I still love flying, But just not flying for a living.
After 25 years as a pilot, I would give it up in a heartbeat, if I could get a reasonable job earning a reasonable salary. The problem is when you spend so many years getting the required qualifications and ratings (which you must pay for yourself now with 95% of the jobs available) Its hard to give it up.
I want to give it up. Ive had enough of longhaul flights throughout the night. Spending most of the month away from the family, in increasingly poorer accomodation.
It may be an OK job for young singles, not for those trying to raise a family and pay off a mortgage.
Although you may look at some jet captains salaries as reasonable, it takes many years to get there. MANY other jobs will earn you that or more. Even tradesman working on big projects can earn that sort of money now, without working nights. (not saying anyone should enjoy being a tradesman more than flying) but I think it just brings the ''''airline pilot salaries''' into perspective nowadays. Captains salaries on the big jets are a very average salary now. I would have expected to be making over 100000GBP a year, 20 years ago, not now with inflation over the last 20-30 years. It can take so long to get to a reasonable salary (10-20 years) that when you get there, its actually fairly average money to earn for your age, experience. and inflation.
The turboprop rating is just the first of many you are likely to have to pay for. Airline owners and managers are a greedy bunch of penny pinchers. You will be paid as little as they can get away with to fill their seats, after you pay for your own type rating.
If you have a good, reasonable paid career away from commercial flying, TAKE IT NOW. If you are dispondant about the industry now, you will not last until retirement.
Flying is great, just not airline flying anymore.
Earn good money and buy a small plane, maybe a share in a plane syndicate. Or find some other type of casual flying to get your fix. Then you continue to enjoy it.
I wish I was in your position. Im trying to figure out what career change I could do now, WITHOUT starting at the bottom on a low salary (for my age), (but most likely better than most fo jobs).
The fact you posted on pprune asking this, tells me you already know the answer.
The novelty of being a jet Captain wore off many years ago for me.
Last edited by Mr Pilot 2007; 10th November 2009 at 11:02.