003: flight instructed $22,000
2004: flight instruct till august, start ground school, $31,000.
2005: continued to flight instruct part time, EMB FO, $12,000/$27,000=$39,000
2006: upgraded march 2006, partial flight instruction: $56,000/5,000=$61,000
2007: EMB captain/ started ground school for CRJ captain march 2007. $67,000.
2008: On track for $92,000 working some overtime. some months getting 10 days off, some months 16.

If and when I go to a major it will take me 4-5 years to recover AND make what I used to make here. Which i have no problem with because of the long term potential.

Good job, I hope to do as well as you! Thank you for your info. Everything helps!

[jtrain609]

Originally Posted by Murdoughnut

Because 9 out of 10 potential pilots who hear that will still dump $70k+ to get into the profession. Supply and demand yo. I recently decided not to pursue professional aviation once and for all. Money isn't everything, but I didn't think it was responsible to drag my family through years of "scraping by" just so I could live out a fantasy. That's not what my father taught me about being a responsible husband and father. To each his own, though.

Ain't nothin' wrong with that man. I'll tell ya, the new rumor floating around is that we're done hiring until July. That's 10 months straight of no hiring going on here, and if the economy hiccups in the next year or so you'll see the train on the street and hittin' you up for a letter for grad school! This is a fun job, but it's still a job. I dunno about you, but right now my life revolves around my fiance, skiing and beer. One of these days maybe I'll substitute a kid for beer, bur right now a good porter will do...

[Nick]

Originally Posted by jtrain609

One of these days maybe I'll substitute a kid for beer, bur right now a good porter will do...

I watched a set of parents a few rows ahead of me deal with their screaming child and the passengers around them for twelve hours between Japan and the USA earlier today.

My conclusion: stick with the beer.

[NEWBY101]

Originally Posted by PCL_128

Umm, I'm not defending the tone of his posts, but you should be in this profession to make money. I love flying as much as the next guy, but that's not why I do it for a living. I do it for a living to make money, fund a retirement, have a decent QOL, and have good insurance. That's what a job is for. If you just want to have a good time, then go rent a 150 down at the local airport. If you want to have a career, then by all means, enter the profession and fight for a better career.

Read the post bro, I want to know "IF" I can make money doing it! Not that I want to settle for nothing, but I DO NOT want to get into the business if I can't make some money even though I love flying! Toonces was sperting off at the mouth about nothing! I don't want to make chump change! I want to be able to support my family in a career I love, and having to defend myself every freaking second to you guys is begining to shed a light on the career I might be choosing!

[NEWBY101]

Originally Posted by Nick

I watched a set of parents a few rows ahead of me deal with their screaming child and the passengers around them for twelve hours between Japan and the USA earlier today.

My conclusion: stick with the beer.

I like you already bro!

[NEWBY101]

Originally Posted by Sprint100

My man, bring down the over-zealous attitude down about 10 levels. Newby had a legit question. Did you even read his post? If so, the context you understood it to be means you read it right after a barfight and ya ready for some mo'.

You da man! Thanks.

[NEWBY101]

Originally Posted by Kristie

you have to admit though that the two go hand in hand....you may have "control" over it at the moment... but life is not easy when you go from a big paycheck to a small paycheck. making sure that everyone is on the same page is only going to help...

as are the guys who are attempting to give you the "what's up" and make sure you're prepared....

If you really want to fly but don't want to affect family that much, it may just be better to fly on a recreational level because doing a career change will change the entire family lifestyle and it's not always for the better. That's why people are not only commenting on the aviation side but also the lifestyle side.

you mentioned that you have a family and don't want to affect them much...and you mention that you're concerned about the payscale because you don't want to affect your family lifestyle that much...that type of conversation perks up the ears and it's what would probably be considered as a yellow flag as to whether or not you really want to get into this career. at the young age of 30-31, your also not an old fuddy duddy when it comes to "life"either. there's always something to remember....I've learned a ton *more* since i turned 30 and that was almost 9 years ago.

Kristie you sound like a really nice person and I thank you for the comments, but even being I young man as you implied, I have been in the sales industry for 14 years now, and pay scales jump around year after year depending on the market. I know how to budget my money to prepair for the down times. If I am able to have "control" on our finances, after 4 recession then I think I can handle a few more. All information is good inforormation, I just ask to please tone down the life lessons please! Again I do have respect for you! You have a lot of knowledge in this field, I just think there is a better way to communicate it to a guy like me. Thank you again.