Well then SHE should walk out the door and fend for HERSELF. Plenty of chicks out there, mostly self-sufficient. No point to drag a dead weight around if you haven't murdered anyone.
you are lying. wonderful things don't happen automatically. you have make them happen for you. if you don't have egos and pride, you will never make wonderful things happen for you.
Yes the pay is good but also there are a lot of divorces because of the airline jobs out there and the weird hours and such. If she really loves him then she'll support him and it could even be better for them.
I got my PPL at 29. Spent 32 years in a different career. Finally decided at 50 years old that I wanted to be happy and it wasn’t about the money. Quit my job, moved to Alaska, flew up there for two years, graduated to a Pilatus job in the lower 48 and now I start training at a regional next month. One thing is for sure; if you’re not happy... DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT! I wish you all the best!!
I'll be following your lead on this. I'm currently a fire captain, will be retiring in about 6 years from my fire job, and I don't want to sit around @ 52 years old and retired. Aviation my first love will become my work.
I’ve been an airline pilot for 36 and as a 777 captain some would say it does not get any better. I love my job, but I praise this young man for his accurate video and his bravery to follow his dreams. There are many ways to earn a living flying airplanes so choose the one you like. No sense in doing something you don’t enjoy. Cheers to you young man! I wish you a safe, enjoyable and lengthy career.
Many of you missed it, sure the money wasn't the greatest. He quit to pursue his passion. I did that, I was a Sr. Software Engineer making well over 6 figures a year. I quit to start my business Tracked Out Adventures. I take people out on dirtbike and snowmobile adventures. And while I haven't made much money, I sure love my life a whole lot more.
DJ there's a guy just like you named Matt Deardan who flies Pilatus Porters in Indonesia for Suzy Air. He was a high level IT worker. Worth a look at the Worst Place To Be a Pilot video series.
I’m trying to be in the same boat as you DJ. I’m an electrical engineer, I make a good salary but I’m not happy. I want to own my own business and work for myself, so I completely get it.
Just wanted to thank everyone out there who worked at the regionals and fought for better wages. You guys paved the way, and now I have the opportunity to change careers because the starting salary is finally competitive and worth it!
Airline pilots are a lifestyle that is rarely documented. While the title of being an "airline pilot" sounds exotic to some, the sacrifices made to get to that level is rarely understood. I love that you are sharing this with us.
And... Nobody on his perfect judge will ever spend so much money for such low income... Plus, in order to get a good income in a job like airline pilot, you must be really experienced and that means... you've already flown thousands of hours and sepnt thousands of Euros/Dollares... Just to finnish, in Europe almost every airline requieres pilots to pay their own type rating... I'm young (24), and I would love to be a pilot, but with such a ridiculous market, not thanks!
I'm a Master Electrician and make about $45/hr and I'm so surprised that airline pilots make about the same as me. I've always had an immense respect for them and presumed they were paid like $100/hr lol
Here’s my take on this. I’ve been with the Airlines 20 years. 3 Airlines total 7,7, and 6 years respectively. Regional, small major, now large major airline. Currently Capt on the B-737 making about $260/hour. It’s never been a better time to be a pilot. Hell Delta is upgrading pilots to Capt in less than a year! You would have upgraded to Capt in probably a year or so. Then get picked up by a major soon after if your resume has no issues. Then be flying better equipment, better schedule, and much more pay. We all had to pay our dues. Some longer than others. I flew many 7 leg days making $18 an hour. But I stuck not only thru that, but also 9/11 and the economy downturn in ‘08. Times were tough. Bills sometimes hard to pay. But in the end, love my job, am enjoying great pay, and schedule. When you look back, you’ll realize the huge mistake you made. Don’t give up so soon. If your regional sucked, then go someplace else. The majors are only a few years away. Suck it up. The rewards are too great to pass up. Good luck!
Im glad I saw this comment. Made me happy to know what being a pilot really should be. (coming from an Enthusiast). I wanna become a commercial airline pilot and i thought check this mans video to just get over with the feels he had and probably know more about the job.
It seems that most of this guys problems with the airline were directly related to his commute. Here's an idea, if you're based out of Charlotte why not live in Charlotte? I get it, the job really wasn't for him. I find it very exciting to try something on your own and wish him the best of luck.
In my opinion, you made the right decision. Being an airline pilot is not for everyone, but at least you tried it and realized it wasn't for you. So why stay? Go back to what you love and enjoy, even if it's being a CFI! Keep up the good work. I really enjoy your videos!
Thanks bud! That's definitely how I felt. It was an awesome experience and maybe one day I'll go back, but for now it'll just be lots of awesome flying and videos!!!
The mad dash to the E Concorse at KCLT. That would be you are so skinny. Love the ground school videos!!!! When I do eventually take lessons my home airport will be KEQY
Husker Pilot, I couldn't agree with you more. I commend FLY8MA for making the change. It takes courage to walk away from a job like that for balance in his life. To denigrate this man for his personal choice is simply heartless and unfeeling. Good luck to you FLY8MA.
People think pilots are rich and they get lots of cash. These guys go through hell considering sleepless nights, low salary, unstable jobs, big time accountability, pending student loans. *It is not easy and they deserve more*
Perhaps I'm missing something. I completely understand pilots arent RICH per se. But once you make a mainline carrier you are making enough to live comfortably no?
Trenton Pottruff Yes. The median pilot pay is $140,000. Average base pay is $113,000. These are US numbers. I’m guessing the guy in this vid spent a little time in the regionals (where everyone starts out at) then left for personal reasons. It sucks for everyone at first (like any other job, you’re low man in the totem pole), but stick with it and you’ll be doing nice easy long hauls in the left seat making doctors’ salary. American Airlines average pilot salary is almost $200,000, but some make even more. When I went through flight school, the average pay was horrible. Nowadays there’s a pilot shortage, and they pay very well.
Trenton Pottruff Yes, IF you can get to the main lines. Meanwhile you have to put up with a lot of stuff for a long time, then IF you can make the switch to a major, the you start all over again from the bottom.....but you make more money
12 year airline pilot here. I’ve flown the CRJ, B757, and A320 for regional airlines, ACMI/charter, and now for a major airline. I can’t say I agree with this guy. I will say his description of a day in the life of a regional pilot isn’t far off, but only if you’re talking about worst case scenario (commuting from a small market like Sarasota to work every trip). Had he moved and lived in domicile his experience would have been much less stressful. Here’s the thing...you have to pay your dues; everyone does. It’s not just airline pilots, ask my friends in the finance industry, or medical professions; we all paid our dues and schlepped through the early portion of our career to reap the rewards of hard work and perseverance. Was it tough? Hell yes it was tough, but every month your seniority grows and it gets easier. My life now almost couldn’t be better; I’m well paid, I have great quality of life, and I’m very happy. I truly love what I do. Honestly, I couldn’t imagine doing anything else. So keep that in mind when you’re watching this video. Also, I agree with him that you should follow your personal dreams. Do what makes you happy. This career offers a lot of diversity from instructing, corporate, military, to the airlines. I was disappointed with this video because at the beginning I thought it was his passion for instructing that led him to quit flying in the airlines. That is a noble thing to do, quit to pursue your true passion. However, within a few minutes it turned into 20 minutes of complaining about a pretty extreme version of regional airline life. If instructing is his passion, good on him, but if he wanted the quality of life and salary that the major airlines provide and gave up because he couldn’t hack it in the regionals for a few years, he made a big mistake.
I've been with a major US airline for 30 years. I'm glad I paid my dues i.e. commuted for my first three years, sat reserve, ate airplane food! I've been a captain for over 20 years and can't think of a better career! Yes, I missed a lot of school plays, soccer games, and many other activities. My kids say it didn't matter, their broadened horizons far exceeded me being present at some of their activities. I admire you going for what you really want in life, I highly recommend doing just that. The next chapter in my life starts in less than 8 years once I retire. I'm excited to be exploring many opportunities that are available. General aviation is amongst the top! Good luck to you!!
I usually sleep well on the road and at home. I try to eat healthy, exercise and stay very hydrated at all times. Hydration has played a huge role in my sleeping well or not.
@@GailKeys1 Thank you. Ive been flying commercially for 35 years & after 10 years of air ambulance work almost committed suicide, kinda...unstable approach down to mins after 5th 14 hour duty day in a row. I totally understand this Captains dilemma, he burned out & found out along the way the airlines weren't for him. I figured that out in college, but still took an airline job, didn't last 5 months. What an incredibly demanding routine. Im usually just an average smart ass, I fly corporate. Doctor said I was a prime candidate for Sleep apnea unless I quit working nights. Cycarium Rythum Disruption
Thank you for this optimistic comment as I'm studying for my cfi I came across this video and it seemed pretty discouraging, I just hope that I will be able to provide for a family one day and travel around the world and how long did it take you to move out of regional airliners?
@@bingoair170 Things have changed since my original post. I've trained on two different airplanes and now settling into the new jet and hope to retire from this one in five years. I'm flying internationally and wanted to add a comment regarding my sleep. I gave up all alcohol a couple of months ago. WOW!!! What a difference it's made. I sleep so much better and have more energy as well as alertness! Be well!!
I became airline pilot at the age of 38. And I absolutly love it. Before that I was in middle and senior management position at several engineering companies. The money is better now, I work less and receive less amount of stress. Also pilots are fairly intelligent people,easy to talk to and I dont have to spend hours at meaningless meetings explaining basic things to people that have no interest to be there but to get a payheck at the end of the month or some abusive, lying business owner to whom reasoning is like talking to a dead dolphin. I hear from other captains that they get young first officers in cockpit with no previous work experience at the age of 22 for example. And after 6 months they begin to complain about this lifestyle. Different strokes for different folks I guess.
Good for you man! I wonder at what age you started your training? I have made up my mind to leave my current job and start a flight training. I'm 30 now and I know it's very long journey but, I hope I'm not late. I don't know how to tell my wife that for the next 10 years or sth we are going to suffer! Ahh... it's going to very devastating for her! Her plan is me to get a promotion and make few more money and have kids etc. Not leave and spend all our money on expensive training to pursue one of the most competitive job in the world. But, flying is my passion. I've heard many people in the industry saying that 'there is no better time to become a pilot' indicating the demand. I wish you guys best of luck!
@@samuelnegussie3025 Save yourself the hassle friend... Get the divorce now.... Be it from your wife, or from your passion, but from what you just described both aren't happening.
joses box reading through some of these comments, you seem to be the one getting quite triggered. There’s a difference between getting triggered and explaining to people that this video is one guys experience, and not common. This dude attracts a lot of prospective pilots to his page and some of us who’ve had successful careers are trying to give a counter perspective from his. Sincerely, A “triggered” pilot
20 years with three different Airlines has taught me one thing, don’t become a pilot for the money, do it because you love flying! I am glad you found your calling as a CFI, best of luck to you!
Yes, flying is my dream since I was a child, and being the brain of those giant machines would be amazing and priceless, I could do it without asking a penny! I don't know how it is to be working for an airline, but in my honest opinion, when you're an airline pilot, you're not flying just because you love it that much, you're flying because it's supposed to be your job, and you're making a living out of it, also that's the only way you can do what you love. So, getting back what you've invested would be reasonable to except. Unfortunately, you have to work a lot, sacrifice time with family, pets and home, not doing other activities you love, etc... To get that back.
Im 31 and I've been a flight attendant at AA for 5 years now. I know exactly what you mean all too well. The whole point of becoming a FA was to get a glimpse into the life of a pilot. I paid for and passed my PPL checkride out of pocket at 29 years old with a 19 year old instructor, got accepted into the Cadet Academy but wasn't approved for the loan so I was booted, and now I'm maxing out every credit card I can get my hands on and taking loans from my credit union. I even cashed out what little I had in my 401k to help finance my training. I passed my IFR check ride about a month ago and now I'm building time for my commercial. Lately, I've been having second thoughts about flying for an airline simply because I know exactly how 50% of the days go. 12-14 hour duty days, multiple legs, cancellations, delays, commuting, and everything else involved. Not to mention seniority (being super junior), bidding, being on RESERVE. I'm not quite sure it's worth it. I'm almost 32 and it seems impossible to start a family. Luckily I'm from St Pete, live in Fort Lauderdale and I'm based in MIA for now so I'm not too far away from my family, but that could all change when being hired with a regional. I don't want to get to move back home and begin training at Envoy or PSA just to be told that I'm being based in Chicago or Charlotte and have to make an undrivable commute. I'm really glad I decided to watch this video because it really put it into perspective for me. Thanks for being 100% real and not afraid to call out the airlines for being this way. I'm a huge fan of FLY8MA and recommend it to all of my friends. You're have a great thing going and it helps a LOT of people.
I always wanted to be a pilot when I was in my teenage years. Now that I'm in my 40s as a Network Engineer working in IT industry making $130k plus a year. I was thinking of going to Flight School to be a pilot and maybe switch careers in the process. LOL I'm glad I run into this UA-cam video, it Kanna shed some light because lately, I've been thinking a lot how I wish I followed my dreams of becoming a pilot. If money wasn't the factor, which would you rather have...sitting in a cubicle, going to meetings daily doing presentation etc or being up in the air 30,000 feet enjoying the scenery, sunset and traveling at the same time. No job is perfect :( >>>> I would choose to be a Pilot if could do it all over again you know.
I feel ya. Most people I know hate going to the airport - they are excited to travel to see amazing things, but getting there through customs, waiting lines, sitting in a plane, isn't that much fun. Do I really want to fly people who aren't having fun to travel? Not really. I have my PPL and saving to do my instrument/commercial someday but I have no aspirations to be a commercial airline pilot. I love flying for fun and learning skillsets of a pilot and that's cool enough for me!
