My time is up...
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My time is up...
In past few months, i've been thinking long and hard.
I 'm packing my bags and throwing in my towel. There is no future in aviation for me.I've got 400hrsTT CMIR. Gone every where looking for job plus, my age is also a factor when comes to try for major i think, I'm 31.
I have no money right now. Just working day to day, cleaning public tiolet.
Really don't know what to do....
Anyway, Good luck to everyone out there i hope you guys/girls have better luck then me....
I 'm packing my bags and throwing in my towel. There is no future in aviation for me.I've got 400hrsTT CMIR. Gone every where looking for job plus, my age is also a factor when comes to try for major i think, I'm 31.
I have no money right now. Just working day to day, cleaning public tiolet.
Really don't know what to do....
Anyway, Good luck to everyone out there i hope you guys/girls have better luck then me....
Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: North son, I say go North..........
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Ohboy,
tried emailing you but its blocked.
Is this a WIND UP???
Get your head down, arse up and get out there and keep looking, yeah it gets a bit tough, yeah there are heaps of blokes (and gals) out of work but why give up?
Your age has nothing to do with it, just keep plugging away, it aint meant to be easy but once you get to where you want to go you'll be glad you didn't throw in the terry towl..... Hell its better to be knocked out and carried of on a stretcher than to throw in the towel...
tried emailing you but its blocked.
Is this a WIND UP???
Get your head down, arse up and get out there and keep looking, yeah it gets a bit tough, yeah there are heaps of blokes (and gals) out of work but why give up?
Your age has nothing to do with it, just keep plugging away, it aint meant to be easy but once you get to where you want to go you'll be glad you didn't throw in the terry towl..... Hell its better to be knocked out and carried of on a stretcher than to throw in the towel...
Join Date: Dec 2000
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I feel the same way, been working for the same company for 10 yrs, havnt had a pay rise in the past 6. no more career path. no morale, no reason to work for them any more. I QUIT.
where did the garbo collectors job go?
[ 02 December 2001: Message edited by: Ultralights ]
where did the garbo collectors job go?
[ 02 December 2001: Message edited by: Ultralights ]
Moderate, Modest & Mild.
It IS a cut-throat occupation. Unfortunately for us, most of us enter it because of our love of flying - but love doesn't pay the bills.
Until pilots can (once again) unite through a common negotiator, such as the AFAP (Australian Federation of Air Pilots), they will ALLOW themselves to be prostituted by flying substandard equipment for substandard salaries, in the hope that the NEXT job will be better, and that the one following that will be the "pot of gold at the end of the rainbow"!
Operators now realise this "trait" in pilots, and are able to capitalise on it for THEIR (the operator's) benefit....a stick and carrot approach.
The "cull rate" is high - and in Oz it is currently higher than it has been since 1989.
Consequently, a LOT will fall by the wayside ie. decide that aviation has nothing to offer in their forseeable future, some will head off overseas, to return at a later date, and a relative few will continue.
This is Australian aviation going through one of its cyclical (culling) phases.
It's hard, it's tough, it's sometmes unsustainable for a new pilot trying to support a family.
Unfortunately, these are the TRUTHS of a big country with a relatively small population, nevertheless a country that relies upon aviation to keep it "connected".
I'd like to wish you well, ohboy...and I shall......for MOST of us have been in YOUR current predicament.
Some survived, and stayed in aviation - others EXCELLED and LEFT it!!
Either way, there's a "Life" waiting for you, once you make the choice!
Until pilots can (once again) unite through a common negotiator, such as the AFAP (Australian Federation of Air Pilots), they will ALLOW themselves to be prostituted by flying substandard equipment for substandard salaries, in the hope that the NEXT job will be better, and that the one following that will be the "pot of gold at the end of the rainbow"!
Operators now realise this "trait" in pilots, and are able to capitalise on it for THEIR (the operator's) benefit....a stick and carrot approach.
The "cull rate" is high - and in Oz it is currently higher than it has been since 1989.
Consequently, a LOT will fall by the wayside ie. decide that aviation has nothing to offer in their forseeable future, some will head off overseas, to return at a later date, and a relative few will continue.
This is Australian aviation going through one of its cyclical (culling) phases.
It's hard, it's tough, it's sometmes unsustainable for a new pilot trying to support a family.
Unfortunately, these are the TRUTHS of a big country with a relatively small population, nevertheless a country that relies upon aviation to keep it "connected".
