Pilot Life
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Pilot Life
I've just left uni and I am considering what sort of career choice to make. Something that has always interested me is being a pilot, but I'd be the first to admit that I know very little about what the this job involves (something to do with those big things with wings, right? )
My first impression is that I would be away from home a lot, which I guess would be a downside. I've also heard that pilots are well paid and that its a very difficult to become one.
Would you agree with this?
Basically, would you recommend piloting as a career choice? What would you say are the main pros and cons?
I realise that this must be a very mundane thread for many of you pilots, but spare a few minutes to give your thoughts as you'd be really helping out many people in my position!
My first impression is that I would be away from home a lot, which I guess would be a downside. I've also heard that pilots are well paid and that its a very difficult to become one.
Would you agree with this?
Basically, would you recommend piloting as a career choice? What would you say are the main pros and cons?
I realise that this must be a very mundane thread for many of you pilots, but spare a few minutes to give your thoughts as you'd be really helping out many people in my position!
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If being a pilot only 'interests' you, then you have answered your own question. It should be a burning desire that you will sell your Grandmother to achieve, not a passing interest.
Unless you have a considerable bank balance, or willingness to take on an extensive amount of debt, coupled with a determination that would shame the most ardent explorer, I would suggest that it is not the career for you.
Read the Wannabe's threads if you want a taste of reality. Too many pilots chasing too few jobs.
Aviation has always followed a cyclic pattern of boom and bust which means you never know how long a good thing will last.
Sorry if that sounds brutal, but it is not an industry for the faint hearted.
Unless you have a considerable bank balance, or willingness to take on an extensive amount of debt, coupled with a determination that would shame the most ardent explorer, I would suggest that it is not the career for you.
Read the Wannabe's threads if you want a taste of reality. Too many pilots chasing too few jobs.
Aviation has always followed a cyclic pattern of boom and bust which means you never know how long a good thing will last.
Sorry if that sounds brutal, but it is not an industry for the faint hearted.
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If you listen to all the negative comments and horrible stories (probably all true!) that people will tell you about piloting and it doesn't phase you, then you will probably succeed.
If it does phase you, then stop now before you waste your time and hard-earned cash.
It never phased me - if anything it only made me more determined to have the best job in the world. Though I haven't made it yet, I'm sure I will
Just my $0.02.
(to find a lifetime's supply of those stories, go to any most of the forums (Wanabees inparticular) and select threads "from the beginning" and start reading....)
If it does phase you, then stop now before you waste your time and hard-earned cash.
It never phased me - if anything it only made me more determined to have the best job in the world. Though I haven't made it yet, I'm sure I will
Just my $0.02.
(to find a lifetime's supply of those stories, go to any most of the forums (Wanabees inparticular) and select threads "from the beginning" and start reading....)
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Pilots have Lives?
I tell my mom I play the piano in a whorehouse!
Seriously, I'm awfully cynical too. Being a pilot is less about a career choice and more about a lifestyle (Yes, I'm out of the closet and admitting I've chosen this way of life!).
Ok, I'll try to be serious again.
I've been cuttin' a paycheck at this silly game for 10 years now. Long days, low pay, multiple moves (last one within 150 miles of the Arctic Circle...), dishonorable management, two economic down turns, almost killed myself more times than I'll admit....
But I just don't know what else I would've ever done.
If you think you might be cut out for an industry of uncertainty, high divorce rates and alcohol abuse then I think you owe it to yourself to give it a shot.
Who said, Better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all.
When you're on you're deathbed you don't want to have any regrets and if you start now things in the industry can *only* get better.....for awhile....and then they'll suck again and you'll be talking someone out of taking the leap.
Good luck and welcome to Pprune.
Seriously, I'm awfully cynical too. Being a pilot is less about a career choice and more about a lifestyle (Yes, I'm out of the closet and admitting I've chosen this way of life!).
Ok, I'll try to be serious again.
I've been cuttin' a paycheck at this silly game for 10 years now. Long days, low pay, multiple moves (last one within 150 miles of the Arctic Circle...), dishonorable management, two economic down turns, almost killed myself more times than I'll admit....
But I just don't know what else I would've ever done.
