Dreaming of flying a jet (specially to you older guys!)
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Having slept on my more fruity-language post earlier, I still feel your attitude is just so bad that I frankly don't believe you. If it wasn't for your lengthy posting history I would assume you to be a troll. But on the assumption you are not...
When you decided to make a career change to become a pilot, honestly, what were you expecting? What exciting things did you imagine airline pilots do whilst the autopilot flies the cruise? What was it that you were expecting to happen that didn't? Just how hard did you think about this decision? Quite evidently the answer has to be "not very much".
You say you were really bored during your long day, but this was your first day in the flight deck of an airliner. For most of us it was like a child being let loose in a sweet shop. And to top it all off, you describe a day dodging thunderstorms as boring??
Part of the unofficial skill set of a pilot, and something that used to be tested very hard before HR departments took recruitment off pilots is the ability to entertain your colleague during the lean hours. I'm not going to give the press a field day by describing some of the tricks i have seen used. If you were bored on day one, I feel for your colleagues! Please tell me your company doesn't have any night flights back from Cyprus.
If you are still new, then yes! They do say it takes 500 hours in an airliner before you even realise just how much there is still to learn, but that doesn't excuse your apparent lack of desire to learn anything, either by the manuals (don't try and pretend you know all your ops manuals back to front) or by asking your skipper about how he or she handled this or that experience.
Exactly why, if you had the slightest decency, would resign straight away and give your job to someone who would actually enjoy being there. I've been flying for around 9 years and even now, I'm still looking forward to my next day at work.
Your attitude absolutely stinks! I wonder what wannabes struggling to stay current in the hope of a sniff of a job make of your ungrateful ass?
Yeah, BORING!
When you decided to make a career change to become a pilot, honestly, what were you expecting? What exciting things did you imagine airline pilots do whilst the autopilot flies the cruise? What was it that you were expecting to happen that didn't? Just how hard did you think about this decision? Quite evidently the answer has to be "not very much".
You say you were really bored during your long day, but this was your first day in the flight deck of an airliner. For most of us it was like a child being let loose in a sweet shop. And to top it all off, you describe a day dodging thunderstorms as boring??
I wonder how you explain that, what is there really to between TOC and TOD? Not really much, preparing the approach and briefing takes about 5 minutes, so yes on long flights I really get bored!
Doing something wrong, because I am bored??? Really???
End of the day, it is what it is, it is just a job, nothing more, nothing less! Like any job you do, it will become - just that!
Your attitude absolutely stinks! I wonder what wannabes struggling to stay current in the hope of a sniff of a job make of your ungrateful ass?
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First 119.35 - I am on the line now, all passed, so it that sense relieved and happy for that!
DCS136 - A well formulated post, and I agree and understand many of the things you say.
Yes, it is remarkable, I know this, my passion for flight has not passed. There are just certain aspects that are hard to handle!
Give me the flack you want, I can see the difference between people who do have some understanding, and those who are shallow like the Camden river!
Believe me this is not an emotion that I am alone about to feel! I know plenty colleagues who share similar view, with a difference of that maybe some of them have been flying for a few more years!
Of course, a 9 to 5 job has never appealed me, and that is not my past, I never had such a job in the past, that's maybe what makes things a bit different, as I do not relate to that kind of lifestyle, that some of you might be desperate to get out of!
About being in the wrong company, probably, but again as you ALL know, in the start we have no choice, even less when you start at my age!
I am not a fragile little soul looking for sympathy, if I was, I would be in this position I am in today, I would not have got the job as I have today!
I have made my made, and I lay in it, for good or for bad!
But I wanted to open the eyes of some of you, who so desperately are longing for this "life" - to try to make you see, that it might not be what you expect!
Now some of you might not have families, and some of you might be happy to get away from your "so called" loved ones!
I find it an extreme waste of quality time, sitting in some murky hotel in some strange country, where I don't understand a word of what people say, or some even murkier apartment - your lives contents is only about going into that jet, and after sitting in some place waiting to sleep to be ready to go next days work!
