Do you really Want to Do This...??
PPRuNe Knight in Shining Armour
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Maximum, now I see where you’re coming from, and I understand your reaction.
The reality checks here are sobering (
). Sadly, I believe the mindset attached to the management of the lo-co’s with their lower margins etc. are here to stay and I’d be surprised if things change much for the better. I guess what you describe is the norm rather the exception with the lo-co’s.
The problem is that I’m a coward. Having spent the amount of money that I have on training I can’t turn to my wife and say “Sorry I blew that £60k darling (that bigger house you deserve, and all those nice holidays…..), but I’ve decided that I’m not going to be a commercial pilot after all” That just wouldn’t be fair.
I think that this is what you’re up against in trying to give us a realistic view from the flight deck. I don’t think (most) wannabes dismiss your advice out of hand, it’s stupid to ignore the people who know, but no matter how it’s depicted or perceived, I’m just going to have to find out for myself. Then and only then will I feel justified saying to myself and my wife and family, “OK I did it, it’s crap, I’ll cut my losses and consider it as a gamble that didn’t suit me. Now wasn’t there a job at McDonalds going?”
Then, Maximum, Towers, Scroggs et al I shall buy you all a beer (or a burger) and you can say “I told you so” as often as you like!!
The reality checks here are sobering (
). Sadly, I believe the mindset attached to the management of the lo-co’s with their lower margins etc. are here to stay and I’d be surprised if things change much for the better. I guess what you describe is the norm rather the exception with the lo-co’s.The problem is that I’m a coward. Having spent the amount of money that I have on training I can’t turn to my wife and say “Sorry I blew that £60k darling (that bigger house you deserve, and all those nice holidays…..), but I’ve decided that I’m not going to be a commercial pilot after all” That just wouldn’t be fair.
I think that this is what you’re up against in trying to give us a realistic view from the flight deck. I don’t think (most) wannabes dismiss your advice out of hand, it’s stupid to ignore the people who know, but no matter how it’s depicted or perceived, I’m just going to have to find out for myself. Then and only then will I feel justified saying to myself and my wife and family, “OK I did it, it’s crap, I’ll cut my losses and consider it as a gamble that didn’t suit me. Now wasn’t there a job at McDonalds going?”
Then, Maximum, Towers, Scroggs et al I shall buy you all a beer (or a burger) and you can say “I told you so” as often as you like!!
PPRuNe Handmaiden
Hey Snigs, you've already bought me the bourbons. 
If you want to go "ahhhhh" have a squizz at the pics on my website. There's stuff there that the jet jockey's will never see. (I should update it though)
As Maximum and Scroggs have said, the flying is great fun. It's the management weeners that make the job suck.
If you want to go "ahhhhh" have a squizz at the pics on my website. There's stuff there that the jet jockey's will never see. (I should update it though)
As Maximum and Scroggs have said, the flying is great fun. It's the management weeners that make the job suck.
PPRuNe Knight in Shining Armour
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Already seen your website, impressive stuff!! 
I still chuckle at your story about "bombing" a suspect vessel...
I still chuckle at your story about "bombing" a suspect vessel...
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Highs and lows
I also have thoroughly enjoyed this thread. Some of the replies have made me laugh and cry in equal measure. I only really wanted to chip in and talk a little about how my flight training has started to seemingly prepare me for the 'life after', having read what has already been laid down by the experienced.
I'm on an integrated course - Started just after the new year back in early 2003. We were 20 at the start, six months after the off, we were down to eleven, so perhaps Tom, Dick and Harry weren't on my course.
Groundschool was an amazing experience. It was obviously very similiar to being at school but with a great big point to it. I say this as I'm eleven years past A levels and eight past a degree and never, regretfully, studied aviation related topics to a higher level back then. However, over the first six months of groundschool, I lost touch with a number of friends and never had the time to enjoy the former life and social habits that I once enjoyed. I simply locked myself in my room and read...and read...and read. Phase 1 passed and it was on to the first stage of flying, CPL level.
