Airline Pilot fad | TheaterFire

[-]

Lanky_Grapefruit671@reddit

If you think the regional lifestyle is bad compared to a high paying 9-5 job you are out of touch.

We all bitch at the regional/charter level but my hardest days flying are no where near my normal days at my old 9-5.

[-]

I'm working on CSEL right now, and talking to instructors makes me start to question if I made the right choice. Long hours, little pay. And I just try to remind myself of running plumbing in gas lines through an attic in Florida on a balmy afternoon, digging trenches in the beautiful Southern sun, or the time I had to cut the shit pipe to unclog it as it splashed everywhere on me underneath a house. But that work allowed me to save up for this, so hopefully I made the choice lol.

[-]

AlcantaraHotPants@reddit

Do you have the passion to fly? Is it difficult to see yourself doing anything professionally other than flying?

Answering those questions for yourself will help you determine whether or not you’re making the right choice(s).

[-]

SlinkyNormal@reddit

Yeah, I would say so. I wouldn't say I have the burning passion like many do, but I do enjoy it. In my previous career, working as a plumber/pipe fitter and working my way into management, I saw a lot of people, situations, and experienced a LOT of challenging situations (death threats, physical attacks, personal attacks on myself & my family because of former employees... no professionalism in the trades, unfortunately.) The work was hard, hot, and stressful (dealing with flammable gasses in people's homes, driving and delivering gas, and eventually being responsible for the whole operation) taught me a lot.

I enjoy flying, even when it is stressful. For me, once it is done, it's done. Previously, I was on call 7 days a week, 365 days a year, and always at the becking call of the State or the owner of the company lol. My motivation for getting into, and excelling in aviation is for the quality of life, the pay, and you know, flying is way better than working construction or working in an office, from my experience lol. So no, I can't see myself doing anything else.

That's my rant, thanks for tagging along.

[-]

AlcantaraHotPants@reddit

Well then it’s solved. Push on and never look back.

See you in the Flight Levels someday.

[-]

SlinkyNormal@reddit

Thank you for the encouragement, stranger. See ya there.

[-]

brongchong@reddit

I hate it when I have to cut the shit pipe.

[-]

SlinkyNormal@reddit

Brutal. As soon as you see the first drop, you know you fucked up.

[-]

Careful-Republic-332@reddit

Why does people hate flying regional? I am flying ATRs on short regional flights and I love it! I would hate flying long haul.. Just sitting for hours after hours doing nothing.

[-]

Prolatrevol@reddit

I’m sure the WFH tech bros are dying to fly at a regional lolol flying is awesome but let’s not be delusional fellas.

[-]

BestSanchez@reddit

WFH tech bro here dying to fly at a regional. Ten years of sitting in bullshit meetings or staring at a webcam does something to you.

Tired of execs saying everyone is family and then replacing you with AI or someone in India. Decided I was done after my second layoff within a year.

Yeah I'm sweating in my shitbox 172 but at least I'm not miserable.

[-]

flflyer91@reddit

Until the tech bros have to go back to the office haha

[-]

NaiveIntention3081@reddit

Or we get replaced by a call center because a new exec doesn't have any real ideas about how to impress the board.

[-]

DubiousSandwhich@reddit

Even then they can go in whenever they want. Set their own hours, have breakfast at home etc.

[-]

wayofaway@reddit

I'll have you know I flew 9 whole hours this week... I mean not flew I was deadheading for half of it...

[-]

climbgradient@reddit

I haven’t flown in over a week, what’s it like up there?

[-]

Verliererkolben@reddit

lol some how I lucked out last month and flew 48hrs and got paid for 75. Granted everyday I flew was basically IROPS the whole time but I won’t complain about the 21days sitting at home on reserve/actually off!

[-]

wayofaway@reddit

Nice, I did about the same, it beats flying the terrible line I can hold some months. I am just kinda used to IROPS at this point.

[-]

Weasel474@reddit

I flew 10 hours this week, and was only paid for 23. This job is just terrible.

[-]

b7d@reddit

I flew 30 this week and was paid 3$ per hour

[-]

Derp_McShlurp@reddit

I had vacation in June. Flew 0.0, paid 83. Grew a beard.

[-]

wayofaway@reddit

Yeah, gotta get that ratio up I was only paid 16, amateur numbers.

[-]

CFIgigs@reddit

"gotta feed the geese"

[-]

Torvaldicus_Unknown@reddit

Man I feel sorry for you. I'm slapping a Seminole on the ground once a month. It's so great I pay for the luxury.

[-]

hanjaseightfive@reddit

I flew 1 leg SLC>LAX, jumpseat back. Paid 43 hours 🤑

[-]

Live_Conclusion4903@reddit

I was displaced from my 4 day sequence this week for IOE. Paid week off sucks.

[-]

havand@reddit

And you didn’t double dip

[-]

Live_Conclusion4903@reddit

I commute lol

[-]

derdubb@reddit

This is why I am changing my career at 40. Even if I retire at a regional id probably be making the same money or more.

I work as an automation engineer and did 76 hours last week away from home. I’m tired. Lol.

[-]

downwiththemike@reddit

Pilots are by far, probably orders of magnitude the biggest complainers out there by profession.

[-]

Yuri909@reddit

I want it so bad. I'm a couple years into 911 diapatch, and nothing will ever suck as much.

