My parents said "only stupid people become pilots"...
Posted by FutureA350@reddit | flying | View on Reddit | 529 comments
Yeah the title says it.After all my dedication and telling them so much about this career that i really want to do this when i get out of high school they said this, "only stupid people who haven't done anything in life become pilots."I didn't say anything back because its gonna turn into a whole argument. My dad said this becasue one of his friends is probably an FO at southwest and he said that he used work at a gas station so becoming a pilot is easy. My plan is to probably get something like Aviation Management Technology [BS] before i become a pilot as back up.What are yall thoughts?
mcolli49@reddit
There are stupid pilots that happened to be good at a really good skill. I find pilots are smart in different ways. My paycheck certainly reflects that I’m smart. If you find another job, sitting on your ass, getting my paycheck, then please @ me.
Metharlin@reddit
Ok, first off, F**K the money. You only get one lap around the track and if you want to fly then do it. Even if you never get beyond CFI, do something that fulfills you. It ain't your godamn dad's life or career. He had his and I hope he enjoyed it, but this one is yours.
2nd, if you do care about the money, most Drs and lawyers make substantially less than an FO at a major airline.
At 58 I left medical sales and took a 50% pay cut to get back into professional aviation. By the time I time out at 65 I will still be making more than my last bosses bosses boss. Assuming your not an old fart like me, you will do VERY well.
Vailacs@reddit
Welp this stupid guy made 400,000 last year so call me a dumbass ill drown my sorrows in my pool as i sit for another 2 weeks till i gotta go back to work ... O wait i have a 4 day after that then 10 days off. Time for more drowning of sorrows. Also due to the magic of vacation pay my 1st may check will be 22000 dollars. I will gladly proudly accept the title of stupid person, as i expertly operate this Boeing and get compensated nicely for it.
notaformuladriver@reddit
Bro what 22k in a month?….. what the fuck
e140driver@reddit
22k is a hustle month for a year 3 legacy FO. CA can easily be double.
Sasquatch-d@reddit
I’m on year 4 pay at a legacy and 22k is just a few hours above min guarantee. I’m happy making that and having 21 days off a month.
OT-35@reddit
Over here on 6 year pay wondering if I'll ever upgrade 😂
MDT230@reddit
Man I don’t even have a job 😖
AlternateForProbs@reddit
Just remember, it's the worst day of your life... so far. 👐
MDT230@reddit
Ohhh Lawwwddd 😫😫
Sasquatch-d@reddit
Not a chance anytime soon lol. My widebody schedule is too cushy.
Grand_Freedom_3079@reddit
Just cleared over 25k on 2nd year rates for a “hustle-ish” month, not legacy
Yesthisisme50@reddit
I’ve made that as an FO
Necessary_Topic_1656@reddit
no that's just the first check of two checks in May.
RapidlySlow@reddit
I gotta ask - what is the flair LAMA?
Necessary_Topic_1656@reddit
It’s a reference to a certain Phoenix headquartered regional airline that had a reputation that it would hire anyone. it was a major initial destination for 200-250hr pilots who had just gotten their commercial pilot certificate. pilots would only stay long enough to get hours to move onto other regional airlines that had more selective hiring criteria. After a major furlough and reduction during one of the industry downturns going from a 3500 pilot group to a 900 pilot group. In the diaspora 20 years ago we all found jobs at other regional airlines. Collectively we called ourselves LAMAs. Life After xxxx Airlines.
RapidlySlow@reddit
Ahh, ok! I never would’ve guessed anything like that, lol. Thanks for the explanation 🙂
Sharp_Cockroach_4418@reddit
To take a guess - Licence Aircraft Mechanic ?????
theeyeholeman1@reddit
I had a $49k ultra-hustle month last year as a 3rd year legacy widebody FO
Extension-Event-3715@reddit
You’re saying $49k bi-weekly or monthly!?
theeyeholeman1@reddit
I had a *single* $49k *month*
coolkirk1701@reddit
Me over here as a 4th year regional dispatcher making not even 49 grand a year
JT-Av8or@reddit
Not far from normal these days. I’ll pull around $35k per month as a 767 captain. Again, it’s cyclical… right now it’s good.
stephen1547@reddit
$22k a month would be underpaid. That's probably twice a month.
Better-Radish-5757@reddit
NICE! Living the LIFE!
Slammedtgs@reddit
These are funny comments to read. I initially wanted to be a pilot professionally, but couldn’t figure out the economics 20 years ago.
Fast forward I’m making about $400k a year in finance and still consider quitting and becoming a pilot. Should have done it in the first place but was fortunate enough to do well and save a boatload of money, it’s tempting to consider today (but my wife and kids might kill me).
gromm93@reddit
What are you doing in finance that pays that much?
brucebrowde@reddit
Where does it not pay that much? It's a very time-demanding job though - very little left for anything else.
gromm93@reddit
My wife works at a bank too. That's "finance". She is not paid that much. Nowhere near. Nor is she a teller either. She works in the bank's credit card division.
And so, I ask...
brucebrowde@reddit
When people say "finance", they almost surely mean some kind of investment / trading kind of a shop. Places like Jane Street for example. $400k is pretty much standard for anyone with a few years of experience.
But again, life / work balance sucks and good luck getting in there. Not too dissimilar to ATP pilots, to be honest.
Figit090@reddit
Nice job, dummy. 😎
richardizard@reddit
Imagine these people flying and thinking their pilot, who literally has their lives in their hands, is stupid... that's a whole 'nother level of stupid.
OzrielArelius@reddit
I mean, I've met a lot of these people with lives in their hands. many of them are, in fact, pretty dumb
AlternateForProbs@reddit
I wonder if they think doctors are stupid...? Doctors can only kill one person at a time. Imagine how stupid they must be to only be trusted with the lives of such a small amount of people.
Annual-Advisor-7916@reddit
Wait, is this some exceptional wage or usual for airline pilots (guessing you are flying for an airline)?
If that's really the case, I start being stupid tomorrow.
FutureA350@reddit (OP)
lol.Congrats man!
StevieWonderUberRide@reddit
Your parents have no idea what they’re talking about. Figure out a way. Mine didn’t help either. You won’t regret it.
BSPlanes@reddit
Dang I can dream….your first paycheck for may is my paycheck for the whole year. Greener pastures that I’ll hopefully soon join
Vailacs@reddit
its great but also I had years at the regional where My takehome was 1200 bucks twice a month and per diem was a huge portion of my check. The first year I made 100k I was in my mid 30s 2022 when I started flying in 2014.
Ok-Selection4206@reddit
I started at 11,730$ a year flying a 19 seat turboprop for a commuter airline (that's what they called them back then) I went through 3 airlines and first year as DC 9 Captain in 1998, I made 175k 27 years ago!
MDT230@reddit
HOLYYY 😭😭. How long have you been flying for man?
Vailacs@reddit
Not long. 10 years and commercially 8 years. I've also moved 7 times and basically dropped everything to advance to the next stage. I've been fortunate and got to a legacy basically right when hiring resume post covid. I've been based in Kansas, Tennessee, Texas, Minnesota, Florida, Gerogia, New York, and New Jersey. Also been in training for a new type essentially every year.
Reaping the benefits now but it was rough telling the wife "new job, new location, still year one pay"
MDT230@reddit
Ahhh nice. Hopefully I’ll get there soon someday.
Kycrio@reddit
When the commenter's flair covers the full span of your phone screen, you know they have it made
NewFirefighter7051@reddit
Happy for you my friend
tomdarch@reddit
My client who will be retiring as a captain for a major in a few years probably wouldn't mind being called "stupid" when she looks at her investment portfolio.
redditburner_5000@reddit
https://youtu.be/vuuifBV7Xvs?feature=shared
Baystate411@reddit
looks at pay check
Another great day to be stupid!
FlyinDJ_1893@reddit
LOL
btw do pilots get paid a salary or by hours / flights???
Ok-Channel-6237@reddit
Hubs gets paid by the day.. but he’s a private jet pilot. Minimum $1000 per day.
dnail3@reddit
Stupid 18% direct contribution
DCS_Sport@reddit
It’s so comfy it feels like I’m making nothing at all!
PrettyFly4aGI@reddit
My 55k gross in March agrees with you.
bananasaurusx_@reddit
I’m curious. How long did it take you to make that much? 10-15 years? 20?
AlpacaCavalry@reddit
Nothing at all!
Nothing at all!
Nothing at all!
Close up shot of a fat paycheck progressively being zoomed in while the line "Nothing at all" echoes with increasing gusto
rjb4000@reddit
Stupid sexy Captain Flanders
redcurrantevents@reddit
I’m so stupid I left a lower paying career as an engineer for this
yipmosis@reddit
I'm thinking about doing the same, leave consulting to try my hand at flying. Always wanted to be in the air force and fly but it might be too late for that, this is the next best thing imo.
OZL01@reddit
What kind of an engineer? I just started flying lessons because I think it's awesome (and I have an aerospace engineering degree so I feel like I should know how to fly haha) but I actually have zero clue how much pilots can actually earn. Never thought they'd earn more than engineers that design the planes (and other components) they fly in.
redcurrantevents@reddit
Civil. I think engineers make more to start, but I think unless you get into management somewhere or start a company, they don’t top out above $400k like pilots. But I could be wrong! I just know I am making a lot more than my old boss when I started as a civil engineer.
OZL01@reddit
Wow I had no idea pilots could make that much. I'm glad I went through engineering and I don't mind my job but I do feel a little underpaid. Right now flight lessons are for fun and I definitely want to get my PPL at least but we'll see what the future holds haha.
redcurrantevents@reddit
For a long time I made a lot less than that, and I’m not quite that high yet, but close. I’ve been flying for airlines about 20 years.
Ok_Bar4002@reddit
To be fair. My pay got cut to less than 1/5th of what I made as an engineer… now I make double my friends just chilling in the right seat visiting cool places
Friendly-Flan-1025@reddit
Stupid 18 days off a month Stupid bank account Stupid 18% DC Stupid 4*+ hotels in amazing cities worldwide Stupid responsibility for a $100mil jet
QuikWitt@reddit
Man you sound stupid … /s
skyHawk3613@reddit
Plus not having to work in an office
Baystate411@reddit
I very much work in an office. Mine just shakes more.
oldschoolguy90@reddit
Oh, you have an office with a secretary then?
skyHawk3613@reddit
Also with a great view
Hour-Divide3661@reddit
That's a big part of it. In the coastal upper middle class to upper class world, being a pilot is considered quasi-blue collar. Not a doctor/lawyer/c-suite level job.
Now, pilots make double what professors and researchers do, and on-par with standard doctors but... Trades people can too, but no graduate degree is looked down on. It's pretty damn lame. Chalk it up to Boomer classism.
Beneficial_Impact_73@reddit
I had to work 5 days this month! I’m so dumb
CaptainChris1990@reddit
They assigned me a 4 day to finish up the month bringing my days worked to 7. THE NERVE!!
Beneficial_Impact_73@reddit
Wow that’s horrible! I haven’t stayed in a hotel in 6 weeks idk how you’ll get through to. I could use a 4 day, I’m out of projects to do around the house lol.
Drunkenaviator@reddit
Yep. Another 19 days off this month, and $300k/yr? I'm a fuckin' idiot for taking this job.
_BaldChewbacca_@reddit
looks at paycheque
Is Canadian
Damn I probably am stupid
Jolly_Line@reddit
Not to mention it kicks absolute ass. Sure is fun being stupid!