My first phase of flying was conducted overseas and lasted for four months. Just before I departed, I split with my girlfriend of five years. What can I say...
Passed the CPL first time though.
After returning to the UK it was on to Phase 2 groundschool. Met a new Flame who flies for a major too!
Very hard to get started again. Had no Xmas as well for JAA exams were in January! But a couple of quick months passed and before I knew it, all fourteen subjects in the bag. A great achievement but very few people to share it with (class mates aside). No one from my former life understood! For the past nine months, time had stood still for them.
Great...on to the IR then...
My instructor, an ex 747 training captain, likes to be wheels up at 7.30am...first slot of the day stuff here (no 'passenger only' instructor either...). I wake at 5am to ensure we make make our departure slot, but hark...the de-ice team are late - yikes, the mass and balance spreadsheet has crashed-got to do it by hand! Worse still, you've walked all the way out to the aircraft on the apron and the fuel strainer has vanished! Tick-tock...
The cockpit environment frequently can resemble boot camp. Lose 50 feet, ouch. Slow in selecting a nav frequency, ouch. 3 degrees off heading - ouch!
Just like to say I had a great Valentines day this year. Shame the Flame had to get up on Sunday 15th Feb at 4am to get to EGKK by 6am...
Got my IR next week, so fingers crossed. Got no past job waiting for me either.
Happy - not sure.
Unhappy - not sure.
Unsure - very sure...
Oh and by the way, if you thought breaking up with a girl after 5 years was bad, here's a gag...
I phoned up a really gorgeous ex-girlfriend of mine the other day. We lost track of time, chatting about the wild nights we used to enjoy together. I couldn't BELIEVE it when she asked if I'd like to meet up and maybe rekindle a little of that magic.
"Wow!" I said "I don't know if I could keep pace with you now! I'm a bit older and a bit balder than when you last saw me!"
She giggled and said she was sure I'd meet the challenge! "Yeah," I said, "Just so long as you don't mind a man with a waistband that's a few inches wider these days!"
She laughed and told me to stop being so silly! She teased me, saying she thought tubby bald men were cute!
"Anyway", she said, "I've put on a couple of pounds myself!"
So I hung up.
Cheers...
Craggs
I'm on an integrated course - Started just after the new year back in early 2003. We were 20 at the start, six months after the off, we were down to eleven, so perhaps Tom, Dick and Harry weren't on my course.
Groundschool was an amazing experience. It was obviously very similiar to being at school but with a great big point to it. I say this as I'm eleven years past A levels and eight past a degree and never, regretfully, studied aviation related topics to a higher level back then. However, over the first six months of groundschool, I lost touch with a number of friends and never had the time to enjoy the former life and social habits that I once enjoyed. I simply locked myself in my room and read...and read...and read. Phase 1 passed and it was on to the first stage of flying, CPL level.
My first phase of flying was conducted overseas and lasted for four months. Just before I departed, I split with my girlfriend of five years. What can I say...
Passed the CPL first time though.
After returning to the UK it was on to Phase 2 groundschool. Met a new Flame who flies for a major too!
Very hard to get started again. Had no Xmas as well for JAA exams were in January! But a couple of quick months passed and before I knew it, all fourteen subjects in the bag. A great achievement but very few people to share it with (class mates aside). No one from my former life understood! For the past nine months, time had stood still for them.
Great...on to the IR then...
My instructor, an ex 747 training captain, likes to be wheels up at 7.30am...first slot of the day stuff here (no 'passenger only' instructor either...). I wake at 5am to ensure we make make our departure slot, but hark...the de-ice team are late - yikes, the mass and balance spreadsheet has crashed-got to do it by hand! Worse still, you've walked all the way out to the aircraft on the apron and the fuel strainer has vanished! Tick-tock...
The cockpit environment frequently can resemble boot camp. Lose 50 feet, ouch. Slow in selecting a nav frequency, ouch. 3 degrees off heading - ouch!