Everyone is looking at this video like being an instructor is a downgrade. Its not. Bottom line is instructor is a career and airline is a career. They are both a way to do what you love while being surrounded by those who respect and admire what you do. Whoever is commenting 'you made a mistake' or 'hang on a little longer'... that is their opinion. Do what you think is best and thats it. Good luck man. Enjoy it.
My fixed wing CFI is a 70 year old engineer with multiple patents to his name and an active company working that technology. He in no way needs to be a CFI, but he does it because he loves something about it. For fun he spends time in the summer flying sea planes on Lake Union in Seattle - something else he doesn't NEED to do. Sometimes it is simply about the love of flying.
Being a flight Instructor can be a career, but it has many downsides if you are not already financially set. Many of the comments about the regionals say they don’t pay enough. Well, instructing is usually the same. Whereas the regional airlines may start as low paying, the pay can jump to about $65,000 when you move to the other seat at many of them with the top pay around $100,000. Flight instructors don’t do that well. Many places offer no benefits, no vacation, and about $40/hour. Most full time instructors will fly less than 1000 hours per year, so if you can support a family on that then you are set. It is an honorable profession, but it hard to make it a career. If you have another good paying job, or are retired, it can be a very rewarding job.
Teaching is AWESOME. I’ve taught 2 generations of CDL holders, I’ve taught Bible studies, and now I’m working to become a CFII. I cannot wait to pass that forward as well! Steve Sullivan, Bonham F00
@@sethalexis6741 EXACTLY!!! This vid was uploaded 5 years ago btw, now here in central florida wages are 90-100 an hour starting pay at regionals!! 38 an hour!! Id quit too!! LOL
I had a friend who flew for the airlines and then left. His reason was much simpler - it was boring. I'm just a student pilot at this point, and I'm 60 years old, but I like feeling the airplane, feeling the wind, and seeing the ground. I look up at the sky when a small plane flies by. If it's a jet, not so much. I enjoy my flights as a passenger on commercial airplanes, and I'm glad it's safe and smooth and super autopiloted, but I usually fall asleep. I definitely do not enjoy coming and going at airports. Thanks, Jon. Great job on this and all of your videos.
Me too, I love the sight and sound of a small airplane flying overhead. If it’s a jet I’ll glance up and then carry-on with whatever I was doing. All of my friends are going to the airlines, they all want to fly the jet. I’m flying a caravan for cargo and I love flying this plane. I also love to teach, I look forward to doing more of that for sure.
I am a captain in a major carrier, yeah in the beginning you struggle and i think that those regionals are a nightmare, but what I can tell you is, once you get into a Major airline and especially you become a captain...it s a whole different story...everything is payed by company, you are served good food, insurance...and alot of money at the end of the month. But still this is a job that requires alot of dedication, and extremely stressful at times.
I was a Regional FO for 10 years. That equates to 2 bankruptcies, 5 involuntary base changes, a 7 year contract battle for "liveable" wages, acquisition and assimilation of two other Regional airlines, acquisition of my own airline by a major, the "Great Recession" and the lingering effects of 9/11. The net effect was a constant slow slide backwards on the seniority list the entire time. Five times I was confronted with the whole, "Only 2 more years to upgrade". My entire 30's disappeared. I think some kids were born in that time somewhere. The carrot was no longer valuable enough for me to gamble a 6th time. I simply couldn't gamble on that carrot going into my 40's and my family couldn't afford to wait for it to happen either. THANK GOD I made that decision. Medevac is amazing! :) I would simply add that coming on here to "add" that this guy is a quitter is ludicrous. EVERY SINGLE AIRLINE pilot friend of mine from those days always asks a barrage of questions about my schedule. NOT how much $$$ I make... but the schedule and quality of life. Let that sink in for a minute. Subbed. ;)
AS an aspiring airline pilot myself, I have to thank you for your hard work and countless fights... The market today is NOT what you suffered through, but it is not lost on me that it was the men from YOUR time, that made the market of current.... Keeping fingers crossed shit holds positive.
@@birdwing98 Yes but he made a point of talking about the money! So reading REAL airline pilots call him out on it is quite refreshing. Either he doesn't like the lifestyle, OR he doesn't like the money.... No different from any other millennial that graduates college expecting a 90k job
I'm 32 and taking my introductory flight tomorrow. I have always dreamed of this job, I have played simulators all my life and the one plane I always flew in every simulator was the Cessna 172. I love general aviation.
As a 16 year former regional mechanic., you told nothing but the truth., currently working for a Low Cost carrier Airbus equipped there is a ginormous difference on quality of life., My respects for choosing quality of life vs quantity in life.
This is why I stopped working as a ski patroller. So many things are more glamorous from the outside looking in. Glad it didn’t ruin your passion, and you were smart enough to recognize it early on.
Nobody starts out at the top. He is talking about an extreme case. Most of his issues were caused because he took a job in Charlotte while trying to live in South Florida. When you are junior, or just starting out, that isn't smart.
@@jimtroy4380 true dat but lufthansa also pays your flight training and FO's make roughly 60 Grand per Year guaranteed from day 1 and after roughly 2 years you go from a frozen ATPL to ATPL and make over 100k a year so.. yeah. Not really comparable :D
@@jimtroy4380 Wrong!!! Most all U.S. airlines are unionized. Also, you do not have to pay for a hotel when away from base on a trip. The airline pays for the hotels while on a trip. You only would have have to pay for hotel on your on dime if you commute(don't live in base) the night before a trip for a early showtime or if you get back to late to catch a flight back home. I started flying for a regional airline back in 1996 making 12K a year!!! It's called paying your dues!!!! I am currently a captain for a major U.S. airline, and wouldn't have changed a thing to get were I am today. Personally, I could never go back to being a CFI. My advice is to always go with your passion.
Amen brother! Young pilot's want that airline seat. The big picture is you could be sitting at $35 an hour for a long time. With debt, no retirement saved, and the possibility of losing your medical. An airline career early in life could set you up for a bad situation later in life. That's the real reality. PS...$57,000 a year is garbage pay for the hours worked. Break that down to pay by duty hours worked and it's about $15 an hour. You can make that driving a city bus which requires very little training and your home every night.
Exactly! For the hours we're on duty it's not near enough...when a CFI is making more than an RJ capt...there's a problem. Plus QOL at the regional I was at wasn't up to my standards at all....
I work as a carpenter and fly on 737's weekly to go fly and work 7 -12 hour shifts, Then i fly home and get one week off etc.... I earn what you you earn and can't believe they pay so little. The responsibility you guys have for your plane and passengers and crew mates is absolutely aweful. I thank you for your professionalism. Please fly safe and God Bless! Ron G
Home airport = KJYO (Leesburg Executive Airport in northern Virginia) I am 49 years old, retired Army vet and currently working full time as a Program Manager migrating servers into the cloud. Today, I logged my third flight. I am truly living my dream of flying. I am soooo hooked on this amazing adventure. Your video was such an inspiring message. It just made so much sense and I applaud you for not getting yourself locked into a soul sucking career. I keep telling my children - find something you enjoy doing and learn how to make a career out of it. If you stop enjoying it because it suddenly becomes a job, change to something else.
Like many others, I dreamed of being an airline pilot but could not afford the flight training. I became a civil engineer and some how I always believed I missed out...until I saw your video. It's a very honest review of the life of an airline pilot. Thank you for sharing
Honestly your description of the Airline life sounds exactly like what I've always dreamed of doing. My mind isn't changed, the Airline it is for me :)
Commuting is not for everyone and most times it’s a choice. We all had it tough at the beginning of our careers just like everyone else trying to achieve success. For me after 12000 hours 3 Airlines and reserve vs line holder schedules. I still think our job as Airline pilots is one of the best jobs in the world. Financially speaking I started making 1400 a month and now I’m making over 20000 a month. Over time this job has gotten easier not harder and you play your moves right and work hard towards carrier improvement goals anything is possible.
Thomas Yes you spend a lot of time away from family. It’s a problem depending on your spouse. A needy spouse can’t handle the separation. A confident spouse will do fine. The divorce rate is no different than the general population. 50%
I started just like you. You didn’t stay long enough. It gets way way better eventually. Now I have an amazing lifestyle and 3 awesome airplanes on an aviation community.
Dickinson58601 Living In Dickinson North Dakota they were the ingredients for that 2009 crash that resulted in quintupling the ATP minimums. Rather than fixing the issue, they just blamed the pilots. Easy way out.
I understand your airline situation wasn't for you. But everyone out there commenting just know that my first year was competly different. I was awarded my home base right out of ground school. Don't commute if you dont have to. Look for a regional that has a base in the city closest to you, and find out how senior it is. Secondly, as a first year first officer I averaged 3 days of work a week. I was home alot, so much so my neighbors didnt know if I had a full time job or not. I was awarded upgrade to captain at 2 years, I held off unil 2.5 so I could again have my home base and not commute. If your single, do yourself a favor and move away from home to your base, its a much better situation. I flew corporate after I was a CFI and before I came to the airlines, it was nice but not for me. At the airlines I get to turn my phone off after I'm done flying, for sometimes weeks on end before my next trip. Try to find that at a corporate gig.
Nope I just researched heavily before making a career change, as should everyone. Ask anyone in airline industry, If you don't have to commute that is ideal in every situation. Currently, most of the regionals are upgrading at 1000 121 time, which is in less than 2 years on the job. Timing is everything
I did the same thing and moved to base when I started, but now I commute from my base/equipment's most common outstation which is also a mx base. This month I'm staying in hotels for 4 nights because each of my trips have two overnights at home. And with 9 flights to and 9 flights from base every day, all on our metal, the commute is about as easy as you can get. So in my case commuting is actually better, not just because of all the extra nights at home but the cost of living is much lower and I can afford a house...8 minutes from the airport. But I agree, if you're gonna be on reserve for a while as a new hire, living in base is the way to go.
Being an airline pilot is not for everyone, but it's not as bad as you portray. You don't get into the regionals to fly for the regionals. There's an end goal. As an airline pilot, you have to make the best of it. Food, I bring my own. It's not that hard. Just as life... it is what you make of it. If you keep the end goal in mind, it's not too hard. I love your videos, but this one seems a little exaggerated as to how bad it really is. Good luck on your trip.
If I didn't commute it probably wouldn't have been so bad, but the trips we had at PSA had lots of 58 min legs, lots of 3 and 4 hour sits in the airport, lots of deadheads where we only got 50% pay, min day credit of 3.5hrs at $38/hr, and overall, just not worth 6-8 years to "flow" to mainline, and if the economy took a dump, that wouldn't even happen. Just like the freedom of flying my airplane where I want, when I want. Still would recommend it to anyone to at least go try it for 6 months and have a little fun flying a jet, some guys certainly like it more than I did! Oh, and forced upgrades at PSA, WTF kind of airline forces FOs to upgrade as soon as they hit 1,000hrs sic, and takes away their FO retention bonus, and displaces them from their base without any compensation.............
I've heard so many warnings from airline pilots about NOT commuting. It just makes the whole thing shittier and more tiring, as you described. I realize it's not always easy to just up and move to your base though. Nevertheless, once I get through all my licenses and ratings and sign on with a regional I'm going to make every effort to move ASAP to avoid getting burned out by the commute.
Let me make sure that I clarify that I think it's awesome you're doing what you want to do. Follow your dreams, do what makes you happy. Couldn't agree with that more. Hopefully it didn't come across otherwise. I've been doing that for my whole adult life, doing what others think is crazy. I'm now in my mid 30's and am ready to settle down. Oh, and I fly for PSA, so I get what you're saying. I just personally don't think it's that bad.... but then again, I'm enjoying the settling down of a real job. Best of luck to you man.
being a CFI is a good thing, we need more good CFIs who genuinely love it and WANT to teach, help, and work with people, good dedicated CFI's motivate, inspire and really make a huge impact on those of us pilots in training to become the best pilots we can be !
And this is why I was a corporate pilot for 40 yrs, now retired. Oh course there were plenty of trying days, but, after seeing this video and having many friends that work for the airlines and talking with them, I’m glad of the choice I made way back when. As it’s been said, airline flying isn’t for everyone. If it is your cup of tea, great, enjoy!!! And now I’m helping restore a DC-3 and having a blast.
I’ve flown corporate, charter, regionals, and am now at a legacy carrier. I would NEVER go back to corporate flying. Once you get to a good airline job, it’s the best pilot job out there. Honestly, even my regional gig was better than my corporate pilot job in a lot of ways. In over seven years of flying as a regional airline pilot, I never even came close to having a day as bad as described in this video. I have no doubt it happened to him, but it’s not typical and not at all representative of most days at a regional. The most exhausting day I EVER had was as a part 91 corporate pilot.
You realize these days you're basically saying "This is why I just won the lottery" Corporate is few and far between and usually requires the kind of numbers you only get from airlines. Also the guys form 40 years ago are still doing the jobs...
It’s his honest opinion at where he is at in his life . Nothing in this world easy but respect the honesty of what you will be in for if you make career out of aviation. .
I am a flight attendant going for my PPL. I have great seniority as an FA. The thought of starting over as an FO is daunting for ALL these reasons. I too, love GA. I love small planes and the intimate experience. This video is an inspiration to me. Its nice to know that I am not the only one OBSESSED with becoming a Delta captain by age 40 and making 200K a year. Money does not buy you your time and life experience back. DO what makes you most happy. I support you.
Bravo to you. I quit when I was 60 . I had enough. 320 captain. Final straw was when f/o gave me influenza B because the company made it so egregious to call in sick. .. Management gets rich on our backs.
I walked in 08. And for the kids saying live in base, yea that worked for about 6 months before the company just decided “We’re gonna open a base in Newark and you’re assigned there, at $21,000/ year.....” Yeaaaaaaaaaaaaa....... not happening. You see there’s things like lease agreements, and cost of living differences, and oh yea, you have 2 months to sort it out on your 7 full days off in that time. The airlines deserve the “pilot shortage” they caused.