LazyClerk408@reddit
Reddit gold
Which_Material_3100@reddit
Preach!
DueIngenuity8114@reddit
Seriously. And look at your monthly working calendar!
AmdiralArdVark@reddit
People who win the lottery proooobably say the same thing.
the_devils_advocates@reddit
🙏
KeyOfGSharp@reddit
You poor stupid man. I....checks your paystub
oh to be this stupid....
BankProfessional8882@reddit
Take the lead in pursuing your dreams. Is there a way to educate your parents on the realities of the rigorous education and training required as well as the current salaries and projected growth of careers in aviation? Show them articles and statistics. Come up with a plan , Figure out how you would go about it, would you go to college and/or a local flight school? Speak to your guidance counselor, get a job at the airport, take initiative. It's always best if you can work out your relationship with your parents and win their support. To them you are a baby bird about to fly the nest. Go for it!
Unhappy-Lettuce-3987@reddit
They have it backwards stupid people should not be pilots
External-Creme-6226@reddit
And yet I fly with so many MAGA morons…
DisregardLogan@reddit
I might be cooked
soulscratch@reddit
shit
FitAd8129@reddit
Only stupid people tell people not to follow their dreams.
JSTootell@reddit
Well, the older brother of our current president was derided by his father for becoming a pilot.
Proof-Honeydew-9869@reddit
Wanted to be a pilot since I could remember. Started ground school at 17. Continued on to mechanical engineering and hated college. Dropped out to finish cpl. Went back after cpl. Still hated it. Realized i didn’t need it either. Started working as a CFI. Got a bush pilot job. Got laid off. Worked at the airport on the ground in yyz. Joined the military, moved across the country again. Pay was so low i left and got my truck drivers license. Did that for 8 years to pay off debts and wait for the job market to rebound. Got back into charter on a navajo, while working part time as a long haul driver. Moved onto medevac on a king air and lwft trucking behind. Moved onto captain on a pc 12 while also running a company with my wife. Finally got onto the 757/767 with 1800 hrs at a cargo operator. Flying the e195-e2 now. Could make captain in a year ish. Am I rich? Compared to some sure, but not really, but i’m on the track. Kid on the way and love life. I was an A student in school. So don’t listen to your parents if you love it go for it. Figure out how to make it work and you will. You have to be driven to make it in this industry its got an 80% drop out rate.
Amerritt86@reddit
Your parents are morons. Pilot training is not easy. Also, I know a CPA with their doctorate who used to work at a gas station. With piloting, it's about hours as PIC. Degrees don't hurt. Pilots that I knew with a degree were more administrative than flying. But I worked with smaller companies.
Bounceupandown@reddit
The best job in the world is to be a TACAIR military aviator. And it pays YOU to learn how to fly. I would do it all over in a nanosecond. It was fun and I’ve seen and done things that nearly any human in human history cannot even imagine. Good luck. Don’t let other people decide your future.
FutureA350@reddit (OP)
Hm my dad my approve of this.I'll look into it!
JCDAR-T@reddit
Parents are wise, listen to them
Regular-Coffee-1670@reddit
My instructor said to get a pilot's license you need a pulse and a credit card.
sos1701@reddit
Yeah I’m kinda dumb
Flagrant_negligence@reddit
Me three
TheBammBamm@reddit
TIL how to spell "Tree"
T-1A_pilot@reddit
Me.... uh....
...what comes after three, again??
tailwheel307@reddit
Mayday
FlyinDJ_1893@reddit
Isn´t it still december
Clem573@reddit
Ask ATC, they know better than us. Or, if not, at least they can google it
thegoatisoldngnarly@reddit
“I have a number for you to copy.” “Sorry I don’t know numbers.”
FatNoodleBoyz@reddit
Me one
FutureA350@reddit (OP)
5
dieseltaco@reddit
me two
MDT230@reddit
Uhhhhh yeah me 60 or whatever is the next number
tailwheel307@reddit
I’m the kinda dumb where they had to start training me on the wanna be airbus
Fizzo21@reddit
This job is the best job in the world. Getting paid to go to sit on a beach is way better than anything else I can think of. My pilot buddies and I have a lot of time off. We play video games together while our other buds are working way more hours and making way less. It takes a lot of work to get at the big 3 but I did at 28. It’s a dream job.
Odd-Grapefruit-6490@reddit
I’m stupid. I told my son not to be stupid. But he’s stupid too. Now he makes more being stupid than I ever made being stupid. And I’m pretty stupid.
sounddoc@reddit
Mine changed their mind when they saw how happy I was and how much I get paid 😊
AdNew4281@reddit
Not a pilot but i'm an air traffic controller. Dad said the same thing to me.
I beat the fuck out of him, then left home and rented out some Vietnamese dude's basement for a few years working a different job outside aviation, until I got an opportunity to get into ATC.
I've been a tower controller for years now and it's great. Pay's pretty good, wife and kid are happy. Haven't talked to my dad in almost 10 years, next time I see him he's getting his ass beat again. So probably not in his besr interest to see me again.
Parents are humans too. And some humans are mind-bogglingly stupid. Sometimes you get unlucky, and it's your parents.
killersquirel11@reddit
Only stupid people would start a sentence with "only stupid people"
Cyrene_tries_lmao@reddit
Trying to become a pilot is making me FEEL stupid😭 I’d like to see your dad try to do Checkride prep, this stuff kicks your ass. He doesn’t know what he’s talking about, and you’ve got this💚
ScoopdaPoopWoopdaDoo@reddit
Third of the way through the year. I’ve made 45k so far. I’ve flown 12 days. 28 hours. I know it’s not much but I’m only on second year pay at a major. I’m so dumb.
Ok-Spring-6388@reddit
I'd love to hear what career they think a smart person has, and see a salary comparison.
joeyposton@reddit
I work in the back office of a major airline. The pilot life seems way better man.. Im working on my PPL and obviously you have to be very smart and dedicated to become an airline pilot.
joeyposton@reddit
Hey! Don't let them discourage you, I work in the back office of a major airline and it's full of "intellectuals" who think they are so smart because of they're college degree but they actually accomplish nothing. I'm in flight training now to become a pilot and actually do something useful. Working in an office is extremely boring. But that's just my experience after 7 years working in the office.
Michaela_______@reddit
I can't think of a job title with more combined prestige and cool factor
IFlyatM90@reddit
…and time off!
IFlyatM90@reddit
Many of us professional pilots love our trade. We would do it for a lot less compensation, but the world of supply and demand is in our favor. It’s not easy to become a professional pilot, so there is a shortage. A shortage means we command more value. We collectively have built a nice quality of life for ourselves as an industry, we enjoy our work, get paid well above average and get more time off than just about any other highly compensated worker. 90% of Americans make under $200k. Just about every Senior Captain, in the airlines, freight and even corporate make that amount of money and probably work half as many days as most. We chose a professional we love that provides a high quality of life. Your parents aren’t dumb, they are just ‘under informed’ on your potential career path.
FeelingSpeed3031@reddit
LOL before becoming a pilot, as a kid I really always thought pilots were smart people.
But I'd say if you have the ability to also get a degree that will help you get the job you want.
Farhanxhossain@reddit
Chase your dreams kid, don’t take your parents words to seriously on something they may have no knowledge about. They don’t know how good pilots have it when they do things right. If I were you, don’t go into debt for college unless you’re getting your ratings and training done there. Don’t get into debt for the piece of paper, you rather get into debt getting your training done asap cause that’s what’s the actual money maker. You can always get the degree online like Liberty university etc. where they grant you 50- 75% of your credits from flight training and you just do the rest there which is 10x cheaper.
ActorRob@reddit
Get a 'real' degree as a a backup IMHO, or something you can do on the side even. Heck, a trade on the side.
Or real estate. It's probably made more multimillionaires than pilots.
"Every job is a dead end job." That means you cap out, at some point.
FutureA350@reddit (OP)
I meant to say more like an enhancement to put on the resume
dmesher69@reddit
Yup … stupid all the way to the bank.
nimbusgb@reddit
With due respect ...... your parents are idiots.
InYosefWeTrust@reddit
What in the world do your parents do to think pilots are stupid?
SolemnSoldier2020@reddit
stupid AND happy 😁 we are unbothered by your parents
FutureA350@reddit (OP)
Good to hear!
SolemnSoldier2020@reddit
your career your life. listen to advice from many sources, but the decision is yours.
kussian@reddit
This topic reminds me of those AITA sub topics 😓
DixonCider5@reddit
Can confirm I’m pretty stupid. I make the plane do all the work
bignose703@reddit
Let me guess, your parents indentify everyone by the first jobs they’ve ever held? Maybe saying a certain congress woman isn’t qualified because she’s a bartender?
Your parents are stupid and you can tell them I said it.
FutureA350@reddit (OP)
i respect your opinion.Thanks.
Affectionate_Tone281@reddit
What does your father do for a living to ride such a high horse? Genuine question. I need some perspective to understand this one.
Dependent-Place-4795@reddit
He’s a physical therapist
zulukilocharlie@reddit
can confirm, am stupid
Dear-Shower9282@reddit
Same
Imaginary_Choice_987@reddit
I’ve said it for years. I’m too stupid to do anything else that’s going to pay me $350k a year to work 12 days a month.
Kollsman_Window@reddit
Op: What does your father do for a living?
NationalReading3921@reddit
It’s rough right now.
Not saying pilots are stupid. Just saying that it’s a tough field with lots of economic oscillations.
Something to think hard about.
VermicelliMoney5421@reddit
You can cry all the way to the bank.
jettech89@reddit
As an aircraft mechanic, this makes me happy inside. As a realist, they’re wrong. Pilot pay on the low end, isn’t what it was just a few years ago. It’s expensive to get to the point where you can start making real money but I’d look at it as an investment, just like I view my tools, they’ve made me far more money than they cost.
External-Victory6473@reddit
I think they mean that its a stupid profession for most people to go after. The vast majority of people who spend more money than they have on attempting to become a professional pilot never come close to getting there and all that time and money is wasted. Yeah, a few people slip through the cracks and get lucrative flying jobs. But most people who attempt to become a proffessional pilot would have been better off if they had stayed away from flying. But that doesnt solve the "what if" problem.
Mountain-Dealer8996@reddit
I have a PhD in Neuroscience and working on my pilot certificates and learning how to fly is the most science / engineering I’ve done since grad school. The range of topics and skills one has to master is truly breathtaking.
asml84@reddit
Same, I have a PhD in math, but it’s just so much information. Also, I’m a pretty analytical person and the amount of multi-tasking was really overwhelming in the beginning.
Wasatcher@reddit
So true. You have to be an amateur meteorologist, physicist, with an understanding of all systems on board, be able to read maps that would look like hieroglyphics to the untrained eye, confident on the radios, all while responding to dynamic weather and traffic situations on the fly. Not to mention needing a calm, focused demeanor in the face of highly stressful situations such as emergencies in which the vast majority of the general public would be prone to panic.
FutureA350@reddit (OP)
It honestly is.They literally teach you life!
GravitationalConstnt@reddit
Your parents have no clue what they're talking about.
itsthebando@reddit
My dad told me when I was 17 that getting a degree in computer science would be a waste of my talent and that I should go be an electrical engineer. This was in 2010 by the way.
Needless to say, he was wrong,. Parents are morons sometimes.
Longhornmaniac8@reddit
This is a good reminder that as we grow up we think our parents are super intelligent and know everything, but then sometimes they turn out to be fucking idiots.