Just like to say I had a great Valentines day this year. Shame the Flame had to get up on Sunday 15th Feb at 4am to get to EGKK by 6am...
Got my IR next week, so fingers crossed. Got no past job waiting for me either.
Happy - not sure.
Unhappy - not sure.
Unsure - very sure...
Oh and by the way, if you thought breaking up with a girl after 5 years was bad, here's a gag...
I phoned up a really gorgeous ex-girlfriend of mine the other day. We lost track of time, chatting about the wild nights we used to enjoy together. I couldn't BELIEVE it when she asked if I'd like to meet up and maybe rekindle a little of that magic.
"Wow!" I said "I don't know if I could keep pace with you now! I'm a bit older and a bit balder than when you last saw me!"
She giggled and said she was sure I'd meet the challenge! "Yeah," I said, "Just so long as you don't mind a man with a waistband that's a few inches wider these days!"
She laughed and told me to stop being so silly! She teased me, saying she thought tubby bald men were cute!
"Anyway", she said, "I've put on a couple of pounds myself!"
So I hung up.
Cheers...
Craggs
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Hello all,
I'm new here, I've been reading for a while but this is my first post.
To those who have had a previous career outside aviation and have made the transition to airline pilot (or visa-versa), I was wondering whether you regret making the change?
Some here seem to be trying to compare the benefits/drawbacks of an airline career with those of other careers. I don't wish to draw comparisons between various careers. I'd just be interested to know if, given the chance to start from scratch, would people who have experienced flying and another career rather be working for an airline or working in their other occupation.
DHdragon
P.S. - To those who run/contribute to these forums, its a great resourse, thanks alot!
I'm new here, I've been reading for a while but this is my first post.
To those who have had a previous career outside aviation and have made the transition to airline pilot (or visa-versa), I was wondering whether you regret making the change?
Some here seem to be trying to compare the benefits/drawbacks of an airline career with those of other careers. I don't wish to draw comparisons between various careers. I'd just be interested to know if, given the chance to start from scratch, would people who have experienced flying and another career rather be working for an airline or working in their other occupation.
DHdragon
P.S. - To those who run/contribute to these forums, its a great resourse, thanks alot!
PPRuNe Handmaiden
That is an interesting question..
I was a lab technician at a university in Sydney, Australia.
In the 10 years that have passed since I left there I would have got myself a degree in any thing. So I would have been able to be promoted higher or left that course of employment. I most certainly would have paid off my mortgage and probably moved to a much better place. I would have saved a fortune on gym fees and food. ($10 a year at uni.) I would have had guaranteed 7 weeks off per year and known my "roster" 6 months in advance.
In other words, financially I would have been streets ahead. Uni didn't pay brilliantly, when I left I was earning $A28K 10 years ago. It would have been about $A35K or more 4 years ago. When I left Australia to come to the UK, I was earning $A40K as a turboprop pilot(FO).
Yes, I have had a fun career but it has left me perilously short of funds for my retirement. I have only 26 years left to set myself up for that.
Would I do it again? At the age when I started yes, however, I would do things differently. Would I start now at 38? No.
I was a lab technician at a university in Sydney, Australia.
In the 10 years that have passed since I left there I would have got myself a degree in any thing. So I would have been able to be promoted higher or left that course of employment. I most certainly would have paid off my mortgage and probably moved to a much better place. I would have saved a fortune on gym fees and food. ($10 a year at uni.) I would have had guaranteed 7 weeks off per year and known my "roster" 6 months in advance.
In other words, financially I would have been streets ahead. Uni didn't pay brilliantly, when I left I was earning $A28K 10 years ago. It would have been about $A35K or more 4 years ago. When I left Australia to come to the UK, I was earning $A40K as a turboprop pilot(FO).
Yes, I have had a fun career but it has left me perilously short of funds for my retirement. I have only 26 years left to set myself up for that.
Would I do it again? At the age when I started yes, however, I would do things differently. Would I start now at 38? No.
