Quit to become an airline pilot?
I'm a current 1st-year Analyst at a BB and have only been on the job for ~5 months. While short, it's been enough time for me to tell that this isn't for me in the long term. The hours suck, but I'm just flat-out not interested in the work.
Given that I'm 23, I feel like I can still make a switch to something that I'll enjoy for the next 40ish years. If I could have chosen anything out of school, it would have been aviation, but I was always intimidated by the training and low starting pay.
The way I see it, quitting to pursue flying will either be a costly mistake or a decision that sets me up for an enjoyable and rewarding future. I wanted to see if anybody on this forum had any thoughts or advice.
Comments (6)
My sister and her husband are both Captains at United Airlines. She is on the 777. They have both found their careers rewarding, but they started in military aviation. What is your preferred path to get flight hours?
"If you always put limits on everything you do, physical or anything else, it will spread into your work and into your life. There are no limits. There are only plateaus, and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them." - Bruce Lee
Currently looking at several options on the civilian route. Would probably get my PPL at a local school to save money and then get the rest of my ratings at ATP. After that, it seems like instructing is the best way to build hours while maintaining your skills.
My dad has been commercial airline pilot for almost 30yrs. He has the best work life balance of any person I know and has been literally all over the world. But was in the military for bunch of years before that and those are the guys that always get the nod for the good seats/routes etc. They make more money than you think but it takes a long time to get to that point. And I remember after some bear cycles where the airlines got hit pretty hard a lot of the pilots got fucked over (layoffs, reduced benefits, paycuts, etc.)
Honestly I've debated making a similar move but I don't think I could do it without having more in the bank so it's not a job I need but one that I want. Too many years in banking and the lifestyle creep gets you eventually.
aren't airlines having pilot shortages now albeit mid-level.
Working on my commercial certificate right now. I heard too many bad things about ATP from my 3 CFIs. If I were in your shoes I'd probably find a 40 hours a week job that pays enough money for flight training if you can manage. Yes it will take you longer to get to the airlines, but you'd actually enjoy the flying rather than treating it as a chore. Just my 2 cents.
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