We can love our family and also realize at the same time they don't know everything (or anything) and should take their advice, however well-intentioned it may be, with a giant crystal of salt.
Kemerd@reddit
Best solution I’ve found is to not argue with stupid. Just move out. Much easier to get along with people you don’t live with.
mvpilot172@reddit
Or owe money to.
Kemerd@reddit
Yep. I know many people who are financially dependent on their parents, and are stressed because they can’t disagree with them or make them upset and it’s like.. maybe stop mooching off them and become your own person? Of course it’s stressful being under someone’s boot like that as an adult..
JimmyisAwkward@reddit
In this economy?
lostinhh@reddit
I was about to upvote but it was at 787 and didn't want to ruin it, sorry.
AffectionateSpell505@reddit
Just remind your parents, that you get to pick the old folks home they go to.
MUTSpartan@reddit
Aviation Management Technology is a horrible backup for a pilot, the only good job you can get with that degree is being a pilot haha. It is a good job tho, you're not a doctor that's for sure but if you want to fly then getting paid to do it is pretty fucking awesome
BlacklightsNBass@reddit
“Probably an FO at Southwest” Actually a ramp rat at SkyWest
FutureA350@reddit (OP)
i searched his LinkedIn up.
BlacklightsNBass@reddit
Curious question…. What does your dad do for a living? Based on his ridiculous comments I’d say something far less accomplished than an airline pilot. Hence his dismissive view of them. Or maybe his pilot friend was getting looks from Mom 😎
FutureA350@reddit (OP)
Ayo. alright. dad a physical therapist
Field_Sweeper@reddit
Lmfao, so he doesn't even break 120k a year probably (roughly the highest 10% from a quick search barely make that)? Sorry but your dad is one of the losers. IF that's how he determines worth, 120k a year TOPS is some loser shit to me, I work in sales and fly on the side, so to me, I would call his ass the loser. I mean, I personally don't use that as judgement, BUT if he does, then let's use that as judgement. lmfao.
Field_Sweeper@reddit
Lmfao, so he doesn't even break 120k a year probably?
BlacklightsNBass@reddit
There are about 300,000 registered Physical Therapists and only 160,000 ATP’s. Ask Dad why something so easy to achieve is more rare than his career field.
Logical_Check2@reddit
"Because they can't find enough stupid people"
JustaRandoonreddit@reddit
For 6 figures?
Wonderful-Can-6939@reddit
Your parents are really stupid for saying that, but I do think you should get a non aviation degree just because there’s a chance that you might have issues during/after flight training, ie failing check rides and medical.
Might be interesting to do part 61 and go to your state school for a STEM degree at the same time. This might be able to appease your parents.
prex10@reddit
Let me guess your parents are Asian
FutureA350@reddit (OP)
Pakistani is the right word!
legitSTINKYPINKY@reddit
That’s in Asia right
SonOfAnEngineer@reddit
It’s a weird halfway between Asia and the Middle East.
mikestat38@reddit
Central Asia is the word your looking for. And to the poster. I wouldn't take much notice of what any non Western parent thinks is a smart or stupid career. I have to laugh when I see accountants struggling to make 150k and Pharmacists and Engineers maxing out at 150k unless they own the business themselves. Dentistry is also another flooded field. And its flooded mainly by immigrant parents children who would only allow them to study Medicine, Engineering, Pharmcology or Accounting. And the harsh reality is I would not even classify many of them as intelligent. What is intelligent about rote learning? This is a major flaw in their thinking and has resulted in once highly paid careers becoming flooded due to their parents narrow mindedness. Plenty of highly paid tradesman nowadays too because everyones parents looked down on skilled labour as trash, even though it requires a level of technical knowhow and skill that the majority do not possess.
x4457@reddit
The Middle East, part of the continent of Asia. Also known as West Asia.
Continental-IO520@reddit
Pakistan is NOT in the middle east lmao. It's in the subcontinent. Which is as you said in Asia
original_glazed@reddit
The Middle East is “Central Asia”
AD_VICTORIAM_MOFO@reddit
Also known as: Western Asia
DuelingPushkin@reddit
The Middle East either the exception of Egypt is also in Asia
FutureA350@reddit (OP)
Yup.Heard of it before.
Double-Blackberry497@reddit
YOO SAME MY PARENRS SAY THE SAME SHIT
Better-Radish-5757@reddit
You’re cooked. It ain’t you, it’s them. You only have 3 options: Doctor, Engineer or IT
prex10@reddit
Fuck your patents. Do what you want.
If making a deep six figure income means I'm fucking stupid so be it.
brucebrowde@reddit
I'd skip the fucking part, but 100% agreed with your second sentence.
FutureA350@reddit (OP)
i never wanted to be a doctor im so into aviation and that i read my ground school book so that before flight school im already very familiar with some topics.
Continental-IO520@reddit
Weird as fuck to me that they're like this because my parents are Indian and literally won't stop bragging about me being a pilot to everyone they know to my chagrin
MDT230@reddit
My parents are also brown. Do you also get compared with cousins who make money doing non pilot things?
FutureA350@reddit (OP)
no.they just compare with people who were going to do aviation but then things didnt go well.
DinkleBottoms@reddit
Just show them the pay scale for pilots at a Major. Make sure to gloss over CFI pay though
FutureA350@reddit (OP)
haha
TooLow_TeRrAiN_@reddit
I’m Pakistani too and my parents were like that at first but they saw how obsessed I was with aviation and realized they were fighting a losing battle. Being across the country at college also helped a ton. Now they won’t stop bragging about me. Go figure lol
Mr-Plop@reddit
"What does your so do?"
"He's a local renowned doctor"
"Awesome, you must be proud"
"Hell yeah, everyone looks up to him. And what DOES YOUR SON DO?"
"He makes a 3-story building fly up to 45,000 ft"
"Oh...."
TooLow_TeRrAiN_@reddit
Spot on 😂
Large_Whereas9678@reddit
Weird as a guy with also Pakistani parents they were all about me being stupi- I mean becoming a pilot!
financiallyanal@reddit
In this part of the world, it just isn't a commonly known career path. STEM is their well worn path to success, so that's what everyone will focus on.
Aviation indeed can be a good career path, but unknown to them, and maybe harder for them to share with others and be received with the recognition that doctor/engineer bring.
The other aspect of this could be if they feel its way out of working hard. One issue is it's hard to differentiate working hard from being interested in a subject matter altogether. If I never cared about math (definitely not my case, but just an example), would it be seen as working less hard if I wasn't up till 11PM every night slaving away with the text book? Maybe I'm just more motivated to do everything needed for an aviation career, or something else, but just not the standard career paths.
I would say it's good you're thinking early about the career path that interests you so you can be realistic and make plans. I did not think this deeply about it till I was in college, adding time to my degree's standard completion time, which was fine, but it would have def been better to come to this realization earlier on.
Motor-Freedom-8072@reddit
In the wise words of Rucka Rucka Ali, “U never be doctor, u are too stupid”
TrynHawaiian@reddit
It’s a bold strategy cotton, let’s see if it pays off for him.
General174512@reddit
Just do it if you want to. Whether for a career or for fun is all up to you.
After you leave the house, they can't force you to do anything.
TheDeepShort@reddit
Depending on what they mean by “stupid”. Sure an average pilot would not do so well in advanced mathematics but so is 95% percent of the population. At the end of the day, it’s a great career no doubt that
SquirrelMoney8389@reddit
Only stupid people say things like that. Donald Trump's dad Fred Trump called it "bus driving in the sky" and shamed his son Fred Trump Jr into alcoholism and abandoning his dream after he had already achieved it.
ShittyBollox@reddit
lol. No way.
aftcg@reddit
My Dad's dad said "only smart people can be pilots and you're not" when my dad was 8. My dad retired #1 on the Whale at NWA 58 years later.
JustaRandoonreddit@reddit
My dad's dad... So your grandpa
aftcg@reddit
Is that's what he's called? Huh
footballdan134@reddit
My friend flying cargo to LA on a 757F and back in the 90's and now VP for one of biggest cargo logistics in the USA! Yeah well tell him that!
naarwhal@reddit
Fred Trump is that you?
FridayMcNight@reddit
Only fools speak in absolutes.
JustaRandoonreddit@reddit
Wait a minute...
FridayMcNight@reddit
I know, right.
I’m a little crestfallen that it took so long for someone to call me out.
JustaRandoonreddit@reddit
Hear me out, get a bachelor's in EE or ME and then become a pilot afterwards
InitiativePale859@reddit
My grandfather flew for Eastern and called himself a glorified bus driver
hondaridr58@reddit
Lol wat?
JonMikeReddit@reddit
Cant fix stupid
headbone@reddit
Only stupid people say, "Only stupid people..."
um, hmm.
flyboy7700@reddit
Pilot’s aren’t stupid. We’re lazy. 🤣😂🤣
hew3@reddit
Can confirm
Saint-Paladin@reddit
Pray tell, what do your parents do? Because they don’t seem like the brightest people if they truly believe that lol
jock_lindsay@reddit
What do your parents do?
ainsley-@reddit
Might be stupid but at least we don’t have a mortgage!
onetwentyeight@reddit
What do your parents do for a living,?
FutureA350@reddit (OP)
Dad is a physical therapist.
Mom takes care of the kids.
Dependent-Place-4795@reddit
Pretty sure pilots make like 2-3x what a physical therapist makes lol
brongchong@reddit
4-5X at the top of the pilot food chain.
Dependent-Place-4795@reddit
Yup
Baystate411@reddit
Maybe he thinks Pakistani pilots are stupid...after all they did try a go around after scraping both engine, flamed them out, and then killed everyone.
hawker1172@reddit
And they say American aviation is bad…
FutureA350@reddit (OP)
its because the southwest FO is divorced and got a second wife. So they dont look at that very well but im not getting married i think that it wont go well and also ill have extra money for my self!
GravitationalConstnt@reddit
You’re not getting married, like ever? One of my best buds is Pakistani and if I’ve learned anything from him it’s that Pakistani parents can get very pushy about marriage. Seems like they’re going to be upset, at least until you’re successful, one way or another.
FutureA350@reddit (OP)
maybe but well see...
FutureA350@reddit (OP)
also ill have to get my job quick if that ever happens.
FutureA350@reddit (OP)
they cant force marriage.
Weasel474@reddit
Lemme guess. They'd be super proud if you became a doctor even though they have a similar divorce rate?
FutureA350@reddit (OP)
Actually?Also being a doctor and doing so many years of hard work you also get into a a ton of debt but also get paid alot.But pilots are on another level.the experience is is a lot better for pilots.
Better-Radish-5757@reddit
Such an inspiring father! Don’t let his ignorance define you. I can tell you that it takes grit, brains and solid decision making to get the privilege to fly people. I’m no pilot, just a mom that sees what my son has to do to achieve his dreams. There isn’t one pilot that fell into this career to just give it a go.
That comment is so fear based….yuck. Be nice if he’s funding…but he’s trying to limit your options. It’s expensive and a grind but like others had mentioned, the pay is nice and if you avoid debt, retire multi millionaire…EASY!
5teerPike@reddit
Are they stupid?
jaces888@reddit
Yup. 🤣🤣
jaces888@reddit
Go for it. Did you know that pilots are probably one of the most stressful jobs other than doctors? Can you handle being responsible for 500ppl’s lives in the air? They pay them a lot (by the good airlines and at captain level), and retrain and reevaluate annually just to make sure that pilots don’t just go rouge and cause unwanted chaos as a few do.