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What an interesting thread this has turned out to be. It is good to see the objective views about a pilot career.
One thing that seems very prevailent though, is splitting up from the girlfriend/wife. I have known this for a long time, but the point has be reiterated on this forum. Its quite shocking for me; I have been going out with my girlfriend for 3 years, I couldn't split up with her. In fact, I am determined to have an aviation career and to keep my partner happy.
Is there anyone out there that has trained from 0hrs to employed pilot, without the pilot career being the cause of the brake-up? I am sure there is, but it would be nice to hear of some success stories for a change
It is good to see the objective views about a pilot career.One thing that seems very prevailent though, is splitting up from the girlfriend/wife. I have known this for a long time, but the point has be reiterated on this forum. Its quite shocking for me; I have been going out with my girlfriend for 3 years, I couldn't split up with her. In fact, I am determined to have an aviation career and to keep my partner happy.
Is there anyone out there that has trained from 0hrs to employed pilot, without the pilot career being the cause of the brake-up? I am sure there is, but it would be nice to hear of some success stories for a change
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Just a note from one of last years wannabies.
The job, is it what I expected?
err no not really.
All the things i thought were going to be major parts of my day arn't really.
The flying side of things only really accounts for about 30% of the days work. The rest is pre flight planning, legalities of if you are allowed to launch or not. Various cockups in ground handling, rush bags, catering, ops wanting things, tech problems etc etc.
The point where you get gear up is usually the easy bit. Getting from A to B safe is lacking the same drama as on the ground. Some times its a bit hair raising and you have to work hard other times its not like working at all.
Now the tiredness working a 800-900 hour year as an FO compared to the same number of hours instructing is incomparable. Which is why I proberly why i am feeling more alive than at any point since I started training.
As for the dumping the partner thing, yes I did that as well. Better do it sooner rather than later. Flying is a way of life which dosn't fit with normal jobs. Its the same with policing and any other 24h service industry. Which is maybe why so many IT types do so well in the industry, their hours actually get better. The hours i am working now are about 70% less than as a contractor and they are alot better planned as well. But then again i may be lucky getting a faily stable roster for 4 weeks 2 weeks in advance.
Am I still glad I became a pilot, hell yes.
But you do get out of the job what you put into it.
Personally i can't be arsed moaning about everything I knuckle down and get on with it, and try and learn as much as I can. But I havn't been on line for a year yet and don't have any idea what it was like in the good old days.
So in summary
I work less hours than I have done in the previous 10 years of my working life
I get a great buzz out of going to work (always wake up before the alarm)
And I am doing a job which if had been possible before I went to Uni I would have done at the age of 17 instead of 30.
MJ
The job, is it what I expected?
err no not really.
All the things i thought were going to be major parts of my day arn't really.
The flying side of things only really accounts for about 30% of the days work. The rest is pre flight planning, legalities of if you are allowed to launch or not. Various cockups in ground handling, rush bags, catering, ops wanting things, tech problems etc etc.
The point where you get gear up is usually the easy bit. Getting from A to B safe is lacking the same drama as on the ground. Some times its a bit hair raising and you have to work hard other times its not like working at all.
Now the tiredness working a 800-900 hour year as an FO compared to the same number of hours instructing is incomparable. Which is why I proberly why i am feeling more alive than at any point since I started training.
As for the dumping the partner thing, yes I did that as well. Better do it sooner rather than later. Flying is a way of life which dosn't fit with normal jobs. Its the same with policing and any other 24h service industry. Which is maybe why so many IT types do so well in the industry, their hours actually get better. The hours i am working now are about 70% less than as a contractor and they are alot better planned as well. But then again i may be lucky getting a faily stable roster for 4 weeks 2 weeks in advance.
Am I still glad I became a pilot, hell yes.
But you do get out of the job what you put into it.
Personally i can't be arsed moaning about everything I knuckle down and get on with it, and try and learn as much as I can. But I havn't been on line for a year yet and don't have any idea what it was like in the good old days.
