People Who Pretend They're Pilots When They're Not!

[BigBlueEyes]

I've been reading this forum for some time now, and I know that there are many posters on here who are not commercial pilots, or private pilots. Some of them just play on their PCs - and they admit that. I myself am not a pilot - although I have had lessons (just for fun) in the past. My ex-husband was (and still is) a captain for BA - and I have lots of friends in the flying industry.

What I find alarming though is that some members on here claim to be commercial pilots, but can't back it up with proof. One member who posts on here almost EVERY WAKING HOUR - usually EVERY DAY - makes one wonder when exactly he flies!:hmm: True, he's very knowledgable about flying, but everything he knows can be learnt from the internet.

We all know the internet attracts various characters, and we do have to treat what strangers write with a huge pinch of salt - but I'm just wondering why people feel the need to lie about who they are or what their achievements are to a bunch of cyber strangers? Maybe they lead sad, dull boring lives (anyone who devotes all their waking hours to an internet forum has to be lacking in real life social skills, and is probably friendless - especially if they tell porkies and are arrogant with it!)

Why do people do it I wonder?:confused:

[HEATHROW DIRECTOR]

<<anyone who devotes all their waking hours to an internet forum has to be lacking in real life social skills>>

Or possibly they are infirm, or carer for a seriously sick and much loved close relative and cannot do all the things they would like to be doing?

[RingwaySam]

youtube is best for it... :ok:

[IB4138]

Glad you made that last qualified comment HD.

There is a well known football information site, that has been the labour of love for a terminally ill chap for quite a few years.

Unfortunately, the end of the current season will see him freeze the site, as he has been told in the last month that he probably won't see 2010.

The site has been keeping him going, however he now seems to have accepted his fate.

Very sad.

[deltayankee]

Or possibly they are infirm, or carer for a seriously sick and much loved close relative and cannot do all the things they would like to be doing?

I'm with HD on this one. It's easy to make fun of people who appear to not have a real life but for some people Internet forums, Second Life, Facebook and all this stuff gives them a chance to participate in life in a way that would be impossible face-to-face. I think that this is great and one of the many ways in which technology has made life better, whatever neo-Luddites might think. So before you tell someone to go get a life remember that maybe they have no choice in the matter.

[flt_lt_w_mitty]

I just wonder, BBB - was I ever married to you?:)

[passy777]

While I suspect that there are indeed charlatans posting on these forums, I would imagine that 'real pilots' will have them sussed out. I am unfortunately not a pilot (despite my handle seemingly referring to a type of aircraft) - where in reality it is derived from my liking of casino related activities and is a reference I adopted long before the triple seven was on the drawing board!

Certainly, in my work related forum, you can usually spot the people who have litttle or no experience, however, such forums are an excellent tool for gathering information and assistance.

Despite some of the technical terminology which goes straight over my head at times, I do like to read other peoples perspectives of their own jobs and how they deal with various circumstances. What I do like about PPRuNe is the 'non aviation related' threads - in particular the computer/internet troubleshooting thread. I have gained some great tips and advice from this section and I am grateful.:ok:

I do fly quite a lot and I have an interest in aviation, however, I would never think of posting something on a thread I knew nothing about. If there was something that I needed to know relating to aviation - I would ask on this forum and I know the majority of contributors would assist in answering.

Yes, I am a habitual lurker and despite Mrs 777 suggesting I spend too much time on this forum - well tough is all I say!;)

[passy777]

True, he's very knowledgable about flying, but everything he knows can be learnt from the internet.



Hmmmm....... And here's me thinking that it took years of hard graft and training to become a pilot! Now I must log on to flyingsadoddle.com and I expect a change of career very shortly!:ugh:

[SpringHeeledJack]

She can't be referring to rainboe can she ? :E


Regards


SHJ

[al446]

Ffs, why did you bite?:ugh:

[Otto Throttle]

If it wasn't for the internet, pilots wouldn't have friends. :}

[Chesty Morgan]

And I bet she aint got big blue eyes either:suspect:

[glhcarl]

I wanted to be a pilot but I couldn't "because my parents were married".

One of my favorite jokes.

[BYALPHAINDIA]

Quote
What I find alarming though is that some members on here claim to be commercial pilots, but can't back it up with proof. One member who posts on here almost EVERY WAKING HOUR - usually EVERY DAY - makes one wonder when exactly he flies!http://static.pprune.org/images/smilies/yeees.gif True, he's very knowledgable about flying, but everything he knows can be learnt from the internet.

Reply
Why is this all so 'alarming' to you?

'Everything He or one Knows Can Be Learn't From The Internet??

What making an approach into 'HESH' Airport in a 757 can be learn't on the internet then??

You are forgeting that this is an 'Annonymous' forum to many, except the PPruner's who know or recognise each others usernames or posts, And a large amount of talking shop is done by PM'ing each other anyway.

Nobody on here is accountable to be verified by anyone, Not even the moderators themselves.

And fortunately this site keeps alot of people happy, For example the MAN based ppruner VLM F50 'Capt Phil' who sadly lost his friend - Barry?? last year said that he visited the site every day, As he was unfortunate to never be able to fly an aeroplane.

I would say that the site does attract a few 'Loiterers' who come on here either for a 'Laugh' or to make stories up!

But there's no way you can ever stop that happening, You would have to verify everyone's ID, And I'm sure the Airlines themselves would not like to or be able to give up their precious time for such a task.

Don't forget PPrune is not just for Commercial Pilot's it is for anyone who works in the industry and flies recreationally (PPL)

So I am struggling here (Alan Sugar's favourite words) to think of an answer to your investigative question??

( If you want to verify me = I was born in 1992, I have 2 RR RB211 engines, And I have a red smile on my tail!!)

[PPRuNe Pop]

I have never heard such abusive and ill thought out comments. There was no need for it. One arrogant poster made silly childish demands for name and addresses etc., come on.....for God's sake get real.

Of course there are going to be people who, less fortunate than some, play out their fantasies. Try telling anyone that you never had fantasies. Growing up is very hard for some people to do - that's the real world.

However, I do not intend to let this thread continue.

PPP