Sure we can keep connections trough Skype and internet, but how boring is that in the long run!
Anyway, I don't really care what some of you guys might think, all I wanted was to give an insight in the real life for a career changer like me!
If you dream is to live an anti-social life without family and friends, well than this is the perfect change! And I do know, there are people who choose this, many of you are willing to sell your grandmother to get a chance in the cockpit!
It blinds you from all normal reasoning that you would use in other decisions in your life! That's the power of aviation! 8 days away, and 2.5 days home with the people who matter most for you!
Unless you have children, you have NO CLUE what you are talking about!
DCS136 - A well formulated post, and I agree and understand many of the things you say.
Yes, it is remarkable, I know this, my passion for flight has not passed. There are just certain aspects that are hard to handle!
Give me the flack you want, I can see the difference between people who do have some understanding, and those who are shallow like the Camden river!
Believe me this is not an emotion that I am alone about to feel! I know plenty colleagues who share similar view, with a difference of that maybe some of them have been flying for a few more years!
Of course, a 9 to 5 job has never appealed me, and that is not my past, I never had such a job in the past, that's maybe what makes things a bit different, as I do not relate to that kind of lifestyle, that some of you might be desperate to get out of!
About being in the wrong company, probably, but again as you ALL know, in the start we have no choice, even less when you start at my age!
I am not a fragile little soul looking for sympathy, if I was, I would be in this position I am in today, I would not have got the job as I have today!
I have made my made, and I lay in it, for good or for bad!
But I wanted to open the eyes of some of you, who so desperately are longing for this "life" - to try to make you see, that it might not be what you expect!
Now some of you might not have families, and some of you might be happy to get away from your "so called" loved ones!
I find it an extreme waste of quality time, sitting in some murky hotel in some strange country, where I don't understand a word of what people say, or some even murkier apartment - your lives contents is only about going into that jet, and after sitting in some place waiting to sleep to be ready to go next days work!
Sure we can keep connections trough Skype and internet, but how boring is that in the long run!
Anyway, I don't really care what some of you guys might think, all I wanted was to give an insight in the real life for a career changer like me!
If you dream is to live an anti-social life without family and friends, well than this is the perfect change! And I do know, there are people who choose this, many of you are willing to sell your grandmother to get a chance in the cockpit!
It blinds you from all normal reasoning that you would use in other decisions in your life! That's the power of aviation! 8 days away, and 2.5 days home with the people who matter most for you!
Unless you have children, you have NO CLUE what you are talking about!
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Artie Fufkin nice video.
Perhaps truckflyer should get that dramatic music in the background when he flies so that engaging the autopilot seems like some exciting thrill ride which he seems to crave.
Perhaps truckflyer should get that dramatic music in the background when he flies so that engaging the autopilot seems like some exciting thrill ride which he seems to crave.
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Artie Fufkin - First you do not know me, you do not know how much time and effort I have put down to this!
I know very well, I have loads to learn, I am not lacking a desire to learn, if you knew me, you would know that!
From start to end / now, I know very well, the day you think you know it all, and nothing more to learn, that is the day you should stop this career!
You are confusing my professional mindset, with my personal experience of the job!
I probably now for nearly 6 months + , been studying hard to pass interview, TR's, line-training - you think I did that by being bored or having the wrong attitude!
My attitude is not the issue, but when a company sets you as example for Christmas - knowing you are a commuter, work one day, and puts you 4 days in a row on standby in a foreign country, far from home! - which by the way I did not even get called out for duty! That makes you understand, for this job, you are just a piece of meat - a number - a slave to their system, what they want when they want!
I accepted this, or when a friend of mine could not get days off when his wife was giving birth to their baby!
Maybe these are company issues, however these are part of the so -called lifestyle that is acceptable to have this job at any price!
I was not shattered my first obs flight - shattered in the sense exhausted after 14 hours on the jump seat! Other flights I have been bored, few things mixed up and around here!
