For all of you who have flying careers outside of the airlines,

1) What do you do?
2) How did you get started?

Thanks,
Sara

Ag-pilot.
Worked on the ground for a season.
Got screwed around by a few guys (will happen all through your career in aviation!).
Then ag school.
Then got a seat.
Then built time. Lots.
Then bought an airplane and worked it with operators.
Then bought business, let you know how this one works out later.

All of that AFTER being well networked in aviation since I was a kid and having flown multiple facets of aviation for about 4,000 hours.

Many of these posts ring very true in my experiences and observations of my friends in the biz.
It isn't what it used to be especially in the airlines (mom was F/A for 39 years). There are still some good seats (FedEx for one) but much of it has been eroded through management and cutbacks.
No matter the venue of flying you pick you must LOVE it and you must be totally dedicated to your success in it.
Many of the NON-entry level jobs don't pay shit these days let alone entry level. $25-40K doesn't get much in 2009 after taxes. So's you'd better be prepared to tighten up for about 10 years until you get to where the school loans are paid off AND you're making good money (in my book $80k or better these days for all the bullshit you have to go through to get there). That is why I also agree with the family statement. If you have one already you'd better have a partner that makes a good living or be a member of the lucky sperm club and not HAVE to work.
At the end of the day if you LOVE it you'll realize that it could be much worse. You could have to go to work.

Sara,

I retired from 30 years as a Wildlife Biologist/Airplane Pilot.

That particular job has some VERY specific qualifications required before you can apply. First, a BS degree (minimum-MS preferred) in Wildlife Biology or related field. Second, Commercial, Instrument rated. Minimum flight times for entry are 500 hours PIC, BUT the more the merrier.

MTV

Let's not rule out the military. I've flown backseat and now I'm trying for the front. Go guard if you can but active duty is still fun. Sure is hard to get into, I'm trying for the last time before I get to old.

A lot will also depend on things outside of your control ie: eyesight, age, medical issues, degree, and whether or not they need pilots. Sometimes it's just luck of the draw and they'll get you any waiver you need. Sometimes they already have enough and you get to spend the next 4 years in Oklahoma (hypothetically speaking of course).

Every time someone talks about flying for a living I remember these two smartly dressed pilots flying a beautiful NetJets Citation X. I was fueling at the time. The company neglected to tell the flight crew there was no lav. cart services available. The pilots had to dump it into a trash can, shit splattering all over them, neckties tucked into their front pockets.

Must've really wanted to fly that thing.

gb

I started my own flying business. In my late 50's I was longing for something new and had always wanted to try flying for a living. I already owned the plane, so I called the FAA - spent the best part of 6 months getting a single pilot Pt.135 certificate and found myself in business. I was lucky enough to be at the right place at the right time. The other commercial operator (a friend) in the area decided to call it quits and my contacts from my previous career (ranching) led to contracts that had me flying in support of wildlife research for the State and other agencies. That - coupled with the charters, scenic flights and instructing - has led to a decent small business. The recent economic downturn hasn't helped at all, but I'm still managing to make a living with it. Apparently I do good work and the future looks pretty good. However, I never expected, and I still don't expect to get rich flying. I figure that I bought myself a job - one that I really enjoy.

I have my dream job. I fly for a small bush operator out of Homer, AK. It is the most beautiful place I have lived. The summers are out-of-control busy, taking bear viewers into Lake Clark and Katmai, being a bear viewing guide (don't remember that in the job description), flying hunters, fisherman, and sightseers on top of the normal flying into the villages, mail, villagers in and out, dogs, eagles, otters (the last three both dead and alive...actually the last four, but not that often), and the occasional MedEvac. I have flown G-3s to J-3s, twin otters to barons, in the states, Africa and South America, and this is the best, most challenging (read:scary) sometimes flying that I have done. I see sunsets over steaming volcanoes, I have counted 26 black bears in a 6 minute flight, last summer I watched two bald eagle raise there young in a nest on final at one of the villages, I have seen a pod of 80-100 orca in the bay, and 15-20 brown bears feeding on a whale carcass from 30 yards away in Katmai. I have made really good friends with the villagers and tourists alike. I fly old 206s with 8.50x10s and take them into beaches, river beds, and just plain flat lookin' areas. I do not make good money, but then I believe the person with the most stories (not the most money) when he dies wins....and I am racking them up. Flying in AK you will not: make lots of money or impress girls, but you will have a smile on your face. Too many "I"s in this missive, but I have had a couple beers and it was a great day flying. Find something you like and run with it.

Wait, wait, wait---Who says you won't impress chicks as a pilot in Alaska???? Gump and I were virtual chick magnets during our respective times up there....well, at least Gump was

MTV

I got started started washing planes and helping in the hanger. Flight Instructing, banner ops, doing whatever I could to get a ride. Did 4 years as a commuter airline flying BE-1900's and EMB-120s, got a "real" job flying B-727/737/757 and DC-10. Been out of flying work for the last year... But, I am really enjoying some home time.... Always try to have a plan"B"

Good Luck

Wow, I just read my post from last night....a little verbose, sorry...however, I did mention I was drinking a beer...or two.

What? you guys impressed the girls? I will have to tell my buddy iflying out of Aniak that being a pilot does get the girls.

Headoutdaplane wrote:What? you guys impressed the girls? I will have to tell my buddy iflying out of Aniak that being a pilot does get the girls.

You tell him that it does!!!! With a six pack in hand he could be like the Pied Piper in Aniak. Or even better, tell him to try that in Hooper Bay. Guaranteed

Gump

When joecub was just a kid, we were sittin around bullshittin in Oshkosh, one time, and I got him involved in a conversation with an older airline pilot there. I was thinkin to my self, that this would be a really good way to instill in him a desire to fly for the airlines, where he could fly like we both loved, and be successful, making the big bucks.

They chatted away for awhile about flying etc., then joecub asked him "Well, what's it really like though, flyin airliners? Is it fun???" The old airline pilot sat back, and said "Well son, just go and sit in a closet, for about 7 hours, in the dark, with the door closed, and a vacuum cleaner running.... Then you'll have a pretty good idea..."

The old airline pilot sat back, and said "Well son, just go and sit in a closet, for about 7 hours, in the dark, with the door closed, and a vacuum cleaner running.... Then you'll have a pretty good idea..."


They used to say there are no old bold pilots, hell, looka here........

********

Lets hope that old airline guy finally decided ......."To COME OUT of the closet!"

Bob

Headoutdaplane,

Seams like your looking for the wrong type of girls. If I wasn't married I would totally go for an alaskan bush pilot.

You asked what us non airline guys do.

I'm a corporate pilot. How did I start? CFI, charter, freight, the usual.

Been flying Gulfstreams for about 30 years now.

I'm 64 years old. Beats workin' for a living.

Keep Your Mach Up,

Bill

Never trust a pilot who doesn't drink..

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