I never thought I'd say this....

[winds_in_flight_wtf]

Dear avcanada members who regret it ,

Then please resign immediately, so I can begin my career!

I love flying, and everything about it. The planning, the excitement of being up there, the excitement of coming down thinking "God damn I’m lucky":) Fly part time then, rather get another career! Im -**.*** in debt due to my education and career of choice. But at days end, I like what I do. It will pay off sooner or later, because lets be realistic..... people have to fly;)

Ahh ignorance is bliss,

wait a few years and then ask yourself the same thing..

The novelty wears slightly when its your career

Just because you went through hell and to this day remain there, does not mean everyone else has to. I have already felt the hits, but they do not knock me down. If you can't take the heat ...get out of the kitchen.

[Gogona]

I have two questions to topic starter and other pilots, who regret about their choice.
I think no one who get into this would leave flying completely - cause let's face it, we all love being up there. It probably the fact that the industry is so messed up and making a good career out it that makes some people regret their choice.

You're right. I just can't believe, that somebody can regret about invaluable experience and knowledge he or she has got in this industry! However, if you aren't going to fly ANYMORE, you HAVE a reason to regret about your flying career. IMHO...

I know one guy, who was happy to switch his career from AT pilot to ordinary latin dancer. But actually, I can't understand and accept this fact... Former pilot = present dancer? OK, OK, that's not my business... sorry.

[righthandman]

I have two questions to topic starter and other pilots, who regret about their choice.

1) What EXACTLY do you regret about? Is that expended money, time and efforts, health, missed opportunities, etc.? Try to figure it out – what is the most disappointing issue for you?
2) If you 'll quit this career, are you going to fly as a private pilot or you rather leave aviation at all?

I think no one who get into this would leave flying completely - cause let's face it, we all love being up there. It probably the fact that the industry is so messed up and making a good career out it that makes some people regret their choice.

To 'Gogona'... I started this thread and read 'Mihai's' response, because he essentially nailed it.

I am absolutely (still after all these years) struggling to get a reasonably good position and it has more to do with the state of the industry than my commitment or attitude toward aviation. (The only thing I will concede is that I am poor at getting an interview. Once I DO get the interview I almost always can land the job.)

I started this thread out of frustration... I just wanted to know how prevalent my situation is and so I started the Poll. And 1 in 4 who does regret it doesn't surprise me, it saddens me.

TRUST me, I have already paid my dues. It's just discouraging for me and I guess others, after all the effort and perseverance that I/we have ALREADY put into aviation to come up short in terms of a reasonable flying position.

I don't regret what I have done so far; it would just be nice to be further along after so much time in the business. In spite of that I haven't given up hope completely... so the search goes on.

[co-joe]

I regret getting into this business without a backup plan. There's not much worse than finding yourself on the outside looking in, with an aviation diploma, 4000 hours, student loans up the wazoo, and $15/ hour labour jobs to look forward to. I'm doing a trade now and may get back into it at some time, but that extra 10 K I spent on college courses in this field would have been much better spent in another field on education unrelated to aviation. IMHO anyway.

[Highflyinpilot]

What trade you into if you dont mind me asking?

[Captain Obvious]

1) What EXACTLY do you regret about? Is that expended money, time and efforts, health, missed opportunities, etc.? Try to figure it out – what is the most disappointing issue for you?
2) If you 'll quit this career, are you going to fly as a private pilot or you rather leave aviation at all?

Ever since I was a little kid the only thing I ever wanted to be was an airline pilot. I had my PPL at 17, CPL at 18 and first flying job shortly there after. It was the best time of my life. After a few years I left to get a degree and never came back. I had a family instead I ended up in a different industry (IT), but I will always fly. I never regretted being a pilot for a moment, nor do I regret not returning to flying professionally (I miss it though).

I own a C172, I'm doing some tailwheel training this summer, and I'm planning on buying a higher performance aircraft next year. I have volunteered for CASARA and as a pilot for Hope Air. I also found that having a pilot license has helped me tremendously with landing non-flying jobs. It makes me seem more well rounded.