[-]

JSTootell@reddit

I can't count how often I see people complain about how hard their easy jobs are 😂

I remember one day, about 15 years ago, I was on the roof of a building, it was over 100°, and I was miserable working on some air conditioner. I looked at the building next to me and a group of guys were laying fresh tar, and I was glad I wasn't them.

[-]

RepresentativePie725@reddit

That was me..

[-]

Feckmumblerap@reddit

Im student pilot busting my ass an obscene amount as a server to pay for my lessons, I swear to god you wont hear a peep out of me from the first day I get my “shitty” CFI job. Regionals may as well be the pearly fucking gates.

[-]

Dependent-Place-4795@reddit

Your opinion will change

[-]

kyotobunny@reddit

I’m serving to pay for training too

[-]

Feckmumblerap@reddit

It’s rough, hang in there man we’ll get there!

[-]

JediCheese@reddit

I've done both.

The average day at the airline is better than a 9-5. But that 0.1% at an airline is definitely worse than a 9-5.

[-]

CFIgigs@reddit

Me bad day then: the website crashed and our biggest account just left us and won't respond.

Me bad day now: the APU is INOP and we need to do a manual start. FML!

[-]

MiniTab@reddit

Agreed. I spent 5 years in an office after college, and even as a full time CFI I was happy as hell.

That said, hopefully people are aware of the potential for long periods of low pay. Hopefully that’s long past, but it took me 14 years from PPL to having a pilot job that paid > $100k. It took 11 years until I was making > $60k when I was finally able to upgrade to CRJ CA.

The point is I think this is a fulfilling and enjoyable career if one gets into it because they like flying. If they get into it for high income dreams, that can be rough.

[-]

Equivalent-Web-1084@reddit

I used to work outside now I look outside through a window and sip coffee while operating badass machinery. Life is good.

[-]

ATACB@reddit

We clearly did not work for the same regional I worked 90 hours of block a lot of months and was on food stamps.

[-]

srbmfodder@reddit

My favorite saying is that my worst day at my regional was better than the best day in the Army (National Guard) flying.

I did 15 years in an office though. No kissing my bosses ass or monthly/quarterly reviews to show how much work I did to receive a 2% annual raise.

[-]

Dependent-Place-4795@reddit

Don’t tell HR that

[-]

JustAnotherDude1990@reddit

“It’s the easiest job I’ve ever had “

[-]

stall022@reddit

Welcome to aviation where airlines hire until the day before they furlough. A place where seniority matters. A place where you know the "good times" last all of 8 to 10 years before war, terrorism, economic downturns lead to bankruptcies, furloughs and contract concessions. If you are in your 20's and early 30's count yourself lucky but be prepared because the bad times will come repeatedly in your career.

[-]

JewofTVC1986@reddit

This 100% I see CFI’s crying because the regionals aren’t rolling out the red carpet, the regional FOs whining they have 1000 hours to upgrade and can’t, and the regional CAs bitching the Majors aren’t beating the doors door to hire them. The last couple years were never seen before and it was literally a perfect storm we may never see again in our lifetimes settle in for the what we call the norm.

[-]

74_Jeep_Cherokee@reddit

Yep, on a trip right now with a former Pan-Am, US Air and World Airways among others guy.

[-]

FWTX680@reddit

How old is he, 97?

[-]

74_Jeep_Cherokee@reddit

6 more months

[-]

m5m3man@reddit

Probably a year or 2 from retiring. I’ve also flown with a PanAm guy but he got hired like a year before they shut down

[-]

junebug172@reddit

^This guy airline pilots.

[-]

santos0929@reddit

In all honesty the regionals suck ass. BUT, at least at mine we get captain pay after 750TT without upgrading so keep that Senior FO quality of life without upgrading and becoming a slave to scheduling as a junior captain. With that being said, the rarely terrible regional work days over a typical 9-5 any and all day. Worst days now a days are APU inop or a diversion due to wx on go home day.

[-]

NaiveIntention3081@reddit

In all honesty the regionals suck ass.

Why?

[-]

BLACKzj52@reddit

X2 why.

Is it truly all that bad, or is it bad because it's the grunt of the 121 world?

[-]

Clear_Resident_2325@reddit

It certainly almost got me, and still might. Was on my way to a top law school but heard so many pilots make the same as top attorneys (300k+, 700k+ near retirement) for only a fraction of work (like half a month!)

[-]

Dependent-Place-4795@reddit

700k? Many? Not even

[-]

TheGuAi-Giy007@reddit

I have said it a few times and will continue to say it - The Term "Pilot Influencer" or "Aviation Influencer" is awful and I wish it to go the fuck away.

[-]

VanDenBroeck@reddit

Most “influencers” gave themselves that title. I doubt if many have actually done much influencing.

[-]

DefundTheHOA_@reddit

United flies their “influencers” out for influencer training.

[-]

JPAV8R@reddit

Is that for real?

[-]

DefundTheHOA_@reddit

Yes, that’s why I said it

[-]

XxVcVxX@reddit

Where's your source?

[-]

DefundTheHOA_@reddit

Can’t tell you. It’s a secret

[-]

XxVcVxX@reddit

So you made it up, gotcha

[-]

DefundTheHOA_@reddit

I didn’t but why do you care so much?

