Why aren't you a commercial pilot?

[LambOfGod]

Hey dudes.

I've been thinking, although I am so damn obsessed with being a pilot I had this idea that I should just use my common sense and do something else:ugh:And I'm guessing there are alot of people at PPRune who are into flying but became an engineer or ATC instead. So can you tell me why your not a commercial pilot and what your doing. Plus, are you happy with it. That goes for being a pilot and not being happy with it to.

A while ago I had the same idea. I go through phases, not on/off but negative positive thoughts... Anyway, I asked over the net whether it's a good idea to become an aeronuatical engineer or A&P mechanic. But all the replies were negative. Things like;

"You have to buy your own tools" (even though flying lessons cost a billion times more)
"When the aircraft you've maintined are in the air you wont be able to sleep"
and, "If you make a small mistake it will have a fatal result and you'll be executed":=Well thank's for your answers in advance:ok:

[HEATHROW DIRECTOR]

I'd liked to have had a PPL, but the cost was always too high. I would never have considered becoming a commercial pilot as I love my wife too much to be away from home for long periods. I spent most of my life in ATC, which was my ambition, and enjoyed every single second of it. I sure could have used a pilot's salary but otherwise I wouldn't have swapped my job for theirs!!

[daydreamer89]

I'm not a mechanic or ATC, but I have been and still am in your shoes. It's ok to be obsessed with flying, I was and still am, but to a lesser degree now than a year ago. I find that being obsessed with the dream distracts me from what I'm presently pursuing, a degree in aeronautical/mechanical engineering.

Having calmed down the aviation bug in my head, or rather, having started to explore the field of engineering and what oppertunities I have as an engineer more closely, I've suddenly found some jobs that to me are very interesting.

Believe it or not, not all engineers sit 9-5 in an office. One such job that i found awesome is that of a service engineer. They set-up, operate and maintain machinery on rigs around the world (lots of travel) working 1month on 1month off (depends on company of course). Starting pay (at least here in Norway) is around 80k-100k pound sterling.

There are many other types of jobs that you might find interesting, you just have to explore. Calling it boring and a "typical 9-5 office job" just doesn't do any field any justice. Do some research and you just might find something that fits you.

My point is, don't let any "dream" distract you from the present and other uppertunities in life, especially when you're young and with the current economic crisis.

edit:

And am I happy? I was positively surprised by how diverse the field of engineering is. Your not locked to aeronautics if that turns out not to be your thing. The degree is first and foremost a mechanical engineering degree, which again is very broad.

Other than that you can find so many other things to do in UNI, join a student group, take 1 semester or 2 abroad, find a job that is related to your studies.

I believe happiness as a student, and further along as an engineer is proportional to ones ability to immerse oneself in the field. Last year( my first year at uni) i was always dreaming about aviation, spent way too much time on pprune and apc, never really thought of engineering as a possible career, but rather as a secondary thing. As a result, i did everything half-heartedly at school, had i continued, i would probably be one of those guys that never even comes to school, just does the bare minimum to get by.

I'm not saying that one should give up ones dream, just don't let it get in the way of other uppertunities that may turn out to be really great.

[SNS3Guppy]

I hold five different FAA certificates...one of which is the Airline Transport Pilot certificate, and the other the Mechanic certificate...with both Airframe and Powerplant ratings.

Over the course of my career I've served frequently as a mechanic, and inspector. I'm doing that very thing now.

Yes, you should buy your own tools, but that's an investment in a career, and worth what you put into it. I believe in buying the best tools you can, where you can, or at least the best tools for the money. I've had inexpensive tools fail, and I've had some expensive ones fail, too. Get ones with a good warranty and reputation, that won't let you down.

I've never been in the position where I couldn't sleep because of an airplane on which I had performed maintenance. Do it properly, don't cut corners, and go to sleep knowing you did good work, and did the right thing. You'll sleep well.

In flying, I've done everything from cropdusting to flying the 747 internationally. Many of my flying jobs involved maintenance. When there wasn't flying work, I did maintenance, and sometimes it was maintenance instead of flying. Right now I'm doing both, which is often the case.

If you intend to fly for a living, a maintenance background, training, and education serves you well in understanding aircraft systems and in the way you think about the airplane. It can help your decision making process, and in my opinion, will make you a more rounded and competent pilot.