If you think you might be cut out for an industry of uncertainty, high divorce rates and alcohol abuse then I think you owe it to yourself to give it a shot.
Who said, Better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all.
When you're on you're deathbed you don't want to have any regrets and if you start now things in the industry can *only* get better.....for awhile....and then they'll suck again and you'll be talking someone out of taking the leap.
Good luck and welcome to Pprune.
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To actually answer your question, I'd recommend Clive Hughes' book 'Guide to being a commercial pilot' It's fairly objective and all the details are there.
http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthr...t=clive+hughes
Unlike me, you're the right age to get a cadetship and not have to pay for the training yourself. I'd suggest a search on pprune for the various ones available.
PS I presume you have already booked a trial lesson at your local flying club to check that you like it?
http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthr...t=clive+hughes
Unlike me, you're the right age to get a cadetship and not have to pay for the training yourself. I'd suggest a search on pprune for the various ones available.
PS I presume you have already booked a trial lesson at your local flying club to check that you like it?
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It is hard work and quite an unsociable job, you will be off flying when your mates are off down the pub etc. but it beats office work and you get a reasonable salary depending on your aircraft and expirience. You need the aptitude though as there is a huge amount of studying required in a short space of time. The flying training can provide some problems too. And the biggest bitch of them all is the cost to train if you are not sponsered.
regor - why must wanting to be a pilot be a "burning desire?" i am just as commited as the next guy but i would not have made huge sacrifices just to learn to fly. I agree you must be highly motivated but you go OTT to a stereotypical position.
regor - why must wanting to be a pilot be a "burning desire?" i am just as commited as the next guy but i would not have made huge sacrifices just to learn to fly. I agree you must be highly motivated but you go OTT to a stereotypical position.
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<Something that has always interested me is being a pilot, but I'd be the first to admit that I know very little about what the this job involves (something to do with those big things with wings, right? )>
It should be a burning desire! You should have grown up devouring everything to do with aeroplanes! You've left uni- was there a uni air squadron that would have taken you near aeroplanes? Did you ever think about trying for a licence at 17? Going to airports for hours on end just to watch? Have you just answered your own question? Don't give it another thought.
It should be a burning desire! You should have grown up devouring everything to do with aeroplanes! You've left uni- was there a uni air squadron that would have taken you near aeroplanes? Did you ever think about trying for a licence at 17? Going to airports for hours on end just to watch? Have you just answered your own question? Don't give it another thought.
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Long days, low pay, multiple moves (last one within 150 miles of the Arctic Circle...), dishonorable management, two economic down turns, almost killed myself more times than I'll admit....
It all sounds rather cynical and negative, but if you try to find work that you enjoy and is fulfilling you will still be better off than most people. It's far worse when you hate your job and you're getting screwed by the spreadsheet-wielding management types. Just be ready to screw every penny and every minute of training you can get out every company you work for. Disregard outdated nations of loyalty and abandon the idea that working hard and being good at your job will get you anywhere. Good luck!
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You should have grown up devouring everything to do with aeroplanes! You've left uni- was there a uni air squadron that would have taken you near aeroplanes? Did you ever think about trying for a licence at 17? Going to airports for hours on end just to watch? Have you just answered your own question? Don't give it another thought.
I'm not disagreeing with your general point Notsofantastic, but a little OTT???
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Thanks for your responses. However, not only have I lost the desire to fly I've also lost the desire to live. I'm away to top myself.
And no, I've never sat at the airport for hours just watching planes! Even pilots think those guys are sad b*stards!
And I would have joined the University Air Squadons if it were not for my Al Queida connections and Afghan passport.
Just kidding. Thanks for your help!
And no, I've never sat at the airport for hours just watching planes! Even pilots think those guys are sad b*stards!
And I would have joined the University Air Squadons if it were not for my Al Queida connections and Afghan passport.
Just kidding. Thanks for your help!
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MONEY
I would like to suggest that if money is a motivator walk away now! You will spend a hell of a lot on your training and it will take a long time to join the Gravy Plane (most pilot jobs earn rubbish money - at least in my part of the world. Too many, pilots too few jobs).