Aviation Management Technology sounds dope. Choose a good course and learn as much as you can if you decide to become a flight engineer instead. That’s probably set your career for life until all planes no longer exist which is basically impossible nowadays. Airline industry is the pinnacle of global business and connectivity.
If I could rewrite, only stupid people never took a chance to become pilots if they already fit the profile.
AllSquareOn2ndBet@reddit
Are your parents Quantum Scientists?
Mizzle6@reddit
Your. Parents. Are. DICKS.
They have no clue what it takes to be a professional pilot. And your dad is jealous of his friend who works at SW.
Excellent_Safe596@reddit
Your parents haven’t seen pilots working for half the month and getting paid for the whole month. Being a pilot is no different than any other job. Your parents just have a bias against aviation for whatever reason.
okiharaherbst@reddit
I suppose there's a slim chance both your parents score in the top 1% on IQ, so I can't rule out that their comment is actually well-intended and meant in a relative context.
Snakepit92@reddit
No I'm doesn't!
Mindless-Scholar-689@reddit
Ignore them. Sometimes it's better to stay quiet and just work hard. Let your success speak for itself. :)
Itchy_Raspberry_9120@reddit
I have a master’s degree… hardest thing I ever studied for was my aviation ratings.
182RG@reddit
Culturally, your parents aren't going to be satisfied with anything but a STEM career.
fender8421@reddit
You'd think the T for Technology would even include this...
182RG@reddit
No. Pilots are bus drivers in some cultures.
primalbluewolf@reddit
Pilots are bus drivers, period.
That only really changes once you're in a single seat platform.
Granted, the bus driver role can be paid much better.
brucebrowde@reddit
Rich bus drivers.
fender8421@reddit
And in some cultures (Philadelphia), bus driver is a surprisingly competitive job
Ok-Selection4206@reddit
But you would have to live in Philadelphia eeew.
Icy-Bar-9712@reddit
Pilots are very, very clearly a trade job.
UniqueIndividual3579@reddit
I got a CS degree and joined the AF as a pilot.
Vithar@reddit
Which is fair.
cuttawhiske@reddit
You're asking a reddit of aviation people and pilots asking if we think we ourselves are stupid? You seem about as disconnected from reality as your parents. Drive next time you want to go anywhere.
FutureA350@reddit (OP)
its because they saw the fact that "you dont need a degree to become a pilot" so immediately they thought this is easy shit.
vagasportauthority@reddit
Sure you don’t need a degree but you still have to go to a specialized school to get the training required to learn to fly… a school 80% of people drop out of before they get their PPLs.
Ignoring that:
Having a degree is not a legal or hard requirement to get your certificates. It becomes a lot harder to get hired as an airline pilot without a degree, by a lot harder I mean impossible in many cases. College degrees were just recently dropped as a requirement by major airlines to get hired because they were desperate for pilots, even then very few people without degrees got hired by the majors (that’s after they went through the regionals of course) Today, things have changed again, and without a degree you aren’t getting hired.
Not needing a degree is only on paper. In practice you really should get one because it’s very likely you won’t go to the majors without one.
cuttawhiske@reddit
Its not too late to delete this post.
vagasportauthority@reddit
As many here have said, your parents have no idea what they are talking about. Many people in general greatly underestimate the challenges of becoming and being an airline pilot. If you have the luxury of not listening to your parents (not everyone does) don’t listen to them and go down the path to becoming an airline an airline pilot.
I don’t understand the logic of “X person did this before / during so the job they are doing now must be easy” I know people who worked small odd jobs to help pay their way through lawschool or med school or flight school, college etc. That’s not uncommon at all in this day and age…
Very weird logic indeed…
EpicDude007@reddit
get an education. Got it. - Sorry about your parents. You’ll find all kinds of different educations and degrees among pilots.
T0gaLOCK@reddit
Its true. I almost failed out of highschool and barely graduated after retaking 3 classes (same one twice), then failed out of my first year of college.
Fast forward 3 years and i passed all my pilot certs up to commercial multi. Now im a captain at a major making over 250k a year and graduated with my bachelors summa cum laude.
So yeah, just idiots i guess.
TwoEightRight@reddit
Stupid people become pilots all the time, but it's not a requirement.
Cascadeflyer61@reddit
Let’s see, I flew an airliner off a 6000 runway last night in the Pacific Ocean , no ATC radar, with me and my fellow pilot handling the jet, talking on both Satcom and HF radio and avoiding thunderstorms in the area! Most people could not do this, and it requires more than just intelligence, unfortunately your parents have no idea what they are fucking talking about!
Sergeant_Horvath@reddit
The people who performed the poorly in high school went to flight school.
They now live comfortable lives.
The stupidest people did nothing and or went to jail.
Both_Coast3017@reddit
Then I must be a retard. (I am)
Soggy-Fix-5770@reddit
Hey! I’m about to graduate college with a BS in Aviation Management. It was also my dream to become a pilot, but it’s very difficult.
Flying can be very taxiing financially and mentally. First and foremost you need to find an AME and obtain your first class medical (if you cannot obtain your first class medical you can’t get your atp). I would also get my ppl before committing to a 141 school. This will give you such a boost.
Flying is cool and all but make sure you’re able to afford your lessons.
Amesb34r@reddit
I’m a licensed professional engineer and I’m pretty sure I’d rather be a pilot.
Gullible_Banana387@reddit
Did he google the salary?
bdgreen113@reddit
Your parents are dumb as fuck
ExpensiveCategory854@reddit
Your parents come from old money?
WesternCowgirl27@reddit
Lmao I’ll be sure to tell my husband, who was an actuary before becoming a pilot, that he’s stupid 😅
PS: If your parents don’t know what an actuary is, tell them to contact my husband; hopefully, they can understand his level of stupid.
caddy45@reddit
What do your folks do, besides shit on your dreams?
Seriously you have to live your life for you. Don’t be a narcissist but you can’t live your life trying to make others happy, that will eat you alive.
Look at some of these guys $/hr rate, it’s insane. Or you could go be an engineer or an architect working 60+ hours a week for maybe 1/2 of what a pilot would make after 10 years.
FlyingN00dles@reddit
My father told me I couldn’t be a pilot because women shouldn’t be in such a “high stress environment”. I basically told him to shove it where the sun don’t shine and he can enjoy having 0 benefits when I finally get the dream job. He’s magically now supportive :-) Whether or not they’re there for you now doesn’t matter, it’s your life not theirs and you don’t owe them shit. Live your dreams or spend the rest of your life wondering.
TheLawbringing@reddit
Here's the thing, you're gonna be out of high school, you'll be an adult, who gives a fuck what your parents think about the career? If you're going to do something for the next 60 years of your life it'd better be something you like doing. Better start saving up now though.
rckid13@reddit
I failed out of college and became a pilot so maybe they're right. But my wife has a doctorates degree and I make 4x more money per year than she does so being smart doesn't always seem to help.
Ok-Literature7648@reddit
The gas station job probably sucked the lift out of his friend so bad that’s what pushed him to become a pilot, who now works at south west.
Heavy-Owl5905@reddit
Sorry but your parents are ignorant…lol
yppers@reddit
Just a ppl takes way more knowledge and competence than 95% of bachelor degrees nevermind getting close to the airlines.
jaylw314@reddit
As a counterpoint, one medical condition can bring your career to a grinding halt, and it may not be recoverable. For example, if you faint and a doctor thinks you may have had a seizure, that could put your career on hold indefinitely. Same goes for cardiac and psychiatric conditions. That's a significant inherent risk when you consider the amount of time and money you sink into it.
Continental-IO520@reddit
I'm not American but wouldn't loss of licence insurance cover this? It's generally more than enough to support you for a few years and retrain.
Continental-IO520@reddit
I suspect that your parents are probably used to the spoiled brat becoming airline pilot through money and connections stereotype from the subcontinent, but I'm surprised that you're not being bragged about purely on that alone. My (also brown) parents won't shut up about me lol.
Muschina@reddit
My first Chief Flight Instructor was famous for saying “The only reason anybody became a pilot is ‘cause they’re lazy”. I spent a lot of time and effort to eventually be truly lazy.
Extension-Event-3715@reddit
That’s okay, my mom told me I was throwing my college degree away for stupid airplanes and I wasn’t ever going make it. My husband and I currently are wiping our tears aways about the comment with our 350k a year house hold income and in a few more years we’ll cry even harder about it with our half a million a year house hold income. You just learn to tune out people that aren’t ever going to get your love for flying or the sacrifices you make in this career path.
Pasturepilot@reddit
If you mean “stupid money,” then yeah, it’s stupid.
There are downturns. Prepared yourself for those. But I wouldn’t trade this for anything else.
I_Was_Inverted991@reddit
Well. My friend was stupid enough to make a career of flying for Air Canada making $275,000 a year. What an stupid idiot, I guess. /S
gfkxchy@reddit
Stupid people? Okay then.
Anyways, UND has an incredible aviation program worth checking out. We did a tour there last year when my son was considering it, excellent facilities and fleet.
Grand_Raccoon0923@reddit
They’re confusing cops and pilots.
Mechanik_J@reddit
So... are your parents trying to push you into becoming a lawyer, doctor, or engineer? But do whatever you want in life, but you might have to pay for it yourself.
Zolty@reddit
I'd make your backup something other than aviation related, seems like your head is in the right place.
Your dad isn't wrong about becoming a pilot, it's fairly easy and just needs determination and money. Becoming a professional pilot is not easy and 80% drop out, me included.
FutureA350@reddit (OP)
what made you drop out?
Zolty@reddit
It was weird, I was doing flight via the school I was at and taking student loans, I was 90% of the way through my instrument rating when I ran out of money, I had been approved for an additional $8k but the financial aid department said I'd spent too much already so they wouldn't release any additional funds. I tried to get a part time job to continue flying but ultimately went back into the IT career I'd had before starting to fly.
youngeshmoney@reddit
Think it's safe to say, your parents are the stupid ones LMAO. Don't let them kill your drive to become a pilot, it takes hard work, dedication, and intelligence to become a pilot. Ofc there's a few r-words that slip through sometimes, but don't listen to them
Accomplished_Race65@reddit
Before joining the industry I honestly thought it would just be like learning to drive. I learn to fly the plane and land, then boom I’m a pilot that can go travel around. To be a professional pilot you basically need to be a meteorologist, mechanic, air traffic controller, navigator, and even a teacher if you get your hours as a CFI. There’s so much depth of knowledge required that you’ll never stop learning, even at the majors. Anyone who thinks otherwise is very uneducated on aviation in general.
FutureA350@reddit (OP)
100%
pjlaniboys@reddit
Tell that to an Edwards AFB test pilot. Lol
mountainbrew46@reddit
Smart people become pilots. Stupid people get degrees in Aviation Management Technology because they want to be pilots
MDT230@reddit
What if I am a Pilot and have an aviation management degree?
FutureA350@reddit (OP)
thats what im trying to do.
veryaveragevoter@reddit
Be a pilot if you want...but if you're going to spend money getting a degree get one that will serve you well when you inevitably fail your medical, or your checkride, or you suddenly develop a fear of flying or any of a million other things that can derail a flying career. If you're going to spend all that money and time going to school anyways ....get your bachelor's in electrical engineering, show it to your dad, flip him the finger and then go get a job flying because I promise you a real degree is going to help you more than one that says "aviation" in it, whether you're applying to a pilot job or anything else.
CheeseCurder@reddit
Couldnt agree with this more. Smart man.
