Is it worth it???

mikegtzg · Post by **mikegtzg** » Thu Apr 22, 2004 11:13 pm

If you can afford the financial challenge, then go for it. To become wealthy as has been said. Trades, small business, even driving a truck will earn you similar or more money. But life is short, so follow your dream. If anything, you will become a very proficient pilot. And you can have plenty of adventures flying your own plane if you end up with another type of job.
You might even be happier. Many people love to go fishing, but if they buy a fishing lodge it will likely become another part of a job.

Yoyoma · Post by **Yoyoma** » Fri Apr 23, 2004 1:42 am

Co-Joe makes a good point again...

But you have to understand one other important point!!! Adventure and exciting careers CAN be found outside of a cockpit!! The only times I really felt excitment and adventurous was when I was doing stuff I wasn't supposed to be doing in the first place!! Or when something went wrong!!

Hey, let me add a wise word, even if you follow this career and decide to change, it is possible to get back and work at a desk job!! Nothing you will have done will be lost!

Cheers

N2 · Post by N2 » Fri Apr 23, 2004 5:59 am

Last night just after dinner I pulled my aircraft out and went for a nice relaxing hour and a half flight. I was thinking to myself, now this is the reward I get for all the frustrations and financial hardships aviation has introduced me to over the years (luckily I had another discipline to fall back on). Smooth air, quiet radios nowhere in particular to go just meandering through the sky. I got thinking I'm not sure how much I would enjoy day after day of having to go from point A to point B flying in crappy weather that I would rather not be out in. Instead I can fly when I want, where I want, stop at places I want and in a machine that I know very well and is properly maintained.

The flying looks great from the outside but I can honestly tell you that a friend of the family who was a senior captain for a major airline told me that when he joined the airlines the fun went right out of flying. He hated it so much he retired early. He’s happier flying a little single tail dragger around then he ever was with the airlines. Ask him about airline flying and you might be surprised to find out it’s just another job after a while. Another AC pilot at our local airport hasn’t got a good thing to say about flying for the airlines but I guess he likes the bragging rights to say “I fly a 767” when sitting around the coffee shop with all the newbie’s.

Last but not least take a good look around and look at the number of people who’ve gambled everything and basically gotten nothing back. I’ve known some really good people over the years that have suffered great financial as well as personal hardships because of this bitch we call aviation. To watch someone lose their marriage and home because they couldn’t make enough to live but were convinced the big job was just around the corner or because they convinced themselves that flying is all they want to do is hard to take. There are lots of others out there trying for the few spots that (may) provide a lifestyle that you envision flying will provide for you so just be prepared. It’s a small pond that’s way, way ,way over stocked!

Yoyoma · Post by **Yoyoma** » Fri Apr 23, 2004 6:37 am

Yoyoma · Post by **Yoyoma** » Fri Apr 23, 2004 6:45 am

N2, could I ask you what sort of airplane you fly in?
Cheers

N2 · Post by N2 » Fri Apr 23, 2004 7:15 am

Sent you a PM Yoyoma.

JBI · Post by **JBI** » Fri Apr 23, 2004 8:53 am

Yoyoma · Post by **Yoyoma** » Fri Apr 23, 2004 8:57 am

N2 wrote:Sent you a PM Yoyoma.

Got it, replied, Thanks!!

co-joe · Post by **co-joe** » Fri Apr 23, 2004 10:59 am

Hey, 2 years ago I was going back to university to get out of aviation all together when I fell ass backwards into my present job. Literally one well timed phone call and subsequent interview was all that kept me in this business.

Believe me, if I ever stumble on another career I like I may still quit this business. I fly a cool plane, have a decent schedule, and can pay my bills (barely) but I'm not living where I want to be, and my friends and family are growing older without me. We make a lot of sacrifices for this love of flying.

Smooth air, quiet radios nowhere in particular to go just meandering through the sky.[

Sounds good to me N2.

Panama Jack · Post by **Panama Jack** » Fri Apr 23, 2004 11:21 am

Very well said N2

Highflyinpilot · Post by **Highflyinpilot** » Fri Apr 23, 2004 11:47 am

Hey N2, You make me jealouse when you say ,After dinner went for a plane ride in my aircraft, no destination just flying around. Smooth air quiet radio etc. i dont think its possible to make it sound any better. LOL

N2 · Post by N2 » Fri Apr 23, 2004 1:35 pm

High, I am not trying to make anyone jealous I am just trying to point out that you can still enjoy aviation without having to go to the poor house in the process. Why live hand to mouth busting your hump and getting treated like crap for some company that constantly threatens you that if you don't like things there are hundreds lined up to replace you on a moments notice? Keep all your options open!