I'd like to wish you well, ohboy...and I shall......for MOST of us have been in YOUR current predicament.
Some survived, and stayed in aviation - others EXCELLED and LEFT it!!
Either way, there's a "Life" waiting for you, once you make the choice!
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Hi, High Altitude it is not a wind up..
I've seriously thinking about it.
One part of me agree with every thing all of have said, but another part of me is can't take it any more. It is to a point that i can't sleep at night just worried sick about my future. I've spend so much money but nothing to show for.
To make things worse i've no one here...this going to my last posting......
I wish every one you very good luck and great x'mas.......
I've seriously thinking about it.
One part of me agree with every thing all of have said, but another part of me is can't take it any more. It is to a point that i can't sleep at night just worried sick about my future. I've spend so much money but nothing to show for.
To make things worse i've no one here...this going to my last posting......
I wish every one you very good luck and great x'mas.......
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OB.
If You do throw in the towel, you won't be alone. I have a funny feeling that when things pick up again, the vast numbers of aircrew that have taken up another occupation will crawl out of the woodwork from every corner- make sure you are one of them. The industry is going through significant structural change at the moment, and it may be a good time to 'watch from the grandstand' until things become clearer and you can best work out a way of tackling your flying career again.
Or, if you feel tough enough, keep your head down and keep trying. The jobs may be very few and far between, but in time, they will still be there. You will not have to compete with now ex- 737 and 767 drivers for your next job-they won't be prepared to go to the aircraft or places that someone with your time will. Their lifestyle (and family commitments) will not permit it.
Good luck. NTLBD
If You do throw in the towel, you won't be alone. I have a funny feeling that when things pick up again, the vast numbers of aircrew that have taken up another occupation will crawl out of the woodwork from every corner- make sure you are one of them. The industry is going through significant structural change at the moment, and it may be a good time to 'watch from the grandstand' until things become clearer and you can best work out a way of tackling your flying career again.
Or, if you feel tough enough, keep your head down and keep trying. The jobs may be very few and far between, but in time, they will still be there. You will not have to compete with now ex- 737 and 767 drivers for your next job-they won't be prepared to go to the aircraft or places that someone with your time will. Their lifestyle (and family commitments) will not permit it.
Good luck. NTLBD
PPRuNe's Paramedic
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Ohboy, sure youre having a rough time at present and as much as I loved flying I quit due to circumstances beyond my control. I now have a different role in life and one that is totally rewarding for other reasons. I am far from being a failure to myself or others. PLEASE email me as I recognise some of those words in your last post.
Age is no big deal as I can attest to. I did well in the industry for a few years. Now I fly purely for fun when I can. Sometimes a person looses track of a much larger picture.
Sure, flying is one of the most gratifying occupations I know, but there is life outside flying. Yesterday at work I delivered a baby, saved a life, extracated two people from single vehicle accidents, went to the horse races (best seat is the white truck with the red crossed stripes and red flashing lights!) and in every case it was a team effort. You cant keep running alone, you lose focus and your need a support network.
I have every reason in the world to have no faith in anyone or anything, Im still alive, still having fun and still most importantly have found a way of keeping the big picture happening.
Hheehehee HA from where I sit now being carried out on a stretcher isnt the way to go. Those stretchers are not in the least bit comfortable and the trauma ward in Darwin is a bit crowded these days.
There are a hundred ways of winning a fight although some of them are not as obvious as others. Its just a rethink of strategy.
Email me OB
NC
[ 02 December 2001: Message edited by: northern_chique ]
Age is no big deal as I can attest to. I did well in the industry for a few years. Now I fly purely for fun when I can. Sometimes a person looses track of a much larger picture.
Sure, flying is one of the most gratifying occupations I know, but there is life outside flying. Yesterday at work I delivered a baby, saved a life, extracated two people from single vehicle accidents, went to the horse races (best seat is the white truck with the red crossed stripes and red flashing lights!) and in every case it was a team effort. You cant keep running alone, you lose focus and your need a support network.
I have every reason in the world to have no faith in anyone or anything, Im still alive, still having fun and still most importantly have found a way of keeping the big picture happening.
Hheehehee HA from where I sit now being carried out on a stretcher isnt the way to go. Those stretchers are not in the least bit comfortable and the trauma ward in Darwin is a bit crowded these days.
There are a hundred ways of winning a fight although some of them are not as obvious as others. Its just a rethink of strategy.
