tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-352377410388410195.post7860956756343676929..comments2024-03-28T17:38:51.301-07:00Comments on Flight To Success: Aviation Reality 101Karlene Petitthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17910702587514001827noreply@blogger.comBlogger40125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-352377410388410195.post-22788570174392329312013-11-08T18:15:40.539-08:002013-11-08T18:15:40.539-08:00I am so sorry your career has turned into a job yo...I am so sorry your career has turned into a job you don't like. I had days like that, but now I see the other end of the rainbow. I guess I stuck it out long enough and kept moving on... fate decided it was time to give me a great hand. But then, I enjoyed even the hard times. <br /><br />I hope that you find some joy in your work. Or maybe find something else to do. This is your one and only life, you should do it with something that makes you happy. Karlene Petitthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17910702587514001827noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-352377410388410195.post-36901529188903370552013-11-08T12:45:18.632-08:002013-11-08T12:45:18.632-08:00The glamor wears off after you've had your day...The glamor wears off after you've had your days off rolled more times than you can count, planes arw constantly broke, and you're dealing with winter weather on reduced rest. Never again. I'm in this job now (it is not a career), so I'm seeing it through... but the gains are definitely not worth the effort or risk. When your union president tells you your company has to fit within a "cost box", at the expense of you and your coworkers, instead of working to bring that flying in house, there is something wrong. The glory days are gone. We're glorified bus drivers with lower pay and worse benefits. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-352377410388410195.post-19155399000003169932013-11-07T07:48:14.054-08:002013-11-07T07:48:14.054-08:00You are so right...there is no guarantee that you ...You are so right...there is no guarantee that you work 15 or 20 years and can make it. It's just about timing. There are people who have struggled for years and bobbed and weaved the wrong way. But then, I think making it is subjective too. All about the priorities in life. <br /><br />I think that anyone who can sustain a job they love, and make enough to fly and play with planes as their passion ...has it all. Far too many people who love flying, lose that passion because the job turns into something other than the fun they had with planes. Not what they envisioned. <br /><br />Adjusting goals is something so many forget to do. Life is dynamic and with that comes circumstances that shift. <br /><br />But... if you keep flying on the side. When the kids are off to college, and you get restless... you could still have that airline job. If you have the hours, there will be a job for you one day. Maybe fly the last ten years. :)<br /><br />It's all good when you wake up with a smile on your face. <br />Karlene Petitthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17910702587514001827noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-352377410388410195.post-65797144605959666092013-11-07T07:18:34.300-08:002013-11-07T07:18:34.300-08:00Karlene,
Your write-up is right-on! I started out ...Karlene,<br />Your write-up is right-on! I started out thinking I wanted to be an airline pilot after graduating in 1997. 17+years later and married with one child, I still love flying (fly 1-2+ times a week) but perhaps flying commercially was not my cup of tea. Or perhaps I did not have the foresight, patience, toughness, and as much passion as you or others have had to make this a career :) Pilots by nature are a passionate bunch and my hats off to those who chose this as a career.<br /><br />For me, making a 6 figure pay check within couple of years out of school and never have to worry about: furloughs, living out of a suitcase, shrinking 401K contributions, failed medical, etc etc., I cannot feel to begin the pain of those who have been or are miserable as a result of choice they made. However, as you said yourself, it is a choice one makes! I do not complain because I have seen three of my friends, who are flying corp or airline. While all of them are content, I still think I made the right choice - THEY TELL ME SO! :)<br /><br />If I was as focused early in my career, I may have gone this route. I may have worked 15 years+ to find stability or may be still struggling. But I disagree with this notion that you work 15+ years and you would have made a career out of it! Unfortunaetly bad business and deermintation to make everything Union's fault does need leave any room to make your employees part of your business - for most airlines! <br /><br />For me, QOL trumps seeing the world (whether you mean flying same legs again and again or an enticing career that takes you to a new place every few weeks). Bottom line: we all make choices and we can continue to massage and change as we see fit. There are no poor-souls in this game.<br /><br />I have adjusted my goals and kept my dream of flying by working all the way to be a CFI. I love flying. I love teaching. I love talking flying. But I also am content with my IT career, working from home, and having the liberty to do everything else too - well, may be with the exception of being an airline pilot ;) I am happy coming home every night to my family because to me no amount of globe trotting is fun without having them in that trip!!! NO AMOUNT! Last but not least, pilot life is not for everyone - especially if you want to have a balanced life-style - at the start, middle, or towards the end of your career!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-352377410388410195.post-17180502881019455972013-11-03T09:43:23.809-08:002013-11-03T09:43:23.809-08:00To be or not to be
That is the question
(...)
