Ok here is the situation, finished my training about 2.5 years ago, got my Commercial, Multi IFR, Float ratings(240hours). Due to the industry being at an all time low, decided to travel through Asia...had such a great time there, I ended up living there for the last 2 years. Now I'm back, the question is do I re-new my multi IFR and start tossing out resumes or do I carry on with University and complete a degree. I understand there are more jobs available now then back then...the industry is looking good but, for how long?
When I was training I seem to have a passion for flying, now that I've been out of the game for so long I'm not sure if that passion exist anymore but who knows maybe once I get back in the cockpit it will all come back to me.
My question for you veterans, is this life style really worth it? the lack of pay in the begining? the time away from home? the ups and downs of the industry? Do you have any regrets in being a Commercial Pilot?
I turn 26 in a couple of months and it's time for me to make some serious decisions....Just looking for some real advice on what to do...
Thanks
Advice needed
Moderators: Sulako, North Shore, sky's the limit, sepia
Here is my free advice:
The industry has a great fraternity. The relationships you make will last a lifetime. And careful with the bridges you burn as you will very likely meet up with many of the players thoughout your career.
Airlines get a ton of resumes. A degree is another way to weed though the applicants. But when the sun is shining make hay. Right now if you can get experience go get it. Getting hours when you are a low time pilot is invaluable.
Does it cost? Yes. Interrupted family time. Working while others get to take stat holidays and sleep regular hours. Working for an hourly wage lower than the $14 Tim Hortons is offering here in Alberta. Having to put your cash on the line for a training bond to be able to work for some dirty rotten SOB and being treated as a peon.
But many pilots believe they will do whatever it takes to fly. Because this is what they love. That is their passion and they can't imagine doing anything else. In fact, when the layoffs come you'll find you aren't that qualified to do other "professional" jobs.
To tell you the truth, the passion is the only thing that will keep you in the business. As soon as you start to compare the lifestyle to others outside the industry it can get depressing. Then again, those teachers, accountants and rig pigs don't have an office in the sky.
Is is worth it? That is for you to decide.
The industry has a great fraternity. The relationships you make will last a lifetime. And careful with the bridges you burn as you will very likely meet up with many of the players thoughout your career.
Airlines get a ton of resumes. A degree is another way to weed though the applicants. But when the sun is shining make hay. Right now if you can get experience go get it. Getting hours when you are a low time pilot is invaluable.
Does it cost? Yes. Interrupted family time. Working while others get to take stat holidays and sleep regular hours. Working for an hourly wage lower than the $14 Tim Hortons is offering here in Alberta. Having to put your cash on the line for a training bond to be able to work for some dirty rotten SOB and being treated as a peon.
But many pilots believe they will do whatever it takes to fly. Because this is what they love. That is their passion and they can't imagine doing anything else. In fact, when the layoffs come you'll find you aren't that qualified to do other "professional" jobs.
To tell you the truth, the passion is the only thing that will keep you in the business. As soon as you start to compare the lifestyle to others outside the industry it can get depressing. Then again, those teachers, accountants and rig pigs don't have an office in the sky.
Is is worth it? That is for you to decide.
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young grasshopper
- Rank 4
- Posts: 267
- Joined: Thu Oct 28, 2004 8:47 am
MrWings - good advice. Nate - you are wondering if the passion you once had for flying is still there. I think you may have answered your own questions. If 2.5 years later, you're still thinking about flying, I think you have the bug. I know its easier said than done - but whats the harm in trying to get back into it? You'll know right away if you've "still got it". So what if it takes a couple hundred bucks for you to say "Wow, I really do NOT wanna keep going with this whole MIFR thing". If you don't give it a shot, I'm sure in 30 years you'll still be wondering if you should have. Who knows - I'm just thinking out loud here...Good luck regardless...a Uni degree will never hurt you.
YG
it'll hurt your wallet;)young grasshopper wrote:MrWings - good advice. Nate - you are wondering if the passion you once had for flying is still there. I think you may have answered your own questions. If 2.5 years later, you're still thinking about flying, I think you have the bug. I know its easier said than done - but whats the harm in trying to get back into it? You'll know right away if you've "still got it". So what if it takes a couple hundred bucks for you to say "Wow, I really do NOT wanna keep going with this whole MIFR thing". If you don't give it a shot, I'm sure in 30 years you'll still be wondering if you should have. Who knows - I'm just thinking out loud here...Good luck regardless...a Uni degree will never hurt you.
Hello,
Have you looked into heading back to Asia to work as a pilot once you complete your training?
I would guess that you picked up some of the local languages (be it Mandarin, Cantonese, Vietnamese, Thai, Korean, etc) over the two years you spent there, my guess is that would make you stand out quite a bit in a pile of resumes.
Good luck in whatever you choose,
Louis
Have you looked into heading back to Asia to work as a pilot once you complete your training?
I would guess that you picked up some of the local languages (be it Mandarin, Cantonese, Vietnamese, Thai, Korean, etc) over the two years you spent there, my guess is that would make you stand out quite a bit in a pile of resumes.
Good luck in whatever you choose,
Louis
