I miss with a passion the 742F. To be a pilot in one was an honour. The dials made me feel like I was flying in the glamour era of the seventies. And we actually flew the thing due to the cr*pness of the autopilot.
Taking off from Jeddah 42'C OAT and landing in Anchorage at -28'C. Freight was an amazing job with proper down-to-earth pilots who did the job and didn't have to worry about corporate muppets . Flying in metallica T-shirts and shorts and using the 'other'
radio for talking to other Freighters in the viscinity - south pacific flights were a non stop laugh believe it or not.
Then I was 'lucky' enough to get a 744 job with an airline. Unfortunately at 25 with 2200 hours on a 747, I was never going to get Captain anytime soon in case it p1ssed off the old timers. I make good decisions, good handling skills and am a great leader. Unfortunately I have the attitude of a London Underground Driver!
But I'm honest and i think I'm loving the job more than most.
Good money
Good Girls
No further responsibility - just how I like it!