I&...To be or not to be<br />That is the question<br />(...)<br /><br /><br />I'm going to be a Pilot. <br />I want to be a very good Pilot. <br />Everything is possible. <br />Believe. <br /><br /><br />AliksAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-352377410388410195.post-40949593762553785712013-11-01T05:59:57.077-07:002013-11-01T05:59:57.077-07:00Thank you Brandon! And being at the beginning you&...Thank you Brandon! And being at the beginning you'll get a heck of a ride. Hopefully in exceptional times. As you said, I'm not sure what Canada is like. But if it's not good...you can fix it! Keep up the great work and attitude and you'll make it. I know it. Karlene Petitthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17910702587514001827noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-352377410388410195.post-35183045253053672492013-11-01T05:58:35.087-07:002013-11-01T05:58:35.087-07:00You are so welcome!!You are so welcome!!Karlene Petitthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17910702587514001827noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-352377410388410195.post-50034513856630707412013-11-01T01:04:32.724-07:002013-11-01T01:04:32.724-07:00Do what you love because you love it and have pass...Do what you love because you love it and have passion for it!! Not the money! I'm only beginning on my journey to being an airline pilot, but I know it's the career for me! :) GREAT post Karlene, love itAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14380242618821635637noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-352377410388410195.post-67181939347475149782013-10-31T22:26:47.559-07:002013-10-31T22:26:47.559-07:00PS. - On previous blogs, i really want to thank ...PS. - On previous blogs, i really want to thank you for taking<br /> Your time and answering each and every comment.<br />I really appreciated, and it means alot to me.<br />Thanks again, Karlene.<br />NIGEL.<br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-352377410388410195.post-30573923684075192532013-10-31T22:14:17.633-07:002013-10-31T22:14:17.633-07:00Thank you Nigel! Yes, we have to follow our passio...Thank you Nigel! Yes, we have to follow our passion...but we must remember to not work for free. :) As much as we want to. But if you love what you're doing and can make a life doing that, it's great. Stay on course and you will get to where you are going. <br />Thank you for the great comment. Karlene Petitthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17910702587514001827noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-352377410388410195.post-21576465125598945692013-10-31T22:05:01.833-07:002013-10-31T22:05:01.833-07:00I give this blog ***** 5 out of five stars Karlene...I give this blog ***** 5 out of five stars Karlene.<br />Probably the best i've read in Flight to Succes.<br />Thank you for letting us see the light, and to remind me of what<br />I have forgotten.<br />I know i complain sometimes, but you remind me that any day<br />Up in the clouds is better than most on the ground, regardless<br />of pay and working conditions.<br />A long time ago we used to say : "hell, i'll work for free if (Delta) hired me to fly their heavies" , ha, ha, now that's passion. I guess if you love your passion enough, it stops <br />Being work and becomes more of a hobby, and if you do get that cushy job at the majors, well, that just becomes the icing on my cake ,with the cherry on top!<br />DO WHAT YOU LOVE, because there are alot of worse jobs out there. Aviation is not work, when compared to manual labor.<br />Thank you Karlene, for setting me back on course.<br /><br />NIGEL.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-352377410388410195.post-37988864212213096222013-10-31T17:05:21.720-07:002013-10-31T17:05:21.720-07:00I love it. And if we could all adapt and overcome ...I love it. And if we could all adapt and overcome think of all we could accomplish! Thank you so much for the comment! Karlene Petitthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17910702587514001827noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-352377410388410195.post-81397043189056996742013-10-31T17:04:09.708-07:002013-10-31T17:04:09.708-07:00Hi Sarah, I love that saying! "The world need...Hi Sarah, I love that saying! "The world needs dreamers who are doers." Thank you so much for the great comment. Karlene Petitthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17910702587514001827noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-352377410388410195.post-63806239441120408682013-10-31T17:03:18.359-07:002013-10-31T17:03:18.359-07:00Congratulations on your 500 hours Ramiel! And I do...Congratulations on your 500 hours Ramiel! And I do know how hard you have struggled. But you never gave up and willing to do the work. You will make it all the way and it will be so nice! Good days to come. But remember, these are the good ole days.Karlene Petitthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17910702587514001827noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-352377410388410195.post-49253971850868869602013-10-31T17:01:10.474-07:002013-10-31T17:01:10.474-07:00Hi Craig, Thanks for the comment. I am so glad you...Hi Craig, Thanks for the comment. I am so glad you loved Cap'n Aux's book. I did too. And that extra set of eyes... I had three on the first. I think there are two issues... One, too close. Two, engaged in the story and reading too fast. This time I am reading over and over and over. <br /><br />And taking my time. And then will send to my second set of eyes again. Consider yourself signed up! :)Karlene Petitthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17910702587514001827noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-352377410388410195.post-21443752000159855622013-10-31T16:38:51.242-07:002013-10-31T16:38:51.242-07:00another comment; I spent a number of years in the ...another comment; I spent a number of years in the Army (Australian & I'm a 'Vet'). It was drummed into us "adapt and overcome"; so get on with it.johnblyon@hotmail.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-352377410388410195.post-76043755422430905812013-10-31T05:02:34.194-07:002013-10-31T05:02:34.194-07:00Thank you Karlene....27 years of flying and you ga...Thank you Karlene....27 years of flying and you gave me "goose bumps"...:-)<br />.