[-]

JPAV8R@reddit

Sometimes I don’t know if people are referencing an inside joke or event that I was unfamiliar with. That’s pretty wild but I guess if they come into the company with a following it’s a good idea to lay down the limits of what is and isn’t acceptable to the company. It helps to insulate the company from a wrongful termination suit if the influencer gets terminated for something they post that the company doesn’t like. Also probably lets the company leverage that persons following for free advertising.

What a world we live in

[-]

DefundTheHOA_@reddit

I don’t want to use their real account name but just look at MySlamClickerLife. They have videos of them going through training at United because United gave them permission to

[-]

TristanwithaT@reddit

You don’t have to hide the name of their biggest influencer lol

[-]

DefundTheHOA_@reddit

I didn’t want to give them free advertisement

[-]

TheGuAi-Giy007@reddit

Each video, each illegal violation, each sponsorship - yea. They've done PLENTY OF INFLUENCING.

[-]

121guy@reddit

I wish they would go away. Buddy of mine was flying with one and had to tell her several times to stop filming in the cockpit while they were flying. This isn’t a conversation that should have to happen.

[-]

nativeofnashville@reddit

I don’t want the term to go away. I want those “influencers” to go away!

[-]

TheGuAi-Giy007@reddit

I want the vacuum suck of their fake happiness and "Look how 'GLLLAAMM' my aviation life is!!" (Working 4 and 5 legs a day, with shot to shit APU'S and AC systems, PASSENGER BRAWALS BECAUSE ITS HOT ON THE AIRPLANE! "Ya Bro - Never had a bad day!!"

There are absolutely some amazing and incredible times in the seat!! And on the job! But -

[-]

Bot_Marvin@reddit

As a current regional FO, when I’ve taken a step back, I’ve realized there are almost zero bad days on this job relative to actual work.

Yeah it can get hot when an APU is inop. Have you looked outside the window and seen all the people out there working? It’s hot for them every single day. And they actually have to do something in that heat, I’m sitting in a chair.

I’m not cabin crew so a passenger brawl means I just sit there delayed doing nothing. Not exactly hard work.

This is not to say we shouldn’t always fight for better working conditions, but this is a pretty cushy job, you have to be a diva to not believe so.

[-]

Fishoutofbeer1@reddit

This. I remember being a young Marine, proud, but working my BUTT off. I worked construction, that absolutely sucked. I worked 3 jobs at once for a time, one was instructing, and that was better but still awful after a year or so. Point being, perspective is everything. This job is the greatest job I could ever imagine.

I see my daughter more than any other dad I know. I make plenty of money to afford a comfortable life I enjoy the work I feel proud of the level of proficiency I maintain There’s constant room for improvement I get to travel to places that offer things I don’t have at home There’s hardly any workplace drama that’s as draining as office drama. It exists here, but it’s different. I have lots of time to enjoy my hobbies

I could go on. The point is that this is a wonderful job compared to the alternatives, especially when you’re passionate about it. Yes, I’m all about improving work rules, pay, QOL, etc. but it’s all gravy.

[-]

Bowzy228@reddit

Ha! Thanks for your humble comment. Some don’t know how good they have it. Coming from a ramp agent

[-]

Dependent-Place-4795@reddit

They act like everyday is a flight to Bermuda and they workout at the hotel gym at 4am lol

[-]

Lanky_Grapefruit671@reddit

There are "influencers" for every single industry...

[-]

yvery@reddit

The high cost of training weeds out a chunk, then the slog to get hours to get hired at the regionals gets rid of another bunch. So if you wanted to be an airline pilot just to flex on social media it’s quite the dedication.

Then if the algorithm aligns you get enough followers and change your handle to @flywith or @pilot and you start shilling shitty pilot shirts and not FAA approved dick pills.

[-]

NaiveIntention3081@reddit

FAA approved dick pills.

How do those compare to the gas station ones?

[-]

DependentSky8800@reddit

Hard to say. I came from another career and I’m almost certainly a regional lifer at 30 but I have no complaints. Still beats my old career any day and I fly with genuinely great people. Being in the training department helps too, so I’m not as exposed to some of the reality of the line.

[-]

Which_Ad5080@reddit

What helped you make the switch? How did you know airline pilot was good for you? I sometimes struggle to see the better side given partial work from home and stability of current office job... Albeit most of it can be boring depending on time of year.

[-]

DependentSky8800@reddit

I started flight lessons in high school but being raised by a single mom our family just couldn’t afford them at the time. Fast forward I bounced around a bit before becoming a master technician for a German auto brand. It was backbreaking work and it slowly snuffed out my love and passion for it. I watched two of my mid-30s colleagues have to undergo severe back surgery related to being hunched over engine bays. It was also eating me alive that I started something that I never finished (flying). I was always passionate about aviation, as a kid I wasn’t interest in sports/etc but give me a book on cutaway airlines and how they work, I was hooked. Both my dad and grandpa were also airline pilots. I put together a plan, sold off all my assets and put myself through in 19 months. From zero to hired at my regional now. I wasn’t without mistakes though, I never really stopped to enjoy the journey and I somewhat regret how fast I flew through my ratings.

[-]

Which_Ad5080@reddit

Wow, hats down. I'm 32 with some savings and considering switching career but I sometimes don't see myself as airline pilot. I like the theory and sharing knowledge in general, so maybe more of a FI in GA.. But then I'm uncertain if there's really a market there.. and if everything is so dependent on which school you'd be with or if it's easy to make your own?

