The corporate reply:
Any pilot worth his/her salt would aspire to a training role for the deep satisfying glow of 'giving something back' to the profession that had given them so much. A chance to perfect those SOP's and to always aspire to be a trainer, not a trapper.
Then when the time is right, to step from the seniority list to the hallowed halls of the Management Pilot. To influence and to inspire their fellow toilers on the line. Finally, to aspire to the lofty perch of Chief Pilot, the inspirational leader representing their workforce and fighting the pilots corner against the DFO. Some pilots may go to the Dark Side and aspire to the black position of DFO, to sit with gods on the Board of Directors, with all the gold that goes with the exalted position.
The reality check:
You just sit there for 30 years until you have enough money to get the hell out of the job before it turns you bitter and twisted or delivers you to an early grave.
Yes, I howl with laughter at the hunger expressed by our wannbes and PTF guys, in the sure and certain knowledge that they will be the same as the rest of us in 30 years time.
Pilots that winge the most? Largely those with the best jobs, in the sure and certain knowledge that there is nowhere for them to go.