“The world needs dreamers and the world needs doers <br />But above all The world needs dreamers who do.”<br />Sarah Ban BreathnachStefanohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06757511816234846225noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-352377410388410195.post-46114417338184213932013-10-31T04:08:12.579-07:002013-10-31T04:08:12.579-07:00It´s a struggle for sure, I am 36 and woke up some...It´s a struggle for sure, I am 36 and woke up some months ago wanted to be a pilot but all the people I talked to said-you know head over to the US and do all the flight ratings there and convert the license and ratings in europe and when you are done with that you could have enough hrs for a airline job..but i have a family and a great job already so i have decided just do to my PPL thanks for a great site..// Toby, SwedenAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-352377410388410195.post-39245423870831153922013-10-31T02:39:10.989-07:002013-10-31T02:39:10.989-07:00Hi @ Rob. Cedarglen writing here. I'll agree...Hi @ Rob. Cedarglen writing here. I'll agree with you - but... If you are not a long term reader of Karlene's posts, you have missed a lot of wonderful wisdom. If I may be so bold, please read through some of her archives; this flying grandmother has a wealth of wisdom to offer and I did not want to cut her off at the knee with her current post. There is a LOT more brilliance to be had, so I called it as top-ten. Happy reading, sir. You won't regret the time spent. -C.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-352377410388410195.post-24278475300723626682013-10-31T02:30:52.171-07:002013-10-31T02:30:52.171-07:00Thanks. We are one the same page, enjoying it - a...Thanks. We are one the same page, enjoying it - and you, (very young lady) have a gaggle of beautiful grand children to prove it. I well understand your nearly perfect environment; I spent my primary years <25 miles south at Brown's Point/Dash Point. While different now, just like your beautiful home, it is never the wrong place to call home. I await your book with [you are the writer, so fill in some fun words here=...] Please keep me posted and no need to reply again. -C.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-352377410388410195.post-63805140997644248212013-10-31T02:17:38.311-07:002013-10-31T02:17:38.311-07:00Multiple hugs, Karlene! I cannot see a 'U.S. ...Multiple hugs, Karlene! I cannot see a 'U.S. Major' hiring or obligating at 250, but, where there is a need... Captain Palmer's book is keeping me busy until YOUR book is available and, If I did not mention it, Eric Auxier's wonderful book, *The Last Bush Pilots* filled some time with great pleasure. I'm just now thinking about how to review his excellent book. The two of you should consider team effort someday.<br />Thanks for the update on your own work. I hope you get at least one foreign set of eyes on it before it hits the presses as you are probably too close to it to be the final editor; you'll see things that are not there... I'll stand in line (for a bit) if necessary and I'm really looking forward to reading your second episode. I do not own a TV, but I devote at least that much time to my reading. I think you know the head honcho of your publishing house rather well, so offer him a bit of chapter four to finish the final edits. Press time or electron pumping time? I use Kindle format these days, but still buy and treasure hard books from my friends. Where do I sign up for early copy list? XoXo, -C. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-352377410388410195.post-86663865419312745602013-10-30T21:39:41.119-07:002013-10-30T21:39:41.119-07:00Excellent reality check post!
It's tough. It ...Excellent reality check post!<br /><br />It's tough. It really ****** is! haha. I really like that last paragraph about life, not just the pilots life. And how we have to "figure out how to go around it or take a different route."<br /><br />I have been beaten down many times, from flight school troubles, to first job roadblocks, and now accepting low-ish pay, long hours, away from family, and all that stuff. <br /><br />It's like risk. We have to learn what to accept and what not to accept, or change things around to an acceptable level.<br /><br />Today I (finally) passed my 500 hour mark. Not before spending a whole day in a crappy reserve/community up north, choosing to sleep inside the plane that the crappy terminal, in the cold of the beginning winter. 2 years since graduation and this is what I have to put up with. The good thing is that it only gets better from here (typically), and so the fact that I'm surviving this, is pretty damn lucky!<br /><br />Ramielhttp://innercortex.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-352377410388410195.post-35305196363720581752013-10-30T20:44:03.613-07:002013-10-30T20:44:03.613-07:00Thank you Rob, I say go in with eyes wide open and...Thank you Rob, I say go in with eyes wide open and if you know the rules and want to play... have fun! Karlene Petitthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17910702587514001827noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-352377410388410195.post-15479437757643978842013-10-30T20:42:22.797-07:002013-10-30T20:42:22.797-07:00Craig, I am beginning to understand that now. I do...Craig, I am beginning to understand that now. I don't need to wait 10 years. :) Thank you so much for your reminder on the power of passion! Karlene Petitthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17910702587514001827noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-352377410388410195.post-60489057840303807752013-10-30T20:40:36.411-07:002013-10-30T20:40:36.411-07:00Thanks for your comment Craig, the funny thing is ...Thanks for your comment Craig, the funny thing is I have some good friends who have retired off the 747 5+ years now and they started with 250 hours. Some were told to get a pilots license and come back when they had it, and they did. Yep..they did not know how to fly and were hired and moved up quickly. A different world then for sure. <br /><br />Yes... you will need some fiction to rest your brain after learning so much in Bill's book. Update. I will be ready to do the final proof read by the end of this week! It's going well. But be prepared...it's long. :)Karlene Petitthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17910702587514001827noreply@blogger.com