FLY8MA They've been learning how to make more with less for decades now, so I can't be that optimistic. They'll probably just use it as an excuse to push forward more automation. Assume they'll push for 121 single pilot in the next 5 years or so given how successful the Phenoms and Mustangs have been. Especially given that the old Commuter Fleet is basically all put to pasture now, they can pull another Regional Jet style push at the manufacturers and FAA to build One Pilot "capable" part 25. Watch for it as we roll back down the Big Plane vs small planes cycle again soon. That or they'll just up scope for regionals to fly 150-180 seats when they re-negotiate that in 2019 and 2020 and dump all their A320's and short 737's on their regional partners. And ALPA will eat it up because Airbus or Boeing time!!!
@@UncleKennysPlace until you can prove one is as safe as two (which I can prove otherwise). However if I ran the airline, I'd be far more concerned with how we treated people rather than making a few extra $$$
As a pilot... This is not the reality for all the pilots in the world.. in Europe and UAE... It's very very different.. I'm so sorry the airline you worked for was soo awful... The long flight hours I agree.. but that's not like all the time.. plus about the food too.. god that is not right.. it's very important for the pilot to be healthy.. a few airlines ask the crew to bring there own food.. and even if they don't.. we get fresh veggies,fruits and meals.. plus we get an extra allowance just for our health.. free 7star gym with instructors.. who guide you how to eat what to eat and all.. I can go more into depth but basically.. it all depends on which airline you fly for.. trust me.. now I'm not gonna say it's a perfect job.. there's no perfect job in the world.. but if you have a passion to fly.. it's really really an awesome job.. I suggest you to try for a better airline..
@@RalphDratman I have come to the conclusion that there will alway's be imbeciles in the comment area🤔. Hope in 2019 they use their brain cells for once, and use their energy + time in a much better way🙏🌎.
@@humanitarianharjot402 In this case I really don't know why "The Lucas Higgins" is questioning the authenticity of Fawad Talib as a pilot, and was hoping to find out. But at this point I guess you are right, and I must assume "The Lucas Higgins" is the one who is a fake.
I don't know whether he is or not, but he's right. Working conditions in europe for most airlines are a whole lot better than this. It's shocking listening to this guy explaining how bad the working conditions are.
I've been an airline pilot for 40 years, the last 38 at a major. My advice for a much more relaxed career boils down to three bullet points: 1. Don't commute. I've always lived within a 30 minute drive or less from the airport I'm based at, and my stress level has been way lower as a result. 2. Stay senior. In other words, don't chase the highest-paying seat you can hold at your seniority. Stay in a bid status where you can have much better seniority and control of your schedule. Of course, this requires living within your means, which many people have a hard time doing, but that is a lifestyle choice that will serve you well, no matter what career path you choose. 3. Get hired as young as you can. The young pilot in the video had a great opportunity had he stayed at the regional to take advantage of the largest retirement boom in airline history. Leaving and planning to return at a later age misses all of the benefits of the historical situation we are in.
I’ve worked too many grinder jobs. Too much physical jobs, too many hateful people yelling at me, too many sleepless nights dreading my job in the morning. The grass is always greener on the other side. But I’ve done my fair share of jobs I absolutely HATED and took years from my life. I am about to take my CFI initial this month to build time to the regionals. The biggest take away I got from this AWESOME video is move close to your base. Quality of life is key for me and my family. We will relocate for good base nonstop flights hopefully my days won’t be as crazy.
It is most definitely not, In fact ha missed a few things besides premature aging. Theres a cumulative fatigue factor in too many strange hotel beds, crappy food while on the road, continual jet lag, bacterial problems cumulate. It goes on snd on..... it sounds good but its not, just ask any traveling salesperson or corporate trainer particularly since corporate offices are now enamored with cheaper hotels
I flew for TWA and subsequently furloughed after 9/11. I decided to take a break from flying. AA bought us and the pilot lists were merged while I was out. About 5 years ago I was recalled to AA. Given I'd be super junior with AA, was 50 years old, I told them no. I didn't want to fly weekends, holidays, etc. Too comfortable to go back. And I don't regret the decison one bit. Flying GA out of SFB (Sanford International Airport).
My career is in talent development/training. I leveraged my aviation experience to work developing aviation training. This spread to other avenues as well.
Your videos are inspiring love your presentations. I spent 30 years in remote air support minerals exploration. Pilots were our lifeline, helicopters and fixed wing. I salute and respect you all. My uncle flew 35 missions over the English Channel WW2 B17. Can't get enough of flying. You guys are truly my heroes, thanks for getting me home safe everyday.
Glad you make your decision and you are happy with it. I been on the airlines 33 and flying for 44 and never had experience anything like that. For more years before retirement after 23 years with SWA and for me been and airline pilot was,is and will be the best decision on my career. Good luck and have fun. One more thing “ Keep the Blue Blue Side Up “.
I like this guy. He's a natural leader, and is fulfilling his dreams, which sadly a lot of us for one reason or another never get to do. Good for you sir - go for it!. Kudos!.
Thank you for being truthful and not like some of these propaganda UA-cam channels that make it seem like it's so great being an airline pilot with no downsides.
As a young CFI I was encouraged to go the commercial airline route. I’m so glad I did not take that route. The love of flying, not the commerce of flying is what drives most of us. We do need competent Airline Pilots however. May the airlines realize the worth of good pilots.
Thanks! Just happy to be having fun now before I look back and feel like I was working doing something I didn't love! Keep track of our new adventure on the vlog channel! ua-cam.com/video/xMmhvfg4XfI/v-deo.html
Hey Gerry! We run an online ground school for Private, instrument, and commercial students. We only do flight instruction on a limited basis due to the demand for our instructors...
It's not just pilots. Programmers, lawyers, nurses, doctors, basically any profession that requires significant training is facing a huge labor shortage. Why? Education and training is expensive. As a country we don't fund that education publicly, and industry doesn't want to invest in training either. That puts all the financial cost and risk on the individual, and since none of this is tax deductible at the individual level, the costs of the training and education generally outweigh the projected incomes. Nobody can afford 200k in training and education for a job that pays 50k/year.
What's crazy is, how young men and women will keep coming forward for all these high buy-in, hard- living, low -paying professional jobs. I am not sure why they do it. In my case I was mad after getting some prestige and I thought it would solve my esteem issues. It sort of did that for me before I quit in disgust at the job itself, but at what a high cost to my overall life.
It cost me 64 dollars to get my cdl and 3 years later i make 2k a week. I will be switching company and I will bring in 3k a week. Once i buy my own truck i can easily make 5k plus a week after expenses. Its not too bad to drive a truck,
mr nice guy facts..I got my cdl 7 months ago and most I made so far was 1250 a week on local runs..you should go ahead n get your own authority..idk your financial situation but I’m definitely trying to get mine with 2 years..what you think about hotshot trucking?
There is too much headache to run your own authority. If you run your own authority you will be hunting down freight and underbid other drivers. There is all kind of things that you will need to do that will cost you time and money. But, i suggest you focus on getting leased on with a reliable company that has reliable freight. Or if you do get your own authority buy your own freight. For example: get a used car dealership license use youw own truck to transport your own cars. You can significantly best the price of competitor if you transport your own freight
No the problem is the government gives to many scholarships and government backed school loans. Which in the end makes schools overpriced too much administration and the sjw bullshit going on right now makes people un-trustful of professors. If I can't trust you you can't teach me. More government is never ever ever ever ever the answer. A government that has the ability to give you everything has the ability to take it away. They might not be tyranical right now but give them all those powers plus time and we will all be fucked.
I'm one of the 50 year old skippers you talk about, fly the 777 and still enjoy it but not the way I once did. I think Its awesome what your doing. Just too far down my career path to go that way now. Good luck to you
Stefan Lazic You are a moron. Autopilot failed on me a few weeks ago at 27,000 feet. I wonder what would have flown the plane if I wasn't there hmmm?????
I hear you, after a while, it's just a job with a lot of speed bumps along the way. I started flying professionally in the mid-1970's in some ways the kids have it a little better and in other ways it really sucks balls. For me, it stopped being something I enjoyed after my seventh year. Mostly I few and still fly charters and night freight with some rotor work thrown in because I am nuts. Cancel Checks and Film to the photo labs was the big thing when I started, those jobs were twin engine and the competition was tough, that sort of thing is gone now, replaced by the overnight letter, mail order stuff.
But you survived the leg on the md80 so it's all good. I totally understand and support your decision. The beautiful thing about the land of opportunity is that you can choose your track and change your track. Keep up the great videos.
Good on you, lad. I've been an airline pilot at two "top end" carriers in my career. I quit the first because of the constant industrial action, company attacks on conditions, poor rostering etc. Now I probably have the best airline job available, and even here we're expecting large scale attacks to our conditions and our benefits. The amount of work is ramping up all the time, and we constantly have to battle fatiguing patterns and medical problems. It's not the career people think it is.
SenorCrazylegs Would you provide some deatails? Is it due to the industry can not afford to pay decent salaries to their flight crews or just simple corporate greed?
This video should be entitled: "Why commuting as a pilot for PSA is terrible". Seemed more like a "why commuting sucks" speech to me haha. That sounds like a crappy lifestyle that could have been avoided simply by going to a different airline or living in base and not commuting. All that aside - congrats on your decision and I hope it works out well for you! Feel free to swing through the Seattle area and I'd be happy to take you flying.
I agree 100% PSA is a very bad airline and the quality of life there is really crappy, but they sell it like it's the greatest airline and PSA fools young pilots into their mess. I wish you luck, you made the right choice. PSA should be ashamed
VeteranPilot Lol. All generations blame new generations for issues. That being said, this does seem like a case of wanting instant gratification and not waiting for the delayed gratification. My comment was about commuting for PSA, not working for PSA. Commuting makes life way more stressful at any flying job.
I'm in his same shoes, except I left the aviation industry all together and now drive trains for a railroad. As a pilot your company has you on duty for 16... SIXTEEN hours if they want and can ask you to "volunteer" to stay on for two more. Those days are long. It feels like you traded your freedom to be a slave to the uniform. Throw in long commutes and you spent a lot of time wondering what you're doing with your life. It's just miserable, in my opinion. Sure, if you stick with it it gets a lot better (especially once you put in your 5 or so years and you're on with SouthWest or Delta), but it's not really comfortable until you're half way into your 30 year career. For me, that was just too long to wait for. To each there own, though, and congrats to those of you that stuck it out!
Forgive my ignorance. I'm really trying to understand... but I don't get why you put yourself in a situation where you had to commute in the first place...?
This business is ridiculous. Thank you for the video. I dumped a seat in A319 two months ago. I feel better now, after I watched your video. I felt OK before, but now its definitely better :)
Other than the fact that there isn't a fixed start time to your day, what disadvantage is there in an airline pilot's life? With those small work hours (1000 max annually), you'd have the time to be present for all your family and social events + get paid very well + get to see many cities globally + much more.
His point is, he thought so too... but it turned into a nightmare... sometimes getting what you want isn't what you wanted. I can relate to it, did Center Air Traffic Controller job... ended up hating it with a passion.. sure could do tower, but that seemed extremely boring... I'm moving on. Why is aviation so addicting, but all the jobs in it suck ass?
Hey there bud, I`ve been working for Lufthansa German Airlines since te the past 20 years as a Flight Attendant/Purser/Service coordinator. I can totalty undarstand your view, even though you you have not been flighing this long. I`ve seen and had it all, besides birth on board. All these non paying hours on blocks on holiday missing my family and friends hurts!!!! I guess after some time you get used to it, but you'll never adapt fully! Money isn`t everything, but you can`t life without it. Noone in my "friendship circle" understandts that, I want to get out of aviation, they just don`t know because they`ve never experience it. No mean to to harm, it`s just the way life is is. I`ve had to learn the hard way, make your hobby to your job, and you`ll nevever be at work. I`m working on it to the fullest right now, grown up on the water, gone fishin` thanks for sharing your truth and honesty greetz Matt
Very interesting video. I fly for a major European Freighter airline and we are for the first time in our airline existence, loosing f/o’s . I totally understand your decision to move away from that lifestyle. Wish you all the best.
Best decision you’ve ever made. You see; working for the regionals and going through what you said is not worth it, and one should look for other flying jobs. On the other hand working overseas is much better. The money is good and the lifestyle is excellent. I’m with you all the way.
You start at the bottom in every profession.. If you want to make the big bucks, put in your time.. If you are content flying Cessna's great for you.. No shame in that.. Whatever makes you happy. Follow YOUR dream.
If you think the pay sucks being a regional pilot, try being an A&P. We have massive liability, stressful jobs, crappy pay about half what most auto mechanics make, all while making sure the flying public is safe. I'm a pilot too btw. I had to leave aviation many years ago, not because I hated it. I actually loved my job and loved flying all sorts of different aircraft. Loved the people as well. But I could no longer make enough money to pay the bills no matter how much overtime I could try to work. I worked in the airlines for a while too. The pay was a little bit better, but the stress was double. Bathing in JetA and Skydrol all day and getting sent home once for not pencil whipping a door seal inspection.... (Yes you heard me right) I had enough! Go back to GA and work for $15-18 dollars an hour with no benefits, all so I can have the "pleasure" of working on aircraft? Pass, no thanks! I was a damn good A&P btw. Natural problem solver and could troubleshoot complex systems with relative ease. But since companies seemed to think I should be paying them for the privilege, I went back to college and retrained. :)
Bret Allen dude...you should make your own strait up opinion video....I thought all you A&P guys had quads seadoos new Diesel lifted trucks and a lake place...lol what do you do now...can I guess:Your own HVAC business and money is better but you make all the mistakes and only deal with nice people!?! I started flying at 15....as soon ass I learned the guys in the back made More Money I changed course to be a guy in the back-- And treating the people that have my life in their hands everyday (Pilots/attendent/ground/A&P company) like I would my own family. chk6
@@richardloveday1092 don't know where you work, but GA A&P's were making about $15/hr with no benefits in the 90's. I now work as a design engineer and yes, now I have a nice house, diesel truck and lots of toys lol. HVAC....rofl, go fuck yourself.