RBDK@reddit
LOL I worked at a gas station. I'm an electrical engineer now. I guess engineering school must be easy too then.
NovelLongjumping3965@reddit
Except for your management, then pilot training ,then the junk wages while you build time for a couple yrs after college.. At 30 ish you will start making good money and living the good life by 40. I'm not a pilot just know a few.
Chubbers44@reddit
Show your parents your 401k in 5 years
OnionDart@reddit
W2 might be a better matrix right now, these 401k’s are like a stab trim runaway on a Max
Baystate411@reddit
and there aint no cutout switch
4Sammich@reddit
Oh there is one. But will they use it?
OnionDart@reddit
Man, that’s a little too poignant for me right now :(
Murphysburger@reddit
DJT thought his brother was stupid for being an airline pilot.
SgtGabe150@reddit
Gotta ignore what people say about pilots in general.
Had a co worker once tell me that becoming a pilot was stupid because you couldn’t buy a Bugatti with pilot money (??)
letsflyplanes@reddit
You can though.
ImThatBoringGuy@reddit
The smartest guy I know started college in ‘86, got a B.S. in Civil Engineering in ‘90 (back when CE was a 5 year curriculum), was distinguished graduate of his class, finished his Masters in ‘91 with a thesis on the ecological effects of placing a water treatment facility upstream. His thesis was published in multiple journals and still floats around ecological engineering circles from time to time. Commissioned to the USAF in late ‘91 with a pilot slot. He was then hired onto NASA to work on data analysis and worked on several programs, focusing mainly on fluid dynamics using Fortran while waiting for his training date. After flying for the USAF for around 14 years, as a fighter pilot and instructor in fighter fundamentals, he was selected to be a commander of a Special Operations squadron that flew the MQ-1 and MQ-9. He watched over the raid on bin Laden’s palace. That earned him a spot working as head of acquisitions for SOCOM, where he routinely met with officials in the Pentagon to work on budgeting for every SpecOps group that you know of, and even more that you don’t. After 27 years of service, he now flies for FedEx.
Murphysburger@reddit
You must be talking about you.
ImThatBoringGuy@reddit
Nope, I wish! My father
RugoseBeef@reddit
take your Dad on a flight once you have your license and have him try to land. He will receive the message loud and clear.
lazyboozin@reddit
There comes a point where you become fiscally responsible and you can chose to just not listen to your parents at all and live your dreams. That’s a good feeling
NonVideBunt@reddit
This made me laugh so hard. I guess it depends on what’s important to you in life. Your parents sound like they want you to be in a STEM job which for me would be my worst nightmare. The barriers to getting a professional pilot job are high but once “you’ve arrived” I can’t think of a single job that pays the kind of money this job does while allowing you to spend 100% of your time and focus with your family when you’re not working. At my airline 300-500k is the normal … we have hustlers making just shy of 1 million a year.
FutureA350@reddit (OP)
big boy!
NonVideBunt@reddit
Just tell your parents your Reddit username… they will think of you as more of a failure than they do already 😂
FutureA350@reddit (OP)
Lol but good name?
NonVideBunt@reddit
Eh. Stick with Microsoft Flight Sim. I think that’s the closest you’ll get to the cockpit of an A350. But good luck!
NuttPunch@reddit
Your parents sound like stupid people so I'd ignore their advice. What's their background? Are they American? Their opinion honestly sounds like something I'd hear coming from different nationalities because it's pretty common knowledge that pilot is a respected profession in America.
Antique-Individual72@reddit
Bullshit. Total bullshit. Become a pilot, look at that fat cheque (im English so English spelling please excuse) then if you really want to make some money, start investing in property. Buy to lets, Airbnb, etc. You will literally be a multimillionaire by 30 without a doubt if you do this with a pilot’s salary, and, you get to be a pilot.
Seriously, even if you don’t do that, do what you enjoy, and quite conveniently, piloting is both well paid and something you enjoy!
Desperate_Ad1419@reddit
Sounds like sour grapes! HA!
srbmfodder@reddit
There are a lot of stupid pilots. There are also a lot of smart pilots.
Also, being at FO at Southwest is a pretty desirable job. What do your parents do? Cure cancer?
FutureA350@reddit (OP)
he doesn't know that he works as an FO at southwest.All he knows that hes an airline pilot but i know myself he is an FO at southwest.
srbmfodder@reddit
Your dad should probably get in touch with him! This whole post is full of awesome replies btw. I really got a kick out of it.
Seriously though. I was a Network Engineer for YEARS and ran some pretty expensive/cool IT equipment. It was a lot of different challenges and problem solving. I enjoyed that, but not the stress. Flying has a lot of other challenges but a lot more brain chill time (at cruise). You just have to be able to execute when you need to correctly.
f1racer328@reddit
Show them my pay stub and see if they still think it’s for stupid people.
I make a stupid amount of money to not work a lot.
Fly 12-14 days a month and I can afford a great lifestyle. I feel super lucky.
exploringtheworld797@reddit
It’s a great career for us stupid people.
Mail_____11@reddit
Don't airlines usually hire engineering grads?
Fit-Bedroom6590@reddit
Color me stupid and stay inside the lines.
saml01@reddit
After I played Microsoft Flight Sim 98 I immediately wanted to be a pilot. My parents said "that's not why we brought you to this country" I spent then next 25 years wondering what could have been and regretting that I let them talk me out of it.
Hodgetwins32@reddit
What does ST mean?
saml01@reddit
ST = Student. Its one of the flair options. I used to be one, I still am, but I used to be one too.
Dirty_Power@reddit
lol unexpected r/MitchHedberg
Feisty_Display937@reddit
STEM - Science-Technology-Engineering-Math
Mr-Plop@reddit
student for life I think
TheActualRealSkeeter@reddit
What do your parents do for a living?
AdministrativeBed304@reddit
I guess I’m stupid then
kytulu@reddit
I'm an A&P tech at a flight school. I spent the last two days removing and installing an engine cylinder and replacing the piston rings on a Seminole in a hangar that is not air conditioned, nor is it insulated, in 80 degree weather.
I found myself wishing that I was a pilot. Sadly, I turn 49 this year, and I have bills to pay.
Feisty_Display937@reddit
We need you guys! Maybe go to a nicer shop where you make more and work in better conditions..
ozzies_35_cats@reddit
Your parents can call me whatever they want. I know my W2 puts me in the upper echelon of US income earners.
PhilosopherUpset991@reddit
When I was 18 my dad pushed me to do a degree, 10 years later I wish I didn’t listen to him
OkArea8238@reddit
No offense but your parents are stupid to think that. Pilots are highly respected.
Feisty_Display937@reddit
My college buddy is a check airman for AA and he is making more than half a mil $ a year. I said, man you are just so stupid. Meanwhile my main gig is in IT and I make 1/4 of that. Now who is stupid? Your parents are clueless. You can make as much as a surgeon makes after you pay your dues and gain experience and seniority with a major airline...It will not happen quickly, but there is a pathway...Oh I would tell your parents that a doctor is responsible for one life at a time in surgery. A pilot is responsible for hundreds of lives on a Boeing/Airbus...Let that sink in with them next time they fly somewhere...
FutureA350@reddit (OP)
Right on!
Kitchen_Forever_4806@reddit
Well i mean i am stupid in a lot of subjects. Flying planes ain’t one. I’ll be called stupid and make 200-400K a year.
Master0fC0inn@reddit
Yeah I’m so stupid… I screwed up. The company and I put 69K into my 401K last year and they had to write me another check for 30K that they couldn’t contribute. Hate it when I do this!!
Pilot-lawyer@reddit
Well, I sure have a lot of fun being so stupid. Sure has paid the bills awful well too. I dunno
Fun_Put801@reddit
Lol go get your certs man, they’ll feel stupid when you prove them wrong. Once you get established, it’s the best.
Awkward_Algae_9631@reddit
I would recommend not getting an aviation degree.
thegooddocta@reddit
Agreed - have something to fall back on if you lose your medical.
Schroding3rzCat@reddit
If I’m honest this profession isn’t about raw intelligence. I think most people with a HS diploma could be sufficient pilots. It’s about discipline and hard work here, most people lack that.
DeegsHobby@reddit
Your dad's an asshole.
Mobe-E-Duck@reddit
I have met stupid pilots. But not many.
JimTheJerseyGuy@reddit
Your father is an idiot. Following your passion is a career in and of itself. Probably something he doesn’t understand. I wish you luck in following your own passion.
silverwings_studio@reddit
I’m sure Buzz, Allen, and Neil would agree they’ve done nothing with their lives….
Field_Sweeper@reddit
Who are those people? Toy story characters?
silverwings_studio@reddit
You’re right, we should actually be like Katy, Gail, and Lauren! Look how easy it was for them to become aStRoNaUtS
Vast-Trails365@reddit
There are only 8 classes different from pilot to management. Double major. It’s what many pilots do so they have a backup if they are grounded for not passing medical at some point in their career.
I’ve done a lot of research, my 15 year old son is working on his private pilot so that he can save $ over the cost of doing it at college and earn hours early.
Also, check with colleges your looking at now, some require you to have certain classes in HS to apply for their program.
That kind of competitive program isn’t for “stupid people”.
Designer_Solid4271@reddit
I genuinely hate people like this - why not champion a passion of someone - or more importantly - their kid! I'm mid-50's now and wish I had enough foresight to look more into aviation as a young man. Why didn't I? Well, it was expensive and my mom certainly would have pitched a giant fit. For her anything risk-taking would have been a fight.
If you're 18, the cool part is you're an adult and get to make your own decisions. Yes those decisions come with both the good and bad. The real trick you're going to run into is finding the funding to do it. Scholarships are the best way to get there if you can land some - and there are many out there. Make sure you approach it with a plan of action. Take meaningful steps each day to get there.
Virian@reddit
I have a PhD in microbiology and I was a lot more nervous walking into my IFR check ride than I was my dissertation defense.
There is a LOT of information that one needs to know to be a successful pilot. The flying is the easy part - it's all the studying that makes it difficult.
Sage_Blue210@reddit
As a technical person I am surprised to hear that!
Field_Sweeper@reddit
Please do tell us what your parents do, and how much they make. I'd LOVE to know.
Burgershot621@reddit
I mean, I’ve flown with some idiots. But hey they got that far so they’re not stupid per se
VileInventor@reddit
there’s stupid people in every career path, you can’t account for 100% of stupidity. that said, aviation has a real way of killing off the stupid ones.
Why-Not04@reddit
That's ridiculous! 3 figure salary basically working part time. Pilots have a great responsibility to get others loved ones to their destination. People's lives are in their hands. I would get all your ratings to apply to an airline & if a degree is important to you do it online. In the airline industry the hiring door is only open so long then it slams shut for yrs. Right now it's open due to boomer mandatory retirement but the opportunity won't be forever.
SiegeSupport@reddit
I think they’re confusing pilots with real estate agents. Usually real estate agents are the ones who pick that career because they can’t pass any sort of continuing education in life.
ChopAndDrop27@reddit
Ouch! I worked at a gas station to earn money for my flying lessons.
Remind your parents that stupid people will be flying the plane the next time they go on an airliner.
CaptainsPrerogative@reddit
Wow. Let me put my job duties, job satisfaction, lifestyle, paycheck, retirement savings, and net worth up against your Dad’s, and let’s see who’s the stupid one.
yeahbut_still@reddit
My ex always said I was retarded
centerviews@reddit
Let me guess, their idea of “smart” is a college degree and working a soul sucking 9 to 5 for 30 years?
