Yeah, I had a similar experience when I completed my recurrent. A sim/training captain shook my hand firmly and told me he couldn’t wait to do my upgrade. He was really genuinely looking forward to it. This guy was a retired US Navy pilot on F-18s and F-14s and a retired captain at United. I was humbled, and it really motivated me to do well.
At one of the kangaroo groups, on the other hand, a training captain who came up through the cadet program had the complete opposite attitude. It pretty much disgusted me. (Not that I have anything against cadets) The difference between the two cultures was night and day.
After a few more experiences like that, I decided to go back to the USA. A decision I’ve never regretted.
Last edited by Staffypilot; 11th February 2025 at 07:31.