[-]

tingtongtravels@reddit

With 35 years left in your career why do you think you’ll be at regional for life?

[-]

DependentSky8800@reddit

I’m left seat but I only fly 2 days a month as an instructor. So building PIC time is nearly non existent. Given the fact that the new hire classes at the majors are 7,000-9,000 hours at my rate it would be near impossible to get there.

[-]

NuttPunch@reddit

So stop being an instructor and fly more?

[-]

Oregon-CFI@reddit

Seriously, the differences in retirement contributions and compounding interest would be insane over 35 years. Staying in the training department at a regional willingly vs flying the line to build time to leave is such a bad long term decision financially, and that’s coming from a fellow 30 year old.

[-]

NuttPunch@reddit

Instructor is good for the resume. I would be surprised this guy can’t get into something outside of the regionals. Most have DC 401k now and even if he leaves those in a few years he will come out ahead.

[-]

FormulaKibbles@reddit

Dude you could easily get to a major if you have any drive to do so. You have so much of your career left.

[-]

ndem763@reddit

I'm sure a U/LCC would take you once they hire, and your quality of life, pay, retirement, and most everything else would be vastly better. But even then, isn't the average new hire age at a legacy still late 30s?

[-]

Bowzy228@reddit

Dude, 30? I’ll be 34 in a few months and still looking for my first flying gig. I might be 40 before I make it to a regional if I’m lucky. You have a long career ahead

[-]

ZOB_oo_land@reddit

I’m almost certainly a regional lifer at 30

https://www.azcentral.com/gcdn/-mm-/299959f1bcad51b54ca1d50556c3309c315e496c/c=0-80-1600-984/local/-/media/Phoenix/Phoenix/2014/11/19/635520020160086182-country.jpg?width=1200&disable=upscale&format=pjpg&auto=webp

[-]

FishtillIdie@reddit

Why are you a regional lifer at 30? You have 35 years left in the career!

[-]

__Patrick_Basedman_@reddit

I mean, I was in it before the shortage and not because of social media. I was told the shortage would get me a job. I was lied to

[-]

Apprehensive_Fly1525@reddit

All I know is I am praying for the day I’m at a regional airline working “crappy legs.” I work a 9-5 and it is the most miserable, unfulfilling job I’ve ever had. I’m probably away from home as much as I would be as a pilot with 9 hour work days and a 1.5-2hr commute one way (Atlanta traffic).

As soon as I pay off my private I’m bulldozing my way through school so I can be ready with 1,500 hrs ASAP. I’m praying having a college degree will possibly set me apart if the hiring is still super slow. It’s a risk I’m willing to take.

[-]

DubiousSandwhich@reddit

with 9 hour work days

We'll get ready for 10 to 12 hour work days

[-]

Apprehensive_Fly1525@reddit

10 hr ++ days of flying to inevitably get to work less and fly a few times a month later in my career. Or, I can continue to work a corporate 9-5 where you work MORE the more senior you get! I’ve seen enough dudes working through their time off in corporate America to know it’s worse.

[-]

DubiousSandwhich@reddit

Yeah just saying be ready for even longer days. I worked 10 hours days, 20 days a months at a regional....

[-]

Apprehensive_Fly1525@reddit

I totally get that, I’m more along the line of short-term pain for long term gain. Both my parents are pilot and I remember them being gone a lot when I was little. Now they live the absolute best life. It’s a reverse lifestyle balance in aviation then corporate America. As a pilot, I don’t have to take my work computer home and log in for a meeting and submit a report at 11pm. I’m willing to suck it up for 5-8 years if I need to

[-]

DubiousSandwhich@reddit

I guess it's all about perspective. Working from the comfort of your own home at 11pm vs and leaving for work at 11pm fly the 15 hour red eye to Sydney...

[-]

BassetCock@reddit

Downturns always thin the herd a bit. I know a lot of pilots who got furloughed or quit after 9/11 and 2008 and they never came back.

[-]

DubiousSandwhich@reddit

Yup ive met a few truck drivers and crane operators who finished their flight training around 911...

[-]

RepresentativePie725@reddit

When you roof houses in the summer (or dead of winter) for 5-7days a week for $10-20hr, compared to sipping coffee @ Fl350, in air conditioning making north of 30x per hr ... 13-15days a month ... Yeah, I won't forget where I came from... & I dont want to go back.

[-]

NeatFair8764@reddit

Exactly^^

[-]

LostPilot517@reddit

Few in this industry especially the new kids have this or a similar experience for perspective.

I myself was a laborer doing underground construction busting my butt for 14-16 hour days, 5-6 days a week outside in the extreme weather, carrying ~200 lbs of cement and bricks in buckets, and dragging ~150 lb chains, generators, pumps, hoses, saw cutting concrete, and ductile iron, climbing in and out of ~6'-30' trenches all day. Going home nearly everyday with severely chaffed thighs from all the running around as the young guy, or waking up all night with throbbing palms from severe nerve damage or inflammation in my hand from wrenching on water main fittings ALL day by hand.

The truth is most who start in this journey never persevere through the challenges, then or now, this industry is cyclical, and hiring and not hiring come and go fast in fads. Many realize this job isn't for them.

I personally enjoy sipping on my coffee above FL400, it just tastes better, the only place it tastes better is at home.

