Is anyone actually happy? Anybody?

[Zapatas Blood]

Scoping through pprune, especially this component of it, one would be left with the impression that no pilot is actually happy at work.

I read complaints from people working at every carrier I have known and it appears that pilots are doing nothing but complaining.

Can anybody pop thier scone above the fenceline and have something positive to say about the conditions they enjoy, the acceptable pay and staff travel perhaps. Or maybe the satisfactory rostering system that enables them to have input about days off. What about a management team that has the employees interests at heart and makes sound decisions that cement the future viability of the business.

Does anybody work for such a carrier.

[Super Cecil]

I am happy in Aviation, after starting first flying job in 1980. In 25 years flying in GA (I chose this career, it was not a time builder for airlines) I can say I would'nt have chosen another career. I still enjoy flying, when not working I go flying on the weekend.

I will add I have been self employed for the last 14 years, that means when something needs doing on an Aircraft , it's done not at the next hundred or annual. That helps with job satisfaction.

I agree with the wingeing on this site, there doesn't seem to be much positive comment on an Airline career. For the "Ultimate" job, there doesn't seem much job satisfaction.

[questil]

was in ga for 12 yrs until getting into that elusive airline position in 2003, so i guess i still remember where i came from and as a result are extremely happy flying a regional turboprop, the quality of life is fantastic, dont work too hard and the money is pretty good in comparison to what i do. ask me again in 10 yrs and ill probably be a grumpy respondant but at this stage its all good

[empacher48]

I'm very happy, flying around the mountains I love to climb around the southern alps of NZ, showing passengers the area I love... And the best thing about it????? I'm getting paid for it!!!!!!!

Fair enough I'm only flying single engine Cessnas when I'm really wanting to get into a 747. But until someone offers me a job doing that (or twin turboprop IFR runs in NZ) then I am really quite happy with my job.

I get to meet some fantastic people, give them a laugh and teach them something about the area I love so much. At the present time this is the best job in the world!

[Cloud Cutter]

I guess complaints about poor conditions etc. are more noteworthy than expressions of contentment.

I also enjoy the amazing views of NZ, as well as dealing with the punters, and the technical aspects of flying. I'm glad I signed up, and wouldn't trade it for any other job. The fact that there's always a higher rung in the ladder to aim for also keeps things interesting.

[Ultralights]

worked for QF for 11 yrs (engineer) the first 5 yrs were good, loved working on aircraft, and actually using your brain to solve problems, the perks were Ok (free uniform, super, annual and paid sick leave etc) and the money was enough to live on, but that was about it. the last 6 yrs were a very steady decline in conditions and morale. the last year was hell, all i wanted t do was leave! similar situation to the pilots and crew on here, hearing how tuff it is only to see the managers and execs line their own pockets at the staff expense! record profits, the sky is fallign BS from Dixon more and more pressure to get the job done at the lowest cost in time and resources, therefor giving no job satisfaction in doing a job to the best of your ability.
Left in 02, took the redundancy, and it was the best day of my life, now run my own company that is steadily expanding. fortunatly i keep my staff travel privliges for the nest 8 yrs! Been flying GA for the past 16 yrs since legally being able to. (first solo at age 15), my initial dream was to make it to the big jets, but alas, the cost was prohibitive. now i am earning enough to pay for flying and the mortgages, and the family, and now working on building VH- MINE, twin engine aerobatic capable, flying is good and relativle easy in OZ, and im still racking my brain building planes!

[splatman]

Happy - Hell YES!

Lifes to short to carry a chip on your shoulder or walk around being disgruntled with the world.

LIFES GOOD

[Longhauler]

I would suggest that the very reason there is so much "whinging" here is because the majority of us are so happy with what we have NOW. I have worked hard, spent lots of money and made many sacrifices along the way to achieve the position I now hold with its good pay and conditions. To see others working systematically and tirelessly to erode them makes me unhappy. I am sure many others agree.

LH

[Homer_Jay]

Happy?

Absolutely, but I fly helicopters so who wouldn't be happy with that.

[Chimbu chuckles]

Happy?

