Pursuing Flying for the Right Reasons

Becoming a pilot is a dream commonly shared by millions around the world. Many of these dreamers follow through with their intentions and follow the path to becoming a pilot, while countless others choose not to for a variety of reasons. Despite being one of the most well-known careers, less than 0.2 percent of Americans hold pilot certificates, and the percentage of career pilots is significantly smaller. 

But what is the draw to becoming a pilot, and why is it so difficult? All pilots have reasons for having pursued their careers, with many being unique. However, in this article, we will do our best to analyze the most common reasons to help you determine if this is the right career path for you. 

The Best Reasons to Become a Pilot

A Love of Flight

For generations, the miracle of flight has awed and inspired millions, making it one of the most common reasons individuals choose to pursue careers in aviation from pilots to aerospace engineers.

In a career as a pilot, flight can and will become second nature and at times even be a bit monotonous. However, those who do their best to hold onto the joy of flying can have an incomparable career, making love of flight one of the best reasons to become a pilot as every day is an awe-inspiring adventure.

A Sense of Adventure

Airplanes are one of mankind's greatest tools for transportation and exploration. They have enabled us to travel to every end of the globe in a matter of hours. While many would argue that the great age of terrestrial exploration is over, flight continues to offer a world of adventure and exploration, bringing people to places they have never known and would never know without the gift of flight. 

Pilots have the incredible opportunity to view the world from the skies as they venture further towards the horizon. A career as a pilot offers countless opportunities to explore new places and travel the world. Wanderlust is a common trait found among many pilots and can be a great motivator in helping aspiring pilots follow their dreams. 

Poor Reasons to Become a Pilot

There are many aspects to being a pilot that can be used as positive motivating factors but should not be the primary reason someone decides to pursue a career as a pilot. 

Pilot Pay

Airline Pilots have developed a reputation for earning wages comparable to that of doctors and lawyers. While many airline pilots do make a substantial amount of money, it is important to note that not all pilots do. Like many careers, entry-level positions can pay very poorly. These jobs are typically essential stepping stones for pilots to build their experience and meet the requirements to fly for larger operators. 

But even once a pilot has built enough hours to fly for an airline, they do not start out making hundreds of thousands of dollars per year. Most pilots begin their careers at regional airlines which do pay well but not as well as many expect, with salaries starting around $90,000. As a pilot gains seniority at an airline their pay gradually increases. These regional airlines can provide a great career, but if a pilot wants to earn wages comparable to that of a doctor they typically need to go work for a major airline and spend many years building seniority. 

A hefty salary can be a great motivator for someone to become a pilot but it should not be their primary reason as the industry is prone to fluctuations ranging from pay to hiring. However, if you are comfortable making six figures, many jobs in the industry offer a variety of lifestyles to fit anyone's needs. 

Travel Benefits

Passenger airlines are known for giving their flight crews travel benefits. These benefits can be a great motivator for someone to become an airline pilot. However, like pilot pay, they should not be an individual's primary reason for becoming a pilot. These benefits are solely up to the discretion of the employer and are subject to change. They are frequently not as good as many people may expect with the most common benefit being the ability to fly standby for a small fee. While flying standby can work out well, there is no guarantee of a seat, and paying customers will always come before standby travelers. 

For those with a wanderlust that reaches beyond the routes they typically fly, these benefits can be a huge perk but make a poor reason for someone to be a pilot. 

Conclusion

The number of reasons a person chooses to become a pilot is exhaustive. Despite the numerous potential reasons, a sense of exploration and a genuine love of flying are two common reasons that individuals love their careers. Other factors such as pay and lifestyle benefits are huge perks and can make being a pilot more comfortable and enjoyable. But it should be noted that these factors should be seen as perks and not reasons to become a pilot as they come after years of hard work and are not guaranteed. 

Those who enter this profession with their sights set on high pay and great benefits often find themselves struggling through pilot training early in their careers because it is a far cry from the glamorous lifestyle of a middle-aged airline captain that many people envision. But if your reason for becoming a pilot is the pure joy of flight and a raw sense of adventure, then a career as a pilot is an incredible opportunity that can be one of the most fulfilling adventures you will ever undertake. 

Interested in pursuing a career as a pilot? Give us a call at 262-297-4568. Or send us an email at info@flyaxiom.com