And like one of the first replies suggested, If you are only "interested," forget it. There has to be a passion. I had a passion like no other. All i ever had to do since i was six was fly. Now I have learned to fly (got CPL,IRT last month) the glamour has worn thin, i have a moderate debt (not quite a mortgage), and i am working as a builder's labourer because I don't have the experience to get a paying job. I may just be bitter. Interest Schminterest.
And like one of the first replies suggested, If you are only "interested," forget it. There has to be a passion. I had a passion like no other. All i ever had to do since i was six was fly. Now I have learned to fly (got CPL,IRT last month) the glamour has worn thin, i have a moderate debt (not quite a mortgage), and i am working as a builder's labourer because I don't have the experience to get a paying job. I may just be bitter. Interest Schminterest.
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Strafe-<Hands up how many commercial pilots actually did this? If they were the only ones who 'gave it another thought' the skies would be empty.>.......err.....I wasn't alone actually! You're a PPL. That 'drive' when I was a teen took me through some very bad periods in flying and the enthusiasm is lasting me out as it gets increasingly tiring as I near the finishing tape. Without that, I know I wouldn't have stuck with it.
The effort involved with the job exceeds any office job. Too many people look on it as just another job option rather than requiring dexterity and aptitude and mental picturing. Some of the new products of sponsored pilot training had it all too easy with bizarre (to me) attitudes. But take it from someone in the industry who's been doing it for 33 years- unless you love aeroplanes, you ain't gonna be able to get up at 0330 time and again or work all night and arrive home feeling knackered, or work long hours (171/2 delayed) for 40 odd years- and that after getting a nice little £50k debt under your belt, completely unstable home life for years with varying periods of unemployment. <<Something that has always interested me is being a pilot, but I'd be the first to admit that I know very little about what the this job involves (something to do with those big things with wings, right? )>> just won't do it! Save yourself a lot of trouble!
The effort involved with the job exceeds any office job. Too many people look on it as just another job option rather than requiring dexterity and aptitude and mental picturing. Some of the new products of sponsored pilot training had it all too easy with bizarre (to me) attitudes. But take it from someone in the industry who's been doing it for 33 years- unless you love aeroplanes, you ain't gonna be able to get up at 0330 time and again or work all night and arrive home feeling knackered, or work long hours (171/2 delayed) for 40 odd years- and that after getting a nice little £50k debt under your belt, completely unstable home life for years with varying periods of unemployment. <<Something that has always interested me is being a pilot, but I'd be the first to admit that I know very little about what the this job involves (something to do with those big things with wings, right? )>> just won't do it! Save yourself a lot of trouble!
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"I've never sat at the airport for hours just watching planes! Even pilots think those guys are sad b*stards!"
I don't think they're sad, cause ive been there and done that, and a lot of those people will be in the pilots seat in a number of years, if you would get bored just sitting down at an airport watching aircraft, well you won't be much good sitting in the flightdeck for hours on end, day after day, year after year. Flying is a passion without question.
I don't think they're sad, cause ive been there and done that, and a lot of those people will be in the pilots seat in a number of years, if you would get bored just sitting down at an airport watching aircraft, well you won't be much good sitting in the flightdeck for hours on end, day after day, year after year. Flying is a passion without question.
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Good luck indeed!
Ratsarrse wrote: "Just be ready to screw every penny and every minute of training you can get out every company you work for. Disregard outdated nations of loyalty and abandon the idea that working hard and being good at your job will get you anywhere. Good luck!"
Yes sir. Point taken. I am slowly waking up to this sad fact of life. My problem was that I thought it only applied to the big impersonal international corporation and not the little Mom and Pop outfits that I've been working for.
It's no wonder that my friends have accused me of having a "misplaced sense of loyalty."
Well, no longer. Not after two layoffs in four years.
I swear I will never work for another company that describes itself as a Big Family.
Yeah, the Manson Family.
Really I hate to sound so bitter in front of the young ones but I guess it's better than writing about the surly bonds of Earth and other pap.
It is possible to have a wonderful time in this industry if you have a sense of adventure, a sense of humor, and a sense of what's truly important in life (for me: friends and family).
Fly safe.
Yes sir. Point taken. I am slowly waking up to this sad fact of life. My problem was that I thought it only applied to the big impersonal international corporation and not the little Mom and Pop outfits that I've been working for.
