CanuckInUSA 0 #1 May 29, 2003 Okay it's time for another fun (yet totally useless poll). I was inspired to make this poll only minutes ago because while I'm stuck at work, I actually got out and had a nice (yet very expensive lunch) today. So I guess I'm still hypnotized thinking I'm somewhere else other than work. I've been a licensed private pilot for the last few years and was one way before I became a skydiver (I only started jumping in July of 2002). But I've been having the time of my life ever since I started jumping out of airplanes. But my father is a retired air force jet fighter pilot as well as a retired air line pilot, so despite the fact that he divorced my mom when I was young, flying IS in my blood. Anyway, my flying has taken a back seat to my skydiving lately. I really enjoy flying airplanes and I worked too hard on becoming licensed to just forget about the joys it's given me. But it's more expensive than jumping and it's hard to do both as much as I'd like to do them. But today I managed to sneak out and do a lunchtime flight for the first time in two months. I went to Jefferson County Airport in Broomfield CO where my flying club is based (ironically I also ran into Hooknswoop today as he works at the airport several days of the week fueling airplanes). I took off, flew to Longmont and did 12 touch n' go landings before coming back to Jeffco. It was a good day to be flying (nice smooth air, but kind of hazy skies and I even watched a couple of canopies land while I was in the pattern) and I obviously managed not to scare myself nor kill myself despite the fact that my airplane flying skills are rusty. Anyway, to my poll. Should I continue to try and be a skydiver as well as a private pilot despite the fact that they both are expensive and require you to stay current in order to practice them in a some what safe manner? Should I just concentrate on skydiving? (Ok here's where things become fun) Or should I become a whuffo pilot and work on my instrument and commercial ratings? Better yet, the whuffo boss would love me to dedicate my life to work, so should I give up all hobbies and live for work so that I'll make some other bloke rich? Should I just start hanging out in malls? (more women there than at the DZ or airport flight club) Or should I just be like the majority of the population and stay at home where it's safe (and I can get fat) and do nothing but watch reality TV shows? The masses will rule here ... we maybe not ... it depends on how y'all vote. I honestly can really only see two of these options becoming reality. But you be the judge. Try not to worry about the things you have no control over Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mustard 0 #2 May 29, 2003 QuoteBut I've been having the time of my life ever since I started jumping out of airplanes. 'Nuff said. What's life all about anyway? *** DJan Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
freeflir29 0 #3 May 29, 2003 I'll be honest...I kinda gave up on flying. I only have 53 hours anyway and seeing the current state of affairs in the aviation industry, I just couldn't justify the money output. Flying is CERTAINLY in my blood. My Dad is a retired L 10-11 Captain, my brother has ~2500 hrs, and my sister has 20 or 40. In fact...my Mom is the only person in my immediate family that has never held at least a Solo ticket. I just saw that $70 an hour prety much going out the window as "entertainment" money. True...flying is cool but I don't quite have that kinda money to throw out. So...I stick to skydiving cause I just have WAY more fun. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
VanillaSkyGirl 6 #4 May 29, 2003 Hi Canuck!!! My late best friend's father is an airline pilot, and he looooves his job (even after the 9/11 changes). If you can become a commercial airline pilot, like your dad, then you will be able to have days off to jump. Your dad will probably be very proud of you. You can also stay in different locations whenever you'd like, like my late friend's dad does. Plus the pay can be good, and you will always have discounted tickets for family. Even if you have to jump less for a little while; eventually, you will be able to jump more due to your hours. It is just going to take dedication for a better future. Whatever you do, have fun and go with your heart. Good luck! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
freeflir29 0 #5 May 29, 2003 Quote Plus the pay can be good Ha...better put some bold around CAN A coworker got into a conversation aith a regional jet driver the other day. He almost choked when he found out the regional guy only made $27,000 last year. I don't think I could eat very well let alone jump on that. They pay comes.....but it takes many years of 16 hour days makin peanuts. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