It was the company you worked for. I am an A&P at PSA in Charlotte and its easy and enjoyable. PSA is just a stepping stone to work at main line where the good pay is.
@@gabrielramirez536 no, I think it was the times in which I was employed. I know a few guys who make decent money now who work as A&P's. But for me it wasn't just one employer. I worked for many from airlines to GA. I went through 3 layoffs in 7 years and only the airline jobs paid benefits. Total of 12 years barely able to support my family, I had to leave the occupation. This was during the late 80's and throughout the 90's. One GA job I had was chief of maintenance for a flying club with a fleet of 28 aircraft. I literally had a stack over a foot thick of A&P resumes on my desk at any given time. Trade schools were pumping out applicants at a pace way higher than the demand, plus tons of unemployed people with experience who couldn't find work. That made us easily replaceable and drove the wages down. Supply & demand. I don't know if you're old enough to remember the 80's and 90's, but airlines were literally dropping like flies. I worked for two of them that didn't make it.
I make 24 an hour working GA right now(no benefits). I worked corporate before that for 15 dollars an hour. I know I will not make anywhere near the dollar amount an hour as an employee after this job is over though. I can say that if I was making what I SHOULD be making which is 18 dollars an hour I wouldn't bother staying in the industry, the level of stress is just too high. I enjoy working on GA airplanes much more than jets though because there are very few pain in the ass jobs, probably instrument panel is the worst. The amount of run-down sketchy planes you are expected to work on is easily the worst part of the job and of course the name of the game as in any aviation job is get it done yesterday. The lack of training is definitely a problem too.
I joined BA when I was 21, first type was B767, after four years operational requirement took me on B777, after three years on type I was senior first officer, became captain at 31, six years later I am in command of A380 at 37, almost 38 now, we have at least two female captains who are about to join the type (A380) and they are respectively 34 and 37 years old. Things are different by a long way between European working conditions and American conditions, then again things are also different between European operations and Middle-eastern operations. New pilots joining European operators are making in excess of £40K within 2.5 years, easyJet producing first officer to captain within 4/5 years and those captains are making in excess of £70K, same with Irish operators too. Increase in air operations demanding fleet expansions and operators are speeding up the jump between the strips on shoulders, however at no means I can assure that the standard has not been compromised. Due to slow market in 70’s and 80’s opportunities to move up was far and few so we only saw old flight crew on long hauls, the market has changed hugely and the expansion is dictating changes within operational requirements. By all means flying is still considered as a good profession and flying schools are also finding it hard to cope with intakes. Years ago when I was training with OAT we had 10/12 pilots attending, now classrooms are filed with 35/40 pilots and starting a new group every 12 weeks. I have a few friends from my OAT class who are currently operating with Emirates and Etihad and making a lot more than I am as its tax free and accommodation and other expenses paid for. What we need to realise is that market to market the same product can cost you differently, what is happening with pilots in US or Canada is unheard of over in UK or in Middle-east. Thank you.
Great video . Great outlook on life . I’m all about that. I’m a commercial flight attendant for a big airline and I wanted to be a pilot but once I saw what they do on a day to day basis, it was not what I imagined, it was worth to just stay on the other side of the door and enjoy my benefits from my side. Best of luck to you and enjoy life.
I go back and forth with it. But feel similar to you as a FA as well. And at this point I've built up seniority already. Not much but some lol. Thinking of starting that all over as a woman who wants a family is tough. My seniority now will grant be a better schedule sooner than switching it all up for the other side of the door. But I can't say I don't think about it a a lot.
I agree with this pilot, he returns to be an instructor and he teaches how valuable it is to be a pilot and the sacrifices it takes to be.⭐️be free enjoy the life it’s to short.happens the same I was Airlines pilot Quit too and return to be A Helicopters Flying/instructor 20 years a go, 15 day duty 16 days Off I pay my bills have a lovely family spend time with my kits and wife. Im proud to be a Human ✈️🚀🚁❤️⭐️
Do you know what are the pay & job prospects as a Commercial Helicopter pilot in Australia (or Germany-I have German Citizenship but can't speak the language)? And if it would rise or fall in next 10-20 years?
I hear you brother - Spent 10 years at the regionals or commuters as they were called back in the 80's & 90's. Finally got picked up by big D back in '99, but it was a long haul. Respect for your decision, but the pay is better now and you can always come back.
I work for a Legacy carrier. Go to airlinepilotcentral dot com and look it up. It will be over 300k when I take the upgrade. It's a tough job early on, but in the long run it's great. Don't hate on successful people, become one. I wish you all the best.
Being an airline pilot is NOT a glamorous job. Quality’s of life is far lower than an average job where you get to go home at the end of your shift. /Lonewolf Liberties
Love this video and honesty. I started flying at 20 then stopped and got into sales. I can't sales. My office is on finals of a major airport and everyday I'm reminded of my passion. I final cracked and I'm starting flight school at 40, because I cant stand the thought of being in sales for another 35 years when I can fly for the next 35 years (CAA).
Thanks for sharing! I got my Private Pilot license at 26 and then life happened and decided to get my ratings to CFI - working on that now and also doing aviation photography. I'd love to setup an air to air shoot with you sometime! I'm in the Houston area and have family in Florida so it'd be cool if we could plan something.
Flew for Delta 20 years. I was hired at a young age and the beginning of a huge hiring wave. I made international Captain at 47. I retired at 50...youngest age to retire. Loved my career but I was ready to move on.
What was your age when you started Pilot training .? How much Salary you managed to make as a captain? That something you just moved on is a mesmerizing dream for many people here
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Good for you. Love it when Delta guys are able to grace us with their stories and how well their careers are, and how much money they make. They truly are the best of the best and no one comes close, probably all those military guys. Flying an f15 is def better than a regional guy who has an ATP and has been flying passengers for 5-10 years. Go DELTA!!!! 🤢🤢🤮
YES! Do what you love! People who do what they want to do are happy and people around you are boring and stay bored, but they are giving advices to anybody around who's doing something out of the standards.. I love to do what I love! Thumbs up man!
Amazing story! The regionals are a hard phase in the career to overcome, personally I have been working 18-20 days for the past 3 years. I can totally relate to your story, and I’m happy to hear you made a healthy choice! I wish you much luck in the next journey of your flying adventure.
Aviator Inspirations; I really enjoy your videos. Your very honest about the path to become a pilot. The things you says makes a lot of sense with GREAT advice.
703x4= 2812 -25% in taxes = 2,109/mo pay. 2k a month to fly regional airlines? no thanks, I can make that in a call center. Way too much work and responsibility for slightly better than minimum wage. Seeing that cost breakdown has informed me of the kind of stress the JR's are under.
Re: _VesBraun. The national average salary for a first-year resident is about $57K. They commonly put in 80-100 a week, and have and almost half have over $200K. My wife's a physician. The only pilots I know that have had her level of stress routinely are naval aviators who have to shoot an approach at night on a pitch deck.
Dude!!! Fifteen YEARS of this airline life and I'm so over it!!! Rotations suck, rest sucks, food sucks, family life is non existent. You hit the nail on the head
Retired airline pilot here, Got my CFI in 1978 and taught essentially non-stop since through my airline career Now I’m teaching glider flying, where student REALLY learn to fly :-) That said, I think you quit before it got good (at a major). Best of luck to you making a living as a CFI. Not easy. Glad your heart is in it!
Glider pilot in training here! You can say that again, nothing like coming in for a landing knowing you only got one shot. If that’s not flying I don’t know what is.
Thanks for being real. Wonderful things happen when your humble and set aside egos and pride. Count on me being a follower.
Happy to have you along for our journey!!!
That girlfriend is not going to stick around long if he isn’t bringing home the bacon. Sad but true fact of life . Look at the statistics
Well then SHE should walk out the door and fend for HERSELF. Plenty of chicks out there, mostly self-sufficient. No point to drag a dead weight around if you haven't murdered anyone.
you are lying. wonderful things don't happen automatically. you have make them happen for you. if you don't have egos and pride, you will never make wonderful things happen for you.
Yes the pay is good but also there are a lot of divorces because of the airline jobs out there and the weird hours and such. If she really loves him then she'll support him and it could even be better for them.
I got my PPL at 29. Spent 32 years in a different career. Finally decided at 50 years old that I wanted to be happy and it wasn’t about the money. Quit my job, moved to Alaska, flew up there for two years, graduated to a Pilatus job in the lower 48 and now I start training at a regional next month. One thing is for sure; if you’re not happy... DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT! I wish you all the best!!
Bill Schrader congrats!!! I’m just like you but around 30. See you in the skies!
That’s awesome! I’m 28, and I’m only just now starting my flight training. Wish me luck! Lol
@@TaurinegCongrats ! I'm 47 About to start back my PPL lessons :)
Great!
I'll be following your lead on this. I'm currently a fire captain, will be retiring in about 6 years from my fire job, and I don't want to sit around @ 52 years old and retired. Aviation my first love will become my work.
I’ve been an airline pilot for 36 and as a 777 captain some would say it does not get any better. I love my job, but I praise this young man for his accurate video and his bravery to follow his dreams. There are many ways to earn a living flying airplanes so choose the one you like. No sense in doing something you don’t enjoy. Cheers to you young man! I wish you a safe, enjoyable and lengthy career.
What are the cons to you.
Well, I was going to be a Comercial pilot, but now I'm thinking. Maybe it's not a good idea.
Many of you missed it, sure the money wasn't the greatest. He quit to pursue his passion. I did that, I was a Sr. Software Engineer making well over 6 figures a year. I quit to start my business Tracked Out Adventures. I take people out on dirtbike and snowmobile adventures. And while I haven't made much money, I sure love my life a whole lot more.
You got it DJ! I can do without the money and I'll keep my LIFE!
DJ there's a guy just like you named Matt Deardan who flies Pilatus Porters in Indonesia for Suzy Air. He was a high level IT worker. Worth a look at the Worst Place To Be a Pilot video series.
I’m trying to be in the same boat as you DJ. I’m an electrical engineer, I make a good salary but I’m not happy. I want to own my own business and work for myself, so I completely get it.
DJ Osborne Good stuff man. Best of luck on your business.
@Bill DeFalco
get the hell out of here fucking spammer
Just wanted to thank everyone out there who worked at the regionals and fought for better wages. You guys paved the way, and now I have the opportunity to change careers because the starting salary is finally competitive and worth it!
Airline pilots are a lifestyle that is rarely documented. While the title of being an "airline pilot" sounds exotic to some, the sacrifices made to get to that level is rarely understood. I love that you are sharing this with us.
And... Nobody on his perfect judge will ever spend so much money for such low income... Plus, in order to get a good income in a job like airline pilot, you must be really experienced and that means... you've already flown thousands of hours and sepnt thousands of Euros/Dollares...
Just to finnish, in Europe almost every airline requieres pilots to pay their own type rating... I'm young (24), and I would love to be a pilot, but with such a ridiculous market, not thanks!
I'm a Master Electrician and make about $45/hr and I'm so surprised that airline pilots make about the same as me. I've always had an immense respect for them and presumed they were paid like $100/hr lol
Here’s my take on this. I’ve been with the Airlines 20 years. 3 Airlines total 7,7, and 6 years respectively. Regional, small major, now large major airline. Currently Capt on the B-737 making about $260/hour.
It’s never been a better time to be a pilot. Hell Delta is upgrading pilots to Capt in less than a year! You would have upgraded to Capt in probably a year or so. Then get picked up by a major soon after if your resume has no issues. Then be flying better equipment, better schedule, and much more pay.
We all had to pay our dues. Some longer than others. I flew many 7 leg days making $18 an hour. But I stuck not only thru that, but also 9/11 and the economy downturn in ‘08. Times were tough. Bills sometimes hard to pay. But in the end, love my job, am enjoying great pay, and schedule.
When you look back, you’ll realize the huge mistake you made. Don’t give up so soon. If your regional sucked, then go someplace else. The majors are only a few years away. Suck it up. The rewards are too great to pass up. Good luck!
Pilots need to have passion and be ready for a long unexpected way , but if you persist you'll see the reward soon or later, all depend of you.
I agree with ya, and I hate to hear this guy trying to justify or rationalize his weakness and lack of follow through.
Who says that airlines have to be the end all for all pilots? Personally I couldn't think of anything more boring.
Im glad I saw this comment. Made me happy to know what being a pilot really should be. (coming from an Enthusiast). I wanna become a commercial airline pilot and i thought check this mans video to just get over with the feels he had and probably know more about the job.
It seems that most of this guys problems with the airline were directly related to his commute. Here's an idea, if you're based out of Charlotte why not live in Charlotte? I get it, the job really wasn't for him. I find it very exciting to try something on your own and wish him the best of luck.
I’m 31 and tomorrow I’m taking my first flight with an instructor. It’s my introductory flight. Wish me luck
Good luck to you!!
FLY8MA.com Flight Training it was sooo awesome. Best experience of my life
@@eversirias7171 its never too late. Im 40 and Im just getting started.
32 and in my first year of training here!
I’m going to be taking my introductory lesson within the next couple weeks!
You truly are passionate about flying because you have still kept a flying job just not a airline
It’s also more that it’d be a complete waste of all his hours and ratings not to do a career in aviation.
