What's It Like

[dogpile]

I wanted to get a sense of what it is like out there on the line. I am a pilot and have been on a personal leave for 2.5 years. I have been recalled with a training date coming up next week and will be based in PHL where I live.

I have not been working in the aviation field and have to be honest – I miss the flying.

I know, the moral is terrible. But really, what is it like? Has the merger prospects changed things? Is the job as a commercial airline pilot still worth having compared to a 9-5 M-F job?

Thanks

PS – Yes, I make a whole lot more money on the outside – but it is a grind!

 

[OTslave]

You didn't mention if you have a family; which would definitely influence my decision.

However, the morale is a bit better than it was. If you're making more money on the outside, I'd buy a cessna to cure your love of flying and stay put in your job.

You know what you have, and you never know what you're gonna get.

 

[BoeingBoy]

dogpile,

If you've been gone 2.5 years, there's no denying that the working conditions have changed. I can understand the "miss the flying", but much of what your working life would be like depends on where you would come back senioritywise.

It's a very personal decision and one I'm glad I'm not faced with. If there's any specific questions I can answer as far as where you will fit in on the base roster, etc., send me a PM and I'll let you know how to contact me.

Jim

 

[Mtnman928]

I wanted to get a sense of what it is like out there on the line. I am a pilot and have been on a personal leave for 2.5 years. I have been recalled with a training date coming up next week and will be based in PHL where I live.

I have not been working in the aviation field and have to be honest – I miss the flying.

I know, the moral is terrible. But really, what is it like? Has the merger prospects changed things? Is the job as a commercial airline pilot still worth having compared to a 9-5 M-F job?

Thanks

PS – Yes, I make a whole lot more money on the outside – but it is a grind!

[post="277187"][/post]​

dogpile-

Need more info: are you coming back as C/O or F/O, Reserve or Block Holder, Int'l or Domestic. What airplane.

It doesn't compare to a 9-5 job because it has turned into a 9-2300 job. Maybe even longer if you fly out of PHL.

Mtnman

 

[flyer9]

Speaking as one who took early retirement rather than face another 10 years of what this job has "de-volved" into, I would highly recommend that you stay where you are and continue the new career that you have found for yourself. All of the positive things that drew every pilot into commercial aviation have been taken away through the endless rounds of concessions over the last several years. Speaking only for myself, I can honestly tell you that my decision to leave the airline and start a whole new life was absolutely the best thing that I could have done. Best of luck to you with whatever decision you ultimately make.

 

[dogpile]

Thank you to those that have replied. As for my status, I would be a F/O on the AB - a blockholder. A do have a family with 3 children.

What about the corporate scene? Any comments on this?

Having worked the other side, I have to tell you that I do not look forward to Monday’s. I guess the reason that I became a pilot is still there – I want to do for a living something that I am passionate about.

 

[WestCoastGuy]

Is always best to do something you enjoy. Sounds like flying is something that gives you joy and pleasure in life. If that be the case, go for it! Exec's and corp. policies come and go, but zest for life and pleasure in one's labors and job is above all that. As customer service here, this company will suck the life and soul right out of anyone, but I believe you would be above all that in your position. If it doesnt work for you, then go back to the corp 9 to 5 stuff. Just my 2 cents worth.... 🙂

 

[autofixer]

Dogpile:

I just got home from the 3 re-indoc. class. Waste of time. It as if they really don't wan't you to return. Just show up at indoc and they will muddle through. Bring your F.O.M., they don't tell you you need it but you do. I still have not got back my I. D. or issued a new one. It really makes you feel part of the team. You have to wear a visitor's tag. They figerprint you on day 3. You also need your passport or the number and expiration date. I heard some real bad rumors, but I won't repeat them, they are only rumors.

 

[pitguy]

autofixer,
I thought you left on your own terms to start a business. What happened?

 

[pitguy]

...Yes, I make a whole lot more money on the outside – but it is a grind! ...

...A do have a family with 3 children...

[post="277269"][/post]​

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++



I wonder if the pay cut and/or extra hours would be hard on your family. Best wishes to you.

 

[calibrator]

autofixer,
I thought you left on your own terms to start a business. What happened?

[post="277398"][/post]​

You have heard the saying: "The grass is always greener"..... auto-man and his posts of how sweet life is without the airline turned out to be a ruse, a fairy tale invented by an unhappy soul staggering thru life and hoping no one sees. Face it. Corporate America put everyone in their place and even managed to bring the once mighty clamorous high flying job sky pilots enjoyed to new lows. Corporate America accomplished this by placing them at a attitude where they can smell the stench like the rest of humanity. 9/11 accelerated corporate America’s wet dream of becoming kings while the masses bend over at their beckoning, without question or protest. The pilots and the rest of labor are where they are at simply because they accepted the unacceptable and what that reality encompasses. Fraught with hardship is fast becoming everyone’s reality except the nobles who broke up a perfectly good party while no one was looking. It’s like labor was in a stupor and woke up on a different planet where road warriors rule, a place where surviving means you kill whoever gets in your way. Yep-- We all collectivity let new lows become our reality by being passive. Now the pensions are gone along with good jobs and the only ones happy are the few people calling themselves executives who enjoy life styles of a rock star. Each and every poster can share the blame for “lettingâ€￾ it happen.

 

[autofixer]

Pitguy: I still have the business. I was on a voluntary leave...why burn bridges if you don't have to? To be honest, I never planned to return, but U jammed us up with a short notice and early canx. of our leaves and forced us into a snap decision. I think to try and force us to quit. Out of 5 that were suppose to show for class only 3 did. We all have businesses. If you have another job, that has to be a tough decision as to return or not. IF it is too bad at U, Is still have the option to walk. I is always good to plan ahead and have multiple options available. U is paying for my family's medical insurance again, that is 1100 per month, I know one in the class returned for that reason alone. If things are too bad, I can fire my manager and come back to the business full time.

 

[pitguy]

autofixer,
Well welcome back to U. I was just caught off guard when I read you were going back. I left a long time ago after many years there. I miss my friends and the community. I was fortunate to go with an outfit and over double my salary from the start. My benefit and bonus packages were also substantially increased. I feel blessed and I'm grateful I will not be returning. I wish you the best.

 

[firstamendment]

Last month I flew 118 hours. The potential to earn more money is there. No, I did not have a nervous breakdaown, however it has shown out here. 🙂

 

[USAir757]

As much as it pains me to say it, I wouldn't go back. Not for anything. I've done my flying. And I'll just continue to visit the left seat at night when I'm sleeping. But I'm not you, and it's a personal decision.

Best of luck, either way.