[-]

assinyourpants@reddit

I one thousand percent have zero interest in airline. I’d rather do cargo, but not particularly interested in that for all the same reasons ATP doesn’t do it for me. I’ll take a job, sure. I’d really like to actually fly a plane.

[-]

DKU24@reddit

I have never understood this mentality. You want to fly the plane? Sit for hours in straight and level making small adjustments. Cargo? You want endless red eyes? You know passengers mostly just sit and watch movies right. I guess they go to the bathroom at annoying times, what a nuisance!

[-]

assinyourpants@reddit

All good points. I was thinking like survey or search and rescue or customs or crop dusting or you know, any other one of the very different career paths one could take. Btw, I gotta piss can you turn this light off?

[-]

Swimming_Way_7372@reddit

Im more interested in how many have done it so they can write an autobiography. Hype up the fact they were the first whatever they were amd maximize the "look at me" lifestyle. I can think of 1 at least.

[-]

ZOB_oo_land@reddit

I assume the one is the DL guy who already wrote his book?

[-]

PullDoNotRotate@reddit

Navigating through the Narcissism: a useless memoir

[-]

ZOB_oo_land@reddit

Are you even legally allowed to call it a memoir if you're under the age of 30?

[-]

PullDoNotRotate@reddit

On the one hand, most airline pilots haven’t done anything even special (much less extraordinary), especially in the eyes of other airline pilots. “You are not special, at least not to me.”

On the other hand, it is a weird and different business, especially considering how few of us there are compared to the overall population.

On the third hand, good timing and minimal qualification makes for great careers so hooray.

[-]

XxVcVxX@reddit

Could be any DL guy tbh

[-]

Swimming_Way_7372@reddit

I call him heavyjetdildoh

[-]

ZOB_oo_land@reddit

heavyjetdumbass

[-]

No-Foundation-8034@reddit

Which one?

[-]

cpav8r@reddit

I’ve been hearing about that mystical pilot shortage that’s just around the bend since I started flying. I soloed in 1979.

[-]

Bot_Marvin@reddit

It came and went. 2021-2023 was absolutely a pilot shortage.

When you could get 4 different regional CJOs without an interview, they were throwing six figure sums at DECs who hadn’t touched an airplane in 10 years, and the legacies were hiring regional FOs who were still wet behind the ears.

[-]

MelodicFondant@reddit

Wasn't that what caused the prime air crash?

[-]

XxVcVxX@reddit

Prime air happened before any of that.

[-]

Bot_Marvin@reddit

Not really - the prime air FO concealed his poor training record, so he would have been hired regardless of the market.

[-]

Dependent-Place-4795@reddit

I remember people who were old CRJ pilots who left the industry 10 years ago going to places like PSA with 150k sign on bonuses

[-]

stinkyelbows@reddit

In Canada 15 years ago, new pilots would spend minimum two years on the ramp before even looking at a cockpit. Now guys are going directly from a 172 into just about anything with zero wait.

There is definitely a shortage more than ever.

[-]

ArtyMacFly@reddit

I fly for more than a decade now. At the moment 330-900 only long range flights. I have about 3-4 trips a month. I can choose 2 of them myself. Can even bring family or friends. The hardest part is the jet lag and of course it can be exhausting and not everything is shiny but I wouldn’t change voluntarily.

[-]

121guy@reddit

There was absolutely a big push in new candidates when the pay finally came up. The low pay and poor working conditions in the regionals in my opinion kept people out that were only in it for the money. There are absolutely people flying jets now that shouldn’t be in a cockpit.

[-]

Substantial-Chemist8@reddit

reading all those posts, It's really a bliss being in a fully sponsored ab-initio Integrated ATPL course that guarantees immediate employment as FOs on widebodied aircrafts.

[-]

Fishoutofbeer1@reddit

Some arrive to find they love it, some don’t. Personally, I think many of those who got into it because of social media will stay for awhile because of how good a job it really is. However, hot take, I think the average quality/professionalism of the average airline pilot is going down because of these individuals.

Not to say they are all bad pilots or unprofessional. That’s not true at all. However, there’s a certain quality you just can’t emulate unless you got into this because of a passion for the craft itself.

[-]

redditburner_5000@reddit

I think when the reality of what flying is sets in, and it turns out that a normal aviation career is a loooong grind for an uncertain and precarious reward, anyone who can make >$200k not flying will go do whatever that is. It's tough to beat a decently paid 9-5.

But I think a lot of people are already down the rabbit hole. Loans are spent. Resumes are out. Now they're in it and have to make the pilot shortage dreams work...or else.

I think the attrition has to happen. There are a lot of pilots and not a lot of jobs. Simple math on that one.

[-]

Aviator126@reddit

I know, how dare people use a modern form of media to get a glimpse into a sanitised, dramatised version of a job that inspires them to follow a career and find a passion.

You know, people used to get inspired properly! By movies, tv shows, books, airshows and airports!

If you think the way that you got inspired to fly is any different to discovering an interest in aviation on social media, you’re dead wrong.

[-]

Aggravating-House620@reddit

A lot of the people at my school are that way, I am doing it because I genuinely love flying and aviation in general, and I wasn’t sure what to do career wise. Figured why not become a pilot.

[-]

flyingforfun3@reddit

I’m betting a big chunk of the post covid boom unfortunately. Any trainer went from being a reasonable purchase to stupid pretty quickly post covid. Also the posts about how the airlines are the way..