I know very well, I have loads to learn, I am not lacking a desire to learn, if you knew me, you would know that!
From start to end / now, I know very well, the day you think you know it all, and nothing more to learn, that is the day you should stop this career!
You are confusing my professional mindset, with my personal experience of the job!
I probably now for nearly 6 months + , been studying hard to pass interview, TR's, line-training - you think I did that by being bored or having the wrong attitude!
My attitude is not the issue, but when a company sets you as example for Christmas - knowing you are a commuter, work one day, and puts you 4 days in a row on standby in a foreign country, far from home! - which by the way I did not even get called out for duty! That makes you understand, for this job, you are just a piece of meat - a number - a slave to their system, what they want when they want!
I accepted this, or when a friend of mine could not get days off when his wife was giving birth to their baby!
Maybe these are company issues, however these are part of the so -called lifestyle that is acceptable to have this job at any price!
I was not shattered my first obs flight - shattered in the sense exhausted after 14 hours on the jump seat! Other flights I have been bored, few things mixed up and around here!
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Truckie - just a guess but are you at FR by chance?
If so then unfortunately your experiences at FR are not necessarily typical. And how someone with a family can exist there when being shoved around the bases on a Brookfield contract is beyond me.
I am fortunate to work in a national carrier. Sure some sectors can be boring but generally work is fun. We go in have a bit of a laugh and joke. Cup of tea on the turn around with the CCMs, give out loads about the company and how they are trying to screw us over continually. At the end of the day we thank each other for all the help and look forward to doing it all again.
If so then unfortunately your experiences at FR are not necessarily typical. And how someone with a family can exist there when being shoved around the bases on a Brookfield contract is beyond me.
I am fortunate to work in a national carrier. Sure some sectors can be boring but generally work is fun. We go in have a bit of a laugh and joke. Cup of tea on the turn around with the CCMs, give out loads about the company and how they are trying to screw us over continually. At the end of the day we thank each other for all the help and look forward to doing it all again.
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MCDU2 - Nothing going to name companies - but that is one thing 90% of the crews I have worked with have been great - I have to admit that, I have nothing but praise to say about them - of course being "new" you are still getting to know guys wherever you are going, being sent - I personally believe the link of enjoyment must include a pay that you feel satisfies your worth - and a value, and in time a home base where you have the chance to have a life!
Being in it now, makes me see things differently in many ways, specially towards the attitude of many who would give their arm and leg and work for candy bar and a cup of tea, and would happily do the rest of the job for free, or some even pay to get the chance just to fly!
Now I have NEVER advocated or supported P2F - but I have in the past maybe tried to understand why some people would accept such conditions, however now, it makes me see this from a complete different view!
And it is because of idiots like that, that we all get pushed around like cattle with some companies, and have no choice but to accept forever degrading T & C's.
However amongst wannabes / newbies, it seems to be an absolute taboo to say something negative about this "dream job" - as so many are blinded by the actual struggle to get the job, that we nearly don't care under what terms we accept the job!
This has to be a wake up call for many wanting to get into the business, but of course, to many are willing to walk upon others to get the chance. It is clearly seen by the attitude here, of people calling me not worthy, ungrateful, if I left there would be hundreds/thousands waiting to step in to my place! And many would even be willing to accept even worse terms!
The attitude, you should have re-searched better, vow... of course I knew of this potential issues in advance, and accepted them, does not mean that I can't try to give people a view of my experience!
Some say, if you did it for the money, aviation is not the right thing, sure most of us don't start doing this for the money alone - however let's also be adults here, when working as a pilot, you are doing it for the money! Of course there certain other self-pleasing satisfactory aspects with the job, that you don't have with other jobs, and is also a part of the reason you are doing it!