So in summary
I work less hours than I have done in the previous 10 years of my working life
I get a great buzz out of going to work (always wake up before the alarm)
And I am doing a job which if had been possible before I went to Uni I would have done at the age of 17 instead of 30.
MJ
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Which is maybe why so many IT types do so well in the industry, their hours actually get better.
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There are people who've managed to keep the same partner throughout their careers in airlines, but they are few and far between. I'd venture to say that the majority of those are survivors from an earlier, less pressured, era.
I know of almost no-one who's joined the industry in the last 5 or 6 years who's managed to keep their marriage going. There's no support for relationships in this industry; when you're away, your partner is on their own. They either learn to survive the single life, doing all the jobs that you once did for the household, or they ship out. They usually ship out, I'm afraid.
This is one of the most fundamental differences between the airlines and the military, where I did 22 years. In the military, there was a support system for spouses left behind. Social occasions included those left on their own; the much-decried wives clubs kept an eye out for all the vulnerable ones and made sure they were looked after. The burdens were shared. That just does not happen in the airlines (nor, I'd guess, in most other careers).
Would I have joined the airlines if I'd known more about what it's really like? No, I probably wouldn't.
I know of almost no-one who's joined the industry in the last 5 or 6 years who's managed to keep their marriage going. There's no support for relationships in this industry; when you're away, your partner is on their own. They either learn to survive the single life, doing all the jobs that you once did for the household, or they ship out. They usually ship out, I'm afraid.
This is one of the most fundamental differences between the airlines and the military, where I did 22 years. In the military, there was a support system for spouses left behind. Social occasions included those left on their own; the much-decried wives clubs kept an eye out for all the vulnerable ones and made sure they were looked after. The burdens were shared. That just does not happen in the airlines (nor, I'd guess, in most other careers).
Would I have joined the airlines if I'd known more about what it's really like? No, I probably wouldn't.
Well I'll be the awkward one as usual then!
I think being an airline pilot is a great job and beats the vast majority of others. I'm not just being contrary - everything I say now I have said before on these pages.
I've just counted, for Jan, Feb and Mar I've worked 16 days a month average. I've been home every night between midnight and 4am or else I've been in a hotel full of crew on training and therefore in the pub or restaurant until cough o'clock.
I gross about £46,000 a year which is more than just about any of my mates apart from the one who works in London for a bank. He's just bought a £400,000 flat that fits inside mine twice and he's had to go halves with his brother.
My other friends in decent jobs all hate them. Another one just this year qualifying as a GP is going to be £130,000 in debt when he buys into a practice later this year and he's 30 and doesn't own a house. My only friend who is earning more and having a better lifestyle is a self employed chippy - but he's worrying that he won't be able to take the physical side of the job when he's 40 and then whats he going to do etc.
Another old chum is in the Airforce on GR4s and hates the miniscule amount of flying he gets based in the frozen North where endless reams of people push paperwork and non-war tasks at him. He can't wait to get out and do what I am doing.
Now I moan and bitch about work - don't get me wrong. But if you really pin me down as to what I would rather do then I'm hard pushed to be realistic. I think I am happier and better paid and more long term secure in my job than any of my contemporaries and chums. Thats got to be worth something.
I had a cracking day to day, into a misty Venice, back out over the sunset Alps, overhead an early evening London then a quick nip up to Glasgow for a lovely visual approach and back. No hassles, great crew, lovely pax. Shame to take the money. It depends what floats your boat and where you take your pleasures really. If its status, social life, money and glamour then Airline Pilot no longer has much of that - look elsewhere.
If its just a bug you have and always have had then you'll love it. Simple as that.
A very wise very senior pilot told me something during my initial line training for my first airline. He said, and I quote,
"There is no such thing as The Perfect Job in aviation. Many pilots think that there is - and make themselves miserable because they don't have it.
Don't be one of them".
I think thats the best advice I ever received.
Cheers
WWW
I think being an airline pilot is a great job and beats the vast majority of others. I'm not just being contrary - everything I say now I have said before on these pages.
