Flight Training - November 2012 - 46

CAREER PILOT»

“Do what is best for you and your family, but don't underestimate what you can achieve.”

pave the way. This gentleman’s annual salary was about $17,000. Think about using flying skills to fly for the CAP or becoming an instructor.” Chip puts a pencil to it: “Seventy thousand dollars in five or seven years is not the same as $70,000 today. Out of that will come loan payments he currently does not have that will set him back another $9,000 to $12,000 annually. Further, if he commutes to work, that will cost. Plus, there will be stress on the marriage. “As one who is losing his job to the shrinking RJ market, I can say firsthand that the dynamic is changing. Delta alone will cut more than 200 airframes from its regional fleets in the next couple of years, and it may be more. United may do the same. “My advice given his condition is to do what Wayne says: Fly for fun; get the CFI. If he can get to 1,500 hours and acquire the experience and knowledge required by the regulations in time, then he can reconsider applying with the airlines with a clear conscience and a good credit score.” Captain Bob, a Boeing 777 pilot, gives his perspective. “I was fortunate to land my airline career at age 24. Except for my obligatory three-year furlough early on, I am still enjoying my career. “At your present phase of life with all of your obligations, not to mention competing with those young college grads with their ratings and experience, achieving an airline career might be a bit too optimistic—not to mention unrealistic. You have three important things going for you: a supportive wife; a good income; and a love for flying. Keep your current job and income, which allow you to provide for your family. Invest a comfortable allowance to advance your aviation skills and ratings. You will

continue to do what you love (fly!) while also providing for your family at the same time.” Chad is a 39-year-old professional pilot with an ATP and 2,000 hours. A former auto mechanic flying a Cessna 310 outfitted for cargo at $52,000 annually, he says, “No regional would hire me because I have no college degree. I flew Part 135 air freight and got laid off when they lost the routes. That paid $25,000. Don’t give up your day job, and if you can pay cash up front for your training, you will be a better pilot and have no debt. I will warn you that the regionals will look at your past income of $70,000 and most likely will not talk to you.” Peter worked in the HVAC business for 40 years; he left at age 56 to start a local airport business. He writes: “After six years our flight school is holding its own. We became airport managers. We get out of bed every morning with the step of a much younger person.” Charlie is, like Jamie, a pilot working in the trades. “Congratulations on your current position in the skilled trades. We are in need of workers like you. I agree with Wayne: Seek opportunities close to home to engage in the passion for flight. Join your local airport association. Be willing to lend a hand at the airport when someone needs lifters for wing installation. Help those young kids grow by staying near home; ride a bike; fish; hike; hunt; swim. Do all that and still get involved in the aviation love affair that you have.” Jim wanted to make a change from a successful automobile repair business at age 30. “My decision was to stay with the business and provide a comfortable life for my wife and children. My wife is a flight attendant at a large regional airline who has met young men who are $60,000 to $100,000 in debt, and it will be a long time

before they make $60,000 a year. “Difficult as it may seem, there are options. Get your CFI. Make contacts and do corporate or volunteer flying. Often it is not a matter of either/or but merely modifying your dreams while still feeling good about your decision.” Wayne, a union electrician since 1973 and a CFI since 1974, says pointedly: “I would keep my day job.” Bob from New Jersey also is an electrician. “You shouldn’t give up your dreams. but, as you get older, you will find that it is not the worst pill in life that you have to swallow. It’s becoming harder and harder to find good electricians. When I look back at what I passed up in my younger years and what I have with my family today, it doesn’t bother me at all and I would not change a thing.” Simon provides this encouragement that happiness can be found outside of airline and corporate flying: “During my training, I met a lot of industry contacts who noticed I was motivated to teach and share with others the joy of not only flying but theory also. I have recently accepted the job of chief ground instructor at a very well-known large school that trains airline cadets as well as degree students for airline entry. Now I have the best of both worlds: flying and talking about flying!” Buddy is a retired Air Force and American Airlines pilot. He reminds career seekers that the best jobs with the best pay are at the major airlines. At one airline, candidates are scored on a point system. So, for Jamie and others like him who would like to move up the chain, he needs maximum points available based upon ATP; complex jet time; college and/or military academy education; mid 20s to late 30s (preferred); 20/20 vision uncorrected; and proper

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Flight Training - November 2012

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