But for you who wish you was in the job, when you are in your 3.rd or 4.th day in a row, with 4 sector days, having been waking up at 3.30 every morning, and had 10 - 12 hour day, and you wake up in the morning and see the weather reports with snow storms and max cross winds at 3 or 4 of your destinations, you than think of the money they are paying you for get up and fly these odd 200 passengers and crew safely out and safely in these conditions - of course the challenge is there, but clearly it is you up there at the end of that 4.th sector, and after a Go Around because there was no contact with ground - believe me you know what you doing, and get all the right things done, however for this effort and experience, you are being paid peanuts! Sorry that is wrong, and yes that does not match my expectations of what the job is worth!
All these things are a combination of causes that factors that gives you a perspective over things.
As an example, of what made me feel angry inside, and which I feel does put pressure on crews, I will tell you a true story event that I experienced.
In one of these days, where the weather was really crap, we was flying return leg to home base airport X, however airport X only have NPA, and the last 2 days, all flights had diverted and taken of from airport Z!
Than of course this was the last of a 4 sector day, we get a text message on the MCDU from Ground Ops., saying "Please try to land at airport X!"
I read it, and thought to myself, what do they think? That we are not going to try to land there? I mean seriously - all day no aircraft before us had landed there, but my captain and me agreed we would make an attempt, RVR was reported ok, but cloud base was the issue!
Anyway on reaching minima, I said Minima - No Contact - Captain initiated the Go Around - and we diverted without further delay to airport Z!
On way to airport Z, the captain told me he thought he had seen some lights at minima, but because I had said minima - No contact, he had no other choice but to initiate the Go-Around!
However ground crew at airport X, that they had heard us, but had not seen any lights or anything from us!
However this kind of message, makes me think.
Maybe a less assertive, who wanted to try to please Ops and the company operations, would have stretched the boundaries of this kind of operations /approaches, as I had the feeling that is was almost with regret that he had initiated the Go Around at that point!
Finally landing at alternate Z, after almost 13 - 14 hours duty, ops called us, and asked us if we could stay on the Aircraft, because improved weather reports for the morning, so they wanted us to ferry the aircraft back to airport X! Again the captain did his best to please the company, but after discovering that the weather was not improving, and that we would actually have ran out of duty time, the captain phoned Ops back, and told them it was not possible!
Now for me the diversion was of great inconvenience, as I had a morning flight in few hours home again, but rather have this inconvenience than making a hole in the ground!
I noticed, in this company, many are very company orientated, however far will they stretch it I don't know - maybe this is also an attitude issue I personally have, however if the rules tell me how it should be, I will follow them to the best of my ability!
These kind of moments are interesting, but I would not call them fun! It gives you experience! However for me, it was completely wrong of ground ops to put additional pressure on the crew by sending a message about to try to land, I mean what else was we going to try to do at the destination???
Do a flyby just for the fun of it??
Being in it now, makes me see things differently in many ways, specially towards the attitude of many who would give their arm and leg and work for candy bar and a cup of tea, and would happily do the rest of the job for free, or some even pay to get the chance just to fly!
Now I have NEVER advocated or supported P2F - but I have in the past maybe tried to understand why some people would accept such conditions, however now, it makes me see this from a complete different view!
And it is because of idiots like that, that we all get pushed around like cattle with some companies, and have no choice but to accept forever degrading T & C's.
However amongst wannabes / newbies, it seems to be an absolute taboo to say something negative about this "dream job" - as so many are blinded by the actual struggle to get the job, that we nearly don't care under what terms we accept the job!
This has to be a wake up call for many wanting to get into the business, but of course, to many are willing to walk upon others to get the chance. It is clearly seen by the attitude here, of people calling me not worthy, ungrateful, if I left there would be hundreds/thousands waiting to step in to my place! And many would even be willing to accept even worse terms!
The attitude, you should have re-searched better, vow... of course I knew of this potential issues in advance, and accepted them, does not mean that I can't try to give people a view of my experience!
Some say, if you did it for the money, aviation is not the right thing, sure most of us don't start doing this for the money alone - however let's also be adults here, when working as a pilot, you are doing it for the money! Of course there certain other self-pleasing satisfactory aspects with the job, that you don't have with other jobs, and is also a part of the reason you are doing it!