I've just counted, for Jan, Feb and Mar I've worked 16 days a month average. I've been home every night between midnight and 4am or else I've been in a hotel full of crew on training and therefore in the pub or restaurant until cough o'clock.
I gross about £46,000 a year which is more than just about any of my mates apart from the one who works in London for a bank. He's just bought a £400,000 flat that fits inside mine twice and he's had to go halves with his brother.
My other friends in decent jobs all hate them. Another one just this year qualifying as a GP is going to be £130,000 in debt when he buys into a practice later this year and he's 30 and doesn't own a house. My only friend who is earning more and having a better lifestyle is a self employed chippy - but he's worrying that he won't be able to take the physical side of the job when he's 40 and then whats he going to do etc.
Another old chum is in the Airforce on GR4s and hates the miniscule amount of flying he gets based in the frozen North where endless reams of people push paperwork and non-war tasks at him. He can't wait to get out and do what I am doing.
Now I moan and bitch about work - don't get me wrong. But if you really pin me down as to what I would rather do then I'm hard pushed to be realistic. I think I am happier and better paid and more long term secure in my job than any of my contemporaries and chums. Thats got to be worth something.
I had a cracking day to day, into a misty Venice, back out over the sunset Alps, overhead an early evening London then a quick nip up to Glasgow for a lovely visual approach and back. No hassles, great crew, lovely pax. Shame to take the money. It depends what floats your boat and where you take your pleasures really. If its status, social life, money and glamour then Airline Pilot no longer has much of that - look elsewhere.
If its just a bug you have and always have had then you'll love it. Simple as that.
A very wise very senior pilot told me something during my initial line training for my first airline. He said, and I quote,
"There is no such thing as The Perfect Job in aviation. Many pilots think that there is - and make themselves miserable because they don't have it.
Don't be one of them".
I think thats the best advice I ever received.
Cheers
WWW
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In one sense, I am writing now to bring this thread back to the top, because I feel it should be there, even after this time. On the other hand, I am writing somewhat hindered due to a lump of humble pie in my hand.
I have not logged on for a while and have enjoyed reading the whole thread tonight. The only exception to that being my own reply. Thankfully I did apply an after thought to it. But I certainly see things from a different light tonight which will reflect in future posts. My reaction to the initial post was not based on rose tinted glasses as such, but more in relation to my knowing or feeling that I was not stereotypically ignorant to the industry. Just that for years, I had felt frustrated about being prevented from doing something that I loved....in my case for pleasure or "profit".
What I now realise is, how I may have come accross to those already there. I am sure that nobody felt that I was being derogatory, but I certainly would like to say that a fifty pence piece has dropped in relation to how some comments may be construed by those experienced in the industry, from us partially informed wannabes, as frustrating at best and certainly in light of some posts as potentially damaging for the status of professional pilots.
Although this thread appears thankfully to have calmed, I would like to echo the voices of appology by us wannabes and encourage all those with indepentant experience to continue to advise us without fear of a poorly thought out hammering.
Finally without sounding like I am too much up certain orifices (nothing in it for me....Virgin a distant dream) but I would like to say publically how much Scroggs's posts impress me. In my experience thay are always balanced, thought out, honest and concise. This thread particularly has proven that to me. I am sure he like others, wanted to burst at some comments, but he never did.
So here's to Scroggs....and indeed all at PPrune and those that post for our benefit.
Happy and healthy lives what ever we do.
Harves
I have not logged on for a while and have enjoyed reading the whole thread tonight. The only exception to that being my own reply. Thankfully I did apply an after thought to it. But I certainly see things from a different light tonight which will reflect in future posts. My reaction to the initial post was not based on rose tinted glasses as such, but more in relation to my knowing or feeling that I was not stereotypically ignorant to the industry. Just that for years, I had felt frustrated about being prevented from doing something that I loved....in my case for pleasure or "profit".