It's no wonder that my friends have accused me of having a "misplaced sense of loyalty."
Well, no longer. Not after two layoffs in four years.
I swear I will never work for another company that describes itself as a Big Family.
Yeah, the Manson Family.
Really I hate to sound so bitter in front of the young ones but I guess it's better than writing about the surly bonds of Earth and other pap.
It is possible to have a wonderful time in this industry if you have a sense of adventure, a sense of humor, and a sense of what's truly important in life (for me: friends and family).
Fly safe.
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pilot
hey thehoop. i am 18 years old and i am about to start flying training. i am not yet a qualified pilot, but many things said in here seem to rings some bells in my (maybe somewhat limited) experience so far.
i have wanted to be a pilot since way before i can remember. as notso fantastic said, i have eaten, drunk and slept aeroplanes since i was 7 (as well as rugby of course!) and i started flying lessons at egka when i was 13. it's all i've ever wanted to do. however, i am about to go to flying school with my best mate, whom has never really shown an interest in being a pilot. about 6 months ago, he turned round and said he was going to join me on the flying course. now, he is a smart bloke and i desperatley hope we both succeed. the point is i think everyone has a point, i have wanted to fly since i was iddy bitty, but we will probably both enjoy the flying/lifestyle etc... just as much as each other and although it probably makes it more likely you will retire as a pilot if it's all you've ever wanted to do, a new found interest should be eagerly followed!
i am hopefully going to oxford aviation school once i've passed all their selection tests. if you want any details, go to www.oxfordaviation.co.uk or email me at [email protected] and i will happy tell you what i know! whatever you do - enjoy!
Matt
i have wanted to be a pilot since way before i can remember. as notso fantastic said, i have eaten, drunk and slept aeroplanes since i was 7 (as well as rugby of course!) and i started flying lessons at egka when i was 13. it's all i've ever wanted to do. however, i am about to go to flying school with my best mate, whom has never really shown an interest in being a pilot. about 6 months ago, he turned round and said he was going to join me on the flying course. now, he is a smart bloke and i desperatley hope we both succeed. the point is i think everyone has a point, i have wanted to fly since i was iddy bitty, but we will probably both enjoy the flying/lifestyle etc... just as much as each other and although it probably makes it more likely you will retire as a pilot if it's all you've ever wanted to do, a new found interest should be eagerly followed!
i am hopefully going to oxford aviation school once i've passed all their selection tests. if you want any details, go to www.oxfordaviation.co.uk or email me at [email protected] and i will happy tell you what i know! whatever you do - enjoy!
Matt
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NotSoFantastic has got it exactly right.
You may begin this career with a passing interest, but you won't stick it out unless it is in your blood.
I knew I would fly from as far back as I can remember. At the age of eight I could have told you all about aeroplane and helicopter aerodynamics and how to fly them. This is the level of interest displayed by nearly all the pilots I know who are worth their salt. Perhaps at different ages, but at some point they realise they have to fly, and nothing else will do. From that point on, they live, sleep, eat flying.
I'm not saying this is right or wrong, but if you do decide to become a professional pilot, this is the kind of commitment you will be up against when you compete for jobs.
I have to repeat NotSoFantastics' sentiments: "[QUOTE FROM the Hoop ]<<Something that has always interested me is being a pilot, but I'd be the first to admit that I know very little about what the job involves (something to do with those big things with wings, right? )>> just won't do it!"
And having said all that, the job can still suck bigtime.
Of course, if all this just makes you even more determined to fly, then good luck.
You may begin this career with a passing interest, but you won't stick it out unless it is in your blood.
I knew I would fly from as far back as I can remember. At the age of eight I could have told you all about aeroplane and helicopter aerodynamics and how to fly them. This is the level of interest displayed by nearly all the pilots I know who are worth their salt. Perhaps at different ages, but at some point they realise they have to fly, and nothing else will do. From that point on, they live, sleep, eat flying.
I'm not saying this is right or wrong, but if you do decide to become a professional pilot, this is the kind of commitment you will be up against when you compete for jobs.