But for you who wish you was in the job, when you are in your 3.rd or 4.th day in a row, with 4 sector days, having been waking up at 3.30 every morning, and had 10 - 12 hour day, and you wake up in the morning and see the weather reports with snow storms and max cross winds at 3 or 4 of your destinations, you than think of the money they are paying you for get up and fly these odd 200 passengers and crew safely out and safely in these conditions - of course the challenge is there, but clearly it is you up there at the end of that 4.th sector, and after a Go Around because there was no contact with ground - believe me you know what you doing, and get all the right things done, however for this effort and experience, you are being paid peanuts! Sorry that is wrong, and yes that does not match my expectations of what the job is worth!
All these things are a combination of causes that factors that gives you a perspective over things.
As an example, of what made me feel angry inside, and which I feel does put pressure on crews, I will tell you a true story event that I experienced.
In one of these days, where the weather was really crap, we was flying return leg to home base airport X, however airport X only have NPA, and the last 2 days, all flights had diverted and taken of from airport Z!
Than of course this was the last of a 4 sector day, we get a text message on the MCDU from Ground Ops., saying "Please try to land at airport X!"
I read it, and thought to myself, what do they think? That we are not going to try to land there? I mean seriously - all day no aircraft before us had landed there, but my captain and me agreed we would make an attempt, RVR was reported ok, but cloud base was the issue!
Anyway on reaching minima, I said Minima - No Contact - Captain initiated the Go Around - and we diverted without further delay to airport Z!
On way to airport Z, the captain told me he thought he had seen some lights at minima, but because I had said minima - No contact, he had no other choice but to initiate the Go-Around!
However ground crew at airport X, that they had heard us, but had not seen any lights or anything from us!
However this kind of message, makes me think.
Maybe a less assertive, who wanted to try to please Ops and the company operations, would have stretched the boundaries of this kind of operations /approaches, as I had the feeling that is was almost with regret that he had initiated the Go Around at that point!
Finally landing at alternate Z, after almost 13 - 14 hours duty, ops called us, and asked us if we could stay on the Aircraft, because improved weather reports for the morning, so they wanted us to ferry the aircraft back to airport X! Again the captain did his best to please the company, but after discovering that the weather was not improving, and that we would actually have ran out of duty time, the captain phoned Ops back, and told them it was not possible!
Now for me the diversion was of great inconvenience, as I had a morning flight in few hours home again, but rather have this inconvenience than making a hole in the ground!
I noticed, in this company, many are very company orientated, however far will they stretch it I don't know - maybe this is also an attitude issue I personally have, however if the rules tell me how it should be, I will follow them to the best of my ability!
These kind of moments are interesting, but I would not call them fun! It gives you experience! However for me, it was completely wrong of ground ops to put additional pressure on the crew by sending a message about to try to land, I mean what else was we going to try to do at the destination???
Do a flyby just for the fun of it??
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Over the last 24 years I have spent many days with people who are "first day on the job" or something close to it. I enjoy it a lot, because for the new F/O it is something akin to holding on to the tail of a rocket. All of that training comes together and it still involves an enormous degree of running to catch up. The most enjoyable aspect, is the obvious sense of accomplishment and pleasure that is evident on a new pilots face, of a job well done at the end of the day.
In all that time I cannot ever recall somebody in that position ever saying they were bored!
Then frankly my friend, there is something wrong! You most certainly should be doing something. In fact any pilot who is focused on staying ahead of the game (and believe me you really do want to stay ahead of the game,) should be keeping themselves busy doing so many of the routine tasks that are required to ensure that is properly achieved.
I have been doing this for a while now and 21,000 hours later I can still find myself busy enough on a two hour flight sector not to be bored. I have to say that I find your comment unbelievable! If you find 90% of the job "DEAD BORING" you cannot possibly be doing it correctly.
