The incredibly unique appeal of flying big jets and traveling the world for a living draws people of all ages into the aviation and airline industries. Yet, very few understand the harsh realities of the career and the fact that the 'glamorous' side of the career often fades quickly. Those of us who have 'hung in there' and weathered a series of tumultuous series of global events and industry specific changes can attest to the fact that the only thing that is predictable in this industry is constant change.
The following excerpt from the recent 'Is Airline Flying for Me' article in Flying magazine struck me as incredibly on point, as it literally summarized 90% of my own flying career and its uniquely unpredictable pitfalls since 2001. There will be more, but to list a few: "A terrorist attack; a global virus outbreak; a major recession; the mandatory retirement age gets raised or abolished. Furloughs; downgrades; long stagnation; base closures or realignments that necessitate uprooting your family or commuting. Concessionary contracts; bankruptcy courts slashing pay and benefits. Seeing the airline you’ve worked at for decades suddenly close its doors. Starting all over again at regional FO wages. These aren’t imaginary threats. Most airline pilots of a certain age have lived through several of these scenarios in their careers, and I’ve even flown with two or three unlucky souls who experienced every single calamity on that list. You may well escape them, but an honest appraisal includes thinking through a few plausible scenarios and contemplating how you would handle them. If your career suffers turbulence, will you still consider your investment in training worthwhile? Would you be able to retain your positive outlook and sense of humor and love of flying?" I'm certainly not the only one who has somehow (through luck, timing, constant networking and A LOT of patience) endured this storm, but many of these events altered my life in ways that I would have NEVER imagined. It's been an incredibly humbling experience. To those of you who are considering a career in the airline / aviation industry, do not think that your future career is above outside influences and political strife from unions and from many, many other outside show-stoppers. As I told a good friend several years ago, "If you're focused on becoming a pilot, get ready for the ride of your life," and I didn't mean that in a good way. You WILL encounter challenges beyond your imagination, so be ready for them, if that's actually possible. You can read the full article from @FlyingMagazine here: https://www.flyingmag.com/is-airline-flying-for-me
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Author:The Pilot Liberator is a former corporate pilot (Part 135 & 91) and a current ATP-rated airline pilot (Part 121) for a well-known carrier in the United States. Archives:
March 2018
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