I started in 2010 when food stamps were a guaranteed right of passage but that’s if a regional hired you. But I knew that and wanted to fly because I’m too honest to steal but too lazy to work for a living.

[-]

NakedRaincoat@reddit

91 FTW

[-]

MrAflac9916@reddit

Long hours? I’m a CFI and I basically work part time and get an absurd amount of time off. I don’t make much money, but I have so much freedom

[-]

Mike93747743@reddit

I got into aviation because of all the respect that pilots get from management.

[-]

SeymourFlying@reddit

This is the way 😎✈️‬

[-]

HardCorePawn@reddit

You, good sir, win the internet today...

you also owe me a new monitor, keyboard and half a cup of coffee.

[-]

iLOVEr3dit@reddit

This entire industry is everyone saying everyone else is in it for the wrong reason. Crazy thought: maybe we all love flying, and we don't need to shit on everyone else

[-]

_demon_llama_@reddit

It isn’t a phase, mom. It’s a lifestyle.

[-]

HateJobLoveManU@reddit

Why would most of the people who quit be in a subreddit about flying

[-]

Arx0s@reddit

I got into aviation because a coworker, and later a Delta captain hyped the pay and lifestyle to me. I stuck it out and got my CFI. I’m starting a very high paying job soon and am debating whether to stick with that or try to go fly for a living. Regardless, I’m going to buy a plane next year because I love flying.

[-]

Fit_Midnight_3927@reddit

I get it. I have my commercial pilots license, but i make more 200k diving. I'll probably get a plane and fly for fun and go from there.

[-]

Handag@reddit

Long hours? I mean the absolute max hours an airline pilot can fly in a year is 1000 hours.A full time office job 9-5 is working ~2000 hours. I haven’t blocked over 600 hours in a while.

That being said, I think those who can’t find a job and have their student loan payment piling up will be forced to find other employment for awhile. This is why so many of us on here say do not go into debt, and get a degree in something other than aviation .

[-]

Dependent-Place-4795@reddit

Now take into account how many nights you spend in a hotel

[-]

Handag@reddit

Sitting in a hotel is “work” now? Factor in commuting to an office five days a week, answering emails after hours, or the road warriors taking 100+ flights a year. You’re really trying to say an airline pilot job is more work than a typical office job? Have you work at an airline before?

[-]

Dependent-Place-4795@reddit

Never said it's work, but being away from family is significant and you spend hours away from home which counts for something.

[-]

Handag@reddit

Yes, there is a cost to being on the road and we are compensated accordingly.

I bid mostly day trips and spend much more quality time With the wife and kids than I ever did when I working a “normal job”.

I’ll def say that a commuting pilot likely is gone more than a conventional office job, but that is why commuting is not recommended.

[-]

junebug172@reddit

If you’re doing 1000 hours, you’re at work for more than 2000.

[-]

Handag@reddit

Sure, but not many pilots willingly hit 1,000 hours a year. I’ve spent years working normal office jobs and other more labor intensive jobs , and flying even on max duty days is a lot less work, to me anyways.

[-]

Upper-Drawing9224@reddit

As someone who is dipping their toe in at the moment. I think I’d like to do the career change and I am fully aware of the commitment this would take and the length of time it could take, I am at a point in life where I should try.

I have my degree. I have a job with said degree. I know it isn’t the ideal job for me. I have the opportunity to try this out while continuing to work. Why not try for it? If that makes sense. This is nothing to do with social media.

Though, I try to keep reality in check. I would love to dive head first into this, but I can’t. I know my end goal with be with the airlines, so I need to see if I can clear my class 1. If I can’t, then so be it. I can at least say I tried.

[-]

golf1415@reddit

If you have a significant other, make sure you keep them in the loop. This is not a career, it’s a lifestyle and it affects everyone in your circle.

[-]

BChips71@reddit

100% this. I'm a career changer and the only way it worked out is because I had a spouse who went back to work full time so we could afford the mortgage on my $25/hr CFI salary.

[-]

Upper-Drawing9224@reddit

Duly noted. I’d medical cert happens, it is something I know I need to take into account. I like having as much info as possible for I can make the best informed decision

[-]

Upper-Drawing9224@reddit

At the moment, I do not have a SO. However, I do know it is an adjustment for all those involved. So when a SO does come into the picture, they will be well informed if this is a path I’m able to do. (Medical uncertainty) thank you for the advice. Much appreciated.

[-]

Thin-Use5414@reddit

You really have to be committed to this and have a passion for flying. There were a lot of career changers who ended up on a mainline seniority list pretty quickly in the 2022-2024 time frame. But, you have to understand that was not a normal hiring environment when that happened. Things change fast, I was hired at the regionals right out of college in 2008. Let’s just say things took a bad turn right after that. I was in my early 20’s, so being stagnant/unemployed for a while was ok, but the pay was unacceptably low. If I was older and ended up in that position it would not have been sustainable. You should also ask yourself two questions: Can you handle being at the bottom of a regional airline seniority list for 8+ years and significant contract concessions? If not, can you realistically go back to your previous line of work even if there is a major recession with high unemployment? If the answer is no to both of these then I would really do some serious soul searching before spending a lot of time and money on this.

