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what are line pilots???

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Old 5th Mar 2010, 23:52
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what are line pilots???

Excuse my ignorance...but i've noticed on sites such as AFAP that companies are looking for "line pilots", is this just a phrase or is it something more specific?
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Old 6th Mar 2010, 00:04
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Because there are so many Pilots out of work, they want the guys who have been lining up for work the longest. It's kind of like an unemployed Pilot seniority system.

We all stand in the line with our hands out chanting 'please sir, I want some more'


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Old 6th Mar 2010, 00:52
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Pilots who are skilled at keeping formation in a broom line in the hangar.
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Old 6th Mar 2010, 00:53
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We're the frontline troops who turn up and do the work for a modest wage. ie bog standard pilots with no other role such as Chief Pilot, Sim Instructor, Examiner, Check and Training etc.
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Old 6th Mar 2010, 01:05
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Not sure of the origin of the term, but a "Line Pilot" is basically a general-duties pilot - as opposed to a Chief Pilot, Check & training pilot, Chief Flying Instructor, Instructor, or #1 show-off Aero Club President GA Legend pilot

Gobblin... very funny
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Old 6th Mar 2010, 01:52
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Beat me to it HL.

Crackup Goblin!
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Old 6th Mar 2010, 03:22
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What Horatio said.
  • Line Pilot = Everyday, garden-variety driver (Capt or F/O);
  • Training Captain = As the title suggests, a captain authorised to conduct line training for either F/O or a person undergoing command upgrade;
  • Check Captain = Captain authorised to conduct final check & certification for said pilot undergoing line check, command check, etc.
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Old 6th Mar 2010, 03:41
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I always believed it stemmed from the concept of a "flight line", originally being military speak for where the aircraft were parked.

You were therefore a pilot "of the line" as opposed to one of the aforementioned shiny-bum cake-eaters.

Happy to recline corrected!
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Old 6th Mar 2010, 04:12
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Tambo1

These guys are just having you on, don't believe any of it..........

Line Pilots are guys that fly straight lines between A and B and maybe C, boring as bat $h!t......keep away from it..........
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Old 6th Mar 2010, 04:22
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How about you get checked to 'line' (airline) and are then a 'line' pilot.

Regards,
BH.
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Old 6th Mar 2010, 04:48
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on that note.... I have an ignorant question too,

What's Wet-season time? I can't find a " wet-season" column in my logbook!
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Old 6th Mar 2010, 05:19
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What's Wet-season time? I can't find a " wet-season" column in my logbook!
Ah that's an easy one..........

Strictly applies to fresh CPL holders straight after gaining their new license.
Not found in logbooks but found in undies. Soon becomes a 'memory' once a MECIR is obtained...........
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Old 6th Mar 2010, 05:32
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A line Pilot could also be referring to Pilots in Kununurra lining up outside Centrelink

Wet season experience is simple, the backpackers arrive in droves from April until September......use your imagination, a time of plenty for all
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Old 6th Mar 2010, 05:45
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Line Pilots in Vanuatu



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Old 6th Mar 2010, 06:07
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correctamundo Icarus....line pilots are the fortunate soles whome show up and fly leaving the training/management/big D's & associated stress for the others...
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Old 6th Mar 2010, 08:08
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Sorry - I stand (or indeed, recline) corrected

Having been CP of a survey company I should have known that "line pilots" are the ones who can follow the trackair properly and turn right when the next line is on the left, or vice versa

A GOOD line pilot is the one who can do it all day without making the operator (or chief pilot or managing director) in the back seat!
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Old 6th Mar 2010, 13:09
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American mate of mine refers to them as 'line donkeys'. Now, does he mean donkey as in stupid or as in beast of burden?
His other take on line donkeys is that the biggest decision they ever make on a flight is the steak or the chicken.
Don't shoot the messenger....
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Old 6th Mar 2010, 18:28
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Line pilots or "Flying the line" refers back to the old US postal service flights across the USA in the 1920's before IFR Ops. They flew a series or "line" of lit beacons at night or in poor Wx to guide them VFR cross country predominantly east to west . Jeppesen also has his beginings in this period

"Flying the line" is also the title of a very good book on the origins of ALPA whos beginings were founded in that era of .... flying the line.

In my opinion essential reading which will leave you with the knowledge that "nothing is new under the sun" in aviation, especially in industrial matters.
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Old 7th Mar 2010, 05:19
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As I recall it, Antoine de St Exupery (pardon my spelling) mentioned "flying the line" in at least one of his books during the 1930s. It may well have been part of the title of one. Sorry but I can't check ATM, I'm out flying the line for a week.
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Old 7th Mar 2010, 05:27
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G'day Slamer

Do you know where one would find a copy of the book ?
Sounds like an interesting read.
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