I have to say that from your many previous threads on these forums, there are a number of rather strange themes involved with so much of what you write. Perhaps you should spend a little more time learning the realities before you rush to the keyboard to espouse so much of this nonsense that you so often seem to relish.
In all that time I cannot ever recall somebody in that position ever saying they were bored!
90% of the job is DEAD BORING! It does my head in to sit there for hours and hours, doing nothing
I have been doing this for a while now and 21,000 hours later I can still find myself busy enough on a two hour flight sector not to be bored. I have to say that I find your comment unbelievable! If you find 90% of the job "DEAD BORING" you cannot possibly be doing it correctly.
I have to say that from your many previous threads on these forums, there are a number of rather strange themes involved with so much of what you write. Perhaps you should spend a little more time learning the realities before you rush to the keyboard to espouse so much of this nonsense that you so often seem to relish.
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Truckflyer - it just gets worse!
You're now moaning about balancing safety with commerciality? - its the very fundamental of the job you signed up to. Of course Ops are going to ask you to "try and get in". A professional pilot would say "OK", put the phone down, tell the other pilot about Ops' comical request and the two of them will smile at each other and just get on with it, in an adult and professional manner.
Next, you'll be moaning about pax criticising your decision to off load some hand luggage to the hold. Or complaining that the cabin crew take the piss when you land firmly. Or that the crew coffee is bad.
You're now moaning about balancing safety with commerciality? - its the very fundamental of the job you signed up to. Of course Ops are going to ask you to "try and get in". A professional pilot would say "OK", put the phone down, tell the other pilot about Ops' comical request and the two of them will smile at each other and just get on with it, in an adult and professional manner.
Next, you'll be moaning about pax criticising your decision to off load some hand luggage to the hold. Or complaining that the cabin crew take the piss when you land firmly. Or that the crew coffee is bad.
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Artie Fufkin - What are you on about?
It is fairly obvious that you are going to try to land, you do not need a pencil pusher to tell you this!
Isn't that the main object, to try to land at your destination? Or have I misunderstand something, I normally put destination to land in my FMGS, it's not really a random choice where I plan to go !!!
Bealzebub; aren't you a regular know it all, what's the use of having a forum, there should just be a Bealzebub blog instead!
As it seems every view that differs from yours is a dimwit!
It must be extremely delightful to be so enlightened! I envy your knowledge!
Still being a pilot is not rocket science!
I did not say 90% of the job, I said 90% of the flight, now that was probably slightly exaggerated, I can admit that!
Btw., I never had a problem staying ahead of the rocket, I guess I have natural brain for that, generally in life overall it helps if you stay ahead!
It is fairly obvious that you are going to try to land, you do not need a pencil pusher to tell you this!
Isn't that the main object, to try to land at your destination? Or have I misunderstand something, I normally put destination to land in my FMGS, it's not really a random choice where I plan to go !!!
Bealzebub; aren't you a regular know it all, what's the use of having a forum, there should just be a Bealzebub blog instead!
As it seems every view that differs from yours is a dimwit!
It must be extremely delightful to be so enlightened! I envy your knowledge!
Still being a pilot is not rocket science!
I did not say 90% of the job, I said 90% of the flight, now that was probably slightly exaggerated, I can admit that!
Btw., I never had a problem staying ahead of the rocket, I guess I have natural brain for that, generally in life overall it helps if you stay ahead!
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Jeez. Is is thread worthy of a serious reply? I'm going to sleep on that before I waste my time.
Initial thoughts are that if you can't hack four short haul sectors as a jumpseater then frankly you need to man up. If you entered the industry with false expectations then you have only yourself to blame for lack of research, particularly as a 'grown up'. if you can earn so much more elsewhere and you dislike airline flying so much then perhaps off there you should go. Help shift the pilots/jobs ratio back one notch in the right direction by withdrawing yourself and leaving it to those that actually enjoy the job. You will find little sympathy here.
