|
Don't do it for a career. Do it for fun. FBO's are hurting for business right now, so you might be able to shop around (even with gas prices where they are) . Once you get your private, try and ride around with a 135 guy who flys checks around. You wont be able to log the time, but you can see what it's like, flying right seat at night, in crappy wx. I fly for one of the best "regionals" around (even though we're technically a major airline), and it's still just a flying job. No panache, little cool-factor, and only decent money. I made more money (net) selling a couple of my cars last year (in one month) then I made on a whole year of 2nd year FO pay.
Make lots of money doing something that's quasi-fun (and not so cyclical as aviation) and then be a weekend warrior and fly for fun. iI think most of my pilot buddies here don't really care what they fly. i know i'd take a 70K a year Cessna 172 job (ha ha) with nights and weekends off, compared to a 70K a year job, flying 727's (with a poor schedule). It's all about quality of life.
As for getting into charter stuff, it's a pretty tough market. It's all about who you know, and there are many, many little costs that will destroy a business very quickly. Maintenance and Insurance are two biggies.
All in all, it's a decent career, but remember...the grass isn't always greener on the other side.
__________________
-mike
|