I have to repeat NotSoFantastics' sentiments: "[QUOTE FROM the Hoop ]<<Something that has always interested me is being a pilot, but I'd be the first to admit that I know very little about what the job involves (something to do with those big things with wings, right? )>> just won't do it!"
And having said all that, the job can still suck bigtime.
Of course, if all this just makes you even more determined to fly, then good luck.
Last edited by Maximum; 28th Aug 2003 at 04:01.
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NotSoFantastic has got it exactly right.
Everyone has to start somewhere.
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I allegedly wanted to be a Vulcan pilot from about 4 or 5. Here I am 50 years later, a 747 pilot, and I still want to be a Vulcan pilot. Bit sad really. But I still don't want to be anything else. On the strength of a sudden passing whim, tell me who is going to go into hock for £50k+ for a job they don't really know they'd like? It's not any criticism of anybody to say 'are you sure you are really suited enough to a very arduous and difficult career, with your earning ability dependent upon unstable employers, parsimonious accountants, and doctors with big teeth who are going to make you jump through hoops every six months?' Be sure- be very sure! It takes a lot of enthusiasm and love of aeroplanes to stand the course. The job has been good to me, but I had a lifelong dedication. One of my closest friends who trained and joined with me left after 10 years to start his own office business. Another's health failed. One third didn't complete the course. Several more had health problems. Half who started in 1969 are gone. Not many who suddenly fancy it are going to take the difficult parts. But good luck if you go for it........but you won't!
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To quote Richard Briers reply on Parkinson to anyone who "really, really, really wants to be an actor."
"Don't, Don't do it.
If you really can't do anything else then you have to go for it with total commitment!"
The happiest pilots are those who are totally dedicated and have had to work hard to get there.
The most dissatisfied are those who got a fast-track (integrated) course and never had to struggle, scrounge, beg or steal.
"Don't, Don't do it.
If you really can't do anything else then you have to go for it with total commitment!"
The happiest pilots are those who are totally dedicated and have had to work hard to get there.
The most dissatisfied are those who got a fast-track (integrated) course and never had to struggle, scrounge, beg or steal.
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After reading some of the posts here I have to say one thing....it sounds like a really crap job! I don't think it would be, but some of the attitudes of the people who claim to have had a passion for flying since they were 5 surprise me. They don't sound to be happy with their career choices at all!
I've been interested in flying for quite some time. 'Interested' in that I've done nothing about it. I'm 20 but I've always been busy with school/ uni and sports. I wanted to join the RAF at uni but couldn't as I had other commitments. This didn't prevent me from watching loads of discovery channel programmes about fighter pilots wishing it was me!
I don't think that you have to have the sort of anorak style interest that is proclaimed here for anything in life. Just because you don't stand at airports for hours licking windows doesn't mean that you wouldn't enjoy flying! You can develop a passion for anything at any time. A few years ago I had never done thai boxing, but within minutes of walking into a gym I was hooked. Its now been 3 years and its taken over my life! I would never have thought I would end up doing muaythai, but I most certainly have!
I'm in a position where I have a degree and my youth. There is many different career choices that I could make just now that would take my life in many different directions. I'm taking my time over the decision. Flying might not be my number one choice just now, but I'd rather I took the time to research it now, than regret it when I'm an old man of 30!
Thanks for your help!
I've been interested in flying for quite some time. 'Interested' in that I've done nothing about it. I'm 20 but I've always been busy with school/ uni and sports. I wanted to join the RAF at uni but couldn't as I had other commitments. This didn't prevent me from watching loads of discovery channel programmes about fighter pilots wishing it was me!
I don't think that you have to have the sort of anorak style interest that is proclaimed here for anything in life. Just because you don't stand at airports for hours licking windows doesn't mean that you wouldn't enjoy flying! You can develop a passion for anything at any time. A few years ago I had never done thai boxing, but within minutes of walking into a gym I was hooked. Its now been 3 years and its taken over my life! I would never have thought I would end up doing muaythai, but I most certainly have!
I'm in a position where I have a degree and my youth. There is many different career choices that I could make just now that would take my life in many different directions. I'm taking my time over the decision. Flying might not be my number one choice just now, but I'd rather I took the time to research it now, than regret it when I'm an old man of 30!
Thanks for your help!