[-]

Flat-Row7968@reddit

I am one of them, although it was always a career I had thought about but for one reason or another I didn’t think I had what it takes. I think just seeing all about it on social media any everything I got more information and it seemed a lot more attainable so im glad! Been loving it so far.

[-]

Negative_Swan_9459@reddit

The hiring reality will claim many victims just as it had pre 2020. College degrees, experience, and clean records will mean something and those looking for a quick fix will fade out.

[-]

pilotryan1735@reddit

This is what I’m predicting, same thing happened years ago when the ATP rule started. A lot of people saw that you needed 1500 hours to fly regional jets and bailed: the days of getting a CFI, building 500 hours and going to a regional were over.

Even though at the time the majors were just restarting hiring and the average newhire had 7000 hours and were check airmen.

[-]

Negative_Swan_9459@reddit

I fly with a ton of newbs at a legacy and we’re trending back to this direction rapidly…and I’m seeing people who were sent the invite to interview about a year ago.

TPIC, check airman, heavy jet time, college (and post grad education) regional check airman and mil are all becoming a thing again. Honestly, I think it’s a very good thing for the profession in the long run.

[-]

Total_Midwit_Death@reddit

Honestly, I think it’s a very good thing for the profession in the long run.

No shit, some of the post-COVID hiring boom babies have no business being at the controls of an airplane. The thought of fast track captain upgrades flying with one of these 0TPIC ATP monkeys... less experience in the cockpit than what would have been required to get hired as a regional FO just 10 years ago.

[-]

pilotryan1735@reddit

Even during the post Covid wave most applicants surpassed 1000 turbine. Yeah there were a few needles in the haystack but my legacy class back in 2023 was mostly military, ULCC, WN, Alaska pilots. Maybe some from other legacies moving laterally. I’d say only around 10% were regional pilots or part 135.

But yes; I think we’re back to pre Covid hiring at the legacy level. I think eventually once the floodgates reopen and captains get scooped up we’ll be back to 1500 hour CFIs to regional again.

[-]

Zeewulfeh@reddit

It got me. Couldn't find a CFI job, realized the absences when I tried across the country from my family wasn't good for my kids would be like an early career pilot at the airlines, so I resigned from my program and am currently running the HR gauntlet to get back into my old shop. I'll try again in a few years when the kids are older and I've got my time built.

[-]

gio_buddy@reddit

I always wanted to be a pilot since I can remember. The only thing that changed with time is what airplane I wanted to fly

[-]

Cathbeck@reddit

Been flying long before social media and google were a thing. Make it to captain flying intercontinental and you’re golden. Get paid for just showing up.

[-]

Plastic_Owl8684@reddit

What got me started wasn’t social media or anything like that but getting a discovery flight just because I thought it would be interesting. Went with a friend and I was instantly hooked.

[-]

J0E_Blow@reddit

!remindme 60 days

[-]

RemindMeBot@reddit

I will be messaging you in 1 month on 2025-09-04 21:36:39 UTC to remind you of this link

CLICK THIS LINK to send a PM to also be reminded and to reduce spam.

^(Parent commenter can ) ^(delete this message to hide from others.)

^(Info)	^(Custom)	^(Your Reminders)	^(Feedback)

[-]

Worried-Ebb-1699@reddit

I’ve done exactly 3hours of flying this month and have been paid for 6 days.

I do not miss corporate bullshit at all from my time building years ending in 2020.

[-]

Red_Patcher@reddit

I always wonder how many get into it because of the pay and don't actually like the job but stay because of sunk costs. I figure the overall investment of time weeds them out but I honestly don't know.

[-]

BuzzTheTower12@reddit

I think most people who get into flying only for the money, probably won’t stick with it long term. It’s a very different lifestyle compared to most other jobs, so one has to have some passion for the job. And it’s a grind to even get to the airlines, and means years of working for low pay as a CFI or different low time job, so I think without passion for flying, most would quit.

[-]

Stewardess-Slayer@reddit

A lot of young people are being psyoped into aviation due to influencers and many of them (disproportionately women) will exit when they get to the big leagues and realize how difficult it is to raise a family and have this career

[-]

Ashamed-Charge5309@reddit

Pretty much in the Discovery phase here, and more looks like i'll be not even gracing the door of a flight school.

Money? Well yeah... Needed to make this dumb planet go 'round.

Buzzing wildfires in a SEAT would be a honor to quietly assist folks in the worst time of their lives then go back home anonymous.

Flight School nearby had me suspicious of their heavy reliance upon advertising "make money flying!" and it's always the jets, regional stuff, etc etc. Showing up and eyerolling at that wanting to do the aviation janitorial equivalent of dumping water/retardant on the earth probably has them acting like my first custodial job after filling out the application "Night custodial? do we even offer that? Is this fake?" (they were used to everyone wanting to hire in for stores, characters, operating the vomit comets and more).

Fad? Well... Guess you can say watching Planes/Planes Fire and Rescue qualifies for that. Yeah yeah... I get it.

Between the "glass ceiling" of pilots being churned out by the A380 full and everyone fighting over scraps to get their logbooks full of hours plus age/military bias... Yeah... (and some other stuff I won't go into) It's a long uphill battle for someone that just wants to follow the system parameters ("pay your dues"/the usual mandates/training) and then take off for the column of smoke in the distance...

Having a possible "25 years" left before a possible mandatory retirement (and haven't even started off in the training, figuring probably 10+ years to acquire it) lowers the possibility even more. 15 years comes up quick.