CapeGreg767@reddit
Stupid huh?
Hmmmm.........I am a multi-millionaire, retiring at 60, worked 7 months out of every year for the last 28 years flying around the world................yeah, I don't mind being called stupid.
macgruff@reddit
That’s the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard. Every person I know is either super “into” the culture and hence do nothing but learn more every day about flying, or, they’re financially independent because they are smart enough to own and run their own business well enough to even afford to fly.
Just a blatantly stupid thought.
InvestigatorShort824@reddit
Show them how many major airline captains cleared a million dollars in earnings last year.
farejare1@reddit
Your parents working in aviation maintenance?
FutureA350@reddit (OP)
nope
undercoveraviator@reddit
I wish I did it as a career. Do it.
Sea_Procedure_6293@reddit
You can find stupid people in all careers.
budbutler@reddit
Becoming a pilot isn't doing something with your life? It's a pretty big deal imo.
Wonderful-Life-2208@reddit
I mean, I do know a lot of stupid pilots.
LaserRanger_McStebb@reddit
Do you want to fly airplanes or manage a fleet?
If you want to fly, that money is better spent on lessons.
FutureA350@reddit (OP)
you must be mistaken. Im getting that degree because im interested in aviation if i go for a degree that i dont like ill get VERY bored of it and i wont actually willfully study for it.And to get hired i want my application to stand out.
LaserRanger_McStebb@reddit
Hey, there's nothing wrong with that. Aviation is a vast industry that contains many disciplines.
I'm just pointing out that if you want to fly for the airlines, they'll be looking at your logbook first. Not to say that a degree is worthless, like you said it'll be an additional badge on your resume. It's just that flying is a trade, and the best way to learn a trade is to do it.
FutureA350@reddit (OP)
Your right.Thanks for the advice. Couldnt have done it with he professionals
AnnualWhole4457@reddit
I'm a stupid people and I became a pilot. And a geologist. And a farmer. And a game developer. And a lot of other things unrelated to flight. Most pilots I know are the same way, with many other passions and hobbies, with an extreme depth of knowledge about those things. Y'know.....autists!
Pilots are also what we call "generalists", when it comes to put job. We need to have a shallow understanding of an extremely broad set of information. That shallow understanding of flight management systems/computers actually drew me into studying programming to learn more about how these things work. That's the opposite of "stupid" in my opinion.
While I have met some legitimately stupid pilots, the genuinely stupid ones don't typically make it that far as aviators and instead find their way into management positions at feeder/regional airlines.
My advice for you would be to ignore their opinions, because their opinions are wrong, and dive in. There's no better time to start than now. Except maybe a few years ago.
Superb-Associate-222@reddit
Somewhat accurate
Accomplished-Tax5151@reddit
My dad wanted to be a pilot but he couldn’t because of his vision. His backup plan was becoming a satellite engineer. Stupid people can be in any profession but some of the smartest people I know are pilots
poolboykacz@reddit
I did college, did the military, now I’m starting (the fuckin long) journey to fly full time.
Stupidest thing I did was not pursue this earlier
AlternativeAd3945@reddit
Just get a BA in business and then get your masters in some part of that that interests you. You’ll gain great skills and you won’t pidgeon-hole yourself if aviation doesn’t work out. And do a minor in something cool so you are an interesting person with different points of view and not just “I FLY PLANES!” Guy
AV8R79@reddit
This one hits close to home. My mother said something very similar to me when I was right out of high school in the late 90's and I told her I wanted to be a pilot. It was something to the effect of "go to school to get a real career." She either thought I wasn't capable or thought the career was an unrealistic goal. So I floundered and wound up a new car salesman, not far off from your Dad's buddy. I never stopped wanting to be an airline pilot though. The itch never stopped, so I said screw it and took out my own loan and went to flight school. Fast forward to today and I'm in my 20th year of being an airline pilot and 13th year on the A320 currently at a legacy carrier.
The shit parents say to their children can be very damaging and have long term effects on their childrens confidence. It almost happened to me. Don't let it shake your confidence. My advice is to tune the parental noise out, follow your heart and pursue your dream. You'll always wonder "what if" otherwise.
howniceforu@reddit
Thank you so much. What a life you made for Yourself. You are an amazing person. Be well and i thank you for what you've accomplished.
Maybe next stop will be a P51d?
cofonseca@reddit
That's weird because all the "dumb" pilots that I know make way more than the "smart" people that I know.
miuyao@reddit
As my boyfriend (who is a pilot) would say, “I’d rather look dumb than be dumb!”
LikenSlayer@reddit
Must be dumb, because I can't count all my Money!!
Majestic-Collar-3754@reddit
Lol stupid alright. Next time they tell you that you should show them a single approach plate and see if they can decipher it. Then realize that is basic PPL stuff.
IchiroTheCat@reddit
Just make sure YOU understand the approach plate first 🙃
Majestic-Collar-3754@reddit
Um...ok?
Altruistic-Cod1330@reddit
It’s true.
Jet_b2022@reddit
Being a pilot is one of the most challenging careers hands down. It involves lifelong learning and commitment. Not only do you need to know how to fly airplanes, you need to have extensive meteorological knowledge, knowledge of the human body and how it is affected by many different conditions and factors, you need to know math at a decent level, and then some. Sounds to me like your parents are stupid people. If you want to be a pilot, do it! Just know that your parents have no clue how hard it is. This coming from someone who was also about to go to medical school. It’s just as hard.
Channegram@reddit
Getting to the point of being a well paid pilot is hard work and for many, very difficult and sometimes impossible. Being a pilot - I would argue - is not that hard. Most (all?) professions requires continued learning.
wayofaway@reddit
I mean I have a PhD in math... But that convinced me I am dumb. So, maybe your parents are right. I'll just keep working less than 10 days a month for 250k+.
Interesting_Cold4312@reddit
Its true stupid people and kids with money become pilots but the truth is those stupid people get paid good.....
Its better to be stupid and payed than to be smart and broke
i_farding@reddit
They’re right. I’m restarded
MDT230@reddit
No you are Retarted.
Anthem00@reddit
get something in OTHER than aviation. getting a BS in aviation management technology IS stupid as a backup. . ..
I would disagree that pilots are stupid. I would say that generally the people who do becomes pilots are not necessarily the brightest or creme of the crop academically though. .
Xjsar@reddit
To be fair, the last few years have been a major boom to the pilot world. I remember 10-15yrs ago, the pay, especially at the regional level, were poverty level wages. Go fly commercially for $15-20000/yr if your lucky, not to mention you didn't need 1500hrs until 2010 (i think). The golden age of pilots that your parents probably grew up with had been dead for a long while. Not to mention the perception that pilots are glorified bus drivers (which isn't wrong).
Best advice, keep at it, and when you get to the majors, keep bringing up that your just so stupid that your making X times more than your parents while you cry about all the crap you have but they don't.
But then again....I'm a super petty douche lol
msct1835@reddit
Trust me on this. Ive been in the industry for 40 years, and some of the smartest, best educated, and most capable people that I have met are pilots.
Your parents speak from ignorance (go figure), being that they are not in the industry, and are taking the word of 1 person.
Please ignore people who talk out of their ass. They will convince you to do things that may not be in your best interest.
Always remember, Blue side up.
Now go forth and fly.
DefendTheStar88x@reddit
What a weird mindset. I've always thought of being a FO or Captain as a prestigious occupation.
Ok-Exchange-7891@reddit
I won’t say that we’re smart..
A-Sack@reddit
I worked at a gas station while I was in flight school. And then a little longer to supplement while I was a CFI. It’s ok to work a meaningless job while you’re young. In fact, that job meant almost nothing to me so it was easier to focus on what was important, flying.
JimMc0@reddit
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wYn8W_wsHVs
Impressive-Ad3348@reddit
Shame on your parents not supporting your dreams. Too sad!!
Channegram@reddit
I worked at a gas station! After learning to bullshit with people and doing the occasional oil change, tire rotation, or brake job, I became a nuclear engineer. Nuclear engineering was hard and I worked too many hours, so after 20+ years of that I became a pilot. Now I work less and get paid more. After all that, my favorite job was still pumping gas and bullshitting with people while cleaning their window. If only I could figure out how to do that job while getting paid as a pilot…
old_flying_fart@reddit
Is it too late to switch parents? Do you still have the receipt?
theupside2024@reddit
I don’t know if your parents are from non US culture but I do know that some cultures think of pilots like we would a bus driver. Nothing against bus drivers but there is no comprehension of what it takes to be a pilot. This cultural difference has led to potentially unsafe policies where the pilot is not really in command of his aircraft but is required to rely of decision making from ground based bosses. If your parents are born and raised in the US I would be surprised because pilots have always enjoyed a special status in the US. Almost idolized.
missionarymechanic@reddit
Decide if you want to be a glorified bus driver or not, then do it. Don't deviate and rack up unnecessary debt. So as long as you can get through the pipeline, it's a respectable career/paycheck. If you're chasing after the romance of aviation, and the lifestyle of a pilot isn't your thing, strongly consider what life choices get you into aerobatics or gliders/sailplanes.
I very quickly figured out that the job of being a pilot was never going to be enough for me. CC-ing in powered aviation is boring as hell for me. But, chasing after happy variometer beeps? That's the stuff right there.
StarlightLifter@reddit
Only people with sticks up their asses like your parents try to dissuade others from what they want to do in life.
Seriously if flying is going to bring you joy, give you an interesting career that you love - fuck what anyone else thinks.
Tell your bean counting parents or whatever it is they do to shove it.
IguessIcanfly@reddit
When I was in high school, I asked my mom her opinion on me becoming a pilot. She said “they don’t use their brain and airline pilots only make 30k a year”. I listened to her at the time. If I didn’t listen to her at the time, I would’ve been a wide body captain by now. I set myself back 4 years. Sure we’re all retarded, but most idiots can’t make it thru flight school
Outside_Birthday_901@reddit
Ask them what happens to lift vectors in a steep turn... since its obviously such an easy question an idiot can answer
FutureA350@reddit (OP)
lol.
Phycosphere@reddit
Anybody who looks down on someone because of a job they had isn’t worth listening too. Sorry OP, your parents are very petty people
FutureA350@reddit (OP)
maybe but i must respect them.
lotanis@reddit
I'm going to guess that it's your Dad mostly being rude about the friend who became a pilot? I would make a big bet that he's jealous. Someone who he could look down on has now got a job that is more interesting, cooler and pays better than his.
FutureA350@reddit (OP)
he barely talks to this guy.I just told him about my self and bam he wooped me with this piece of information.
Phycosphere@reddit
No you don’t. Respect is earned. Family is tricky but you can absolutely love them without valuing their opinions.
It’s concerning they voice such a poor opinion of their friend and that they don’t recognize the hustle the friend took to be where they are. If you’re constantly seeking their affirmation for your career or personal life it’s gonna fuck with your head and your goals
FutureA350@reddit (OP)
100%.thanks man.
Cdraw51@reddit
If it was so easy, why didn't your parents do it?
FutureA350@reddit (OP)
my dad was so broke he lived in a dirt house back in 1980 no school but he did work very hard.He basically gave all his money to his dad.
Cdraw51@reddit
Must not have been as easy as all that, then. Not trying to disparage your parents, just saying that on this topic, they're off base.
FutureA350@reddit (OP)
this was also in pakistan.