Likewise, if you intend to be a mechanic/engineer, then having flight experience and pilot training gives you more insight into your job, and I think makes you a better mechanic.

[LambOfGod]

Well let me know how you go dayreamer89, oh and by the way it is spelled 'Opportunities'. Do you think you would get a job with the airlines straight away or you have to work your way up? Starting on single engine prop's for years then getting that engineering carreer going with... British Airways, in your case...

Do you think engineers get benefits, like free travel. How much would you expect and engineer to get from say, EK or QF? Salary wise.:ok:

[daydreamer89]

As an aeronautical engineer there are OPPORTUNITIES (thanks for correcting me) to work for an airline right after university. Try to get some summer-internships before graduating to get some relevant experience (gold worth for newbie engineers), or join an organization, anything to show you're going to be a capable and all-round professional and thus increasing your chances. Needless to say, grades count as well.

Otherwise, like all other companies, they want relevant work experience beforehand.

Salary depends on your experience usually. Recent graduates start out at the typical 35k-40k, or if you have a masters ca.40k-45. That is how it generally is in Norway at least.

You mentioned moving up the ranks from small planes to large. There is no such ladder for an Aeronautics/aerospace engineer to climb (unless you choose to). Remember that aero-engineers are very different to a&p engineers (easy to confuse the two), although at the companies that I've visited they work very closely together.

As for me, my initial plans were the airlines but not anymore. Now I'm going in another direction not related to aviation.

Good luck wherever you choose to venture.

[LambOfGod]

Nooo, so your not gonna work in aviation, I guess an aeronuatical engineer can do alot of stuff, like F1 cars. And, Can an aeronuatical engineer design and market their own aeroplane?

[SNS3Guppy]

Do you think you would get a job with the airlines straight away or you have to work your way up? Starting on single engine prop's for years then getting that engineering carreer going with... British Airways, in your case...


Actually, it's very common for a mechanic ("engineer") to go to work for the airlines right off the bat, directly after finishing training in maintenance.

[Rainboe]

Young man, you claim to be 'obsessed' with becoming a commercial pilot. I've noticed this takes the form of sitting behind a keyboard asking regular questions here and trying to get responses going to some rather esoteric questions. But basically 'keyboard chat'. What a contrast this other 16 year old is who is also enthusiastic:
http://www.pprune.org/questions/360366-work-experience-ideas.html

So pray, what other means do you use to express your enthusiasm? Have you bothered with voluntary work, making contacts, work experience, Air Cadets etc in an aviation field, like this other young man, who doubtless will go far? You certainly make more noise about your alleged obsession than anybody else here! I see you are making some absolute crackpot postings on this board- you are concerned about 'not having enough blood' (?), the lack of B737 wheel undercarriage bay doors 'disturbs you'! And you won't accept the answers given you by experts!

What I would suggest is you complete your schooling as well as you can, and in the meantime quietly learn about the career and find out how you may fit in, and not keep posting irrelevant queries in technical sections, and then not accepting the answers! You are a lot of noise and no action. Learn from the other young chap.

[redsnail]

Lamb,

If you're going to criticise a non native English speaker on their spelling, you had better make sure your spelling and grammar is up to scratch. :ugh:

[Rainboe]

I was not going to bring up the spelling.......but......in the midst of correcting others, he does have a distinct problem with aeronautical, gonna, you're, calling people here 'dudes', using smileys in a supposedly adult conversation to your betters, and an obsession with 'benefits'- pay, free travel, .........shall I go on? One is left almost breathless. If you are interested in a job, learn how to spell the title! Perhaps he would do better going back to his computer game obsession!

Does he really think people would be interested in an aeroplane he designed and marketed, with zero experience?

[windriver]

If you make a small mistake it will have a fatal result and you'll be executed":=


Yes a 'small mistake' like calling us dudes could lead to such an outcome.

On a more positive note I recommend you spend some time reading through the postings and discussions on this forum.

They are categorised according to aviation related disciplines for your benefit. You will find most of the answers to your questions if you care to look for them.

[Rainboe]

It's alright, I think it's gone up to heaven now.

[Miles]

Let’s hope he may be "born again"; his ramblings provide much merriment on these long standbys.......

Having studied medicine, the lack of blood thread has to be my current favourite. I'm surprised no one suggested a transfusion.

