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Dear Aviator,
Being a pilot is a dream job and will always be one. Unfortunately, Covid-19 not only turned our lives upside down but also many branches. The aviation and travel industry has been suffering tremendously from travel restrictions and quarantine safety measures worldwide. Consequently, there are now more pilots than jobs on the market. Corona has not diminished the dream of becoming a pilot for so many. Should you aim to become a pilot and why should you not become a pilot? Is it a good time to pursue your dream despite the current situation? Here I give you a more extensive answer to help you in the process of finding the right decision for your future. Be prepared for the cold truth.

Photography by Manu (Professional photographer & plane spotter)
The Dream Of Flying
The dream of flying is as old as mankind itself. But the possibility for everyone on earth to fly like an eagle through the skies is only a few decades old. Aviation, as we know it, is still in its initial phase when considering that the desire to fly freely has always existed. Thanks to great legends and pioneers who helped make aviation what it is today, we can feel quite fortunate that we live in a time where the job as a pilot exists.
A Fast-Paced Industry
Aviation is a moving, but also a really volatile industry, with lots of ups and downs, as Corona has proven. As fast as aviation develops and changes over the years, the job of a pilot has altered as well. We still fly aircraft, but nowadays with a high level of automation, under economic pressure, an increasing number of regulations and a sky that does not seem so free anymore. I would not say that the job lost its glamour over the years, but it is a different glamour and not all jobs have it.

Would I Become A Pilot Again?
Yes! Yes and Yes!
In a recent Instagram post, I stated that you should choose a job you love and you will never have to work a day in your life. For me, it is still the best job in the world and it does not feel like work for me (most of the time). Of course, the job also has negative aspects. It can indeed be tough, unglamorous and hard work. But in the end, the negative aspects fade behind all the positive sides of the job.
More about the pros and cons here
What Would I Have Done Differently?
I definitely chose the harder way to become a pilot. The entire flight training (about 70,000€) was self-funded and it did not have any guarantee after finishing my training, to get a position in the cockpit. This was quite risky because you never know how the demand for pilots will look when you complete your training; it can happen a lot in the aviation industry. In my case, I was lucky to start flying as a First Officer on a private jet, but I know about other graduates who did not find a job right away. My advice is to get into a cadet program of an airline, so you do not put yourself at financial risk.
Have A Plan B
I would advise that you go to college to further your education and possibly gain a degree. This would enable you to seek further employment, even in the airline industry. Especially in aviation, a plan B is essential since you depend on your license.

Why You Should NOT Become A Pilot?
Good salary, layovers, free flights, job security – these are probably aspects of why you may like to become a pilot. But the opposite applies. As I mentioned before, the job of a pilot has changed and the conditions in the airline industry have deteriorated tremendously. In the competition with low-cost airlines, major carriers had to reduce costs in all departments including the salary of aircrews. But the requirements and the complexity of the job has not decreased.
The days where you spent one week of a layover in the Caribbean, are also over. In the case of you having a layover, it is now the minimum time required at the destination before your next flight. Low-cost airlines always return to the home base to save money. For me, the pilot job is linked to travelling and layovers. That is why I could not imagine sleeping every night at home. Even though I work in the aviation industry I do not have the privilege or benefit of discounted or free flights. As the high number of bankruptcies of airlines in the European market has shown, job security is not a given.

No Air Travel Like Before Corona
At the moment it is very difficult to assess how the aviation industry will look in the future. But I am very sure that the general demand for flights will not reach the same level as before the pandemic started. Firstly, lots of people are suffering from the crisis which means they will simply not have the means to go on a vacation. Secondly, the whole business trips scenario will change or has already changed.
Companies will think twice and decide if the budget for the business trip makes sense, or if the meeting can be done online instead. In general, most companies have been weakened throughout the crisis, which means they will have a reduced budget for travel in general. The business traveller who books expensive business class tickets will fly less, which will seriously impact the airline’s revenue.