In my opinion, you made the right decision. Being an airline pilot is not for everyone, but at least you tried it and realized it wasn't for you. So why stay? Go back to what you love and enjoy, even if it's being a CFI! Keep up the good work. I really enjoy your videos!
Thanks bud! That's definitely how I felt. It was an awesome experience and maybe one day I'll go back, but for now it'll just be lots of awesome flying and videos!!!
The mad dash to the E Concorse at KCLT. That would be you are so skinny. Love the ground school videos!!!! When I do eventually take lessons my home airport will be KEQY
Hope you get up in the air soon!
Husker Pilot, I couldn't agree with you more. I commend FLY8MA for making the change. It takes courage to walk away from a job like that for balance in his life. To denigrate this man for his personal choice is simply heartless and unfeeling. Good luck to you FLY8MA.
Husker Pilot a
People think pilots are rich and they get lots of cash. These guys go through hell considering sleepless nights, low salary, unstable jobs, big time accountability, pending student loans. *It is not easy and they deserve more*
Perhaps I'm missing something. I completely understand pilots arent RICH per se. But once you make a mainline carrier you are making enough to live comfortably no?
Trenton Pottruff Yes. The median pilot pay is $140,000. Average base pay is $113,000. These are US numbers. I’m guessing the guy in this vid spent a little time in the regionals (where everyone starts out at) then left for personal reasons. It sucks for everyone at first (like any other job, you’re low man in the totem pole), but stick with it and you’ll be doing nice easy long hauls in the left seat making doctors’ salary. American Airlines average pilot salary is almost $200,000, but some make even more. When I went through flight school, the average pay was horrible. Nowadays there’s a pilot shortage, and they pay very well.
@@joesmith389 Hi! When did you go attend flight school?
Pa Blo started in 1996
Trenton Pottruff Yes, IF you can get to the main lines. Meanwhile you have to put up with a lot of stuff for a long time, then IF you can make the switch to a major, the you start all over again from the bottom.....but you make more money
12 year airline pilot here. I’ve flown the CRJ, B757, and A320 for regional airlines, ACMI/charter, and now for a major airline. I can’t say I agree with this guy. I will say his description of a day in the life of a regional pilot isn’t far off, but only if you’re talking about worst case scenario (commuting from a small market like Sarasota to work every trip). Had he moved and lived in domicile his experience would have been much less stressful. Here’s the thing...you have to pay your dues; everyone does. It’s not just airline pilots, ask my friends in the finance industry, or medical professions; we all paid our dues and schlepped through the early portion of our career to reap the rewards of hard work and perseverance. Was it tough? Hell yes it was tough, but every month your seniority grows and it gets easier. My life now almost couldn’t be better; I’m well paid, I have great quality of life, and I’m very happy. I truly love what I do. Honestly, I couldn’t imagine doing anything else. So keep that in mind when you’re watching this video.
Also, I agree with him that you should follow your personal dreams. Do what makes you happy. This career offers a lot of diversity from instructing, corporate, military, to the airlines. I was disappointed with this video because at the beginning I thought it was his passion for instructing that led him to quit flying in the airlines. That is a noble thing to do, quit to pursue your true passion. However, within a few minutes it turned into 20 minutes of complaining about a pretty extreme version of regional airline life. If instructing is his passion, good on him, but if he wanted the quality of life and salary that the major airlines provide and gave up because he couldn’t hack it in the regionals for a few years, he made a big mistake.
DITTO!
Welcome to the life of being a Millenial.
Probably just as well this fellow isn't flying any passengers anymore.
Living at a domicile would solve 97.78766% of this.
Some people have dignity and will not tolerate being a slave.
I've been with a major US airline for 30 years. I'm glad I paid my dues i.e. commuted for my first three years, sat reserve, ate airplane food! I've been a captain for over 20 years and can't think of a better career! Yes, I missed a lot of school plays, soccer games, and many other activities. My kids say it didn't matter, their broadened horizons far exceeded me being present at some of their activities. I admire you going for what you really want in life, I highly recommend doing just that. The next chapter in my life starts in less than 8 years once I retire. I'm excited to be exploring many opportunities that are available. General aviation is amongst the top! Good luck to you!!
How is your sleep these days. I left skywest so I could sleep & not kill anybody.
I usually sleep well on the road and at home. I try to eat healthy, exercise and stay very hydrated at all times. Hydration has played a huge role in my sleeping well or not.
@@GailKeys1 Thank you. Ive been flying commercially for 35 years & after 10 years of air ambulance work almost committed suicide, kinda...unstable approach down to mins after 5th 14 hour duty day in a row. I totally understand this Captains dilemma, he burned out & found out along the way the airlines weren't for him. I figured that out in college, but still took an airline job, didn't last 5 months. What an incredibly demanding routine. Im usually just an average smart ass, I fly corporate. Doctor said I was a prime candidate for Sleep apnea unless I quit working nights. Cycarium Rythum Disruption
Thank you for this optimistic comment as I'm studying for my cfi I came across this video and it seemed pretty discouraging, I just hope that I will be able to provide for a family one day and travel around the world and how long did it take you to move out of regional airliners?
@@bingoair170 Things have changed since my original post. I've trained on two different airplanes and now settling into the new jet and hope to retire from this one in five years. I'm flying internationally and wanted to add a comment regarding my sleep. I gave up all alcohol a couple of months ago. WOW!!! What a difference it's made. I sleep so much better and have more energy as well as alertness! Be well!!
I became airline pilot at the age of 38. And I absolutly love it. Before that I was in middle and senior management position at several engineering companies. The money is better now, I work less and receive less amount of stress. Also pilots are fairly intelligent people,easy to talk to and I dont have to spend hours at meaningless meetings explaining basic things to people that have no interest to be there but to get a payheck at the end of the month or some abusive, lying business owner to whom reasoning is like talking to a dead dolphin. I hear from other captains that they get young first officers in cockpit with no previous work experience at the age of 22 for example. And after 6 months they begin to complain about this lifestyle. Different strokes for different folks I guess.
Man, this sounds exactly like my path! I just got my cfi at 36. Coming from corporate finance. Cannot wait! So glad I read this.
Good for you man! I wonder at what age you started your training? I have made up my mind to leave my current job and start a flight training. I'm 30 now and I know it's very long journey but, I hope I'm not late. I don't know how to tell my wife that for the next 10 years or sth we are going to suffer! Ahh... it's going to very devastating for her! Her plan is me to get a promotion and make few more money and have kids etc. Not leave and spend all our money on expensive training to pursue one of the most competitive job in the world. But, flying is my passion. I've heard many people in the industry saying that 'there is no better time to become a pilot' indicating the demand. I wish you guys best of luck!
You are an inspiration for us...I have a ppl I am 27 and am looking forward to invest in my dream to become a pilot...I thought I am already too old
@@samuelnegussie3025 Save yourself the hassle friend... Get the divorce now.... Be it from your wife, or from your passion, but from what you just described both aren't happening.
So how old were you when you started your ATPL training?
*Grabs popcorn and scrolls down the comment section*
same
Yep. All the triggered pilots.
joses box reading through some of these comments, you seem to be the one getting quite triggered. There’s a difference between getting triggered and explaining to people that this video is one guys experience, and not common. This dude attracts a lot of prospective pilots to his page and some of us who’ve had successful careers are trying to give a counter perspective from his.
Sincerely,
A “triggered” pilot
@@nofxslc you sound triggered 😂
20 years with three different Airlines has taught me one thing, don’t become a pilot for the money, do it because you love flying!
I am glad you found your calling as a CFI, best of luck to you!
Chris Stromberg definitely for money for a lot
Chris Stromberg you can do something you love and still expect to make good money.
I’d love the job but it a feasible dream ?
No, even if you love something you should be expected to get a reasonable human wage and treatment. They can (on a normal year) afford it I am sure.
Yes, flying is my dream since I was a child, and being the brain of those giant machines would be amazing and priceless, I could do it without asking a penny! I don't know how it is to be working for an airline, but in my honest opinion, when you're an airline pilot, you're not flying just because you love it that much, you're flying because it's supposed to be your job, and you're making a living out of it, also that's the only way you can do what you love. So, getting back what you've invested would be reasonable to except. Unfortunately, you have to work a lot, sacrifice time with family, pets and home, not doing other activities you love, etc... To get that back.
Im 31 and I've been a flight attendant at AA for 5 years now. I know exactly what you mean all too well. The whole point of becoming a FA was to get a glimpse into the life of a pilot. I paid for and passed my PPL checkride out of pocket at 29 years old with a 19 year old instructor, got accepted into the Cadet Academy but wasn't approved for the loan so I was booted, and now I'm maxing out every credit card I can get my hands on and taking loans from my credit union. I even cashed out what little I had in my 401k to help finance my training. I passed my IFR check ride about a month ago and now I'm building time for my commercial. Lately, I've been having second thoughts about flying for an airline simply because I know exactly how 50% of the days go. 12-14 hour duty days, multiple legs, cancellations, delays, commuting, and everything else involved. Not to mention seniority (being super junior), bidding, being on RESERVE. I'm not quite sure it's worth it. I'm almost 32 and it seems impossible to start a family. Luckily I'm from St Pete, live in Fort Lauderdale and I'm based in MIA for now so I'm not too far away from my family, but that could all change when being hired with a regional. I don't want to get to move back home and begin training at Envoy or PSA just to be told that I'm being based in Chicago or Charlotte and have to make an undrivable commute. I'm really glad I decided to watch this video because it really put it into perspective for me. Thanks for being 100% real and not afraid to call out the airlines for being this way. I'm a huge fan of FLY8MA and recommend it to all of my friends. You're have a great thing going and it helps a LOT of people.
I always wanted to be a pilot when I was in my teenage years. Now that I'm in my 40s as a Network Engineer working in IT industry making $130k plus a year. I was thinking of going to Flight School to be a pilot and maybe switch careers in the process. LOL I'm glad I run into this UA-cam video, it Kanna shed some light because lately, I've been thinking a lot how I wish I followed my dreams of becoming a pilot. If money wasn't the factor, which would you rather have...sitting in a cubicle, going to meetings daily doing presentation etc or being up in the air 30,000 feet enjoying the scenery, sunset and traveling at the same time. No job is perfect :( >>>> I would choose to be a Pilot if could do it all over again you know.
So are you going to continue your flight school? Or are you going back to being a FA?
I just read your comment. What did you decide to do?
I feel ya. Most people I know hate going to the airport - they are excited to travel to see amazing things, but getting there through customs, waiting lines, sitting in a plane, isn't that much fun. Do I really want to fly people who aren't having fun to travel? Not really. I have my PPL and saving to do my instrument/commercial someday but I have no aspirations to be a commercial airline pilot. I love flying for fun and learning skillsets of a pilot and that's cool enough for me!
Do you have an update for us Chaise? Curious if you continued on this journey.
Everyone is looking at this video like being an instructor is a downgrade. Its not. Bottom line is instructor is a career and airline is a career. They are both a way to do what you love while being surrounded by those who respect and admire what you do. Whoever is commenting 'you made a mistake' or 'hang on a little longer'... that is their opinion. Do what you think is best and thats it.
Good luck man. Enjoy it.
Thanks!!!
My fixed wing CFI is a 70 year old engineer with multiple patents to his name and an active company working that technology. He in no way needs to be a CFI, but he does it because he loves something about it. For fun he spends time in the summer flying sea planes on Lake Union in Seattle - something else he doesn't NEED to do. Sometimes it is simply about the love of flying.
MSneberger Yes, he is a probably a great instructor.
Being a flight Instructor can be a career, but it has many downsides if you are not already financially set. Many of the comments about the regionals say they don’t pay enough. Well, instructing is usually the same. Whereas the regional airlines may start as low paying, the pay can jump to about $65,000 when you move to the other seat at many of them with the top pay around $100,000. Flight instructors don’t do that well. Many places offer no benefits, no vacation, and about $40/hour. Most full time instructors will fly less than 1000 hours per year, so if you can support a family on that then you are set. It is an honorable profession, but it hard to make it a career. If you have another good paying job, or are retired, it can be a very rewarding job.
I appreciate the honesty and integrity of this video. Not all "glamor" jobs are really worth it.
Teaching is AWESOME. I’ve taught 2 generations of CDL holders, I’ve taught Bible studies, and now I’m working to become a CFII. I cannot wait to pass that forward as well!
Steve Sullivan, Bonham F00
Ever make the truck to plane switch? Haha
Regionals have bumped up the pay for FOs! It used to be anywhere between 34-42$ per hour, now it’s about 78-90$ :)
when he said 30$ hours i said whattt?? lol cause right now first year FO's get paid 92 minimum
@@sethalexis6741 EXACTLY!!! This vid was uploaded 5 years ago btw, now here in central florida wages are 90-100 an hour starting pay at regionals!! 38 an hour!! Id quit too!! LOL
Thing about being a pilot, it's a career that has ups and downs in waves
I started at $18 an hour in 2006…. Times have definitely changed!
@@Slowyeti85 18$ would be criminal on today’s day
I had a friend who flew for the airlines and then left. His reason was much simpler - it was boring. I'm just a student pilot at this point, and I'm 60 years old, but I like feeling the airplane, feeling the wind, and seeing the ground. I look up at the sky when a small plane flies by. If it's a jet, not so much. I enjoy my flights as a passenger on commercial airplanes, and I'm glad it's safe and smooth and super autopiloted, but I usually fall asleep. I definitely do not enjoy coming and going at airports. Thanks, Jon. Great job on this and all of your videos.
Glad you're pursuing it now Michael! Good luck on the training and have fun flying low and slow!!!!!!!