[Rainboe]

Will we miss this garbage though:
A while ago I had the same idea. I go through phases, not on/off but negative positive thoughts?

Naaah! Spare us please!

[pilotmike]

oh and by the way it is spelled 'Opportunities'
Well, we've seen it all now, dear 'LambOfGod' giving spelling lessons!

Now one for you, LambOfGod: Arrange the following words to make a simple, well known phrase, then learn what you can from it:

KETTLE
BLACK
POT
CALLING


The clue is hidden in the following out-takes of your major crimes against spelling and English:

Nooo aeronuatical POT is CALLING the prop's carreer KETTLE BLACK alot thank's your all dudes, I had this idea that I should just use my common sense...

[Rainboe]

Mildly entertaining for a while though, like a Gordon Ramsay cookout......but without the delicious outcome.

Haven't been called 'dude' for years! Don't like it at all.

Lambs get sacrificed, don't they? Or eaten. But this one will be spotty.

[LambOfGod]

Hey dudettes, I'm back:E

Rainboe - I was in the Australian Air Force Cadet's. You know what, I learnt **** all about aviation. I felt I was going to be brainwashed into joining the army aswel. I'm not going to waste my time doing things that I don't need to become a pilot. I think maths is more important.

Redsnail - I was not trying to offend daydreamer89 but simply 'correcting' him. I am not good at english (subject at school) or spelling but I'm trying my best. I was unsure of the word 'aeronuatical' so I Googled it and the spelling was correct. Daydreamer89 was one of 3, SNS3Guppy, daydreamer89 and HEATHROW DIRECTOR to reply on topic.

pilotmike - I'm assuming you criticise your co-workers, peers ans family over lame reasons similar to those a young teenage couple would fight about.

windriver - I was a quote, not some humour I'd spent months working on.




And if you want to critisise me about my spelling and punctuation that I did actualy put some effort into I can just right it and post it. Just hope I never fly with most of you people.

Oh, and rainboe, you spelt RAINBOW wong...:D

[henry crun]

LambOfGod: Rainboe is a proper name, so can be spelt which ever way he chooses.

[A Comfy Chair]

If you knew what Rainboe was, you'd understand the Warning Toxic remark :E

[LambOfGod]

I thought I'd heard of it but I can't find any info on it. So no, I don't get it.

[pilotmike]

Just hope I never fly with most of you people.

From the available information, I'm sure your wish will be granted. It will doubtless be a greater blessing for the herd than for the lamb...

Who's got the mint sauce?

[Rainboe]

Never heard of Rainboe? I'm proud to say a quick Google came up with The biggest problem seems to be the delay in finding a satisfactory replacement product that is as efficient as Rainboe.
Watch out- it's deadly. And I lurrve mint sauce.

Mate- we don't have to keep hearing how you are so desperate to be a pilot, and the blizzard of questions that you don't seem to accept an answer for. Take the time to work hard on your studies and learn all about careers (and there is more than enough information here to do it passively for pilots!), and see where the wind blows you, then decide what you want to do. But some of the ramblings up to now come across as a very confused, directionless teenager.

And don't worry, you DO have enough blood. Maybe eat more healthy food?

[windriver]

"If you make a small mistake it will have a fatal result and you'll be executed"


Yes... I noted you were careful to include parentheses, but failed to include an attribution. I`m sure many of us would be interested to learn of the source.

In your last post you didn`t give me due credit for my genuinely helpful suggestion.


On a more positive note I recommend you spend some time reading through the postings and discussions on this forum.

They are categorised according to aviation related disciplines for your benefit. You will find most of the answers to your questions if you care to look for them.

[LambOfGod]

On a more positive note I recommend you spend some time reading through the postings and discussions on this forum.
I do read them...

They are categorised according to aviation related disciplines for your benefit. You will find most of the answers to your questions if you care to look for them.

I do look for them, but the search function is terrible... Not always but alot of the time, it always comes up with the 'latest' post, not the most relevant.

And I thought you were 'critisising' me.

And, when I do find something I'm interested in knowing. I can't realy as questions can I? Becuase the threads probably years old.

[BitMoreRightRudder]

Take the time to work hard on your studies and learn all about careers (and there is more than enough information here to do it passively for pilots!), and see where the wind blows you, then decide what you want to do.

