My days as a “waterski” are nearing an end. I have NOT decided whether or not to pursue aviation as a longterm career (likely not, but still undecided), but have decided not to pursue it right now.

With this industry going down like it is and especially my company, this just isn’t a good time to be trying to navigate through the growing rat race of pilots. From my vantage point I see not even a silver lining in the clouds. No airline pilot will argue that one faces many sacrifices in adopting this lifestyle. However, the theory is that it will pay enough in dividends to make it worth it. Where I am today as compared to where I thought I would be today when I started this gig are 180 degrees opposed. This industry requires a large degree of being the “effect” of others decisions, namely the people running the business (and the feds).

Everything from job security, quality of life, professional advancement, and even the way in which we fly the airplanes (SOP, etc) are determined by factors beyond our control. In this seniority system compounded with the growing mass of pilots out there on furlough, there is no possible way to out perform the compeition, to prove oneself to be of more value than the other guy. Success or demise is based entirely on a seniority list – how many other people are in the line. Professional advancement is the same way. I used to think that once I got to 1,500 hrs turbine PIC, I’d have a fighting chance for a Southwest job or similar. With the 40,000+ hopeful resumes they have on file, combined with the real world statistics I am seeing (only 3 people from Trans States have made it to SWA within the last many years and they are almost legends among the envious pilot group), make that a shot in the dark. The average age for a SWA new hire is 37 years old. Even assuming I make it at all, I am not prepared to fly regional jets under these forces (nor this company) for the next 11 years. A side by side forecast reveals me much further along in life after 11 years time should I be given the chance to unleash some of “my own” horsepower rather than just endure this industry, waiting and hoping for my number to be called.

I am ready to slide over into the driver seat for a while. The only way that I can be in control of my own success or failure is to cut the cord on this endeavor, even if just for a while, and go build myself up in otherways. Perhaps working in a profession where I can personally outshine the compeition and make a name for myself and be known as THE guy that can get it done, rather than employee #20415, will see me happier in the long run.

I have created a lengthy podcast on this topic of which I might post soon.

I am beginning school again in Jan 2009 to pursue my CPA. It will be a huge win to conquer that. As to what I do afterwards, I’ll lick my finger, stick it up into the breeze and see where the winds blow me when the time comes.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, October 29th, 2008 at 10:17 pm and is filed under Airline Life, Career Advancement. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.