Me too, I love the sight and sound of a small airplane flying overhead. If it’s a jet I’ll glance up and then carry-on with whatever I was doing. All of my friends are going to the airlines, they all want to fly the jet. I’m flying a caravan for cargo and I love flying this plane. I also love to teach, I look forward to doing more of that for sure.
Michael Byrd 60 years old? Isn’t that when they retire
@@zachmahomes3517 😂 wanted to ask the same question tho
@@zachmahomes3517 They are mandated to retire at 65 years of age.
I am a captain in a major carrier, yeah in the beginning you struggle and i think that those regionals are a nightmare, but what I can tell you is, once you get into a Major airline and especially you become a captain...it s a whole different story...everything is payed by company, you are served good food, insurance...and alot of money at the end of the month. But still this is a job that requires alot of dedication, and extremely stressful at times.
You should do a video or something on how you got to become a captain and your experience thru it all!
@@joeesparza2134I agree!
"Attitude, airspeed, Brains- You need two of those things to survive" - good saying
Airspeed and Brains
I was a Regional FO for 10 years. That equates to 2 bankruptcies, 5 involuntary base changes, a 7 year contract battle for "liveable" wages, acquisition and assimilation of two other Regional airlines, acquisition of my own airline by a major, the "Great Recession" and the lingering effects of 9/11. The net effect was a constant slow slide backwards on the seniority list the entire time. Five times I was confronted with the whole, "Only 2 more years to upgrade". My entire 30's disappeared. I think some kids were born in that time somewhere. The carrot was no longer valuable enough for me to gamble a 6th time. I simply couldn't gamble on that carrot going into my 40's and my family couldn't afford to wait for it to happen either. THANK GOD I made that decision. Medevac is amazing! :) I would simply add that coming on here to "add" that this guy is a quitter is ludicrous. EVERY SINGLE AIRLINE pilot friend of mine from those days always asks a barrage of questions about my schedule. NOT how much $$$ I make... but the schedule and quality of life. Let that sink in for a minute. Subbed. ;)
AS an aspiring airline pilot myself, I have to thank you for your hard work and countless fights... The market today is NOT what you suffered through, but it is not lost on me that it was the men from YOUR time, that made the market of current.... Keeping fingers crossed shit holds positive.
@@meliudaj rip
I’m a Current Regional FO, I’m leaving the job shortly.
ICU nurse here . That's awesome I'm currently looking into medevac to see if I want to pursue that . Get the best of both worlds
@@Robert-uo6qiwhy
It’s really helps when you don’t have to commute...I live in the city that I’m based out of and it’s a huge advantage.
Rocky Schulz I hear that a lot. Almost a must it sounds.
What do u mean based out? I’m in college now looking to start my career in aviation.
i think this man still has the passion for aviation!
There is no shame in making a career of flight instruction.
@@birdwing98 Yes but he made a point of talking about the money! So reading REAL airline pilots call him out on it is quite refreshing. Either he doesn't like the lifestyle, OR he doesn't like the money.... No different from any other millennial that graduates college expecting a 90k job
@@asraharrison there s wanting to make money and wanting to pay the bills.
I'm 32 and taking my introductory flight tomorrow. I have always dreamed of this job, I have played simulators all my life and the one plane I always flew in every simulator was the Cessna 172. I love general aviation.
As a 16 year former regional mechanic., you told nothing but the truth., currently working for a Low Cost carrier Airbus equipped there is a ginormous difference on quality of life., My respects for choosing quality of life vs quantity in life.
This is why I stopped working as a ski patroller. So many things are more glamorous from the outside looking in. Glad it didn’t ruin your passion, and you were smart enough to recognize it early on.
This is shocking........ a pilot should be treated better they have people's lives in their hands..... the modern world 🌎 is too much
Nobody starts out at the top. He is talking about an extreme case. Most of his issues were caused because he took a job in Charlotte while trying to live in South Florida. When you are junior, or just starting out, that isn't smart.
Younger pilots in America are treated like human shit for the first 8-10 years of their carrier.
Piloting in America is harsh because of lack of unions. There is no way an airline like Lufthansa wont pay you the hotel during a 5 day contract
@@jimtroy4380 true dat but lufthansa also pays your flight training and FO's make roughly 60 Grand per Year guaranteed from day 1 and after roughly 2 years you go from a frozen ATPL to ATPL and make over 100k a year so.. yeah.
Not really comparable :D
@@jimtroy4380 Wrong!!! Most all U.S. airlines are unionized. Also, you do not have to pay for a hotel when away from base on a trip. The airline pays for the hotels while on a trip. You only would have have to pay for hotel on your on dime if you commute(don't live in base) the night before a trip for a early showtime or if you get back to late to catch a flight back home. I started flying for a regional airline back in 1996 making 12K a year!!! It's called paying your dues!!!! I am currently a captain for a major U.S. airline, and wouldn't have changed a thing to get were I am today. Personally, I could never go back to being a CFI. My advice is to always go with your passion.
Thanks for your honesty. I really thought about being a pilot but now I will just stay where I'm currently at. Thanks for your integrity!
Amen brother! Young pilot's want that airline seat. The big picture is you could be sitting at $35 an hour for a long time. With debt, no retirement saved, and the possibility of losing your medical. An airline career early in life could set you up for a bad situation later in life. That's the real reality. PS...$57,000 a year is garbage pay for the hours worked. Break that down to pay by duty hours worked and it's about $15 an hour. You can make that driving a city bus which requires very little training and your home every night.
Exactly! For the hours we're on duty it's not near enough...when a CFI is making more than an RJ capt...there's a problem. Plus QOL at the regional I was at wasn't up to my standards at all....
I work as a carpenter and fly on 737's weekly to go fly and work 7 -12 hour shifts, Then i fly home and get one week off etc.... I earn what you you earn and can't believe they pay so little. The responsibility you guys have for your plane and passengers and crew mates is absolutely aweful. I thank you for your professionalism.
Please fly safe and God Bless!
Ron G
Ronald Guraliuck 😢😢 Get back to me on sherrygate00@gmail.com
Home airport = KJYO (Leesburg Executive Airport in northern Virginia) I am 49 years old, retired Army vet and currently working full time as a Program Manager migrating servers into the cloud. Today, I logged my third flight. I am truly living my dream of flying. I am soooo hooked on this amazing adventure. Your video was such an inspiring message. It just made so much sense and I applaud you for not getting yourself locked into a soul sucking career. I keep telling my children - find something you enjoy doing and learn how to make a career out of it. If you stop enjoying it because it suddenly becomes a job, change to something else.
I appreciate the kind words, and good luck with the rest of your flying endeavors!
Like many others, I dreamed of being an airline pilot but could not afford the flight training. I became a civil engineer and some how I always believed I missed out...until I saw your video. It's a very honest review of the life of an airline pilot. Thank you for sharing
My little brother is a regional pilot and he has told me a lot of what you shared. Whatever you do, best wishes 🛩
Honestly your description of the Airline life sounds exactly like what I've always dreamed of doing. My mind isn't changed, the Airline it is for me :)
@Aviator Bob Who said anything about Europe?
@Aviator Bob My name is South African
Commuting is not for everyone and most times it’s a choice. We all had it tough at the beginning of our careers just like everyone else trying to achieve success. For me after 12000 hours 3 Airlines and reserve vs line holder schedules. I still think our job as Airline pilots is one of the best jobs in the world. Financially speaking I started making 1400 a month and now I’m making over 20000 a month. Over time this job has gotten easier not harder and you play your moves right and work hard towards carrier improvement goals anything is possible.
Thomas I wonder that too
Thomas Yes you spend a lot of time away from family. It’s a problem depending on your spouse. A needy spouse can’t handle the separation. A confident spouse will do fine. The divorce rate is no different than the general population. 50%
I started just like you. You didn’t stay long enough. It gets way way better eventually. Now I have an amazing lifestyle and 3 awesome airplanes on an aviation community.
The hours and pay that you described are the ingredients for an accident, deliberate acts of retaliation, or illegal activity like smuggling.
Dickinson58601 Living In Dickinson North Dakota they were the ingredients for that 2009 crash that resulted in quintupling the ATP minimums. Rather than fixing the issue, they just blamed the pilots. Easy way out.
RumikoOne FO on that flight commuted from WA to NJ and was paid $16 k a year. Crazy.
Catpanl it's funny to me that the FO salary has more than doubled since then, and it's STILL terrible. That's how terrible it was before 2013 lol.
I understand your airline situation wasn't for you. But everyone out there commenting just know that my first year was competly different. I was awarded my home base right out of ground school. Don't commute if you dont have to. Look for a regional that has a base in the city closest to you, and find out how senior it is. Secondly, as a first year first officer I averaged 3 days of work a week. I was home alot, so much so my neighbors didnt know if I had a full time job or not. I was awarded upgrade to captain at 2 years, I held off unil 2.5 so I could again have my home base and not commute. If your single, do yourself a favor and move away from home to your base, its a much better situation. I flew corporate after I was a CFI and before I came to the airlines, it was nice but not for me. At the airlines I get to turn my phone off after I'm done flying, for sometimes weeks on end before my next trip. Try to find that at a corporate gig.
That sounds like a dream lol did you also buy a lottery ticket? I'm glad you had a super positive regional experience, you are one of the lucky few!
Nope I just researched heavily before making a career change, as should everyone. Ask anyone in airline industry, If you don't have to commute that is ideal in every situation. Currently, most of the regionals are upgrading at 1000 121 time, which is in less than 2 years on the job. Timing is everything
100% , and currently the timing excellent for anyone wanting to get in!
kickkid29 exactly. You can’t commute and do the airline thing. Commuting will ruin your life. Live in base
I did the same thing and moved to base when I started, but now I commute from my base/equipment's most common outstation which is also a mx base. This month I'm staying in hotels for 4 nights because each of my trips have two overnights at home. And with 9 flights to and 9 flights from base every day, all on our metal, the commute is about as easy as you can get. So in my case commuting is actually better, not just because of all the extra nights at home but the cost of living is much lower and I can afford a house...8 minutes from the airport. But I agree, if you're gonna be on reserve for a while as a new hire, living in base is the way to go.
Being an airline pilot is not for everyone, but it's not as bad as you portray. You don't get into the regionals to fly for the regionals. There's an end goal. As an airline pilot, you have to make the best of it. Food, I bring my own. It's not that hard. Just as life... it is what you make of it. If you keep the end goal in mind, it's not too hard. I love your videos, but this one seems a little exaggerated as to how bad it really is. Good luck on your trip.
If I didn't commute it probably wouldn't have been so bad, but the trips we had at PSA had lots of 58 min legs, lots of 3 and 4 hour sits in the airport, lots of deadheads where we only got 50% pay, min day credit of 3.5hrs at $38/hr, and overall, just not worth 6-8 years to "flow" to mainline, and if the economy took a dump, that wouldn't even happen. Just like the freedom of flying my airplane where I want, when I want. Still would recommend it to anyone to at least go try it for 6 months and have a little fun flying a jet, some guys certainly like it more than I did! Oh, and forced upgrades at PSA, WTF kind of airline forces FOs to upgrade as soon as they hit 1,000hrs sic, and takes away their FO retention bonus, and displaces them from their base without any compensation.............
I've heard so many warnings from airline pilots about NOT commuting. It just makes the whole thing shittier and more tiring, as you described. I realize it's not always easy to just up and move to your base though. Nevertheless, once I get through all my licenses and ratings and sign on with a regional I'm going to make every effort to move ASAP to avoid getting burned out by the commute.
I'm currently commuting on my flight training. 2 1/2 hours each way. The flying is "easy" getting there? Not so much.
Let me make sure that I clarify that I think it's awesome you're doing what you want to do. Follow your dreams, do what makes you happy. Couldn't agree with that more. Hopefully it didn't come across otherwise. I've been doing that for my whole adult life, doing what others think is crazy. I'm now in my mid 30's and am ready to settle down. Oh, and I fly for PSA, so I get what you're saying. I just personally don't think it's that bad.... but then again, I'm enjoying the settling down of a real job. Best of luck to you man.
I feel bad for you, I bet you get there just to find out they're cancelled. Happens to me all the time, I'm a 30 min commute.
being a CFI is a good thing, we need more good CFIs who genuinely love it and WANT to teach, help, and work with people, good dedicated CFI's motivate, inspire and really make a huge impact on those of us pilots in training to become the best pilots we can be !
Shit money tho
@@derekaugust872Exactly, which eliminates people like you
And this is why I was a corporate pilot for 40 yrs, now retired. Oh course there were plenty of trying days, but, after seeing this video and having many friends that work for the airlines and talking with them, I’m glad of the choice I made way back when.
As it’s been said, airline flying isn’t for everyone. If it is your cup of tea, great, enjoy!!!
And now I’m helping restore a DC-3 and having a blast.
This is why I want to fly corporate!
I’ve flown corporate, charter, regionals, and am now at a legacy carrier. I would NEVER go back to corporate flying. Once you get to a good airline job, it’s the best pilot job out there.
Honestly, even my regional gig was better than my corporate pilot job in a lot of ways. In over seven years of flying as a regional airline pilot, I never even came close to having a day as bad as described in this video. I have no doubt it happened to him, but it’s not typical and not at all representative of most days at a regional.
The most exhausting day I EVER had was as a part 91 corporate pilot.
rich schindler, I would love to work on / train in a DC-3! Are there any schools around that offer type ratings in that airplane?
You realize these days you're basically saying "This is why I just won the lottery" Corporate is few and far between and usually requires the kind of numbers you only get from airlines.
Also the guys form 40 years ago are still doing the jobs...
It’s his honest opinion at where he is at in his life . Nothing in this world easy but respect the honesty of what you will be in for if you make career out of aviation. .