Might just end up keeping a eye out for ground crew positions if such a thing exists for someone that basically can't spend the coin/time to advance through all the licensing hoops and then hang around cutting teeth for turbine time.

That probably has it's own set of "problems" if it's viewed as taking a spot from someone who needs that slot for getting their turbine time. shrugs

[-]

babyp6969@reddit

Not sure if you meant it but wanting to fight fire fly doesn’t give you some sort of moral high ground against everyone chasing metal. Altruistic glamor is glamor all the same

[-]

Ashamed-Charge5309@reddit

I'm not the type though to have my face plastered all over everything. Not a glory hound. Anything I do is done in the shadows. Used to clean a theme park and my satisfaction with that derived from walking out the employee exit and spotting the thousands coming in to have fun on what was cleaned for 8 hours.

Didn't run to youtube and vlogged for 20 hours about it.

I don't hold a moral high ground over someone flying SLF to their destination. Just isn't what I want. I loathe schools that lie and rip off students using "make buckets of cash after we are done with you! Make your catch me if you can dreams come true! come on in!" advertising lies.

Pick a college, throw a dart and you'll hit the same level of fraud. The only thing that has changed is they got legally required to put asterisks after the glitz and glamour of making fast cash because in fact you can't. Your average shyster college/university will actually claim victory ("Our students went on to get a job!*") until you find out that little asterisk actually more often then not means the student only checked that box because they had to go to back to their retail job or burger flipping.

That doesn't qualify me for a moral high ground, it just pisses me off because they are so heavily focused on churning out folks. Nursing is a problematic industry with your average college/university/trash that advertises on TV heavily restricting who enters their program and washes you out fast at the entrance or in the program if you slip below a GPA they set so you aren't "poisoning" their disgusting stats. They'd rather drum you out then have to publish that someone graduated with a "weak" level GPA.

Gotta keep that myth that high GPA levels mean the cream of the crop. Can't speak for aviation schools, but something tells me their heavy reliance upon "Make money flying for delta/southwest/regional puddle jumpers!" being their advertising ~~con~~ tactic probably means they are invested in continuing the lie that everyone walking in their door has to leave the same way with a $100k+ year job to fluff their numbers.

Turning out pilots who are happy to go into flying cargo in alaska, tourists to do hunting/photography, buzzing corn fields or tackling a wildfire is "less glamorous" in their eyes over the well dressed pilot strolling through a airport to the flight line.

Heaven forbid someone wants a passion job rather then chasing the all mighty buck. More room for those who want that, and no shade for them. That's their dream. Not everyone wants to follow that path

[-]

Thin-Use5414@reddit

This will be interesting to see. Especially if the regional whip saw starts again. They were really miserable places to work pre 2020 and especially before 2017. Also, now that hiring is starting to normalize it’s going to be competitive again to get to mainline. A 2022-2024 style hiring wave is something we will probably never see again. If becoming an airline pilot is actually something you want to do and you are driven you’ll be good. I worry about some of the career changers who don’t really understand how badly this career can treat you and how committed you have to be to succeed.

[-]

Professional-Dork26@reddit

Same thing is happening in cybersecurity industry. I just tell myself most of these people lack the same passion and will wash out during training or burn-out/suck at their job and eventually get fired or quit.

[-]

VanDenBroeck@reddit

Who knows? The Navy claimed that enlistments went up after Top Gun so anything is possible.

[-]

discgolfpilot@reddit

Personally I think a large chunk will. Lots of people got into this line without knowing the job. If they were single before and try to start a relationship/family they will see they don't have the road warrior mindset. Those that in at the perfect time to get to a mainline will stay and will become the new boomers wondering why people complain this job is easy to get into.

I think when contracts go through the next round of negotiations and airlines pull back benefits. Lower 401k matching, lower min guarantee, worse hotels, higher healthcare and such. How that trickles down into the regionals and 135 world.

Some people's family will pull them out. Maybe they are a commuter and their home airport pulls out as many flights for jump seating leading to them saying it's not worth it.

Basically anyone that had 1 foot out the door will take the second step out.

I think one good way to look at it. Ask someone in their mid 40s to mid 50s of they would encourage their kids to do this. I bet you will find most will say not worth it

[-]

McDrummerSLR@reddit

I like to think that most of those people got weeded out long before they made it to a place where they are getting paid to fly.

[-]

80KnotsV1Rotate@reddit

Who cares, honestly? Does it make any difference in your path and choice to pursue this career? Focus on that drive. People make wrong/poor decisions with bad intel every single day of their lives.

[-]

GrandMasBushidoBrown@reddit

With this industry, time will only tell

[-]

rFlyingTower@reddit

This is a copy of the original post body for posterity:

Pure speculation, but curious what others think how many people who got into aviation because of Instagram( social Media)or the pilot shortage hype news. Actually stay in it long-term? Especially those who went through accelerated flight programs?

Seems like a lot of folks were drawn in by the glamor on social media or promises of quick hiring and big money. But once the reality of long hours, and the grind of instructing or regional airline life sets in… will they stick it out? long haul vs. just riding a wave? I guess we will know 5 or 10 years.

Please downvote this comment until it collapses.

Questions about this comment? Please see this wiki post before contacting the mods.

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. If you have any questions, please contact the mods of this subreddit.