Email me OB
NC
[ 02 December 2001: Message edited by: northern_chique ]
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n_c, I was wondering why you'd been a little quiet lately.....
Wow! I'd hate to see what an adrenalin junkie does in their spare time! 
Hope you've been well.
CJ
Sure, flying is one of the most gratifying occupations I know, but there is life outside flying. Yesterday at work I delivered a baby, saved a life, extracated two people from single vehicle accidents, went to the horse races....
Hope you've been well.
CJ
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Kaptin M(oron) imparting his 1989 drivel on us again. This inexperienced GA pilot would still be changing careers if you had won your fight last century Kaptin, go figure.
Good luck with your next career oh boy, I hope it's more rewarding than this one!
Good luck with your next career oh boy, I hope it's more rewarding than this one!
Seasonally Adjusted
O.B.
Guzzle down some St Johns Wort, refocus and jump back in.
I have given away my safe, secure job that has sustained my comfortable lifestyle for the past 11 years and getting into the GA scene. I realise that this probably isn't the ideal time for a career change but I have an understanding wife who will support me during this move. Just have to keep her onside and working.
Guzzle down some St Johns Wort, refocus and jump back in.
I have given away my safe, secure job that has sustained my comfortable lifestyle for the past 11 years and getting into the GA scene. I realise that this probably isn't the ideal time for a career change but I have an understanding wife who will support me during this move. Just have to keep her onside and working.
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Ohboy,
Know exactly how you feel my friend. I constantly have the same thoughts running through my head, somedays I intend to push on at all costs but other days I feel I have just had it. Workmates may tell you to "hang in there" but how long do you hang?
I see guys around me in their mid to late 30's getting 200-300 bucks a week and these guys have a wife and kid to feed. Is that what you really want to put yourself and your family through?
Flying is the best job in the world in the worst industry in the world. I would suggest to keep yourself current in the event you change your mind or an opportunity presents itself.
Good Luck
Know exactly how you feel my friend. I constantly have the same thoughts running through my head, somedays I intend to push on at all costs but other days I feel I have just had it. Workmates may tell you to "hang in there" but how long do you hang?
I see guys around me in their mid to late 30's getting 200-300 bucks a week and these guys have a wife and kid to feed. Is that what you really want to put yourself and your family through?
Flying is the best job in the world in the worst industry in the world. I would suggest to keep yourself current in the event you change your mind or an opportunity presents itself.
Good Luck
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northern_chique, powderhound etc.
You two have given this obviously disgruntled person very sound advice. Oh boy, no one can take away your qualifications. There is life after flying. Go away, get yourself a "real" job for a while. At least that way you can keep your licence current and do the occational hour a month. Then, when the industry finds its footing again, you can slide right back in where you left off. Nothing wrong with that. Just don't punish yourself anymore.
By the way, I'm actually in the same position. I think I should take my own advice..........H.
You two have given this obviously disgruntled person very sound advice. Oh boy, no one can take away your qualifications. There is life after flying. Go away, get yourself a "real" job for a while. At least that way you can keep your licence current and do the occational hour a month. Then, when the industry finds its footing again, you can slide right back in where you left off. Nothing wrong with that. Just don't punish yourself anymore.
By the way, I'm actually in the same position. I think I should take my own advice..........H.
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Guys just because you have few hours and may be ageing you do not definatley give up. There are operators that will put you on with low time and yes you will do it tough for a year or so but its what you make of it. Email Compressor Stall just as an example of one who has done his time and progressed. I can count around 5 that I have known in my time who started out in the sticks and have made the white rat or cx. Don't expect to be handed a job on a silver platter. You can expect to be treated like sh*t by too many potential employers when you walk in the front door but grit your teeth and bear it. I look at it like an apprenticship or maybe a medical degree.
Take the medical degree min 6 years of uni and then you get a chance to play. Aviation 2 years of training 4 years of GA and then hopefully where you want to be. It is simple, it is your choice but it is not a hard choice. Pick what you want to do and do it. I remember feeling exactly like you describe about 9 years ago in Cairns - I thought I had cracked a job with 230 hours only to turn up for the check flight after passing an interview to be told I didn't meet the insurance requirements for the aircraft..... Yes it hurts yes you feel like sh*t but thats life, build a bridge - get over it.
Most of all GOOD LUCK IN WHAT EVER YOU CHOOSE TO DO.