McDrummerSLR@reddit
Don’t get a degree in aviation, you’ll pigeonhole yourself if you don’t make it as a pilot and it’s good to have a backup. Also your parents are absolute morons. Probably just projecting their own lack of accomplishments elsewhere.
MDT230@reddit
From where I come from, STEM is the only thing they want me to go to. But they are understanding and want what is best for me. But I always get compared to the cousin who is my age, just graduated with a computer science degree and is making “100k” out of college. So yeah. Sometimes, it’s just best to break contact from people who try to demotivate you.
TemporaryAmbassador1@reddit
Can confirm, I am dumb, but I’m also happy. So just don’t try getting too smart and go for it!
Littleferrhis2@reddit
The thing about aviation is that it caters to people who are willing to learn. The best pilots aren’t the ones who are fighter jocks, they’re the ones who study. Aviation covers so many subjects, from law to medical factors, to physics, to meteorology, to mechanical engineering, and once you get to CFI Psychology. A pilot really is a jack of all trades. Like if you want to prove to your parents how much actually goes into this, give them the first part of the PPL ACS just the oral test. You’ll find all those subjects and more in there.
symskiii@reddit
Hey guys! Get a load of this rocket scientist, he used to flip burgers at McDonald's growing up, what an idiot! Guess it can't be that hard after all!!
Even in their line of logic, if "it must be easy because I know someone who is in that field who I don't respect and refuse to reevaluate my opinions on" is something we can just accept, I don't understand the relevance of needing to have a "smart job" or "hard job." Like oh, you're telling me that not only is it something I want to do and I'd make bank, but it should be easier than I expect?? Then it's settled, time to pilot
swakid8@reddit
Stupid is as Stupid does….
Apprehensive_Fly1525@reddit
Your parents sounds like narcissistic people who want to humble you. Don’t listen to them and live your life
InternationalTie504@reddit
Parents secretly wanted to be pilots and are jealous.
TravelerMSY@reddit
Do your parents care about prestige more than money? An airline pilot at a major can easily make as much or more than a primary care physician or a pharmacist, and without an advanced degree.
cazzipropri@reddit
Being a parent is difficult, and most parent fuck up their children's life in some way.
Here are your parents being somewhat unskilled at passing onto you the burden of their expectations, which will leave you with a lot to talk about to your therapist for the rest of your life.
In the meantime, yes, there are many other career paths are more remunerative than being a pilot like, I don't know, being a corporate tax lawyer.
But if you HATE the idea of being a tax lawyer (or whatever other example), then those career paths are not really viable options, are they? I don't think one can get themself to learn a complex profession if they hate every step of it. And then go to work every day doing a thing they hate. Not really possible.
It's as simple as that.
It's legitimate to have a conversation with one's kids about their future. The parents need to also realize that their kids are probably not going to be Nobel Prize in Medicine and Supreme Court Judges.
Parenting is hard.
AKStacker@reddit
Well my parents convinced me not to become a pilot for similar reasons. Now I work a boring desk job making ok money when I could have been at a major by not making a shiz ton of money with the best office view in the world. Turns out I’m the stupid one. Do yourself a favor and don’t try to please your parents. Be respectful of course but when it comes to important decisions in your life like what career path you choose you gotta be the captain of your ship and chart your course
Lanke_33@reddit
Don’t let them talk to me it would only confirm their suspicions
EpicLimaBean44@reddit
Don’t get this twisted: becoming a pilot is one of the hardest things you and your dad’s friend will ever do. But it’s also one of the most rewarding things you will ever do. Not only will you learn how to fly an airplane, but you will acquire new skills that will help you in every day life. Your dad has no clue what he’s talking about. Show him all the work you’re going to do,how much it takes. Sure, you don’t have to be Einstein to fly an airplane, but it sure isn’t a stupid man’s occupation.
theArcticChiller@reddit
Avgas has been dripping onto my head since I was 7, so I guess stupidity was a preexisting condition when I became a pilot and I gotta agree with your parents!
Robert-BanksJr@reddit
Yeah, that’s kinda the point. I don’t have to go to med school or law school or start a business and can still make a crap ton of money for a job that’s really not that difficult
Heavy_Preference_251@reddit
Lmao sounds like dumbest thing I heard all day
jbeveridge52@reddit
They don't know what they don't know. Getting a Bachelor's is an excellent idea but don't do it as a backup do it as an enhancement. Make the main thing the main thing. If you want to become a pilot, become a pilot and find a program that will allow you to do both. Family bias is hard to overcome. Try to act like a duck and let it roll off your back and keep working hard underneath the surface. They will figure out it's something that is important to you and eventually they will accept it or just be quiet about it.
FutureA350@reddit (OP)
yeah exactly like an enhancement Aviation is the main thing.
Mr-Plop@reddit
Alright I think everyone has pretty much said everything they had to about OP's parents. Now time for the real question:
OP: who's paying for your career? If the answer is mom & dad it might be time to start thinking about becoming independent. It's their money, their degree.
What i would do is what many young adults do, get whatever absurd degree your parents want, make some money out of it and pay for flight school. So they can't say shit.
FutureA350@reddit (OP)
moms and dad money but i know can get a free degree at like a community college if things go REALLY BAD.But if i do good in high school and get into a "good" college full ride.
Mr-Plop@reddit
Everyone is shitting on your parents. But what nobody is telling you is that you're gonna struggle financially like crazy if you have to work as a CFI so be ready for the "i told you so " conversations. So better get a degree in something else to weather the storm.
FutureA350@reddit (OP)
both my brothers got full ride into U-M dearborn
ckhaulaway@reddit
Your parents aren't just wrong in a, "that's a bad opinion but it's just a subjective opinion," kind of way, they're objectively wrong and I can demonstrate it scientifically. The USAF has been using the AFOQT and the TBAS as selection criteria for officer trainees who wish to become pilots. These tests are heavily correlated with IQ, such that they are, in essence, IQ tests. What do the decades worth of data demonstrate? Not only does having a higher IQ increase your chances of graduating from pilot training, it also correlates in a nearly linear fashion with how well you do in training. The higher your IQ is, the better you will do in one of the fairest, most objective pilot training programs on the planet.
This trend doesn't just end in the military, the demands of flying complex, high-performance aircraft are the same whether you're in uniform or not (I'm not equating flying fighters with Cessnas, I'm identifying core abilities) and the practical application of flight training in the western world (nobody is getting hired at delta because their daddy is a prince) reflects those demands. The entire process, from your first solo to getting your ATP, is one big IQ test from start to finish and the competitive hiring process and compensation reflects that fact. We don't have the same type of psychometric data for the civilian pilot population, but the Air Force developed their training programs before we had access to such data, the data merely helped us to understand the process objectively. Civilian training and pilot selection developed organically in response to the same environment and job requirements, it's going to reflect the same fundamental reality that smarter people make better pilots, and we like hiring better pilots.
https://corescholar.libraries.wright.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1094&context=isap_2013
no_on_prop_305@reddit
I’m dumb and I haven’t flown in years. Checkmate, op’s parents
Cxopilot@reddit
Did you tell your parents FO’s at Southwest average 280k a year? Hell I’m on year 3 pay and I’m gonna gross 310
Ok_Bottle_7568@reddit
Ask your parents to take a cog screen 😂
Designer_Buy_1650@reddit
As a sixth grader when I told my dad I wanted to be a pilot he said, “In a few years there won’t be a need for pilots, everything will be automatic.” I heard what he said, but disregarded it. That was years ago and I now have over 20,000 hours of flight time.
You need to respect your parents, but they’re not right about everything. And, believe me, if you’re not smart you won’t become a professional pilot. Follow your dreams.
fender8421@reddit
I'd argue that most pilots I know have "Done more with their life" than people in a lot of other jobs
nayr1683@reddit
I would agree with this
Dojomojocasahouse_@reddit
That’s just a stupid thing to say and is more of an indictment against your parents’ intelligence than anyone else’s. The truth is there are stupid pilots…..and Dr’s, lawyers, CEO’s, etc etc. There are also very intelligent people in all these fields. You’ll also find intelligent people in construction, retail, bartending, etc etc etc. A job or an education doesn’t make someone intelligent or unintelligent.
Do your research and pursue whatever career you want and think will give you the life you want to live. To me, this has been a fantastic career. I make great money and have an amazing work/life balance. I know people who make more money than me and I know people who have more time off than me, but I don’t know anyone who can do both as well as I (or my fellow pilots) can.
The_Warrior_Sage@reddit
Your parents are stupid.
Ignore their haterade, become a pilot, then watch them grovel for money when they're decrepit and you're successful. It'll be worth the bullshit then.
Hour_Tour@reddit
Am controller and pilot, your parents aren't all that wrong (I joke. Mostly.). I'd rather stupid and happy though.
A degree is a fairly smart thing to have, but if you have to pay a lot for it then in my mind it's a bit damned if you do damned if you don't.
tomdarch@reddit
I am not a professional pilot, and I'll admit my "pro higher education" bias. I'm a big fan of getting a "real" bachelor's degree in addition to training to be a pilot, so your parents and I would probably have some overlap on that.
But yeah, they clearly have no idea how much those "stupid" major airline pilots are making.
They probably also just block out of their minds how genuinely stupid a lot of engineers and lawyers actually are.
scudrunner14@reddit
Some us may be idiots, but we’re definitely not stupid
6-packMan@reddit
Yo, I’m in the middle of switching careers to become a pilot and you post s***t like this lol…all joke aside, the more I seriously think about becoming a pilot, the more I feel like plane crashes are occurring…maybe I’m more aware but yeah…
runway31@reddit
lmao.
I was an aerospace engineer first for a few years, realized pilots at our company were enjoying life more (and getting paid more), so I left to become a pilot. I've seen smart and dumb engineers, same with pilots. Real wisdom is realizing what you enjoy more and pursuing that dream.
IgetCoffeeforCPTs@reddit
Out of curiosity OP, what do your parents want you to do? MD?
FutureA350@reddit (OP)
yeah but aint no way im doing that.but my brother hes in college on his way to MD.He told me becoming a pilot is the right path if you like it that much.
Captain_Billy@reddit
I make more than many doctors as a pilot
IgetCoffeeforCPTs@reddit
I think your brother is right. Remember, its your life, not your parents'.
Fisherman_30@reddit
I make as much or more than doctors in my area....
Potential-Elephant73@reddit
I don't think I've ever heard anyone generalize pilots as being stupid, lol. Pilot is one of the most respected professions there is.
DuelingPushkin@reddit
Impeccable logic on your parents.
I guess being the CEO of a Fortune 5 company is also "for stupid people that haven't done anything in their lives" since Jeff Bezos used to work at McDonald's.
PilotDB@reddit
Yes. What kind of stupid people have to be minor subject matter experts in general aerodynamics, weather, aeronautical systems such as jet propulsion, and be exceptionally proficient at math, as well as hundreds of federal regulations and are by law singularly responsible for the safety of hundreds of people each flight? Idiots.
Theta-Wonder@reddit
What do your parents do?
FutureA350@reddit (OP)
physical therapy
Captain_Billy@reddit
I have seen more things and places in this world in my 50+ years as a pilot than 99.99% of the population of the world.
Your parents have no idea what they are talking about
Jethro_Tell@reddit
So, if your parents end or avoid arguments my shitting on something like this, probably a lot of what gets said is BS.
Every career has pros and cons and it’s good to discuss them and understand what you’re getting into. Shutting down conversation without discussion or reason is a way for them to avoid processing whatever negative emotion or reason they have for not wanting this.
