Hello Aviators,
First time poster, long-time stalker here. I’ve been interested in aviation for quite a while, having grown up with a buddy obsessed with flying, and who’s been flying commercial at a major for about ten years now. I’ve flown with him multiple times, from Cessna 172s during his training, to Lears and Citations as a corporate pilot, and now Airbus A320s. I can honestly say that it’s pretty cool flying in the back of a business jet, but it may be even better in the cockpit. There’s a sense of exhilaration and freedom that comes with flying that, I think, pulls people like us toward the profession. My buddy flies to the Caribbean very frequently now and you can imagine that it’s incredibly depressing to receive his numerous and gorgeous beach pictures on wintry northern days while I am stuck in a dismal office.
Anyway, my pilot buddy has long recommended an aviation career and specifically ATP for those seeking a second career (which includes me). My buddy did not matriculate through ATP but always says there are many successful commercial pilots who have gone through ATP. Obviously, there are several on this platform including Adam, Chris, Tory, et al. My sense is ATP is a well-respected school in the industry, and so I am giving it a lot of hard thought. Thanks to you all, by the way, for a great forum and for providing a ton of valuable information on the industry and the school.
Having said all that, my query boils down to professional background prior to aviation and how minors/majors view certain prior career tracks. I.e., I would imagine a successful career in the military and law enforcement is very common and respected in the industry, perhaps certain business careers as well. But what about the law? Like dentists, nobody really wants to deal with a lawyer unless they have to, and while the vast majority are decent people the stigma is they’re overpaid jerks and arrogant to boot (said stigma probably justified in some cases) – and maybe like to argue everything and cause trouble too.
For those either involved with hiring at majors/minors, or know people who are, do you think a prior career as an attorney would be scrutinized to any degree, disfavored and/or raise a red flag for a hiring manager? If they ask an obvious second-career applicant during an interview what they did prior to flying, do you think a panel would blanch at someone being a lawyer? Would it depend on what kind of law one practiced (e.g., aviation law vs. ambulance chaser or criminal defender)? Obviously if you spent 10 years suing Delta for harassment and discrimination, one would probably not find it worthwhile to send them a resume.
Curious what people’s thoughts are on this.
Thank you,
Aaron
, it’s actually a respected profession and would cause you no problems in the least. I fly with a few former attorneys (many get recruited for union work).