What is your take-home pay at the end of the month?
Join Date: Jul 2007
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Not any more
That would be before the ScabBus, ScareBus, SkyBus, Independent JetStream drivers, ex-Indigo guys showed up and agreed to work just a free pair of knickers. Yeah Tulio.
Join Date: Jul 2007
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Oil Field Consultant - Currently living in the Middle East. GB£150,000 PA, tax free, 4 bed house paid for with a pool, car paid, private school for the kids, GB£15 per diem everyday outside the UK, all expenses paid..........and I'm giving it all up for the love of flying 
Will be looking for an airline job early next year....God help me 
Will be looking for an airline job early next year....God help me
Job swap?!!
Good luck though
Join Date: Feb 1999
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Ghandou,
You must be mad. I've already given up the well paid job, and it is not worth it, no matter what the view is.
Airline Job next year? Do you not receive newspapers where you live? There won't be any - there aren't many right now, even for the very experienced.
You must be mad. I've already given up the well paid job, and it is not worth it, no matter what the view is.
Airline Job next year? Do you not receive newspapers where you live? There won't be any - there aren't many right now, even for the very experienced.
Join Date: May 2005
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I have a question, it took me 10 years to get to where I am today with my current job, if I flew for an airline, what would my salary prospects be after 10 years with the same company? I'm pretty sure it wouldn't be anywhere close to what I get now, but I've realised it's not always about the money (cheesy but true).
For some bizarre reason I feel I have to justify myself here. I hate my current profession, I've sacrificed so much in my years to get to where I am, spending months at sea, being away from family and friends, not sleeping for days on end, the list goes on. But I did it because it allowed me to pay for my flying. I've since moved into a managerial position, and yes I get all the benefits as mentioned above, but it's STILL not what I want to do.
I know what I'm doing is not logical, but you were all in my position at one time. Not every pilot is miserable up on the flight deck, not every pilot hates his job. It was all a dream of yours at some point in your life, not only to fly, but to be in control of that big shiny airliner. I could be embarking on the biggest mistake of my life, but I wouldn't be the first, and like many before me, it's a risk that I'm willing to take.
As for the chance of not getting a job (as mentioned by 'No Sponsor' the patronizing doof above), doesn't every pilot face the same problem when they start or at some point in their career? The way I think is that's just part of a flying career, as with any other career.
For some bizarre reason I feel I have to justify myself here. I hate my current profession, I've sacrificed so much in my years to get to where I am, spending months at sea, being away from family and friends, not sleeping for days on end, the list goes on. But I did it because it allowed me to pay for my flying. I've since moved into a managerial position, and yes I get all the benefits as mentioned above, but it's STILL not what I want to do.
I know what I'm doing is not logical, but you were all in my position at one time. Not every pilot is miserable up on the flight deck, not every pilot hates his job. It was all a dream of yours at some point in your life, not only to fly, but to be in control of that big shiny airliner. I could be embarking on the biggest mistake of my life, but I wouldn't be the first, and like many before me, it's a risk that I'm willing to take.
As for the chance of not getting a job (as mentioned by 'No Sponsor' the patronizing doof above), doesn't every pilot face the same problem when they start or at some point in their career? The way I think is that's just part of a flying career, as with any other career.
Join Date: Mar 2004
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ghandou, I disagree with the previous respondees to your post and, like you, believe that it doesn't matter how much you get paid if you really don't like your job. I'm not totally sure what an oil contractor does but I'm fairly certain I'd take my current job as an FO over the job, T&Cs and location that you describe. Most of us love it, despite what you read on here (at least in my airline). Whatever floats your boat of course, some people will do anything for money.
To try to answer your question: it really depends on where you end up, but 10 years in a company on a jet and you should have a command. Including flight pay etc you might be looking at around £100k gross (or just short of) in a Lo-Co, a bit more in a 'flag carrier'. There are a few variables of course, but that's 'ball park' and in today's terms.
To try to answer your question: it really depends on where you end up, but 10 years in a company on a jet and you should have a command. Including flight pay etc you might be looking at around £100k gross (or just short of) in a Lo-Co, a bit more in a 'flag carrier'. There are a few variables of course, but that's 'ball park' and in today's terms.
Join Date: May 2005
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Thanks Chocks, I knew someone had to think like me! The maths isn't difficult really, 150k for a job you hate, or 100k for a job you love? I know which one I'm going for.