I am a flight attendant going for my PPL. I have great seniority as an FA. The thought of starting over as an FO is daunting for ALL these reasons. I too, love GA. I love small planes and the intimate experience. This video is an inspiration to me. Its nice to know that I am not the only one OBSESSED with becoming a Delta captain by age 40 and making 200K a year. Money does not buy you your time and life experience back. DO what makes you most happy. I support you.
jenna nordgren good luck that’s awesome!
Thats the truth
Well Said. And Good Luck!
No chance bitch with that attitude!! 😂
You communicate really fluently, really well. Definitely, you would be wasted being a full-time commercial pilot. God bless you.
Bravo to you. I quit when I was 60 . I had enough. 320 captain. Final straw was when f/o gave me influenza B because the company made it so egregious to call in sick. ..
Management gets rich on our backs.
Don't pilots get sick time? What company would want to save a few $$ by encouraging a pilot who may not be "fit for duty" to fly?
leslie Lucci not really...it happens but not a lot
leslie Lucci I’m sure it depends on the country
Did you really quit at age 60 or did you 'quit' because the age 60 rule was in effect forcing pilots to retire at age 60?
I walked in 08. And for the kids saying live in base, yea that worked for about 6 months before the company just decided “We’re gonna open a base in Newark and you’re assigned there, at $21,000/ year.....” Yeaaaaaaaaaaaaa....... not happening. You see there’s things like lease agreements, and cost of living differences, and oh yea, you have 2 months to sort it out on your 7 full days off in that time.
The airlines deserve the “pilot shortage” they caused.
Very true Michael!!! Hope they realize soon what pay and QOL we deserve and then they won't be looking so hard for pilots!
FLY8MA They've been learning how to make more with less for decades now, so I can't be that optimistic. They'll probably just use it as an excuse to push forward more automation. Assume they'll push for 121 single pilot in the next 5 years or so given how successful the Phenoms and Mustangs have been.
Especially given that the old Commuter Fleet is basically all put to pasture now, they can pull another Regional Jet style push at the manufacturers and FAA to build One Pilot "capable" part 25. Watch for it as we roll back down the Big Plane vs small planes cycle again soon.
That or they'll just up scope for regionals to fly 150-180 seats when they re-negotiate that in 2019 and 2020 and dump all their A320's and short 737's on their regional partners. And ALPA will eat it up because Airbus or Boeing time!!!
If you were on the "other" end of your argument, why would you pay for two pilots if one can be as safe?
@@UncleKennysPlace until you can prove one is as safe as two (which I can prove otherwise). However if I ran the airline, I'd be far more concerned with how we treated people rather than making a few extra $$$
@@mzaite Hopefully it takes longer than 5 years....but that is probably the way of the future....
As a pilot... This is not the reality for all the pilots in the world.. in Europe and UAE... It's very very different.. I'm so sorry the airline you worked for was soo awful... The long flight hours I agree.. but that's not like all the time.. plus about the food too.. god that is not right.. it's very important for the pilot to be healthy.. a few airlines ask the crew to bring there own food.. and even if they don't.. we get fresh veggies,fruits and meals.. plus we get an extra allowance just for our health.. free 7star gym with instructors.. who guide you how to eat what to eat and all.. I can go more into depth but basically.. it all depends on which airline you fly for.. trust me.. now I'm not gonna say it's a perfect job.. there's no perfect job in the world.. but if you have a passion to fly.. it's really really an awesome job.. I suggest you to try for a better airline..
@@TheLucasWing What makes you think that person does not have a pilot's license? (I assume you refer to the commenter who calls himself Fawad Talib)
@@RalphDratman I have come to the conclusion that there will alway's be imbeciles in the comment area🤔. Hope in 2019 they use their brain cells for once, and use their energy + time in a much better way🙏🌎.
@@humanitarianharjot402 In this case I really don't know why "The Lucas Higgins" is questioning the authenticity of Fawad Talib as a pilot, and was hoping to find out. But at this point I guess you are right, and I must assume "The Lucas Higgins" is the one who is a fake.
@@RalphDratman 👍😂exactly. There's quite a few of these types hiding behind the screen uttering just nonsense for no reason.🌎
I don't know whether he is or not, but he's right. Working conditions in europe for most airlines are a whole lot better than this. It's shocking listening to this guy explaining how bad the working conditions are.
I've been an airline pilot for 40 years, the last 38 at a major. My advice for a much more relaxed career boils down to three bullet points:
1. Don't commute.
I've always lived within a 30 minute drive or less from the airport I'm based at, and my stress level has been way lower as a result.
2. Stay senior.
In other words, don't chase the highest-paying seat you can hold at your seniority. Stay in a bid status where you can have much better seniority and control of your schedule. Of course, this requires living within your means, which many people have a hard time doing, but that is a lifestyle choice that will serve you well, no matter what career path you choose.
3. Get hired as young as you can.
The young pilot in the video had a great opportunity had he stayed at the regional to take advantage of the largest retirement boom in airline history. Leaving and planning to return at a later age misses all of the benefits of the historical situation we are in.
Normal day as an airline pilot? seems like this would be a very worst case scenario
You'd be surprised.
I’ve worked too many grinder jobs. Too much physical jobs, too many hateful people yelling at me, too many sleepless nights dreading my job in the morning.
The grass is always greener on the other side. But I’ve done my fair share of jobs I absolutely HATED and took years from my life. I am about to take my CFI initial this month to build time to the regionals. The biggest take away I got from this AWESOME video is move close to your base. Quality of life is key for me and my family. We will relocate for good base nonstop flights hopefully my days won’t be as crazy.
It is most definitely not, In fact ha missed a few things besides premature aging. Theres a cumulative fatigue factor in too many strange hotel beds, crappy food while on the road, continual jet lag, bacterial problems cumulate. It goes on snd on..... it sounds good but its not, just ask any traveling salesperson or corporate trainer particularly since corporate offices are now enamored with cheaper hotels
Clear4Take0ff l
I mean....tbf he commutes to his base, which would suck, I wanna be a pilot and I'll just live in my base, l live in NZ and NZ is not very expensive
I flew for TWA and subsequently furloughed after 9/11. I decided to take a break from flying. AA bought us and the pilot lists were merged while I was out. About 5 years ago I was recalled to AA. Given I'd be super junior with AA, was 50 years old, I told them no. I didn't want to fly weekends, holidays, etc. Too comfortable to go back. And I don't regret the decison one bit. Flying GA out of SFB (Sanford International Airport).
Great to hear you found your happy ending!
What are you living on Brian?
My career is in talent development/training. I leveraged my aviation experience to work developing aviation training. This spread to other avenues as well.
Ex Airline Pilots are very well received everywhere in the commercial world :)
Your videos are inspiring love your presentations. I spent 30 years in remote air support minerals exploration. Pilots were our lifeline, helicopters and fixed wing. I salute and respect you all. My uncle flew 35 missions over the English Channel WW2 B17. Can't get enough of flying. You guys are truly my heroes, thanks for getting me home safe everyday.
Glad you make your decision and you are happy with it. I been on the airlines 33 and flying for 44 and never had experience anything like that. For more years before retirement after 23 years with SWA and for me been and airline pilot was,is and will be the best decision on my career. Good luck and have fun. One more thing “ Keep the Blue Blue Side Up “.
I like this guy. He's a natural leader, and is fulfilling his dreams, which sadly a lot of us for one reason or another never get to do. Good for you sir - go for it!. Kudos!.
Thanks! Keep track of our progress on the new vlog channel! ua-cam.com/video/xMmhvfg4XfI/v-deo.html
You are such a down to earth guy. I'm happy you found what works for you in your life. Much happiness.
Thank you for being truthful and not like some of these propaganda UA-cam channels that make it seem like it's so great being an airline pilot with no downsides.
As a young CFI I was encouraged to go the commercial airline route. I’m so glad I did not take that route. The love of flying, not the commerce of flying is what drives most of us.
We do need competent Airline Pilots however. May the airlines realize the worth of good pilots.
CFI to night freight to American Eagle to AA...7 type ratings 15,000 hours and your 100% correct. your awesome!!!!!
Thanks! Just happy to be having fun now before I look back and feel like I was working doing something I didn't love! Keep track of our new adventure on the vlog channel! ua-cam.com/video/xMmhvfg4XfI/v-deo.html
FLY8MA.com Flight Training Do you have your own flight school?
Hey Gerry! We run an online ground school for Private, instrument, and commercial students. We only do flight instruction on a limited basis due to the demand for our instructors...
FLY8MA.com Flight Training Nice you guys need any more CFI’s?
It's not just pilots. Programmers, lawyers, nurses, doctors, basically any profession that requires significant training is facing a huge labor shortage. Why? Education and training is expensive. As a country we don't fund that education publicly, and industry doesn't want to invest in training either. That puts all the financial cost and risk on the individual, and since none of this is tax deductible at the individual level, the costs of the training and education generally outweigh the projected incomes. Nobody can afford 200k in training and education for a job that pays 50k/year.
What's crazy is, how young men and women will keep coming forward for all these high buy-in, hard- living, low -paying professional jobs. I am not sure why they do it. In my case I was mad after getting some prestige and I thought it would solve my esteem issues. It sort of did that for me before I quit in disgust at the job itself, but at what a high cost to my overall life.
It cost me 64 dollars to get my cdl and 3 years later i make 2k a week. I will be switching company and I will bring in 3k a week. Once i buy my own truck i can easily make 5k plus a week after expenses.
Its not too bad to drive a truck,
mr nice guy facts..I got my cdl 7 months ago and most I made so far was 1250 a week on local runs..you should go ahead n get your own authority..idk your financial situation but I’m definitely trying to get mine with 2 years..what you think about hotshot trucking?
There is too much headache to run your own authority. If you run your own authority you will be hunting down freight and underbid other drivers. There is all kind of things that you will need to do that will cost you time and money. But, i suggest you focus on getting leased on with a reliable company that has reliable freight. Or if you do get your own authority buy your own freight. For example: get a used car dealership license use youw own truck to transport your own cars.
You can significantly best the price of competitor if you transport your own freight
No the problem is the government gives to many scholarships and government backed school loans. Which in the end makes schools overpriced too much administration and the sjw bullshit going on right now makes people un-trustful of professors. If I can't trust you you can't teach me. More government is never ever ever ever ever the answer. A government that has the ability to give you everything has the ability to take it away. They might not be tyranical right now but give them all those powers plus time and we will all be fucked.
I'm one of the 50 year old skippers you talk about, fly the 777 and still enjoy it but not the way I once did. I think Its awesome what your doing. Just too far down my career path to go that way now. Good luck to you
Not exactly..... but what do I know ;)
Stefan Lazic You are a moron. Autopilot failed on me a few weeks ago at 27,000 feet. I wonder what would have flown the plane if I wasn't there hmmm?????
LazicStefan Right. I'm sure you are ready to be the first sacrifice...
I hear you, after a while, it's just a job with a lot of speed bumps along the way. I started flying professionally in the mid-1970's in some ways the kids have it a little better and in other ways it really sucks balls. For me, it stopped being something I enjoyed after my seventh year. Mostly I few and still fly charters and night freight with some rotor work thrown in because I am nuts. Cancel Checks and Film to the photo labs was the big thing when I started, those jobs were twin engine and the competition was tough, that sort of thing is gone now, replaced by the overnight letter, mail order stuff.
But you survived the leg on the md80 so it's all good. I totally understand and support your decision. The beautiful thing about the land of opportunity is that you can choose your track and change your track. Keep up the great videos.
Good on you, lad. I've been an airline pilot at two "top end" carriers in my career. I quit the first because of the constant industrial action, company attacks on conditions, poor rostering etc.
Now I probably have the best airline job available, and even here we're expecting large scale attacks to our conditions and our benefits. The amount of work is ramping up all the time, and we constantly have to battle fatiguing patterns and medical problems.
It's not the career people think it is.
SenorCrazylegs
Would you provide some deatails?
Is it due to the industry can not afford to pay decent salaries to their flight crews or just simple corporate greed?
@@coldfusionspacexxx9814 I think its the second one you have mentioned. Stock holders and blood sucking brokers want always more...
You at BA?
This video should be entitled: "Why commuting as a pilot for PSA is terrible". Seemed more like a "why commuting sucks" speech to me haha.
That sounds like a crappy lifestyle that could have been avoided simply by going to a different airline or living in base and not commuting. All that aside - congrats on your decision and I hope it works out well for you! Feel free to swing through the Seattle area and I'd be happy to take you flying.
I agree 100% PSA is a very bad airline and the quality of life there is really crappy, but they sell it like it's the greatest airline and PSA fools young pilots into their mess. I wish you luck, you made the right choice. PSA should be ashamed
VeteranPilot Lol. All generations blame new generations for issues. That being said, this does seem like a case of wanting instant gratification and not waiting for the delayed gratification. My comment was about commuting for PSA, not working for PSA. Commuting makes life way more stressful at any flying job.
I'm in his same shoes, except I left the aviation industry all together and now drive trains for a railroad. As a pilot your company has you on duty for 16... SIXTEEN hours if they want and can ask you to "volunteer" to stay on for two more. Those days are long. It feels like you traded your freedom to be a slave to the uniform. Throw in long commutes and you spent a lot of time wondering what you're doing with your life. It's just miserable, in my opinion.
Sure, if you stick with it it gets a lot better (especially once you put in your 5 or so years and you're on with SouthWest or Delta), but it's not really comfortable until you're half way into your 30 year career. For me, that was just too long to wait for. To each there own, though, and congrats to those of you that stuck it out!
Forgive my ignorance. I'm really trying to understand... but I don't get why you put yourself in a situation where you had to commute in the first place...?
" by simply going to a different airline ".
k.