Since you don’t have their help, you’ll have to make the decision yourself which it seems like you are doing. Make sure you dig in on the pros and cons of the job, industry, and training paths. It looks like you are doing that now so know that you are in the right path and being thorough and open minded as you investigate this will go a long ways.
Also remember that you can change your mind later. If you’re going to get a BA first you may find something that interests you that you had no idea even existed. That’s ok too. Make room to learn and change in your plans. And good luck!
Best-Republic@reddit
I had someone joke with me before - that a pilot is just a unionized cab driver for the airways.
The way I explain this is every job has its pro and cons, every career has a path some easy some hard. It is not the job or career it is what we do with it.
China_bot42069@reddit
I wonder what they think about real estate agents. Op my parents were the same. If we listened to everything our parents said eventually we too would be just as miserable. Work hard. Plan, get help from proper mentors and you will do great in life.
NoGuidance8609@reddit
They’re not wrong
HateJobLoveManU@reddit
Ask them why they aren't a pilot then
Jrnation8988@reddit
Your parents are “stupid people”
LateralThinkerer@reddit
Be better than your parents.
The argument "My dad said this becasue one of his friends is probably an FO at southwest and he said that he used work at a gas station so becoming a pilot is easy." has so many fallacies wrapped up in it that it glows in the dark.
Their concern is touching, and having a backup plan is a good idea, but a lot of aviation careers will present themselves as you go if you get washed out because of a physical etc.
Source: Used to work in a gas station, have a PhD in engineering/retired from a research/academic career into consulting, and flies just for the hell of it.
pisanggorgor@reddit
your parents are right
pewdiepastry@reddit
No the stupid people become helicopter pilots. Source: I am a helicopter pilot.
amended-tab@reddit
🤣
Picklemerick23@reddit
Your parents are only concerned with what you do so they can tell their friends what you do. So they can feel validation on your accomplishments.
But the question is what do they consider an accomplishment? The difficultly of the schooling? The time it takes to complete? The money earned after?
Cause I’m here to tell you, if you start right now, it’ll be arduous training, it’ll take 5-7 years to hold a job at a major airline, and you’ll earn well over 6 figures (like, half a mil). But you’ll also have a WAY better quality of life than any doctor or lawyer could.
So, they don’t know anything. Follow your heart.
FutureA350@reddit (OP)
i want to start early.I started reading my ground school book very thoroughly and make sure that at the reviews/quiz i score 100%.I do this so that before flight school ill be familiar with the many things i will learn.
Picklemerick23@reddit
Are you doing training in Pakistan or in the states? Or elsewhere?
FrankThePilot@reddit
Totally dumb for being able to put away $70k+ a year into retirement (most of it not being my own contributions), work less than half the year, and travel the world for free. Don’t listen to your parents, follow your dream.
bladii11@reddit
I think your parents have absolutely no idea what are they talking about. It takes a lot of effort, knowledge and money to be a pilot. No offense but your parents don’t have high paying careers either, just because someone got divorced doesn’t mean they’re stupid lmao
rnolan20@reddit
People can have whatever opinion they want, but the least they can do for their child is explain why they have this opinion. They may have a valid reason, but I sure as hell can’t think of any
Why do they think this? Do they think becoming a pilot is easy? Do they know many pilots?
TrifleOpen7359@reddit
Trust me, by the time you become a pilot, and fly a jet your parents will have a much better understanding of what it takes to be a pilot and they will be very proud. This response they gave you was a reaction to their plan for you being something other than a pilot. Follow your dreams. You have one life to live.
maverickps1@reddit
Show them the table here and ask how stupid it is:
https://www.reddit.com/r/flying/comments/1j85jgw/from_kit_darby_southwest_has_the_highest_career/
usmcmech@reddit
Well, I'm pretty stupid so I guess they are right.
TobyADev@reddit
Being a pilot isn’t easy, and isn’t stupid
signed
a pilot ;D
skateboard_pilot@reddit
I’m so dumb they pay me a full salary and only let me to work 12 days a month!
phliar@reddit
Maybe they're right. It's a matter of perspective. Personally I think that only stupid people who have no real skills go into management. But they get all the money... So who can say?
When you're young and they're paying for everything, you have to play by their rules. Maybe you have to wait till you're financially independent of them before you can start flying -- well that's life. Some people have it easy and some don't.
cirroc0@reddit
What actually happens with a lot of middle managers is that they were good at the job they are now managing. Then they got promoted to management of that job... Which is not at all the same skill set.
With no training for management, and possibly no aptitude for it, they get stuck in a position of incompetence, we is bad for everyone, including them.
This is what is meant in the Peter Principle. It's not everyone, but I've seen more than a few in this position.
redditburner_5000@reddit
I mean...that's not really true. I think I know what they're trying to say, but it does take some brainpower to be a professional pilot.
I think flying is sort of a one-and-done thing in that once you know the rules and the operational stuff, there's not much more learning that goes into it outside of a new type rating. There are no industry journals that with articles written by pioneers of aviation thought that are discovering new ways to fly, and you can't adjust the laws of physics. So, if their point is that you don't need to know as much and continuously learn like a doctor or attorney or engineer would (or should), then okay. I can see that point. That doesn't mean pilots are stupid though. I know plenty of stupid attorneys and have met my fair share of lazy or otherwise inept doctors.
If your parents want to double down on their statement, I'm sure a bunch of pilots will be dabbing their tears away with their majors paycheck.
Fireguy69420@reddit
Child of brown(indian) parents here. The first 2 years of my flight training was hell with them and their comments. But once i got my CPL done, they educated themselves on the industry as they realized I wasnt changing my career. THEN they finally reealized how much work I had put in. Now they're fully supportive, and even help pay for osme of my rentals. Kepp doing it, your parents will come around eventually
GingerB237@reddit
Well I am a pilot as a hobby and I’m stupid so that tracks but it’s not nice to insult all the professionals in here.
Suhweetusername@reddit
I’m going to let you in on a secret - once you turn 18, it’s your life live. Consider your parent’s opinion (and the opinion of everyone else here) to whatever extent you want, then move forward how you want to.
ReadyplayerParzival1@reddit
I mean sure I’ve made some questionable decisions while flying but nothing stupid. Your parents have no clue what they’re on about. Though your comments about your location might have something to do with it. The pia airlines crash in 2020 definitely had a captain that should not have been in the cockpit. So many a bad public sentiment is lingering
Brief-Visit-8857@reddit
OP are your parents Asians by chance? This is the exact same thing they said to me lol.
FutureA350@reddit (OP)
pakistani. someone told its more like in the middle east and asia hehe.
Rush_1_1@reddit
I make six fig at a corp software job, 12 yrs in, hate it for the past few years and I'm on my way to becoming a pilot. I've done "a lot" in my career but flying is just way better lol.
dreamingwell@reddit
Pilots clearly aren’t “stupid” in the traditional sense of low intelligence.
Your parents are probably concerned about future prospects and upward mobility.
Some pilots do end up making a lot of money. Most people that start out as pilots do not.
Being a pilot does not offer a lot of flexibility or skills transfer into other jobs (especially outside of aviation). And therefore if your piloting career comes to an end early - you might have a hard time finding other suitable well paying work. This is often not true for doctors, lawyers, dentists, etc.
Your parents sound like they don’t know how to express their concerns. You should listen to them and then make your own decisions.
LowValueAviator@reddit
Common sour grapes viewpoint: "I couldn't do that, I don't have what it takes, therefore the people who DO and who CAN are stupid."
LaggingIndicator@reddit
Your parents say that as an insult, but I think it’s great people can make a second career out of it.
Wanttobefreewc@reddit
I wouldn’t say only… but I wouldn’t say it’s a small percentage of the pilot population.
livebeta@reddit
Poor
Intelligence
Lots
Of
Training
r361k@reddit
Haha what? I normally hear the opposite from people not in the industry. Being a pilot is one of the best part time jobs I can think of. There are so many people who work as an airline pilot and do real estate or run a separate business on the side. It gives you freedom to do so many other things. I've flown with nasa astronauts, generals in the military, people who run successful start ups or non-profits on the side. What a wild take. The job alone gets you into the 1% of the US in earners.
FutureA350@reddit (OP)
Thanks everybody.I appreciated all the advice you guys are very knowledgeable people!
TheBlackGuru@reddit
Perfect, I should go straight to the top then with the lack of intelligent competition!
Daa_pilot_diver@reddit
Try a logic-based approach. Present them with all the reasons why you want to do it; try to include as many fact-based reasons as possible (this is the average salary, this is the average cost, I will be profitable in X amount of years, etc.). Then ask for proof of their rebuttal. What proof do you have that being a pilot is for stupid people? Someone you know used to work at a gas station and is now a pilot? What steps did that person take to do that? Did he go right from the gas station to Southwest? Was he working at the gas station to help pay for training and it was an easy job with a lot of down time allowing him to study while he was at work? Hopefully a logical approach will help them see your point and potentially help them see your side/point.
FutureA350@reddit (OP)
so his dad is a PAF GDP and the guy were talking about hes divorced and got a second wife.First big no no from my parent point of view.But im not trying to get married i need to save money for my self.
throwaway5757_@reddit
Are you living for your parents or are you living for yourself? Just become a pilot. It’s your life, not theirs. And no, becoming a pilot is not easy. It is a lot of work and commitment, and expensive.
Tigerdude20@reddit
No offense, but your parents have no clue what they're talking about. Not everyone is able to become a pilot and it takes incredible dedication, determination, and an even stronger will. If you genuinely want to be a pilot and can't see yourself doing anything else then by all means, pursue that dream. Do what YOU want.
On the other hand, your parents might be trying to talk you out of it because they wan't to keep you safe.
New-Challenge-2105@reddit
Sorry, but I don't think your parents are really aware of what it takes to become a pilot. I have multiple degrees and have started my ground school/flight training. The amount of learning/training to become a commercial pilot is quite challenging and time consuming. I have a lot of respect for people who go onto fly for the airlines as a profession.
BraboBaggins@reddit
No one will ever see your vision… So when it comes to your vision and the steps you must take when people give you their take fuck em🤷🏾♂️🤷🏾♂️🤷🏾♂️
Chaxterium@reddit
I make more money doing this job than I ever really thought I would ever realistically make. And even after 20 years of doing this job, I still have a smile on my face when I drive to work every day. There’s nothing else I would rather do.
And I say this as a Canadian, where we are paid significantly less than American pilots.
ExecutivePhoenix@reddit
Your parents are just admitting that they're stupid themselves.
ProbablyAHuman713@reddit
It doesn't seem like your parents know what they're talking about. I don't think I need to tell you becoming an airline pilot isn't easy by any means
Anxious-Coach-8713@reddit
What
Anxious-Coach-8713@reddit
In al seriousness if you want to become a pilot, become a pilot, it is in no way an easy venture as you’ll come to find. Doesn’t really matter what other people think
Flapaflapa@reddit
Get some non aviation degree...
rFlyingTower@reddit
This is a copy of the original post body for posterity:
Yeah the title says it.After all my dedication and telling them so much about this career that i really want to do this when i get out of high school they said this, "only stupid people who haven't done anything in life become pilots."I didn't say anything back because its gonna turn into a whole argument. My dad said this becasue one of his friends is probably an FO at southwest and he said that he used work at a gas station so becoming a pilot is easy. My plan is to probably get something like Aviation Management Technology [BS] before i become a pilot as back up.What are yall thoughts?
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