Thanks again for you post, very encouraging
Thanks again for you post, very encouraging
Ghandou...Sorry to sound like a damp squib, but I really would think twice about changing jobs. Many of us do like our flying jobs, but read my post above and realise I'm very lucky. Much like yourself in you job. It took me about 10 years to get where I am. I am able to pick the days I work and more or less where I go. I was lucky to be able to put up with all the crap when I was young and single. If you have a family, being junior in an airline will bring a lot of stress on you and your family.Try putting up with it whilst paying for your type rating and living on 30K a year. If you are lucky and land a plum job, you may pull in 100K after 10 years, but will be tired earning it. You will probably be away from home for much of it.
As a previous poster mentioned, I would swap jobs with you tomorrow and I'm a 777 pilot working 14 days a month. There really is more to life than flying aeroplanes. Work to live.
As a previous poster mentioned, I would swap jobs with you tomorrow and I'm a 777 pilot working 14 days a month. There really is more to life than flying aeroplanes. Work to live.
Join Date: Aug 2008
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Good month.
UK Charter. LHS. Worked over my July leave so August pay packet was well above my norm.
£8200 after tax, pension and share saving scheme.
Normal range between £4500 and £6500. (Higher end is on detachment.)
£8200 after tax, pension and share saving scheme.
Normal range between £4500 and £6500. (Higher end is on detachment.)
Join Date: Dec 2001
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Captain of a UK breakfast radio show. 4 hours per day on air, a couple of hours preparation time - Mon-Fri, 2 hours on Sunday. No pension, 4 weeks a year off paid + bank holidays in lieu if worked. Two year contract. No guarantee of renewal. Approx £4500 gross, do my own tax so put as many costs into my return as possible. Gotta rush, I need some more gold-plated paperclips @ £50 each.....
Last edited by reverserunlocked; 28th Aug 2008 at 10:57.
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I've reached a similar conclusion. My salary as a police Inspector puts me on a par with what a Captain with Flybe earns in their first few years of command.
I could afford the training. The killer is earning nowt whilst you do it, plus a paycut, and let's not mention giving up the pension of two thirds final salary on retirement at 51. Add the current job market in to the mix and it's not a goer.
I have a mad idea I could do my ATPL when I retire. Arguably I could give an company such as Flybe/Eastern/similar up to 9 years service. Too old for a second career?
I could afford the training. The killer is earning nowt whilst you do it, plus a paycut, and let's not mention giving up the pension of two thirds final salary on retirement at 51. Add the current job market in to the mix and it's not a goer.
I have a mad idea I could do my ATPL when I retire. Arguably I could give an company such as Flybe/Eastern/similar up to 9 years service. Too old for a second career?
Join Date: Sep 2005
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Realistically? I would say it depends on the job market when it comes to retirement. If someone was applying NOW at that stage, prospects may be slim. As an older applicant myself (but not yet 51 
) I would advise you to think what about you're prepared to sacrifice to obtain your fATPL. Financial security is a huge part of the problem, so if that's sorted, then it may be worth a punt. I've talked to a few guys within the regionals (Eastern, bmi, Titan etc) and tsome do seem to look favourably on the 2nd-career types, so who knows.
HW
) I would advise you to think what about you're prepared to sacrifice to obtain your fATPL. Financial security is a huge part of the problem, so if that's sorted, then it may be worth a punt. I've talked to a few guys within the regionals (Eastern, bmi, Titan etc) and tsome do seem to look favourably on the 2nd-career types, so who knows.HW
Join Date: Jan 2003
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Hi Guys / Chaps / Ladies,
I think you didn't understand XXPLOD. In his profile he says he is 32, it's just that he mentioned that as police inspector he hits retirement at 51.
Well... just my humble opinion, but... in your case... probably you are still on time to change career but... if you have a good salary and don't hate your present job, why risking?
I don't know... I'm 25, started integrated ATPL at 18. I'm currently working as instructor and I love the job, and I think that I have good chances of joining an airline in 1-2-3 years, and meanwhile keep on instructing, but... sometimes I wonder if it wouldn't have been a better idea to do as some of my friends: get an university degree, eventually find a good job and just fly on the weekends for the fun of it.
Well... getting back on topic:
Flight instructor in Phoenix, AZ with European school. US$1800/month (circa 1200 Euro/month) netto. Accomodation is paid (nice shared apartment, in a complex with pool, gym and spa) and 2x economy tickets/yr (return) to that place called home. 80-90hrs/month flying.
Second year pay gets a lot better (around $2500/E1600), plus $10k bonus on 24th month being part of the family.