My Honest Advice
Do not enter flight training right now!
If you are leaving high school and you want to become a pilot:
I recommend those who are leaving high school at this time, to get experience in another profession or a degree. Once completed you can reconsider your plans of becoming a pilot. This way you postpone your start date to a time where there will be a much clearer picture of the aviation industry. Additionally, some pilots will be leaving because of retirement or a new profession. This will guarantee you a full back-up plan, in case you do not manage to get employment as a pilot.
If you have started your flight training already:
I think in this situation it makes sense to finish your course with the pilot school in order to receive your license and use every possible resource to find a job and be open to relocating.

Post Corona
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) estimates that air traffic will have doubled within the next few years. The long term trend for the demand for aircrews exists. We as passengers, customers, and staff of the aviation industry have the power to change and shape it for the future.
Become a pilot if you have the passion and fascination for aviation. It is important to know about the negative as well as the positives, when considering becoming a pilot. Downsides exist in all industries – but with one huge difference – you become part of a world full of energy and enthusiasm, which is hard to find in any other jobs.

I hope you enjoyed my honest blog post: “Why should you not become a pilot?” Do not forget to like it and leave me a comment below.
Happy and healthy landings
Your PilotPatrick
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Hey Patrick
Wirklich gut geschrieben und es macht immer Sinn einen Plan B zu haben. Ich hoffe sehr, es in der Luftfahrtbranche wieder losgeht oder ob sich Geschäftsleute daran gewöhnt haben, die Meetings online abzuhalten
Ich wünsche Dir viel Erfolg Liebe Grüße Alf
Ciao PATRICK BIEDENKAPP, credo che sia arrivato il momento giusto di eliminare nei viaggi gli scali , un buon volo deve essere diretto ovviamente con un pilota capitano in più in cabina di pilotaggio per il cambio, un buon volo deve essere effettuato da un aereo con zero immissioni di gas, io conosco piloti che lavorano sul posto della loro città, raccomandazioni!! Tutto è possibile , ma sono presenti.
Hallo lieber Patrick! Vielen Dank, ich habe sehr gut geschrieben und stimme dir zu 100% zu, es ist richtig und vernünftig, immer einen Plan B zu haben, weil alles sehr cool eingesetzt wurde wegen der Krone … und sie werden sich noch entspannen, und nur zum Wohle einiger weniger, denen die Welt der Menschen gehört … Aber ich möchte noch mehr sagen, dass Pilot zu sein nicht nur ein Job, sondern ein Lebensstil ist! Ich liebe es zu fliegen, ich hatte 3 Trainingspiloten (mein Kapitän Mike) werde das nie erfahren, als wir abgehoben haben – habe dich gedanklich vorgestellt 🙂 damit alles perfekt läuft! Es ist so cool zu fliegen – ein unbeschreibliches Gefühl, als wäre man ein Vogel! Ich wünsche dir 100% Glück bei allem! Und weißt du, Patrick, manche Leute wollen Diamanten, aber ich möchte mit dir fliegen! Pass auf dich auf! Viel Glück bei allem! und lass alles sein wie du willst! Hauptsache immer gesund sein! Ich umarme deinen Schutzengel 🙂
Dear Captain Patrick, Excellent presentation straight from the heart to all future aviators and current aviators as well. Such a professional way to present the truth , facts and lovely recommendations for goodness of future humanity/ aviators. Appreciate shairing your thoughts in a very profound way.
You are a great writer who is honest about the aviation industry in telling future aviators that they should pursue a plan B career while pursuing an aviation career. It is great to read your aviation articles to gain insight into how the field of aviation is right now during Corona and Delta viruses. Thank you for sharing your truths about the aviation industry. Have a wonderful evening! Thank you for sharing your experiences on Instagram with your fans. Keep smiling and flying high!
The most sensitive part of piloting is the moment of landing, which should reduce the vibration of the plane, but it is more sensitive in rainy conditions. How do you pilots act?
Ever since I was a child, every time I heard the sound of a plane in the sky, I would look up at the tiny planes in my eyes with excitement.And as I grew up, I always loved pilots. I find them really cool in their pilot uniforms.Reading your article on how to be a pilot always intrigues me.Although I never intended to be a pilot, I always enjoy reading your articles about pilots and airplanes.Your blogging style is amazing to me. The content of the article has a lot of meaning and the article layout is too coherent and clear. I always look forward to your posts here. Many thanks to my captain and flight instructor. Wish you always have a lot of health, full of energy for you to do what you want and spread your valuable experiences to everyone. Love you forever:):):)