You bet!

First flying lesson in 81...13+ yrs GA (in PNG) all well paid, accom provided etc.

Nearly 10 yrs now in airlines and corporate as an F/O and capt..current 767 F/O...went back to airlines after being stabbed in the back to death while a Corporate CP and Checkie...realistic chance of a command again soonish (a year or so as opposed to a decade or so at QF). Spent a year unemployed between this gig and the last...did some casual in a C441..saw what Oz GA is like...it sucks..and I was flying a flash bit of kit and paid well casually/day!!

Know MANY VB/Jet* pilots (some VERY, VERY senior)...all are very happy in general terms...working hard for sure but all have been there and done it and have experienced all the highs and lows this industry has to offer...some are 89ers...all great guys...they know, and have experienced, way to much to whinge about the small stuff.

know a young guy who has kept his head down, flown well, learned hard, treated his employers and their aeroplanes well and barely 5 yrs after starting in the Territory flying my Bonanza he is on a dash 8 course at Sunnies...and he'll get jets in the not too distant future if he wants them...his older mates, like me, who have watched him mature and keep his head down will do our very best to help him when the time is right.

Oz GA, and Regionals for that matter, has a lot of young guys who think the world owes them a living...it doesn't and that hurts...poor dears!!!

Between those guys and the very small number of QF cadets who think their **** doesn't stink because the managed to bluff their way past the cadetship selectors...well there are most of your whingers!

But for every 1 whinger on these boards there are 100 out there working hard and having too much fun to bother...they are the ones who will make it/have made it...and have very little to whinge about when they do....just mostly found memories of the 'hard yards'

The main difference between now and 25 yrs ago?

There are good jobs left and right and we have a place for the losers to vent.

Having said all that I am very glad I don't work on the ground for QF (Not unhappy that I don't work for them at all)...that situation sucks...I think GD is a joke!

[A/F Armed]

Just finished work, (it's 3am local time). Had a fantastic night flying up and down the East Coast of Aus. Just me the moon and a million stars. Whats not to be happy about. Oh I know, got back to the base to be told that I have the next two nights off, which will make two nights of flying for the week. Life just doesn't get any better. So I can honestly say I've never been so happy in all my life, and I love that sensation you get as you roll down the runway and climb out into the night sky.
Yep lifes pretty good.

[compressor stall]

Loving it!

Got what I reckon is the best job in the world, in the most incredible part of the world with the most diverse and interesting group of people in the world.

It's a perfect mix of flying and my own personal passion. My old man said to me the other day before this tour, "Son you've got your cake and you're eating it too."

I replied, "Yep, and the problem with that is...?"

"Nothing mate, nothing."

[Binoculars]

What a delightful change for Dunnunda! Keep the happy stories coming, folks.

[The Voice]

Stallie .. your Dad is a wise man ..

Bino's .. I was just thinking the same thing ..

how nice to see posts from people happy with their lot/choice.

[news]

Mmmmmmmmm, the conditions we currently enjoy.

1. Great pay.

2. The best roster you could have. Every pilot granted day/s off requested or last minute changes for what ever reason. I don't mind setting the roster.

3. The CEOs on our side, and has been from the start.

4. All staff full time yet feels like part time. Doing 800hrs.

5. Meetings between all pilots and top management provide the most efficient communication channel to discuss initiatives, resolve complaints and ask questions.

6. No fragmented pilot groups.

7. Company has expanded beyond forecasted projections and shall continue the trend over the next 12 months.

8. Plenty of time for other pursuits. Happy as a ...........

Going surfing bye now.

[enicalyth]

very happy

Genial companions, knowledgeable too. Good aircraft. Roster not too bad. Pay is okay. Don't drink or eat too much, on top of my health.. family too. Like flying. Like managing. Dislike whingers. Proud to be Australian. Loyal to my firm and rewarded well. Happy? You betcha!

[Binoculars]

I think this would be a really appropriate time for somebody to repost the old chestnut about the C150 student looking at an IFR C402 pilot, who in turn is looking at a..... etc etc until the astronaut looks down at the C150 pilot. You all know the one, I can't 't be bothered searching for it, but maybe there's a few newbies around who haven't seen it.