What I now realise is, how I may have come accross to those already there. I am sure that nobody felt that I was being derogatory, but I certainly would like to say that a fifty pence piece has dropped in relation to how some comments may be construed by those experienced in the industry, from us partially informed wannabes, as frustrating at best and certainly in light of some posts as potentially damaging for the status of professional pilots.
Although this thread appears thankfully to have calmed, I would like to echo the voices of appology by us wannabes and encourage all those with indepentant experience to continue to advise us without fear of a poorly thought out hammering.
Finally without sounding like I am too much up certain orifices (nothing in it for me....Virgin a distant dream) but I would like to say publically how much Scroggs's posts impress me. In my experience thay are always balanced, thought out, honest and concise. This thread particularly has proven that to me. I am sure he like others, wanted to burst at some comments, but he never did.
So here's to Scroggs....and indeed all at PPrune and those that post for our benefit.
Happy and healthy lives what ever we do.
Harves
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I read the post from the lawyer with interest, being a law student myself! I can sympathise completely with his plight - being stuck on The Strand from 8am to 9pm (with an hour commuting either end) is no life when you could be at 30,000 feet thrashing through the clouds.
Really, I'd like to direct the conversation onto a related topic that's been touched on here - whether people want to go into aviation as a career or want a career, with aviation on the side.
What would people prefer? Flying for a job, or having a job that funds flying?
I'd argue that the latter cuts out a lot of the negative points raised earlier, though of course you don't fly as often. That may in fact make it more interesting, though limit your flying options.
Any opinions?
Really, I'd like to direct the conversation onto a related topic that's been touched on here - whether people want to go into aviation as a career or want a career, with aviation on the side.
What would people prefer? Flying for a job, or having a job that funds flying?
I'd argue that the latter cuts out a lot of the negative points raised earlier, though of course you don't fly as often. That may in fact make it more interesting, though limit your flying options.
Any opinions?
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1st Choice would be flying as a job.
2nd Choice would be flying as an instructor part-time, but ready to seize upon any opportunities.
3rd Choice would be having a job that funds flying.
My current approach is that I am going for all three! I am actively seeking opportunities or promotion within my current job and working towards my ATPL. If one wins over the other then so be it.
2nd Choice would be flying as an instructor part-time, but ready to seize upon any opportunities.
3rd Choice would be having a job that funds flying.
My current approach is that I am going for all three! I am actively seeking opportunities or promotion within my current job and working towards my ATPL. If one wins over the other then so be it.
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Grief...what a thread this is!!
Anyway I have only been flying commercially for 5 years....when I last got involved in a 'what'it all about thread' it was about 2.5 years ago and at that point in my career I loved every minute of it. 2.5 years later howsit going? Well I've changed companies and now work lo-cost flying the 737. And....I still love it!!
I enjoy the job immensely, the things that others see as stressful and a bad side to the job I think are challangeing and fun. Yep, some airports security staff are morons of the highest order, but I don't fly out of those airports. Where I fly from the banter between crew and security is fun, they know us, and we know them. Yep, the crew still pop in and visit...especially on an early morning Faro when all the punters are asleep. Lots of cups of tea...food is quite nice really. We still get time to visit the crew shops where they are provided and visits to duty free shops can also be made with a lot of crew co-operation. Salary is very good really, workload is not too hard for me. However, I suspect that is down solely to my base, as my compatriots at Luton seem to have it a lot worse.
Anyway, I love the views, the flights, the challenges, the banter, the ever changing SOP's....what I don't like.......when the beef stew has a bit of gristle in it!! That winds me up.
apart from that it's fine
DT
Anyway I have only been flying commercially for 5 years....when I last got involved in a 'what'it all about thread' it was about 2.5 years ago and at that point in my career I loved every minute of it. 2.5 years later howsit going? Well I've changed companies and now work lo-cost flying the 737. And....I still love it!!
