Being a pilot - is it worth it?

CN-RAM · Post by **CN-RAM** » 14 Dec 2004, 10:57

Being a pilot - maybe it's just me, i don't have that thrill or want for flying

You spend lots of time and money to gain licences, and then you're at someone else's mercy in respect to gaining employment somewhere, if you're lucky.

the pay is not super - looking at websites for airlines none go over £90k as captain with a number of years of experience as an F/O - but you probably spend that getting licences and flying hours over 2 or 3 years. who can afford that? so you get a loan and you end up paying that for the next 10 years. if you fly corporate (ie g4 or f900) you might fare a little better, but lots of pilots seem to want to fly for an airline or carrier.

so what is the best way of going about things if you wanna be a pilot? and how do you plan for the best success?

Mighty · Post by **Mighty** » 14 Dec 2004, 12:57

One thing should be clear I think.... Never become a pilot for the money. There are other jobs (aviation related) that pay better.

Zorba · Post by **Zorba** » 14 Dec 2004, 13:16

Well, I just keep asking me the same question ...

There are so many pilots who haven't got a job. And yes, you will pay over € 80 000 (or even more, when you join KLM FA).

I think not a single airline is interested in ab-inito's. And to keep your license (and your medical) up to date ==> time to pay!

Airlines also request for a type rating ==> another € 14000 ...

But once you've got the job, it's the most fantastic job there is!

SicilianFalcon · Post by **SicilianFalcon** » 15 Dec 2004, 20:09

Surely to be flying aircraft way up in the sky is definately worth it!

Add to that all the travelling .. Great stuff 8)

Advisor · Post by **Advisor** » 15 Dec 2004, 20:24

Flying above the clouds. Sigh, you should go for it. Despite the hardwork and efforts put in, i am sure you will not regret your decision to be a PILOT.

Go ahead and soar the skies CN_RAM

moons · Post by **moons** » 15 Dec 2004, 20:25

Hello,

It's indeed a huge cost, you can't deny that.
But if they would give me the chance to be a pilot, I would certainly grab it. To see the sun everyday above the clouds, to have that wonderfull feeling every day...I would be prepared to give up a lot of things, also a part of my salary!
Who says that you will be happy with a fat wallet when you miss the things in life that you really love?

greets

TUB004 · Post by **TUB004** » 15 Dec 2004, 21:17

Hi,

Yes I agree,like lots of people have said it's really hard to become pilot and we don't gain as much as we could in other aviation related jobs...

But like Moons said : what is better: having a job that you hate and gaining lots of money,or having a job you really love and gaining a reasonable amount ?

Best Regards,

Jonathan

bits44 · Post by **bits44** » 24 Dec 2004, 22:56

The Airlines will all be looking for pilots in the next five years, especially in Asia , you must have excellent math skills, be of excellent health, and have the ability to solve analytical problems, if you really, really want to fly for a living, and you can afford to commit yourself to the end result, then go for it, You have but one life to live, live it to the fullest, and enjoy what you do. Every pilot I know started out his or her career with apprehension, but they all say they never regretted their decision.

KT
Fly like the wind

A340-600 · Post by **A340-600** » 28 Dec 2004, 21:56

Airbus_fan wrote:Well, I just keep asking me the same question ...

There are so many pilots who haven't got a job. And yes, you will pay over € 80 000 (or even more, when you join KLM FA).

I think not a single airline is interested in ab-inito's. And to keep your license (and your medical) up to date ==> time to pay!

Airlines also request for a type rating ==> another € 14000 ...

But once you've got the job, it's the most fantastic job there is!

80.000€ /month ?

:wow: sow much?

i sould be a pilot not for the money, but for the Feelings 8)
It's super flying with a big airliner, The controls over a big plane 8)
I'am still dreaming

bits44 · Post by **bits44** » 06 Jan 2005, 22:37

Mighty wrote:One thing should be clear I think.... Never become a pilot for the money. There are other jobs (aviation related) that pay better.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/0,2106,3149142a13,00.html

EBAW_flyer · Post by **EBAW_flyer** » 06 Jan 2005, 22:54

There are so many pilots who haven't got a job. And yes, you will pay over € 80 000 (or even more, when you join KLM FA).

Well, you chose the most expensive schools then. OAC, BAFA and WWE cost under 65 000.

I think not a single airline is interested in ab-inito's

Not true at all, just a week ago, (at least) 2 ab-initios got a job at TUB

Dude320 · Post by **Dude320** » 06 Jan 2005, 23:17

That is correct, even Thomas Cook Airlines Belgium gave the opportunity to some Ab-Initio's last year to start as F/O.

Aviation24.be

Being a pilot - is it worth it?

Being a pilot - is it worth it?

Go for it

An old post but some good news for aspiring pilots