[ajet32]

Started flying after getting a degree in a subject(Agriculture ) I thought I would work in forever. Changed careers 23 years ago and have no regrets . I now fly a large commercial jet having spent time as a float pilot and many years in the turboprop ranks. At the half century in age mark I went overseas to fly in Africa. " NO REGRETS" "NONE". If someone can show how to make a decent living and have a much fun as I have . Well I would love to know what that would be doing.
Oh and I have survived 3 bankruptcy/shutdowns and lost a bit of cash . Thats life you just go make some more money.
Would I change anything ,well I can't can I so that's rather a redundant question. What's past is past there is only tomorrow and the next sunrise as you come up through the clouds.
Cheers

[Big Pistons Forever]

I wanted to be a pilot for literally as long as I can remember. I had a subscription to Flying magazine when I was 9 and continually bugged my private pilot father to take me flying. I got my PPL when I was 17 but was discouraged by my instructor from pursuing a flying career. In retrospect it was great advice. I got a BSc and established myself in a well paying non aviation career while continuing to fly privately. At age 27 I decided to get a CPL in order to improve my flying skills. I paid for it as I went and then on the advice of my instructor got a flight instructor rating with a view to maybe doing some part time instructing. The day I passed my ride I was offered a full time job instructing at a large and well run FTU. I then carried on moving up the ladder when good jobs became available and going back to the other career when things got slow.
Eventually I landed my current retirement job at age 38. For me having an allready established flexible and well paying career outside of aviation to fall back on was critical to my decision to get into flying as a career. I also found that starting at 27 gave me the life skills and confidence to stand up for myself on a few occasions when the boss wanted me to do things I was not happy with.

[PunkStarStudios]

This opinion will surely tick some people off... but here goes.

I can't stand it when in one post you see a professional pilot promote aviation to some new comer looking to start their training etc., then in the next post complain they can't get a good paying job.

STOP PROMOTING AVIATION! ... at least to everyone who crosses your path who wants to learn to fly. The more pilots there are, the harder it is to land a good job. If there are a ton of pilots... guess what... it ain't so special and unique to be one anymore.

One could argue, "It's better for the industry to have as many new pilots coming in as possible - there could be some real talent there"... well I disagree. The more supply there is, the less demand there is and that means crap pay for everyone, and the truly talented individuals who should be left seat in a 777, will instead apply their talents elsewhere in some other industry who actually understands and rewards the skill sets that happen to make up a good pilot.

Every single person I meet that asks me about becoming a pilot I tell them "Don't do it unless you're doing it for fun - and even then - don't do it unless you have plenty of cash to burn. No matter what - don't go into it as a profession". I'm quite emphatic with them. The less pilots there are the better. Now some instructors may say otherwise but let's face it - 99% of them are putting in all the time just to build hours so they can get out.

Let the ones with drive and self determination push through to becoming a professional pilot, and let all the others who needs lots of words of encouragement and who want to fly a Pilatus at 250 hours find some other industry to dilute.

[winds_in_flight_wtf]

Let the ones with drive and self determination push through to becoming a professional pilot, and let all the others who needs lots of words of encouragement and who want to fly a Pilatus at 250 hours find some other industry to dilute.

I guess you never once had 250 hours? I'd love to know what your reaction would be if someone told you to "give up" , for their sake, and not really for yours. Did you fly in this industry when pilots made millions upon millions per year? I agree that much of the $ is s***, however that's the nature of the beast these days. Sooner or later the world is going to realize..... they need pilots!

[Bookem Lou]

I've seriously considered getting out of aviation but not because it's hard to make a living at. I just figure that maybe now or soon, it might be a good idea to get into policing or the military or learn how to use a milling machine so I can make some guns. That way, when the oil runs out, I'll have the know-how and the firepower to keep my garden safe from you unemployed tomato hungry pilots. If the oil runs out, it won't just be pilots trying to get in my garden though.

[PunkStarStudios]

Yeah - and it wasn't that long ago, but it's not a career so who cares. And yeah - a few people did question the amount of money I sunk into it (wife) but I did it anyhow.

But it was never going to be a career. In fact several people suggested I do make a career out of it and I told them they were nuts.