I enjoy the job immensely, the things that others see as stressful and a bad side to the job I think are challangeing and fun. Yep, some airports security staff are morons of the highest order, but I don't fly out of those airports. Where I fly from the banter between crew and security is fun, they know us, and we know them. Yep, the crew still pop in and visit...especially on an early morning Faro when all the punters are asleep. Lots of cups of tea...food is quite nice really. We still get time to visit the crew shops where they are provided and visits to duty free shops can also be made with a lot of crew co-operation. Salary is very good really, workload is not too hard for me. However, I suspect that is down solely to my base, as my compatriots at Luton seem to have it a lot worse.
Anyway, I love the views, the flights, the challenges, the banter, the ever changing SOP's....what I don't like.......when the beef stew has a bit of gristle in it!! That winds me up.
apart from that it's fine DT
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You could always do this.
Instead of spending all that cash and possibly no job at the end why not do this...
I am joking of course, but press here.
I am joking of course, but press here.
Join Date: Mar 2003
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Very interesting thread....and I am gonna throw in another perspective here -
I worked for the UK's biggest for six years - not as a pilot but as Cabin Crew. In this six years, my job was basically my whole life - especially on L/Haul as I am sure all the Longhaul guys on here will attest to. I saw and experienced at first hand the working conditions and daily issues between company and onboard crews. Yes, the conditions could have arguably been better, yes people moaned, and yes in all honesty the conditions have detiorated over the years.
However, I believe that any form of aviation work (notably on board) is a passion and that is what keeps us in it. As mentioned, the feeling you get when you are sitting up there at 30 something thousand looking out over some spectacular scene (be it the Swiss Alps or the Canadian Rockies) makes you glad that you are not in the 9-5 office based / train platform syndrome. And as you are on short finals over the M25 (or on the climb out) and you look down and see all those guys bumper to bumper, I think you realise you are in a pretty unique world. I know it sounds romanticised, but its the reality in my opinion.
Yes, it can be lonely (as Scroggs said) and relationships are very hard to hold down. Its something you learn to deal with I think. The loneliness can get to you at times, and that is hard. But ask the majority of airline crew if they would change their jobs and most would say definitely not.
I am temporarily out of the loop. And I miss it badly. I think its in the blood - a real passion. I have just completed my CPL/MEIR and am now looking at ways of getting back in as a pilot, since as cabin crew I was totally bitten by the desire to fly. So, all you wannabees, I say to you go for it, because (as noted previously on here) if its in your blood you are always going to regret not giving it a shot. It can be done! (and for my own sake, I have to believe that!! )
I worked for the UK's biggest for six years - not as a pilot but as Cabin Crew. In this six years, my job was basically my whole life - especially on L/Haul as I am sure all the Longhaul guys on here will attest to. I saw and experienced at first hand the working conditions and daily issues between company and onboard crews. Yes, the conditions could have arguably been better, yes people moaned, and yes in all honesty the conditions have detiorated over the years.
However, I believe that any form of aviation work (notably on board) is a passion and that is what keeps us in it. As mentioned, the feeling you get when you are sitting up there at 30 something thousand looking out over some spectacular scene (be it the Swiss Alps or the Canadian Rockies) makes you glad that you are not in the 9-5 office based / train platform syndrome. And as you are on short finals over the M25 (or on the climb out) and you look down and see all those guys bumper to bumper, I think you realise you are in a pretty unique world. I know it sounds romanticised, but its the reality in my opinion.
Yes, it can be lonely (as Scroggs said) and relationships are very hard to hold down. Its something you learn to deal with I think. The loneliness can get to you at times, and that is hard. But ask the majority of airline crew if they would change their jobs and most would say definitely not.
I am temporarily out of the loop. And I miss it badly. I think its in the blood - a real passion. I have just completed my CPL/MEIR and am now looking at ways of getting back in as a pilot, since as cabin crew I was totally bitten by the desire to fly. So, all you wannabees, I say to you go for it, because (as noted previously on here) if its in your blood you are always going to regret not giving it a shot. It can be done! (and for my own sake, I have to believe that!!
)