Im not into a pilot..hehe..i love your blog today i enjoy reading..pursue your goal and enjoy it..tke cre pilotpatrick
Dear Patrick
I read your blog post. It’s really amazing to know all the things about being a pilot. Thank you so much for sharing your honest opinions. It’s really a helpful post. I hope this post will help a lots to the future pilots. Thank you once again. Please do share your experiences and opinions always. Best of luck my Angel . God bless on you always. Take care. Lots of love for you ❤️
What is the flight time for pilots and why is it the best flight time in the morning?
The most sensitive part of piloting is the moment of landing, which should reduce the vibration of the plane, but it is more sensitive in rainy conditions. How do you pilots act?
Always Good Sharing…
Beside you want to be a pilot..
You may learn in college and that you find a good job… because this time around this pandemic still many aircraft not flying and close for a while..
We pray… this pandemic will gone… and our normal life will come back.. so one day we will go holiday without worry about virus anymore.. may fly free with plane and go somewhere..
” Being a pilot is a dream job and will always be one . ”
Wow ! I love this your first statement so much which is so very inspiring !!
It’s really heartbreaking that the passion for aviation taken away because the pandemic …
However according to New York times, “regional and major airlines are hiring ahead of a post pandemic pilot shortage . Even though We don’t expect 2019 levels to be exceeded until 2023 . Such as Delta is hiring 1000 pilots , Ups and FedEx is hiring 800 pilots , United Airlines provides Aviate direct program ..”
“Therefore pilot training today will be competitively positioned to capitalize on this opportunity.”
“Moreover the pilot demands is driven by the aircrafts departures and utilization rather than the passenger. The global inservice fleet has already recovered in size to 76 percent of pre Covid level . ”
“There will be Pilots shortage as well … more than 12,000 commercial airlines pilots in North America ….”
In my opinion , as long as the airlines follows through all the prevention measures and arrival screening procedure to make sure all passenger , pilots and crew members are safe during flights . It will be the positive picture in foreseeing future in aviation industry to bounce back at the pre pandemic level .
So I would think it’s a good time for becoming a pilot right now even in the worse crisis of the Delta virus threatening in our daily lives .
Always love reading your blog posts . Thank you so much for sharing your experience and opinion in aviation training . Love this sort of topics for more information or insight in aviation .
Your opinion was very honest and helpful especially to those aspiring pilots whose is set on entering this profession .
Have a wonderful weekend ahead 🙂
Your beloved aviator ,
Michele
Dear Captain, great article, very honest. Reading the article, I see an overview of the aviation industry and pilot career: in the past (glamorous, ideal), in the present (dark) and future (uncertain). Although reading the article makes me feel sad for the reality of the aviation industry but it is all true and we have to admit it. As a pilot and flight instructor, so your experiences, perceptions and judgments become more real than anyone else’s. One of the main reasons I really enjoy reading your blog is how honest it is. Thank you for sharing your valuable opinion and sincere advice, happy Friday, my Dear .
I love to read your blog cos you give very honest opinion. It is very realistic. Very relevant to this current situation. Amazing advice as always. Keep writing, PP
Hey dear @PilotPatrick!
I love to become a pilot like you but you already told us to not become a pilot in this condition..!
Then which faculty we can change it. I love becoming a pilot and you say these thinks and I can trust you within thinking..!☺️
Hi ! Ich komme vorbei, um eine Umarmung zu hinterlassen und zu sagen, dass ich es liebe, deine Arbeit in den Geschichten täglich zu verfolgen.pass auf dich auf und genieße das leben sehr. Weil sie einzigartig ist
Me encanta tu página, me da gusto que seas una persona sencilla, gracias por los consejos, y prevenciones que nos das…
I LOVE YOU VERY MUCH ❤️
https://www.facebook.com/pilotpatrick
it steals your photos. pretends to be you to pick up weak women and extort money from them. I pointed it out. just take sample photos of this fake profile and send them to google search picture to find the fake accounts
Have a good day
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