Need some light on the industry!

[TrippleFlap]

Hi Guys ! I am new here, just want to ask you all a question. I have my PPL done and planning on getting my CPL and MIFR.
Just curious if this is a good time to get the training done and look for a job. Everyone talks about fuel prices rising and airplanes being parked. Is this industry slowing down ? I am not from rich family and work hard for my money. Just don't want to spend it all and realize that pilots parked their planes and work delivering pizza. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

[Wacko]

Even if the industry was at it's peak hiring you're still going to be delivery pizzas for the first few years... hell.. JAZZ is paying $35000 for the first 2 years! This industry is not for those who want to get rich fast... it will take you at least 10 years to get to West Jet or Air Canada...

[TrippleFlap]

I know about aviation salaries. I just want to fly after i am done school.

[Rowdy]

If you don't mind going to some middle of nowhere place for a couple years and giving up any semblance of a relationship and working hard for a good employer it's all doable. Now.. if there is a decline in the industry.. we won't see the full effects for a bit. Theres still a LOT of open seats in the mid range.. which means they'll need to be filled eventually. Get on it now, get it done and definatly have a backup plan. If flying planes is what you want to do.. don't let anyone stop you!

[Changes in Latitudes]

If you don't mind going to some middle of nowhere place for a couple years and giving up any semblance of a relationship and working hard for a good employer it's all doable. Now.. if there is a decline in the industry.. we won't see the full effects for a bit. Theres still a LOT of open seats in the mid range.. which means they'll need to be filled eventually. Get on it now, get it done and definatly have a backup plan. If flying planes is what you want to do.. don't let anyone stop you!

Agreed!

Anyone willing to move to a "unique" locale, build a reputation from the strength of their back and the sweat on their brow should find this a good time. Just understand that it is not always a joy-ride, it is a lifestyle, your personal life will suffer in some regard. But don't delay, get on er'!

[SkyWolfe]

I know enough people who have hung onto relationships hiding in the bushes and being up north. In fact, some are on this board. I guess it just depends how dedicated you are... no? But hell, whatever floats your boat!!

[Rowdy]

Wolfey.. it takes a special breed. Even then it's a rough go in the formative years. Not for the faint of heart in that regards.

[brokenwing]

believe about half the bullshit of you hear on here and half of the success stories you hear one on one from real pilots, and you'll be ok. Some of the people on here can be a little bleak. pave you're own path and you'll be ok. If you're hard working and determined it'll be fun. A lot of pilot's will whine that they had it hard, but don't realize its like that in most other fields. You just need to work hard to achieve your goals.... its not such a bad thing.

[just curious]

While it's a cyclical industry, I've worked for 30 years through several down-turns. I've been able to pay the mortgage, and buy groceries.

If you want to fly for a living, there are lots of jobs now. Later they might be farther between, but a lot more of my peers are retiring.

[Wacko]

Later they might be farther between, but a lot more of my peers are retiring.

Not fast enough

Crystal ball aside... anyone think we're moving into a world where there's only going to be a captain and a computer in the right seat? Also, with the airlines bumping the age maximum 5 years that might change the industry a bit as well?

TrippleFlap: my initial post was to point out that you're about to spend 60+k on a (in my opinion) uncertain market. There are 3 types of people in the aviation industry. There are those who are optimistic (you'll find a job just go up north), the pessimistic (there are 1000 guys with 200 hours applying for the same job you are) and the moderate which I like to think are more realistic:

Though I can't argue with JC, I can guarantee you that there is no way I could pay half my mortgage and still eat in Calgary... even flying for Jazz. I'm lucky enough to have 2 completely separate skills which pay for that.

I was once told when flying (ALWAYS give yourself an out)... I think this also applies here. I'm not saying you should go for 4 years of University but "IF" you don't have some skills outside aviation... I would look into that before considering an aviation career.

Just my two dimes.

[Kelowna Pilot]

Wacko's assessment is realistic.

Aviation is a volatile industry that can change in a heart-beat.

We're now entering an era of non-cheap oil. My view is that, unless some magic alternative energy source is discovered very quickly (and not the weird algae or corn thing), that aviation as we know it will be unrecognizable in a year or two, and not in a good way.