And I agree - the world does need pilots - but they will never need as many pilots as there now, and certainly not as many as those people who want to be pilots.

[Gogona]

I don't regret what I have done so far; it would just be nice to be further along after so much time in the business. In spite of that I haven't given up hope completely... so the search goes on.

Sorry, but I haven't understood – are you gonna fly as a private pilot if you'll quit this career?

[Gogona]

And I agree - the world does need pilots - but they will never need as many pilots as there now, and certainly not as many as those people who want to be pilots.

BINGO! Doesn't anybody know that prior to start his/her CPL training?
But I informed, that people believe in miracles, as usual, and believe in their extraordinary talents. That's why we have so many commercial pilots who're willing to work for $5 per mission.

I got a BSc and established myself in a well paying non aviation career while continuing to fly privately. At age 27 I decided to get a CPL in order to improve my flying skills.

That's the wisest attitude I've met here and among all other similar topics. I completely agree with it, and I would do the same, if I'll ever have a chance.

[linecrew]

Dear avcanada members who regret it ,

Then please resign immediately, so I can begin my career!

I love flying, and everything about it. The planning, the excitement of being up there, the excitement of coming down thinking "God damn I’m lucky":) Fly part time then, rather get another career! Im -**.*** in debt due to my education and career of choice. But at days end, I like what I do. It will pay off sooner or later, because lets be realistic..... people have to fly;)

Ahh ignorance is bliss,

Yep, I agree he really does sound quite ignorant.

+1

[cplpilot]

I don't regret getting my license, it was a blast and i looooove flying.
I regred doing it they way i did.... My family is not rich and i had to work my butt off to make the money and it looks like my job gave me a pretty good carreer. I am 37 now with a wife, a wonderful kid and a very good salary... i have no choice now, i can't be a professional pilot...

[updownupdownupdown]

While I DID vote "no" to the poll question I must say that I'd love to go back 13 years and have a little chat with me as I was starting my first day of ground school.

I'd say:

-DON'T EXPECT to be flying for big red in five years (wasn't ever the be all and end all for me but thought that I'd have the option if I wanted)

-EXPECT to be taken advatage of by most operators

-EXPECT to make VERY little money for quite a few years

-DON'T EXPECT this to be a poontang magnet

-NOT ALL operators are evil people and when you find a good one, be loyal!!!

Again I voted no because I wouldn't have traded the things/places that I've seen and people I've met and all of the experiences I'm yet to enjoy. In the grand scheme of things I'm still a rookie in the business and (hopefully) I've dealt with my last bad situation.

I'll get back to you in 5 more years.

[slam525i]

-DON'T EXPECT this to be a poontang magnet

I was seriously mislead when I started my recreational over a decade ago. I need a time machine to go back and tell myself: You know, this won't get you any chicks right? They don't particularly go for the broke, willing to clean toilets for 5 minutes for air-time type of guy.

I still would have done it; flying is the most fun you can have with your clothes on and people watching. I just shouldn't have expected women to be impressed by it.

Thank God I never tried to make a career of it.

[double-j]

This opinion will surely tick some people off... but here goes.

I can't stand it when in one post you see a professional pilot promote aviation to some new comer looking to start their training etc., then in the next post complain they can't get a good paying job.

STOP PROMOTING AVIATION! ... at least to everyone who crosses your path who wants to learn to fly. The more pilots there are, the harder it is to land a good job. If there are a ton of pilots... guess what... it ain't so special and unique to be one anymore.

One could argue, "It's better for the industry to have as many new pilots coming in as possible - there could be some real talent there"... well I disagree. The more supply there is, the less demand there is and that means crap pay for everyone, and the truly talented individuals who should be left seat in a 777, will instead apply their talents elsewhere in some other industry who actually understands and rewards the skill sets that happen to make up a good pilot.

Every single person I meet that asks me about becoming a pilot I tell them "Don't do it unless you're doing it for fun - and even then - don't do it unless you have plenty of cash to burn. No matter what - don't go into it as a profession". I'm quite emphatic with them. The less pilots there are the better. Now some instructors may say otherwise but let's face it - 99% of them are putting in all the time just to build hours so they can get out.