Good advice for you there, I think you are overcomplicating things at your stage of life!

And I'm sorry, but NZ has much nicer lamb in my experience. I think God would tend to agree....

[LambOfGod]

Take the time to work hard on your studies and learn all about careers (and there is more than enough information here to do it passively for pilots!), and see where the wind blows you, then decide what you want to do.Yeah, fair enough. Im just gonna 'Do It' though, if you know what I mean. Become a pilot...

Good advice for you there, I think you are overcomplicating things at your stage of life!

And I'm sorry, but NZ has much nicer lamb in my experience. I think God would tend to agree.... I agree with the over complicating part, but I realy can't get over it. If it weren't for aviation I wouldn't be going to school.



I'v spent some time in NZ, didn't spend to much time with lamb. There wern't many sheep either. Do you have any personal lamb?

I didn't get to eat any, just chicken. OZ and NZ have the best chicken ever. Go overseas and the chicken has these chucnky things that spray hot water at you when you bite into them:hmm:

Your in the UK anyway???

[Admiral346]

Go overseas and the chicken has these chucnky things that spray hot water at you when you bite into them

You shouldn't be boiling it in the first place...

But you people do have to carry the heavy burden of the british cuisine, still.

Nic

[Sykes]

You Poms (and ex-pats) are being too harsh on a fellow Ozzie!

LoG, Just ignore them. EVERY question you've asked is relevant, and if these guys on Prune aren't going to help, then you should ask your instructor/school when learning to fly.

When you start your lessons, you need to get a Class 1 medical. Your flying school will have a list of local DAMES. Be sure to ask for one who will give you a Class 1 medical even if the DAME knows that you don't have enough blood! :ok:

When choosing a flying instructor:

Make sure that your instructor already has heavy jet time. If they don't, that means that they don't have much ambition. They are not for you.

Likewise, if they can spell, then they have spent far too much time learning English and grammar, and not enough time flying. They are not for you, either.

Similarly, if your instructor has had 737 time and has not submitted to CASA that every 737 in Oz should have gear doors fitted for safety, then that instructor simply doesn't CARE enough about safety. Move on to the next instructor.

When you finally get an instructor, be sure to mention all the above, and why you've chosen him/her. Also ask if he/she can put you on a "differences" course between the 172 and 737.

Since it's also good to have interests, be SURE to mention your love of l@sers to your instructor.

I think that covers it for now. If I can think of any others, I'll be sure to mention them.

Ignore the negativity on prune. Everybody knows that there are NO sheep in NZ - it's just a myth!

Just like when you write your location on Prune, means that you've NEVER been ANYWHERE ELSE, EVER!!

Cheers,

SYKES!

P.S. For the Pomgolians (British), schools just gone back in Oz, so you should only see LoG on the weekends!

[LambOfGod]

Now Sykes is someone I wana fly with.

What do you currently fly and who for? If you do fly.


And I didn't cook the chicken, let's just say McDonalds did.

[Rainboe]

Er.....it's not chicken. It's Soylent Green.

[Flintstone]

So many opportunities but if I don't control my pedantry I'll be here all day.

LoG. Try using Google search instead of the site search function, it's often more successful. Now if you'll excuse me I'm off to a land where people can compose a legible sentence in engrish.

[Ten West]

And if you want to critisise me about my spelling and punctuation that I did actualy put some effort into I can just right it and post it. Just hope I never fly with most of you people.

Master alarm: Max Irony Exceeded. Pull up!! :p

[BitMoreRightRudder]

I'v spent some time in NZ, didn't spend to much time with lamb. There wern't many sheep either. Do you have any personal lamb?


I did a year flying in NZ, trust me they have lots of sheep. Didn't want to get personal with the lamb, would have felt a tad guilty eating it.

Anyway, good luck with the flying LofG :ok:

[LambOfGod]

Master alarm: Max Irony Exceeded. Pull up!! http://static.pprune.org/images/smilies/tongue.gif
I think you left 'Right' out. I think it's spelt 'wright'.


Anyway, good luck with the flying LofG :ok:
You to brother:ok:

[Ten West]

or "Write" even?

I left it out deliberately as I thought that highlighting three instances rather than just two was being just a little bit too mean. Even for me.

However, if you insist on digging yourself in deeper then who am I to prevent you? :D