Amazing to think I started this thread 8 years ago!
What a journey it has been.
A few airlines & a few different types later, I'm left with a logbook that's covered a lot of airports I dreamt about and I've been fortunate enough to cover almost every continent... but I also feel I haven't even scratched the surface! A humble learning curve to say the least.
What's changed ?
Life... It gets away from you so damn quick.
Some of the single biggest transitions you will make in your "airline" career involve, getting married & your command. Both of which involve making decisions that affect other people... Welcome to adult hood.
What advice would I pass onto my younger self ?
I can do my best to split it into two categories, although I could list more… but no body really wants to read it all anyway!
Personal & Career.
Career: Be ambitious, be dedicated, be diligent and put the effort into actually knowing your stuff, for your moment of judgement will come from your professional management of a "situation" or lack there of and there is nothing worse than the feeling of not being prepared and knowing it. Yes, I've been there and I learnt.
"Respect all people and grovel to none" - One of my all time favourite quotes. Command and earn respect as a human being, leader, colleague, friend and professional. Be diplomatic, honest and in a multi-crew environment speak up with respect when you don't know something, you are not comfortable or you disagree with your colleague. Communication is a vital tool, make every attempt to master it as no two people are the same. Although many would agree that there is no room for sensitivity in the flight deck (and General Aviation) it does exists, we make mistakes. Own it, fix it, move on, have a beer or the way things are going join the boss for a soy gluten free chai latte and harassment case.
Never stop learning. We all have good and bad days so stay humble! This also applies to those of us who think we are better than we are.. left or right seat. Ignorance and arrogance are killers, not just in the air but also at the bar.... Just ask Maverick.
Q: How do you know there is a Pilot in the room ?
A: They'll tell you... Then they'll start talking about how Ansett was the greatest airline in the world. (Relax, it's a joke.. they'll actually tell you they’re an international pilot, Bali doesn’t count… Stop writing it as a country on your customs form!!)
Personal: I'll keep this simple. For those looking to leave the realm of bachelor or bachelorette-hood.... For what it’s worth… choose wisely, it takes a special kind of person to accept, support and deal with our careers. Through personal experience and spending countless hours listening to colleagues in a confined space (Hotel closet, crazy room parties ? Sadly no.. ) this part of your personal life can affect you more than you will appreciate. We've all made good & bad choices because of a significant other. For those of you experiencing any personal difficulties, please reach out to someone for a chat. We're all human and another Pilot is highly likely to understand or relate to your situation. Look out for each other. Not being on your A-game is a threat, so help me to help you.
What’s one of my biggest gripes about the industry ? The bullsh*t, the lack of integrity, morale, respect and the individual personal gain thought process. I have no reference to what the industry was like “back in the old days”, but if history is anything to go by there were some of the same issues back then as we are experiencing now and as an ex-girlfriend once told me…. maybe the problem is you. This applies to management, pilots, crew and everyone in the company… I sadly feel that we haven’t learnt from past mistakes.
So for those of you joining the industry “Be the change you wish to see”, there is hope… but we just happen to be transiting a time in human existence where we are very self centred, just look at the disgraceful state the traveling public leave the aircraft in expecting others to clean it up and ask your self when was the last time you did something or witnessed someone do something for someone else ? Start by opening a door for the cleaner or CEO, it will get you a long way.
Irrespective of who you do or don’t work for, PPL, CPL or ATPL… we are one industry.
For those of you in General Aviation, there is still no rush to join the airlines if that is what you wish to do. While those of us ahead of you are doing our best to shape the industry for the better, I'd also recommend taking more noble roads like the RFDS and enjoying contributing to the community or helping shape GA for the better. One day you'll end up like the rest of us, sitting there looking down and pointing out the places you "use" to fly. Oddly enough a lot of layover stories are GA related, as oppose to "One time I disconnected at 1'500 feet......" - Trust me, the jets aren't going anywhere and the industry needs passionate people.
Respect and look out for each other….. It’s been a great career to date and it’s been nice to pay back some debts to those who helped me along the way. I hope this thread is of value to someone and people keep contributing.
P.S,
Also please refrain from being that “Industry expert” who talks to the media after an incident or accident and actually has no idea what you’re talking about.
AKA: Jack Hoff, Airbus 172 Pilot. Industry expert, live up next on CNN……… We get it, you’re a pilot, but you’re not doing the rest of us any favours!!
(Butt-hurt DISCLAIMER: Please don’t take any of the jokes too seriously… I’m not a comedian… As I’ve been told by many girls, contrary to my own account of the situation)