Virgin A330

[Ollie Onion]

Had that scenario a couple of years ago when I was on one of those 'tourist' flights out of Las Vegas for the Grand Canyon. All the 20ish year old pilot wanted to do was talk to me about how great it must be flying a big machine (777 at the time), all that I could think was 'don't be in a hurry to move on, flying this Islander through the Geand Canyon seem pretty cool to me'. You spend the first half of your career trying to fly bigger and better and the second half thinking, if only the pay in GA was better and I would be back in a flash!

[Wally Mk2]

Well articulated there 'BA' & pretty much sums up human nature, we always want what's on the other side of the fence purely 'cause we become bored easily & are not good at repetition in any field.

Wmk2

[The Bunglerat]

You spend the first half of your career trying to fly bigger and better and the second half thinking, if only the pay in GA was better and I would be back in a flash!

Nope! Can't say I miss GA one bit. I spent far too many years working for an assortment of small-time criminals, despots and tyrants. The petty politics & over-inflated egos of small business owners - especially small businesses in aviation - never were my cup of tea, and I couldn't wait to get out fast enough, not to mention the crap pay whilst trying to support a family.

Thankfully, it's all a distant memory now. I'm far enough removed from whatever politics and egos might exist at my current place of employment to simply show up, fly from here to there, enjoy the good company of a great crew (most days) and at the end of another trip pull out of the staff carpark & forget about it for the next few days. As for the A330 specifically, yes it's a nicer office to work in than the B737, less fatiguing (as has already been mentioned), ergonomically superior (IMHO), & whilst a bit more variety in the destinations would be nice, in the end a runway is a runway is just a runway. I certainly did some great flying on the 737, but notwithstanding the back-of-the-clock sectors, there are certain lifestyle advantages to being on the 'Bus' that I just couldn't get on the Boeing.

[717tech]

Brian.... Brilliant post mate!

[Berealgetreal]

Bunglerat post of the century.

You forgot "character building" "enhances your command decision making" "feather in your cap".

330 will stay on Peth as evidenced by Silk Air doing Darwin Singapore. Virgin is a domestic only airline. Owners will do all the Intl. The same will be true for QF sooner or later. EK is the Intl arm.

[skysook]

Brian, that was easily the best post I have ever seen on here! Sums up a career in aviation to a T! The grass is not always greener on the other side and sometimes you just need to appreciate what you have. I fly regional turbo props. It's not glamorous work but it pays the bills and I get to live where I want with my family and friends surrounding me. The pay is average but I reckon I'm richer than what any wide body jet job can provide me! Do whatever makes you happy but remember that big shiny jet won't make you happy when you're alone at night in a place you don't want to be! Happy flying everyone

[Blueskymine]

The post by Brian is an old old aviation tale reposted.

The moral of the story is to live in the moment.

[compressor stall]

Yes it's an old tale but a good one. Fortunately I'd have to say Bunglerat's experiences are an exception to the rule. I don't fly with anyone who regrets their time up north. As we now look down on the top end from 41,000 feet the conversations are frequently about stories and takes from our times down below.

I spent a year not far from Bunglerat (assumed by the name) doing similar things and had a blast. Could I go back there now? No. Would I do it all over again the same way? Probably.

I had someone tell me before I went north that if I stick with it, I'll get to where I want to go, so enjoy the short term. It will be hard, hot, frustrating lonely, but as much fun as you make it.

[The Bunglerat]

I spent a year not far from Bunglerat (assumed by the name) doing similar things and had a blast.

Nah mate, never flew GA in WA. It's a nickname given me by my son when he was a toddler. My GA time was entirely within VIC. Not to take away from the great experience many had in their GA rite of passage, but when I hear some of my colleagues fondly reminiscing about the good ol' days of "fly all day & get on the turps all night," my memories of GA were, "it's a fortnight to next pay, I'm broke, I've got a wife & kids to support, & I'm working for a complete ****." In short, my strategy from Day-1 was to be doing the job I consider myself most fortunate to be able to do now. I didn't fork out tens of thousands of dollars & put my family through years of hard slog & grief, just to fly bugsmashers & get paid peanuts for the rest of my life. But that's just me. Each to their own.

[Jack Ranga]

Gettin' all moist for the good old days are we boys tell us all some more warries we love how you left aviation in a better state than you entered it

#figjam

[porch monkey]

Some of us did leave it better jack, even if it was only in a small way....

[Brian Abraham]

Yes it's an old tale but a good one

Blueskymine & CS, I'm far from being smart enough to have composed such a tale. I thought the story would have been for more reaching than it appears to be from the congratulatory comments posted.

I do find it of interest the number of people giving up the airline job and returning to GA. Well paid jobs that is, though one ex cadet with years of service threw it in (own choice) to start at the bottom flying a 210 initially then moving up to piston twin. Gets ragged about doing the career in reverse. But he's happy.

[Jack Ranga]

A minority did porch