The only positive that can come of such a ludicrous thread is if it forces starry eyed wannabees to reconsider whether the reality of the job is what they want. There's a definite merit in working in a different industry and just flying light aircraft for fun. If however you choose to commit to the career don't come looking for hugs when you find out you have to get up early in the morning.
Initial thoughts are that if you can't hack four short haul sectors as a jumpseater then frankly you need to man up. If you entered the industry with false expectations then you have only yourself to blame for lack of research, particularly as a 'grown up'. if you can earn so much more elsewhere and you dislike airline flying so much then perhaps off there you should go. Help shift the pilots/jobs ratio back one notch in the right direction by withdrawing yourself and leaving it to those that actually enjoy the job. You will find little sympathy here.
The only positive that can come of such a ludicrous thread is if it forces starry eyed wannabees to reconsider whether the reality of the job is what they want. There's a definite merit in working in a different industry and just flying light aircraft for fun. If however you choose to commit to the career don't come looking for hugs when you find out you have to get up early in the morning.
Last edited by Torque Tonight; 18th Jan 2013 at 00:28.
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OK Truckflyer, you are simply not cut out for this job. Your heart's not in it. You don't feel it. I'm not going to lay into you for that fact. 99.9% of the population don't want to be pilots. You will see people who love and embrace airline flying as inferior to you. They will see you as inferior to them. You're simply playing the wrong game and you need to go off elsewhere and play your chosen sport. This is not it. I will criticise you for a lack of due diligence - that's squarely on your shoulders.
A few events I can think of:
My first glider solo at 16.
My first powered solo.
First time I flew a military aircraft.
First time I flew an aircraft with guns on it.
First combat ops.
737 Base training.
First flight with c. 200 passengers.
I was flipping thrilled on each of these occasions. Even driving up to the airport the night before the base check, I could barely contain my excitement. I still get a buzz walking out to the Boeing just as I did walking out to my military type.
If you're not feeling any of this then you are simply in the wrong job. You know what to do.
A few events I can think of:
My first glider solo at 16.
My first powered solo.
First time I flew a military aircraft.
First time I flew an aircraft with guns on it.
First combat ops.
737 Base training.
First flight with c. 200 passengers.
I was flipping thrilled on each of these occasions. Even driving up to the airport the night before the base check, I could barely contain my excitement. I still get a buzz walking out to the Boeing just as I did walking out to my military type.
If you're not feeling any of this then you are simply in the wrong job. You know what to do.
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Torque Tonight - I mean there seems to be some issue here for people to read, this is intended as some warning to people who are considering trying to get into the industry at a later stage.
First is not easy, the odds are against you, and for these people - who might have had a very good career previously, to be able to afford to get into flight training, would have needed to something else than stack shelves at Tesco's it might not be what they expect out of life quality!
It's funny, because a lot of the things I have written about, is a combination of my experience, and experienced pilots I have met during this process!
And of course I felt the buzz, and still feel the buzz when thrust is set, and of we go!
The thread is exactly for that, to warn and make people re-consider before they splash out thousands in flight training! Of course most will not listen anyway!
I do not have any regrets, but the facts are what they are!
First is not easy, the odds are against you, and for these people - who might have had a very good career previously, to be able to afford to get into flight training, would have needed to something else than stack shelves at Tesco's it might not be what they expect out of life quality!
It's funny, because a lot of the things I have written about, is a combination of my experience, and experienced pilots I have met during this process!
And of course I felt the buzz, and still feel the buzz when thrust is set, and of we go!
The thread is exactly for that, to warn and make people re-consider before they splash out thousands in flight training! Of course most will not listen anyway!
I do not have any regrets, but the facts are what they are!
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Truckflyer - I can see what you are trying to do by making career changers aware of some of the realities of airline flying, but you're not helping yourself when you start attacking regular contributors to the forum.
Given the inflammatory nature of some of your comments, you knew full well that you were going to cop some flack. If you weren't so blunt and forceful, I think your well meant attempt to enlighten people would have been better received. Having a go and retaliating when the eneviatable comments roll in, just makes matters worse. You couldn't have possibly thought that everyone would agree with everything that you said and how you put it!?