Take the medical degree min 6 years of uni and then you get a chance to play. Aviation 2 years of training 4 years of GA and then hopefully where you want to be. It is simple, it is your choice but it is not a hard choice. Pick what you want to do and do it. I remember feeling exactly like you describe about 9 years ago in Cairns - I thought I had cracked a job with 230 hours only to turn up for the check flight after passing an interview to be told I didn't meet the insurance requirements for the aircraft..... Yes it hurts yes you feel like sh*t but thats life, build a bridge - get over it.
Most of all GOOD LUCK IN WHAT EVER YOU CHOOSE TO DO.
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ohboy,
I think there are alot of fellow low timers lurking in the shadows, reading what replies you get, because they feel exactly the same way. I know because until this post, I was one of them.
Mate, I feel what you are feeling too, I have moved away from my family, friends and previous career in Brisbane to chase my "dream". Everything I have known as "normal" for the last 26 years is 3,500 km's away. It is easily the single most difficult I have EVER done.
If it makes you feel any better, I only have 200 hours. Basic quals, CPL + MECIR. I have never flown a commercial operation. I am starting to meet people up here, and was even looking good for a job, except I now find out I need at least another 25 hours PIC, and the job was para dropping, usually a staple for first timers.
It begs the question on EVERY low timers lips, (all the ones I have met anyway) how do you get the extra hours you need when no-one will give you a go. Sounds familiar huh.
To coin your phrase, we have spent so much money, with little to show. I am assuming you are pretty much out of cash, I know I am, no chance I will be buying my 25.
I am nearly 27, and all the work I have done since 16, and all the money I have saved is shown by a piece of paper with words on it, and no job.
Enough of my sob story, I guess I was just trying to show you the view from one of the people out there behind you in "the que".
I posted on Pprune that I was coming to Darwin and wanted to meet people in a hope to get my name known and land "that job".
I heard from a few people in my position, and a few pilots with some great advice. But the thing that stood out THE MOST, was the few people that mailed me and said "look man, I was where you are a long time ago, and I gave it up, DON'T DO IT, STAY STRONG"
And that sticks in my mind, and gives me a boot in the shins every time I think I'm gonna throw in the towel.
There is a guy up here who I have never met face to face, who I email every time the desire is about to take me, and he hears me out and helps me through every time. I honestly believe it is because he wants to see me succeed. He knows who he is, and I thank him publicly, hopefully he will reply to you as well, as he has helped me keep my eyes on the goal.
As you have seen by the replies you have got, you are in good company, you are with people who will try to help you however they can.( All the ones I have met anyway. )
Email the people who have offered thier ear in thier post, I have no doubt they have all been where you are and I bet they will willing do whatever they can to help.
I am posting because I email and speak to people who offer because they help me through the rough times, and all they probably ask in return is a "thanks". But to see a post like yours, with the obvious emotion you feel, when effectively, you would get a job I would apply for, before me, it just plain gets me too. It almost bites.
Man, if you cant get motivation to keep going from them, mail me dammit, and we can try and ride this rollercoaster together.
I guess I just want you to see it can be done, realise why you wanted to be a pilot, and keep your focus there. I truly believe I will get there one day, I refuse to be part of the "culling".
If I can do it, so can you. Stay tough.
Damn this post is long.
I think there are alot of fellow low timers lurking in the shadows, reading what replies you get, because they feel exactly the same way. I know because until this post, I was one of them.
Mate, I feel what you are feeling too, I have moved away from my family, friends and previous career in Brisbane to chase my "dream". Everything I have known as "normal" for the last 26 years is 3,500 km's away. It is easily the single most difficult I have EVER done.
If it makes you feel any better, I only have 200 hours. Basic quals, CPL + MECIR. I have never flown a commercial operation. I am starting to meet people up here, and was even looking good for a job, except I now find out I need at least another 25 hours PIC, and the job was para dropping, usually a staple for first timers.
It begs the question on EVERY low timers lips, (all the ones I have met anyway) how do you get the extra hours you need when no-one will give you a go. Sounds familiar huh.
To coin your phrase, we have spent so much money, with little to show. I am assuming you are pretty much out of cash, I know I am, no chance I will be buying my 25.
I am nearly 27, and all the work I have done since 16, and all the money I have saved is shown by a piece of paper with words on it, and no job.
Enough of my sob story, I guess I was just trying to show you the view from one of the people out there behind you in "the que".
