For any pilots on the site

TravismoTravismo
in General

I’ve been working in an airport for several years now, but I recently decided to start taking steps toward getting my pilot’s license and hopefully flying passenger planes at some point.
I’m curious to hear more personal stories from anyone who is a pilot or knows one personally, to get a better idea of what to expect from the pilot lifestyle as it were.

Comments

  • Cessna_guyCessna_guy

    @Travismo what steps have you taken to earn your license? Are you asking how to earn the necessary ratings? Or are you asking the lifestyle of pilot working for a major airline ?

  • TravismoTravismo

    I have scheduled my first flight, my question is more regarding what it’s like to work as a commercial pilot. For example, would I be living out of hotels for extended periods or flying to and from the same city regularly?

  • Cessna_guyCessna_guy

    That all depends on the job. Any of those situations can occur. Starting out, you will get the flight schedules no one else wants.

    What got you interested in a flying career?

  • SSRequiescenceSSRequiescence
    edited January 17

    Edited.

  • waynewvwaynewv

    When I got my license at my local airport most of the instructors there were building time to hopefully move up the ladder to twins. From what a few told me that you don’t make much at the beginning as the flight schools know you need the hours so they don’t pay much.
    I would really look into it, good luck with it.?

  • TravismoTravismo

    Well, having worked at an airport for several years I’ve seen flight crews a lot and they seem to really enjoy their work. Recently, I finally realized that I won’t be young forever and I need to start working towards a real career, so I decided I’d be a pilot.

  • Cessna_guyCessna_guy

    Most pilots would fly for free, as they enjoy that much. However, a love of flying doesn't pay the rent (how sad). Be aware there are many jobs not flying airliners you will not hear about which you may enjoy more. Join AOPA. Read all you can. Use their training services. Feel free to contact me about your training progress. Full disclosure-- I am not a professional pilot, but fly for fun.

  • TheFunCartelTheFunCartel

    Never take lessons from a guy whose nickname is Crash.

  • [Deleted User]Btown (deleted user)

    @Travismo Sounds like you're moving in the flight direction.

  • CuddleDuncanCuddleDuncan Mod

    Join the US Coast Guard. They'll teach you to fly for nothing.

  • TravismoTravismo

    I considered joining the Air Force, but I didn’t want to be stuck with them for 5+ years. The coast guard would be a similar, though significantly more bearable, commitment. I’ll look into that.

  • TheFunCartelTheFunCartel

    @Travismo Both my parents were pilots and my dad was a career Air Force Officer with thousands of flight hours. Preference for all pilot positions in the Armed Forces is given to Academy graduates including the Coast Guard. The Coast Guard has a slight in with the helicopters. But the chances of enlisting and snagging a pilot position now days is a long shot. Moreover, they are pushing money into the drone programs in all the branches. That is why the Air Force is now derisively referred to as the Chair Force.

    Recruiters will tell you you have a shot but recruiters are low level politicians—you know they are lying when their mouth moves.

  • TravismoTravismo

    @FunCartel I see, sounds like it would be best to go the civilian route. Probably better for my sanity as well.

  • SunsetSnugglesSunsetSnuggles

    @Travismo Maybe see if you can do some ridealongs or watch some day in the life videos, online... My ex-boyfriend wanted to be a pilot because flying the friendly skies sounded fun! Then he got into a program and instantly realized he had no interest in the technical aspect of what pilots have to learn and deal with, on the daily. Just a thought!

    ~ Sunset Snuggles

  • Mike403Mike403

    I think I'll stick with Microsoft Flight Simulator.

  • TheFunCartelTheFunCartel

    @Mike403 What do you do when you need a patch mid-flight?

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