Question
: Is it a good idea to become a commercial airplane pilot these days? I heard that a lot of airline companies are going bankrupt and that many pilots with many years of experience are being dismissed. Is this true? Should I get in to the aviation business? I wouldn't like to go to aviation school and then not be able to get a job. I am a Sophomore in high school and have always dreamed of flying. Thanks."I am a sophomore in high school but time is running out, I have always dreamed of flying. Thank you
Answer : You have asked a very good question! The airlines are very much in turmoil, but I will try to predict the future. Working for an airline may never get back to as good as it used to be. Benefits will be greatly reduced. Pay will be reduced from where it is today. In today's dollars, I think the airline captain's pay will be approximately $100,000 per year in a few years. Some airlines are already talking about ways to save money on sick leave such as only paying a fraction of your wages when you call in sick for a trip.
With all this said, I have to ask you a question: Why do you want the job? Is it because you really love to fly and would do the job for a fraction of today's pay? Or is it because you perceive the job to be one that pays well and has a lot of time off?
If the answer is closer to the first than the second, you will probably be happy with flying as a career. If your desires are to make really good money, I think you are better off becoming an entrepreneur and owning your own business. After all you can always buy your own airplane! I recommend the book "Rich Dad-Poor Dad" by Robert Kirosaki.
I forgot to mention another avenue - the U.S. military is a great way to fly the latest airplanes and be a patriot at the same time.
Good Luck and let me know what you decide, Dick Keyt
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