Originally Posted by
777Supremecist
haha yes, I am quite young 😅, I just graduated from school . I kinda wanna follow the career path of my father, as a commercial airline pilot. I have seen what kind of a life it is from a very young age, as he was a pilot long before my birth.
Just keep in mind, your fathers career looks glorious as he is the last generation who actually got a bit of the good times, but life as a pilot is not that glorious these days. Especially not when you dont end up in a Legacy Carrier.
The road can be long, depending on the earlier mentioned also on the market.
I have friends who it took 6+ years to get the first job.
Myself 4.5 years.
It might be that you have to start as a an instructor. Then Small Turbo Props in dodgy outfits who cut corners in safety and not respecting your FDPs.
Maybe bad paid job on a Citation in another cowboy outfit.
Step by step you maybe get to bigger jets in ACMI clubs ( lease charter ), where they still treat you 💩.
Maybe short haul cargo flying ( very tough business, 80% night flying ).
You work days others are off. Working X mass, Easter, maybe cannot get off for your future wifes or childrens bdays.
Looong 4 leg tiring days, unruly passengers, cold/hot wx ops. Delays due to slots, cpts discretion, extention, broken APU, no airstarter available, again missing slot.
Airplane not airworthy, but pax already on board. Disembark, pax angry.
If you are unlucky with the company you work for, you have to find yourself an hotel to stay.
Working via agencies as a contractor.
Aviation itself is a horrible business, where you get screwed one way or another.
Im standing very strong in my shoes, and so far I am handling it pretty well, but this is not made for everyone.
It is really not that shiny.
For the job itself, flying, it is incredible. I love it every second. When I walk up to the aircraft and knowing that I will fly her, still gives me a special feeling. Same after I get of the aircraft.
But you have to orientate more on what this business is like.
You must be VERY passionate to survive here. Especially if the worldsituation is like the financial crash in 2008 or this Pandemic.
I was twice very close to giving up, and I can tell you, I gave everything to get there where I am right now.
I wish you wisdom but again, read into what this business is really like.
Companies go bust. Again you have to look for new job. On the bottom of seniority. Lay Offs due to reorganisation.
KR,
P40