[one ball]

No but you scored points for registering the first mention of it.. good one binos.......

[A/F Armed]

THE FULL CIRCLE

One fine hot Summer’s afternoon saw a Cessna 150 flying circuits at a quiet country airfield. The Instructor was getting quite bothered with the student’s inability to hold circuit height in the thermals and was getting impatient at sometimes having to take over the controls. Just then he saw a twin engine Cessna 5,000ft above him and thought "Another 1,000 hrs of this and I qualify for that twin charter job! Aaahh.. to be a real pilot.. going somewhere!"

The Cessna 402 was already late and the boss told him this charter was for one of the Company’s premier clients. He’d already set MCT and the cylinders didn’t like it in the heat of this Summer’s day. He was at 6,000ft and the winds were now a 20kt headwind. Today was the 6th day straight and he was pretty damn tired. Maybe if he got 10,000ft out of them the wind might die off... geez those cylinder temps! He looked out momentarily and saw a B737 leaving a contrail at 33,000ft in the serene blue sky. "Oh man" he thought, "My interview is next month. I hope I just don’t blow it! Outa G/A, nice jet job, above the weather... no snotty passengers to wait for.. aahhh."

The Boeing 737 bucked and weaved in the heavy CAT at FL330 and ATC advised that lower levels were not available due traffic. The Captain, who was only recently advised that his destination was below RVR minimums had slowed to LRC to try and hold off a possible inflight diversion, and arrange an ETA that would helpfully ensure the fog had lifted to CATII minima. The Company negotiations broke down yesterday and looked as if everyone was going to take a damn pay cut. The F/O’s will be particularly hard hit as their pay wasn’t anything to speak of anyway. Finally deciding on a speed compromise between LRC and turbulence penetration, the Captain looked up and saw Concorde at Mach 2+. Tapping his F/O’s shoulder as the 737 took another bashing, he said "Now THAT’S what we should be on... huge pay packet... super fast... not too many routes... not too many sectors... above the CAT... yep! What a life...!"

FL590 was not what he wanted anyway and considered FL570. Already the TAT was creeping up again and either they would have to descend or slow down. That damn rear fuel transfer pump was becoming unreliable and the F/E had said moments ago that the radiation meter was not reading numbers that he’d like to see. Concorde descended to FL570 but the radiation was still quite high even though the Notam indicated hunky dory below FL610. Fuel flow was up and the transfer pump was intermittent. Evening turned into night as they passed over the Atlantic. Looking up, the F/O could see a tiny white dot moving against the backdrop of a myriad of stars. "Hey Captain" he called as he pointed. "Must be the Shuttle. "The Captain looked for a moment and agreed. Quietly he thought how a Shuttle mission, whilst complicated, must be the be all and end all in aviation. Above the crap, no radiation problems, no damn fuel transfer problems... aaah. Must be a great way to earn a quid."

Discovery was into its 27th orbit and perigee was 200ft out from nominated rendezvous altitude with the commsat. The robot arm was virtually U/S and a walk may become necessary. The 200ft predicted error would necessitate a corrective burn and Discovery needed that fuel if a walk was to be required. Houston continually asked what the Commander wanted to do but the advice they proffered wasn’t much help. The Commander had already been 12 hours on station sorting out the problem and just wanted 10 bloody minutes to himself to take a leak. Just then a mission specialist, who had tilted the telescope down to the surface for a minute or two, called the Commander to the scope. "Have a look at this Sir, isn’t this the kinda flying you said you wanted to do after you finish up with NASA?" The Commander peered through the telescope and cried "Ooooohhhhh yeah! Now THAT’S flying! Man, that’s what its all about! Geez I’d give my left nut just to be doing THAT down there!"

What the Discovery Commander was looking at was a Cessna 150 flying circuits at a quiet country airfield on a nice bright sunny afternoon.

