Beneath the polished exterior of aviation careers lies a turbulent financial reality most flight schools never discuss. In this deeply personal conversation, Captain Alex Wozniak pulls back the curtain on 15 years of navigating the unpredictable skies of the pilot profession.
From his first position loading aircraft in remote Northern Ontario to commanding Boeing 737s and flying internationally in China, Wozniak reveals a counterintuitive career path where advancement often means accepting substantial pay cuts. "It's the only industry I can think of where people actively apply for another job due to career progression and accept that there's going to be a reduction in pay," he explains, capturing the unique financial paradox pilots face.
Particularly compelling is Wozniak's candid discussion of family sacrifices—commuting patterns that separated him from his young children, the strain of decreasing income on household finances, and becoming "the money police" at home while expenses remained constant. His engineering degree, originally obtained as a backup plan, has remained unused despite multiple industry downturns, layoffs, and the devastating impact of COVID-19.
The conversation explores his four-year stint flying in China on a lucrative contract, the pandemic-induced career disruption, and subsequent positions at airlines that ultimately ceased operations, leaving him to repeatedly rebuild. Throughout all these transitions, Wozniak maintained the ability to compartmentalize personal stressors while flying—a critical skill for aviation professionals.
Whether you're considering an aviation career or simply fascinated by the human side of commercial flying, this episode offers invaluable perspective on balancing passion with practicality. What keeps pilots coming back despite the instability? As Wozniak puts it: "You find yourself on that perfect day with a good airplane, on a perfect flight, good weather—that's why we do it."