VanillaSkyGirl 6 #6 May 29, 2003 They pay comes.....but it takes many years of 16 hour days makin peanuts. I knew that it wouldn't be overnight $$$, but what is? If you can wait...who knows how things will develop? Hmmm...my late friend's father lives in Laguna Niguel and has no problem spending loads of money. My friend and I went to a pricey private school together when we were teenagers, so I figured that the pay was good eventually. Maybe I don't know what I'm talking about...my own father's a physician, not a pilot. Sorry, if I'm not giving you good advice. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skybytch 259 #7 May 29, 2003 Part of why my ex got into skydiving was because he couldn't afford to get current and stay current on his private and instrument ratings. Silly boy... But anyway, he regretted not keeping his pilot ticket current even while he was jumping. He quit jumping a few years ago and only flies now. It makes him happy. If flying makes you happy I'd suggest at a minimum keeping yourself current. You gotta decide if flying makes you happy enough to sacrifice 5 or so jumps a month for. I dunno, if I had a private pilot license I think I'd keep it current. What better way to get to and from boogies than a private plane! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
freeflir29 0 #8 May 29, 2003 Quote my own father's a physician, not a pilot Hmmm...most MD's I knew growing up made about twice what my Dad did. Of course....they worked about twice as much too. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
VanillaSkyGirl 6 #9 May 29, 2003 Hmmm...most MD's I knew growing up made about twice what my Dad did. Of course....they worked about twice as much too. Yes, he is loaded, but he's always on call. (He delivers babies.) It's such a difficult life being in private practice...I don't know when he sleeps. He is such a good guy, though. I'm very proud to be his daughter. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sunshine 2 #10 May 29, 2003 I'll come back and answer this question after i take more Darvocet. ___________________________________________ meow I get a Mike hug! I get a Mike hug! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Laurel 0 #11 May 29, 2003 Do it all. Skydive, fly, work hard, and take on new things, too...................................................................... PMS#28, Pelogrande Rodriguez#1074 My Pink M Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
freeflir29 0 #12 May 29, 2003 Quotebut he's always on call. (He delivers babies.) It's such a difficult life being in private practice. Hehehehehe....an MD and own's his own business. That has to be the WORST combo for getting ANY time off. LOL Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hawkbit 0 #13 May 29, 2003 I think you should quit skydiving and concentrate on your flying so I can catch up to you Yeah right! Fuck that... keep flying both your body and the plane. It may cut into the # of jumps you do but you still get to experience 2 things that most people never will. Never give up any rating you worked hard to get, even if you think you may not need it again. Now get your ass back to work so you can afford these damn addictions. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "You don't quit playing because you get old, you get old because you quit playing" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
riddler 0 #14 May 29, 2003 Steve, ya gotta do both if you want to own a dropzone someday.Trapped on the surface of a sphere. XKCD Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
steve1 5 #15 May 29, 2003 QuoteSteve, ya gotta do both if you want to own a dropzone someday. I have three friends who own different drop zones here in Montana. None of them know how to fly. But it would probably be an advantage to be able to fly loads when no pilots are available. I'd say follow your heart, on whether to skydive or fly or do both. Spend most of your time doing the one you enjoy most, (yet can afford). I guess I'm not much help, am I?.......Steve1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Casie 0 #16 May 29, 2003 I think you should juggle flying & skydiving. You mention they're both expensive. Maybe one weekend you can fly & the next you can jump When it all comes down to it...you need to do what makes you happy.....silly one! ~Porn Kitty WARNING: Goldschlager causes extreme emotional outbursts! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pleifer 0 #17 May 29, 2003 Why not fly to altitude, then skydive...... is'nt that what insurance is for? . _________________________________________ The Angel of Duh has spoke Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Deuce 1 #18 May 29, 2003 Actually, I broke out my David Clark 10-60 headset to trade to my DZO for jump tickets. That's my answer. What's a 172 these days? $80/hr wet? Fly somebody someplace decent for lunch, $200. I prefer skydiving. I'd rather jump 10 times than fly to Monterey or Columbia (Sierra town) for lunch. If you really dig it, why not get your commercial ticket and fly the DZ's plane? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
