View Poll Results: How desirable is the 'job' (jet airline pilot) these days?
Only if you're on long haul
135
11.23%
Not very. We're just 'drivers' locked in our cockpits
436
36.27%
It is still glamorous... or at least the idea of it is
494
41.10%
Have you seen my roster? Zzzz...
165
13.73%
Multiple Choice Poll. Voters: 1202. This poll is closed
How desirable is the 'job' (jet airline pilot) these days?
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: 'Mampara' langa, ZA
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still there....
It's interesting having read many of the varied replies on this thread. Life, as in aviation has many ups and downs and I am sure we have all been there. Like many others I knew from early days that I wanted to fly. Started off flying hang-gliders and eventually got the PPL after school. The dream was always the "airline job" and after 14 years of trying it eventually came true. Had some of my best moments on the 747 classic until the company decided to retire them and go with plastic gee-whiz models. Since then I've had many thoughts of chucking it in and going back to flying helicopters. Sure the money is not so good but I would at least get my life back. 
However, the comment about the bit between brakes off and on is what keeps most of us there especially in the present environment. We all dwell on the bad things but I certainly don't want to go back to places like Somalia, Sudan & Afghanistan just to earn a living. The memories will always be there.
Those that have made the move away from the airline job voluntarily; I envy your commitment. I, for one, am still too scared to let go off something that I chased for to long..!
Finally, for those that are still trying to get there; don't give up
However, the comment about the bit between brakes off and on is what keeps most of us there especially in the present environment. We all dwell on the bad things but I certainly don't want to go back to places like Somalia, Sudan & Afghanistan just to earn a living. The memories will always be there.
Those that have made the move away from the airline job voluntarily; I envy your commitment. I, for one, am still too scared to let go off something that I chased for to long..!
Finally, for those that are still trying to get there; don't give up
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: sydney oz
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No doubt some genuine grievances RAT 5,but I can't understand your statement about the unions not applying the appropriate pressure to change industry standards-could it be lack of solidarity amongst pilots,-after all RAT 5 unions are only as strong as their members.
Cheers Bansh.
Cheers Bansh.
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: last time I looked I was still here.
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Banshee,
I don't want to enter into a discussion about unions, but to answer your comment;
"Unions are only as strong as their members." That is certainly true in individual companies negotiating local conditions. Many times I have been surrounded by the hoards of wingers and bar-room politicians. When asked to man the ramparts and put their efforts behind their words, the vanishing act was amazing. Thus nothing ever improved etc. etc.
However, membership fees go into employing union General secretaries. It is their task to ensure the profession, of whatever ilk, on a national scale, is not unfairly attacked by any unscrupulous employeers. The union management has a duty to monitor any new practices that will endanger the profession as a whole. Equally they have a duty to ensure that all agreed benefits, and especially legal edicts, are correctly applied on a national scale. They have a responsibility to the whole of the profession when national issues are at stake.
They should lead from the front. They are professionals at this and paid as such. Sadly, in the cases I mentioned, professional leadership was abscent.
I don't want to enter into a discussion about unions, but to answer your comment;
"Unions are only as strong as their members." That is certainly true in individual companies negotiating local conditions. Many times I have been surrounded by the hoards of wingers and bar-room politicians. When asked to man the ramparts and put their efforts behind their words, the vanishing act was amazing. Thus nothing ever improved etc. etc.
However, membership fees go into employing union General secretaries. It is their task to ensure the profession, of whatever ilk, on a national scale, is not unfairly attacked by any unscrupulous employeers. The union management has a duty to monitor any new practices that will endanger the profession as a whole. Equally they have a duty to ensure that all agreed benefits, and especially legal edicts, are correctly applied on a national scale. They have a responsibility to the whole of the profession when national issues are at stake.
They should lead from the front. They are professionals at this and paid as such. Sadly, in the cases I mentioned, professional leadership was abscent.