I appreciate what you are trying to do and that is admirable but I just think you haven't gone about it as well as you could have. Perhaps I am wrong and you intended to stir things and people up, but I don't think so.
Getting into any TP or jet airline is impressive, let alone at the age of 44. Without speculating, all I will say is that I would be amazed if it was Ryan given their apparent block on anyone over the age of 30.
Looks like you have some soul searching to do given the realities of your new profession. Good luck with that but it's not going to help having a go at people along the way.
Given the inflammatory nature of some of your comments, you knew full well that you were going to cop some flack. If you weren't so blunt and forceful, I think your well meant attempt to enlighten people would have been better received. Having a go and retaliating when the eneviatable comments roll in, just makes matters worse. You couldn't have possibly thought that everyone would agree with everything that you said and how you put it!?
I appreciate what you are trying to do and that is admirable but I just think you haven't gone about it as well as you could have. Perhaps I am wrong and you intended to stir things and people up, but I don't think so.
Getting into any TP or jet airline is impressive, let alone at the age of 44. Without speculating, all I will say is that I would be amazed if it was Ryan given their apparent block on anyone over the age of 30.
Looks like you have some soul searching to do given the realities of your new profession. Good luck with that but it's not going to help having a go at people along the way.
Last edited by 119.35; 18th Jan 2013 at 08:46.
truckflyer: In my experience most new co-pilots show signs of boredom in the cruise and seem to wonder why on earth the "old duffer" to their left does not appear to be bored himself.
When they eventually get their command they finally realise just how many factors that they could not even have imagined in their early days were being considered by the captain who is also under no allusions that his co-pilot has not given any of these factors a passing thought! The loneliness of command!!
When they eventually get their command they finally realise just how many factors that they could not even have imagined in their early days were being considered by the captain who is also under no allusions that his co-pilot has not given any of these factors a passing thought! The loneliness of command!!
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Man up ya loser. If you didnt have a post history i'd nominate you for troll of the year because your post just reeks of BS, anyone who claims to be bored sh!tless on their first day of line training in the jet is either a total ADHD case, brain dead or a liar.
20 years and 9000 hours later for me and yes of course there are good days and bad days but it's still one of the most satisfying jobs in the world when a plan comes together.
There are a lot of smart young people out there with their eyes wide open doing some really crap long hours low pay jobs right now, trying to save enough money to be in your shoes. I can only suggest you quit right now, let someone more deserving have your seat, and take your crybaby ass back to your *cough BS cough* other job that pays 1500 quid for a few hours' work, and thank your lucky stars that you have such a great fallback option. What did you expect to gain by starting this thread, sympathy?
20 years and 9000 hours later for me and yes of course there are good days and bad days but it's still one of the most satisfying jobs in the world when a plan comes together.
There are a lot of smart young people out there with their eyes wide open doing some really crap long hours low pay jobs right now, trying to save enough money to be in your shoes. I can only suggest you quit right now, let someone more deserving have your seat, and take your crybaby ass back to your *cough BS cough* other job that pays 1500 quid for a few hours' work, and thank your lucky stars that you have such a great fallback option. What did you expect to gain by starting this thread, sympathy?
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Lucky you
Truckflyer, I'm also one of these "older" guys who tried (in vain, unfortunately) to start a new life as a commercial pilot in today's rather difficult aviation business.
Meanwhile I had to put my dream to rest and went back to my old job. All I can say is that if you managed to get to fly a jet for an airline, please don't complain. Given your age, I think you were extremely lucky.
Want to drop out? I'll gladly take the job and sit through whatever it takes.
Meanwhile I had to put my dream to rest and went back to my old job. All I can say is that if you managed to get to fly a jet for an airline, please don't complain. Given your age, I think you were extremely lucky.
Want to drop out? I'll gladly take the job and sit through whatever it takes.