Let the ones with drive and self determination push through to becoming a professional pilot, and let all the others who needs lots of words of encouragement and who want to fly a Pilatus at 250 hours find some other industry to dilute.

BRAVO! The most self-serving, selfish post of the year.


Your mom would be so proud

[mathewc]

I'm leaving aviation as a primary profession. There are many factors that influenced this decision, and many have been discussed in this thread. It was not an easy decision to come to and I spoke to many people on both sides of the debate before coming to a conclusion. I DO NOT REGRET trying to get into the industry and seeing what it is really like. I don't regret going through training and getting my licenses and ratings as this is what I have wanted to do for a long time. Flying is still an amazing experience and I won't be leaving aviation. I'm headed back home to expand on my previous degree so I can be around the people that I love. Although flying above the clouds, seeing the sunrise from 10,000ft at 3am, and learning about life in the north is an incredible experience, I will leave it to someone else who suits the role better.

Good luck to all those newbies who are headed off to the north, west, east, or far north. You'll have the time of your life.

[Meatservo]

This opinion will surely tick some people off... but here goes.

I can't stand it when in one post you see a professional pilot promote aviation to some new comer looking to start their training etc., then in the next post complain they can't get a good paying job.

STOP PROMOTING AVIATION! ... at least to everyone who crosses your path who wants to learn to fly. The more pilots there are, the harder it is to land a good job. If there are a ton of pilots... guess what... it ain't so special and unique to be one anymore.

One could argue, "It's better for the industry to have as many new pilots coming in as possible - there could be some real talent there"... well I disagree. The more supply there is, the less demand there is and that means crap pay for everyone, and the truly talented individuals who should be left seat in a 777, will instead apply their talents elsewhere in some other industry who actually understands and rewards the skill sets that happen to make up a good pilot.

Every single person I meet that asks me about becoming a pilot I tell them "Don't do it unless you're doing it for fun - and even then - don't do it unless you have plenty of cash to burn. No matter what - don't go into it as a profession". I'm quite emphatic with them. The less pilots there are the better. Now some instructors may say otherwise but let's face it - 99% of them are putting in all the time just to build hours so they can get out.

Let the ones with drive and self determination push through to becoming a professional pilot, and let all the others who needs lots of words of encouragement and who want to fly a Pilatus at 250 hours find some other industry to dilute.

BRAVO! The most self-serving, selfish post of the year.


Your mom would be so proud

Heh-heh. He may be selfish, but is he wrong?

I just like looking out the window all day long. I pretty much let my F.O. do all the work, paperwork, loading, unloading, cleaning, fueling, pumping, 'splainin' the bad news to the passengers, etc. I get paid Okay to practically do nothing until it's time for me to unfurl my cape, land the thing if he needs help, then stalk into the office, cast a jaundiced eye at the office staff, drink a free coffee and go home. I have to work just hard enough to stay ahead of the younger guys barking at my heels, and it ain't hard. It's good to be king. I'm sorry it doesn't seem to be working out for some of you guys.

[Stan Darsh]

Sorry for the digression, but Meatservo, may I just say that you have the best moniker on AVCANADA.

[Indanao]

Dear avcanada members who regret it ,

Then please resign immediately, so I can begin my career!

I love flying, and everything about it. The planning, the excitement of being up there, the excitement of coming down thinking "God damn I’m lucky":) Fly part time then, rather get another career! Im -**.*** in debt due to my education and career of choice. But at days end, I like what I do. It will pay off sooner or later, because lets be realistic..... people have to fly;)

Just because you went through hell and to this day remain there, does not mean everyone else has to. I have already felt the hits, but they do not knock me down. If you can't take the heat ...get out of the kitchen.

Wait until you have been there at least a day and a half before commenting. Learn from the mistakes of others, you won't live long enough to make them all yourself.


I just think that few, if any, regret becoming a Pilot. It broadens your horizons. What do you do with broad horizons ??
But, the educational experience right up and through MIFR training is like an intellectual experience - like going to University. After that.................it might go either way. Attitude has nothing to do with it - some with the worst attitude, are making the most money. Timing and networking determines how well you do.