This business is ridiculous. Thank you for the video. I dumped a seat in A319 two months ago. I feel better now, after I watched your video. I felt OK before, but now its definitely better :)
Mitko Nikitov some people love it. It’s just not for everyone
I'll happily take that seat 😂
Other than the fact that there isn't a fixed start time to your day, what disadvantage is there in an airline pilot's life? With those small work hours (1000 max annually), you'd have the time to be present for all your family and social events + get paid very well + get to see many cities globally + much more.
you throw away a good job, my dream is working for eva air as a pilot cadet
His point is, he thought so too... but it turned into a nightmare... sometimes getting what you want isn't what you wanted. I can relate to it, did Center Air Traffic Controller job... ended up hating it with a passion.. sure could do tower, but that seemed extremely boring... I'm moving on.
Why is aviation so addicting, but all the jobs in it suck ass?
I am 65 with 24,000 Hours - I am so happy to see you got it RIGHT. Well DONE!!!
Hey there bud, I`ve been working for Lufthansa German Airlines since te the past 20 years as a Flight Attendant/Purser/Service coordinator. I can totalty undarstand your view, even though you you have not been flighing this long. I`ve seen and had it all, besides birth on board. All these non paying hours on blocks on holiday missing my family and friends hurts!!!! I guess after some time you get used to it, but you'll never adapt fully! Money isn`t everything, but you can`t life without it. Noone in my "friendship circle" understandts that, I want to get out of aviation, they just don`t know because they`ve never experience it. No mean to to harm, it`s just the way life is is. I`ve had to learn the hard way, make your hobby to your job, and you`ll nevever be at work. I`m working on it to the fullest right now, grown up on the water, gone fishin`
thanks for sharing your truth and honesty
greetz
Matt
Very interesting video. I fly for a major European Freighter airline and we are for the first time in our airline existence, loosing f/o’s . I totally understand your decision to move away from that lifestyle. Wish you all the best.
The industry is certainly changing!! Hope QOL goes up here over the next few years! I'm sure it will otherwise they'll be parking airplanes!
Genuinely testified
Best decision you’ve ever made. You see; working for the regionals and going through what you said is not worth it, and one should look for other flying jobs. On the other hand working overseas is much better. The money is good and the lifestyle is excellent. I’m with you all the way.
congrats on making your dreams come true, I am at 48 and barely starting to looking into getting a pilots Lic
You start at the bottom in every profession.. If you want to make the big bucks, put in your time.. If you are content flying Cessna's great for you.. No shame in that.. Whatever makes you happy. Follow YOUR dream.
That's what we're doing! QOL over the $$$....life is too short to wait around for better pay sitting reserve!
This is all true , this flying routine wears you out completely, always wondering were to eat and sleep kills you slowly.
Not a lot of 65-year-old airline guys that still have hair that isn't gray!
I just got my CPL. thinking about changing careers. thoughts?
If you think the pay sucks being a regional pilot, try being an A&P. We have massive liability, stressful jobs, crappy pay about half what most auto mechanics make, all while making sure the flying public is safe. I'm a pilot too btw.
I had to leave aviation many years ago, not because I hated it. I actually loved my job and loved flying all sorts of different aircraft. Loved the people as well. But I could no longer make enough money to pay the bills no matter how much overtime I could try to work. I worked in the airlines for a while too. The pay was a little bit better, but the stress was double. Bathing in JetA and Skydrol all day and getting sent home once for not pencil whipping a door seal inspection.... (Yes you heard me right) I had enough! Go back to GA and work for $15-18 dollars an hour with no benefits, all so I can have the "pleasure" of working on aircraft? Pass, no thanks! I was a damn good A&P btw. Natural problem solver and could troubleshoot complex systems with relative ease. But since companies seemed to think I should be paying them for the privilege, I went back to college and retrained. :)
Bret Allen
dude...you should make your own strait up opinion video....I thought all you A&P guys had quads seadoos new Diesel lifted trucks and a lake place...lol
what do you do now...can I guess:Your own HVAC business and money is better but you make all the mistakes and only deal with nice people!?!
I started flying at 15....as soon ass I learned the guys in the back made More Money I changed course to be a guy in the back-- And treating the people that have my life in their hands everyday (Pilots/attendent/ground/A&P company) like I would my own family.
chk6
@@richardloveday1092 don't know where you work, but GA A&P's were making about $15/hr with no benefits in the 90's. I now work as a design engineer and yes, now I have a nice house, diesel truck and lots of toys lol. HVAC....rofl, go fuck yourself.
It was the company you worked for. I am an A&P at PSA in Charlotte and its easy and enjoyable. PSA is just a stepping stone to work at main line where the good pay is.
@@gabrielramirez536 no, I think it was the times in which I was employed. I know a few guys who make decent money now who work as A&P's. But for me it wasn't just one employer. I worked for many from airlines to GA. I went through 3 layoffs in 7 years and only the airline jobs paid benefits. Total of 12 years barely able to support my family, I had to leave the occupation. This was during the late 80's and throughout the 90's. One GA job I had was chief of maintenance for a flying club with a fleet of 28 aircraft. I literally had a stack over a foot thick of A&P resumes on my desk at any given time. Trade schools were pumping out applicants at a pace way higher than the demand, plus tons of unemployed people with experience who couldn't find work. That made us easily replaceable and drove the wages down. Supply & demand. I don't know if you're old enough to remember the 80's and 90's, but airlines were literally dropping like flies. I worked for two of them that didn't make it.
I make 24 an hour working GA right now(no benefits). I worked corporate before that for 15 dollars an hour. I know I will not make anywhere near the dollar amount an hour as an employee after this job is over though. I can say that if I was making what I SHOULD be making which is 18 dollars an hour I wouldn't bother staying in the industry, the level of stress is just too high. I enjoy working on GA airplanes much more than jets though because there are very few pain in the ass jobs, probably instrument panel is the worst. The amount of run-down sketchy planes you are expected to work on is easily the worst part of the job and of course the name of the game as in any aviation job is get it done yesterday. The lack of training is definitely a problem too.
I've always heard working for airlines seems a lot more glamorous than it actually is. Life is way too short not to enjoy it. Do your thang.
I joined BA when I was 21, first type was B767, after four years operational requirement took me on B777, after three years on type I was senior first officer, became captain at 31, six years later I am in command of A380 at 37, almost 38 now, we have at least two female captains who are about to join the type (A380) and they are respectively 34 and 37 years old. Things are different by a long way between European working conditions and American conditions, then again things are also different between European operations and Middle-eastern operations. New pilots joining European operators are making in excess of £40K within 2.5 years, easyJet producing first officer to captain within 4/5 years and those captains are making in excess of £70K, same with Irish operators too. Increase in air operations demanding fleet expansions and operators are speeding up the jump between the strips on shoulders, however at no means I can assure that the standard has not been compromised. Due to slow market in 70’s and 80’s opportunities to move up was far and few so we only saw old flight crew on long hauls, the market has changed hugely and the expansion is dictating changes within operational requirements. By all means flying is still considered as a good profession and flying schools are also finding it hard to cope with intakes. Years ago when I was training with OAT we had 10/12 pilots attending, now classrooms are filed with 35/40 pilots and starting a new group every 12 weeks. I have a few friends from my OAT class who are currently operating with Emirates and Etihad and making a lot more than I am as its tax free and accommodation and other expenses paid for. What we need to realise is that market to market the same product can cost you differently, what is happening with pilots in US or Canada is unheard of over in UK or in Middle-east. Thank you.
Thank you for these valuable inputs! Much appreciated.
absolutely nuts you are welcome 👍
Is it the same retirement age of 65 around the world?
leslie Lucci yes in most cases the age restriction will reflect the ICAO guidelines ie in most cases between 60-65.
Great video . Great outlook on life . I’m all about that. I’m a commercial flight attendant for a big airline and I wanted to be a pilot but once I saw what they do on a day to day basis, it was not what I imagined, it was worth to just stay on the other side of the door and enjoy my benefits from my side. Best of luck to you and enjoy life.
Me too
I go back and forth with it. But feel similar to you as a FA as well. And at this point I've built up seniority already. Not much but some lol. Thinking of starting that all over as a woman who wants a family is tough. My seniority now will grant be a better schedule sooner than switching it all up for the other side of the door. But I can't say I don't think about it a a lot.
I agree with this pilot, he returns to be an instructor and he teaches how valuable it is to be a pilot and the sacrifices it takes to be.⭐️be free enjoy the life it’s to short.happens the same I was Airlines pilot Quit too and return to be A Helicopters Flying/instructor 20 years a go, 15 day duty 16 days Off I pay my bills have a lovely family spend time with my kits and wife. Im proud to be a Human ✈️🚀🚁❤️⭐️
👍👍👍
Do you know what are the pay & job prospects as a Commercial Helicopter pilot in Australia (or Germany-I have German Citizenship but can't speak the language)?
And if it would rise or fall in next 10-20 years?
I hear you brother - Spent 10 years at the regionals or commuters as they were called back in the 80's & 90's. Finally got picked up by big D back in '99, but it was a long haul. Respect for your decision, but the pay is better now and you can always come back.
I like being an airline pilot. Airbus FO, 225k.
Work 11 days a month.
High school football players make more than that.
pants
yeah right
where ?
jet blue , virgen spirt etc captains make that
fo half that
www.airlinepilotcentral.com ;-)
Michael Jaeger high school players don’t make any money...
I work for a Legacy carrier. Go to airlinepilotcentral dot com and look it up. It will be over 300k when I take the upgrade. It's a tough job early on, but in the long run it's great. Don't hate on successful people, become one. I wish you all the best.
Being an airline pilot is NOT a glamorous job. Quality’s of life is far lower than an average job where you get to go home at the end of your shift.
/Lonewolf Liberties
Nice to hear the other side....! Obviously he values home and family. I'd like to get CPL training from a pilot like him.
The passion in your eyes tell the story without saying a word. Only YOU can define yourself. keep your dream alive.
Aviation is so damn expensive yet it pays so little... that’s what I’ve learned working at an FBO
Love this video and honesty. I started flying at 20 then stopped and got into sales. I can't sales. My office is on finals of a major airport and everyday I'm reminded of my passion. I final cracked and I'm starting flight school at 40, because I cant stand the thought of being in sales for another 35 years when I can fly for the next 35 years (CAA).
This is why I can't crack open a flying magazine... All they want to write about is the "pilot shortage", when in reality, it is just a "PAY SHORTAGE"
It’s a dangerous job and you have the responsibility of all those lives. Good for you for realizing what fits for you.
Thanks for sharing! I got my Private Pilot license at 26 and then life happened and decided to get my ratings to CFI - working on that now and also doing aviation photography. I'd love to setup an air to air shoot with you sometime! I'm in the Houston area and have family in Florida so it'd be cool if we could plan something.
Wow your transparency and enthusiasm is so refreshing 💛
I appreciate it, Lauren!
Flew for Delta 20 years. I was hired at a young age and the beginning of a huge hiring wave. I made international Captain at 47. I retired at 50...youngest age to retire. Loved my career but I was ready to move on.
What was your age when you started Pilot training .?
How much Salary you managed to make as a captain?
That something you just moved on is a mesmerizing dream for many people here
Good for you. Love it when Delta guys are able to grace us with their stories and how well their careers are, and how much money they make. They truly are the best of the best and no one comes close, probably all those military guys. Flying an f15 is def better than a regional guy who has an ATP and has been flying passengers for 5-10 years. Go DELTA!!!! 🤢🤢🤮
YES! Do what you love! People who do what they want to do are happy and people around you are boring and stay bored, but they are giving advices to anybody around who's doing something out of the standards.. I love to do what I love! Thumbs up man!
Amazing story! The regionals are a hard phase in the career to overcome, personally I have been working 18-20 days for the past 3 years. I can totally relate to your story, and I’m happy to hear you made a healthy choice! I wish you much luck in the next journey of your flying adventure.
Aviator Inspirations; I really enjoy your videos. Your very honest about the path to become a pilot. The things you says makes a lot of sense with GREAT advice.
Thank you, I appreciate the great support!
703x4= 2812 -25% in taxes = 2,109/mo pay.
2k a month to fly regional airlines? no thanks, I can make that in a call center. Way too much work and responsibility for slightly better than minimum wage.
Seeing that cost breakdown has informed me of the kind of stress the JR's are under.
Re: _VesBraun. The national average salary for a first-year resident is about $57K. They commonly put in 80-100 a week,
and have and almost half have over $200K. My wife's a physician. The only pilots I know that have had her level of stress routinely are naval aviators who have to shoot an approach at night on a pitch deck.
Yeah, but you don't get those sweet sweet flight hours that are gonna matter when you try to get a job at another airline
I was making $680 every 15 Days with Endeavor Air. 1 year and I was done.
It's actually a bit lower than that
Thanks so much. I really have a better appreciation for pilots now.
Dude!!! Fifteen YEARS of this airline life and I'm so over it!!! Rotations suck, rest sucks, food sucks, family life is non existent. You hit the nail on the head
What airline are you at?
Is pay good?
And that's why I sold my semi and went back to selling trucks.
After 10 years of flying in the USAF, I lasted only 1 year 2 months at the (mainline) airlines...
KBOI
What was your experience like?
And that’s a Major… no think about Regional where it’s not a fraction as nice as up in the Big Show
As a CFI you get to chose when YOU want to fly!
Retired airline pilot here,
Got my CFI in 1978 and taught essentially non-stop since through my airline career
Now I’m teaching glider flying, where student REALLY learn to fly :-)
That said, I think you quit before it got good (at a major).
Best of luck to you making a living as a CFI. Not easy. Glad your heart is in it!
Glider pilot in training here! You can say that again, nothing like coming in for a landing knowing you only got one shot. If that’s not flying I don’t know what is.