Pay on first year isn't that great because they pay your FAA licenses plus salary meanwhile you get them.
I absolutely love the place and the company. Decent airplanes (I'm not such a Piper fan, dunno why), great maintenance, generous effort on flight safety and staff/management are great people. I can't complain!
Regards / Pablo
I think you didn't understand XXPLOD. In his profile he says he is 32, it's just that he mentioned that as police inspector he hits retirement at 51.
Well... just my humble opinion, but... in your case... probably you are still on time to change career but... if you have a good salary and don't hate your present job, why risking?
I don't know... I'm 25, started integrated ATPL at 18. I'm currently working as instructor and I love the job, and I think that I have good chances of joining an airline in 1-2-3 years, and meanwhile keep on instructing, but... sometimes I wonder if it wouldn't have been a better idea to do as some of my friends: get an university degree, eventually find a good job and just fly on the weekends for the fun of it.
Well... getting back on topic:
Flight instructor in Phoenix, AZ with European school. US$1800/month (circa 1200 Euro/month) netto. Accomodation is paid (nice shared apartment, in a complex with pool, gym and spa) and 2x economy tickets/yr (return) to that place called home. 80-90hrs/month flying.
Second year pay gets a lot better (around $2500/E1600), plus $10k bonus on 24th month being part of the family.
Pay on first year isn't that great because they pay your FAA licenses plus salary meanwhile you get them.
I absolutely love the place and the company. Decent airplanes (I'm not such a Piper fan, dunno why), great maintenance, generous effort on flight safety and staff/management are great people. I can't complain!
Regards / Pablo
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reply to Ghandou
Dear Ghandou,
Only you can decide what is good for you. I did it 1 year ago, with 2kids and a stablr life, decent earnings. I new I wanted to fly since early childhood.
Making the decision was hard, first few weeks I felt maybe I had made a mistake.
Now I wouldn't change my flying job for anything. Sometimes I even wonder if it happens for real, flying i nice shiny business jet to wonderful places.
Good luck and may I suggest that you listen to yourself for the best advice !
Only you can decide what is good for you. I did it 1 year ago, with 2kids and a stablr life, decent earnings. I new I wanted to fly since early childhood.
Making the decision was hard, first few weeks I felt maybe I had made a mistake.
Now I wouldn't change my flying job for anything. Sometimes I even wonder if it happens for real, flying i nice shiny business jet to wonderful places.
Good luck and may I suggest that you listen to yourself for the best advice !
Join Date: Jan 2003
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Off-topic:
IMveryHO... is it worth so much effort and risk for just a job? If we like flying (myself included)... why isn't/wasn't enough to get a PPL and fly for fun on weekends?
And honestly... financially, for me, so far, has been a kick in the b@lls, and I guess for the average person is the same situation. How long does it take until you break even, in the lucky scenario that you find a good job? For me... it will take around 5-6 yrs more (if I'm lucky) (10-12 yrs in total since I got the license). Maybe if I took another path... yes... I would not like my job so much, but... I would be able to go on holidays, have a new car (instead of a '91) and mostly... wouldn't have the weight of such a huge amount of money so young.
I don't mean to put-off anyone with this but... my experience so far has been quite negative, and yes... now I like my job, but wasn't worth all that I had to go through IMHO. You can reach other jobs with good lifestyle other ways.
Sorry for hijacking the thread, but I think it's better to give a reasonably negative version of the story in these cases, along with the positive thoughts.
Just my 0,02
cheers / Pablo
IMveryHO... is it worth so much effort and risk for just a job? If we like flying (myself included)... why isn't/wasn't enough to get a PPL and fly for fun on weekends?
And honestly... financially, for me, so far, has been a kick in the b@lls, and I guess for the average person is the same situation. How long does it take until you break even, in the lucky scenario that you find a good job? For me... it will take around 5-6 yrs more (if I'm lucky) (10-12 yrs in total since I got the license). Maybe if I took another path... yes... I would not like my job so much, but... I would be able to go on holidays, have a new car (instead of a '91) and mostly... wouldn't have the weight of such a huge amount of money so young.
I don't mean to put-off anyone with this but... my experience so far has been quite negative, and yes... now I like my job, but wasn't worth all that I had to go through IMHO. You can reach other jobs with good lifestyle other ways.
Sorry for hijacking the thread, but I think it's better to give a reasonably negative version of the story in these cases, along with the positive thoughts.
Just my 0,02
cheers / Pablo