AND NOW.........THE REAL FULL CIRCLE


After returning from his flying lesson, the Instructor spent the next few hours into the night completing the club’s paperwork. A father and son walked through the door of the old aeroclub. “Daddy, I want to see a real plane” was the son’s impatient tugging at his father. “Hang on son, we’ll ask this young man here, he looks like a pilot.”

“Excuse me, I was wondering if I could show my son around a plane”

“Sure, not a problem, just follow me this way” was the Instructor’s helpful reply.”

“How long have you been flying?” asked the father, a middle aged man of solid build.

“About 2 years” pipped the instructor.

“Do you hope to get your commercial license and fly big planes one day?”

“Well yeah, one day” was the Instructor’s dejected reply. It was just easier to say this that rather having to explain that he already had his commercial license, and airlines wanted 1000s of hours before they even consider giving interviews. He closed his eyes and shook his head thinking, “Man, one day I’m going to get my twin job and get myself outta this dump. I’ll be able to afford things like food other than Weetbix and maybe a car without rust in it, Just need a chance to get a twin job..”

The Charter pilot had landed his C402 at home base after successfully delivering his passengers to their important business meeting. It was good to be back in a Capital City after spending all that time out in the country, away from all his friends and family. What was even better was that he could move back in with his parents while he scrimped and saved from his honest wage. “Yep, things are moving slowly, but at least it’s twin time” he thought to himself. “Another year of saving, and working that second job at Maccas, and maybe a loan or two, and I can afford that Boeing 737 rating and get that job… man that’s gonna be sweet, travelling and seeing the world..”

The 737 crew were just finishing their shutdown checks after the 3 hour flight across the Tasman Ocean. “Well Skipper, I guess I owe you a beer for bawked P.A to the passengers, heck I’ll shout ya dinner too..” “Cheers mate, your on, same place?” replied the Captain. “Yep, your on” as the F/Os thoughts lingered on that great steak that pub by the motel served. “Better hurry” he thought to himself, “don’t want to hold up the crew bus, or else I’m gonna have to buy the entire crew dinner and beers…”
It was great to be in different town now and then, but he thought to himself, it would be great to see some real cities of the world, not just these provincial towns. London, New York, Madrid… ahhh, some real cities of class… Well at least I’m flying, and I’ve got a great wife and a house that I can call mine..”

The Concorde crew had just finished their 3 hour sector from London and were preparing to paint the town red for their overnight stopover.
“Well better get that perfume Jennifer always wants” thought the F/E as his eye caught a glimpse of the Duty Free Store. “It’s all pretty good really, 3-4 hour sectors each way, I’m home a lot more than I would be than on long haul, and I can’t wait to take the new boat out fishing when I finish this tour” though the F/E as he slid out his Gold Card to the cashier at the duty free store.

Discovery’s commander was slowly settling himself into bed next to his wife. It had been a busy but successful day. He was glad to be home. The presidential commendation presented to him and his crew today was great he thought to himself, but it wasn’t the reason why he joined NASA.
He was looking forward to next few weeks of hard earned leave. “Honey, how about a trip in the C182 to the Caribbean for the next week?” “Sounds great, lets do it” was his wife’s muffled reply. “Yep, sure is great, I earn a excellent wage, enough to own my our Cessna, by tying myself to the world’s biggest firecracker, shooting myself into orbit at thirty times the speed of sound and I get to see what most people only dream of seeing, with earth so vivid and colourful and the blackness of space, so dark and overpowering. And I return home to a family that loves me and a wife that is close and supportive. Yep this is really living!”

[maxgrad]

I have this on a wall at home
hard day
read it, and smile
I actually get payed fof this?!

Oh, I have slipped the bonds of earth
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I’ve climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth
Of sun-split clouds - and done a hundred things
You have not dreamed of - wheeled and soared and swung
High in the sunlit silence. hov’ring there
I’ve chased the shouting wind along, and flung
My eager craft through footless halls of air.
Up, up the long, delirious, burning blue
I’ve topped the windswept heights with easy grace
Where never lark, or even eagle flew -
And, while with silent, lifting mind I’ve trod
The high untrespassed sanctity of space,
Put out my hand, and touched the face of God.

JOHN MAGEE