I posted on Pprune that I was coming to Darwin and wanted to meet people in a hope to get my name known and land "that job".
I heard from a few people in my position, and a few pilots with some great advice. But the thing that stood out THE MOST, was the few people that mailed me and said "look man, I was where you are a long time ago, and I gave it up, DON'T DO IT, STAY STRONG"
And that sticks in my mind, and gives me a boot in the shins every time I think I'm gonna throw in the towel.
There is a guy up here who I have never met face to face, who I email every time the desire is about to take me, and he hears me out and helps me through every time. I honestly believe it is because he wants to see me succeed. He knows who he is, and I thank him publicly, hopefully he will reply to you as well, as he has helped me keep my eyes on the goal.
As you have seen by the replies you have got, you are in good company, you are with people who will try to help you however they can.( All the ones I have met anyway. )
Email the people who have offered thier ear in thier post, I have no doubt they have all been where you are and I bet they will willing do whatever they can to help.
I am posting because I email and speak to people who offer because they help me through the rough times, and all they probably ask in return is a "thanks". But to see a post like yours, with the obvious emotion you feel, when effectively, you would get a job I would apply for, before me, it just plain gets me too. It almost bites.
Man, if you cant get motivation to keep going from them, mail me dammit, and we can try and ride this rollercoaster together.
I guess I just want you to see it can be done, realise why you wanted to be a pilot, and keep your focus there. I truly believe I will get there one day, I refuse to be part of the "culling".
If I can do it, so can you. Stay tough.
Damn this post is long.
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OHBOY
It makes me sad to see someone so upset about life the universe and everything....
A wise person once told me "you get what you settle for".
This may sound a bit harsh but if you think about it its about figuring out what you want. If you want to be a pilot BE ONE!!
You may end up doing all sorts of other unrellated things(and hey, heaps of them will only seem exciting in retrospect)- on the way there but life is about the journey not the destination!!
( I know this because I have just spent a 20 year detour myself) I can safely say that apart from learning heaps of stuff about my fellow human beings and seeing things and places I never thought of, that when my detour finaly comes to an end (and it will because all things do)-
Victory will be that much better for it.
Tell youself you are a pilot That you are still a pilot when working in Woolies or Macca,s or whatever Keep your eye on the main game and eventualy it will happen. It may not be how/when or why you thought it would but hey how many great things happen whe you least expect them.
I am not a pilot I didnt have the money to finish even, my private liscence and anyway I have another calling ( not religous either although it feels like it sometimes).
So get a grip mate!!! get out there, and dont give up because you WILL get what you settled for and you might not want it.
Mrs Whellbarrow (as opposed to himself)
It makes me sad to see someone so upset about life the universe and everything....
A wise person once told me "you get what you settle for".
This may sound a bit harsh but if you think about it its about figuring out what you want. If you want to be a pilot BE ONE!!
You may end up doing all sorts of other unrellated things(and hey, heaps of them will only seem exciting in retrospect)- on the way there but life is about the journey not the destination!!
( I know this because I have just spent a 20 year detour myself) I can safely say that apart from learning heaps of stuff about my fellow human beings and seeing things and places I never thought of, that when my detour finaly comes to an end (and it will because all things do)-
Victory will be that much better for it.
Tell youself you are a pilot That you are still a pilot when working in Woolies or Macca,s or whatever Keep your eye on the main game and eventualy it will happen. It may not be how/when or why you thought it would but hey how many great things happen whe you least expect them.
I am not a pilot I didnt have the money to finish even, my private liscence and anyway I have another calling ( not religous either although it feels like it sometimes).
So get a grip mate!!! get out there, and dont give up because you WILL get what you settled for and you might not want it.
Mrs Whellbarrow (as opposed to himself)
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From the bottom of my heart, i really appreciate what everyone has said< it seem i'm not the only one.
I've come to realise, that i'm not the centre of the universe there a lot of other people like my self.
Knowing this, i will shut up and get on with it.
again Heart felt...thank you to every one out there...how much this really meant to me. With all of your +ve responds...thank you all ....have a safe and beautiful Xmas every one...
I've come to realise, that i'm not the centre of the universe there a lot of other people like my self.
Knowing this, i will shut up and get on with it.
again Heart felt...thank you to every one out there...how much this really meant to me. With all of your +ve responds...thank you all ....have a safe and beautiful Xmas every one...