Professional Pilots ??

[Virtual738]

Does anyone know approx what percentage of the posters on here are actually Professional Pilots ?

Judging by the questions that get asked I would think a lot of guys are maybe flight simulator enthusiasts.

[framer]

I'm not convinced that your are qualified to be "judging" professional pilots Virtual.
A little while ago you posted

1. Can the autopilot ( CMD ) be pressed while on the ground ? If yes........What would be the reason(s)

2. Should the N1 button light automatically light up at thrust reduction altitude even if N1 has not been pressed ? (automatic thrust reduction)

Thanks for any answers.
I am a very keen flight simulator enthusiast and am not sure about these because it does not mention them in the FCOM's

This displays a lack of understanding of the very basics of operating an aircraft, yet you feel you can judge the professionalism of actual aircrew?
Bit silly don't you think?

[porch monkey]

Sprung, moron.

[Virtual738]

I can assure you, I know a lot more than just the basics when it comes to a 737NG. The reason I asked those questions is I could not get an answer anywhere. If you can tell me exactly where those 2 questions get answered properly in the Boeing CBT or Fcoms then you definitely know more than most people.

Getting back on topic, does anyone have any idea of the % of real airline pilots on here ?
It's not a very tough question.

[TopBunk]

As you can join this forum without any proof of who you say you are (and even that is optional), any guess at the %age would be just that and totally meaningless, just like the question.

[Virtual738]

Thanks for the honest answer.
I guess it's really down to, who sounds like they know their stuff and who doesn't. I am only interested in the Boeing 737-800 and getting answers to a few questions.

Cheers.

[STBYRUD]

And you did, didn't you?

[corporate-pilot]

It's not a very tough question.

I disagree.

[Virtual738]

I sure did thank you.

Jason.

[aerobat77]

hehe, good question. i think depending on the kind of discussion you can see it quickly. aviation fans sometimes have a stunning knowledge when it comes to technical questions since civil aviation is not a secret and when you have the time and joy to search the net deeply you can learn a lot.

but you see it when you discuss the annoying small things you have every day earning your money sitting in a cockpit- bad rostering, stupid slots , private problems when you are barely home. this issues are not covered in a computer game.

i like ( dont laugh) to play chess online with other people. and there are players who have an elo rating - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elo_rating_system- due to their games they made on the server that they could easily start in a international championship. and such a player would have better to do than playing for hours on a free server every day so you can be sure the nick plays via a good chess computer.

the same here- when somebody claims to have flown anything what has wings and scored 20-30 thousand hours and has simultany thousands of postings here being every day present you can move forward without further thinking about it.

but thats the spirit of an open forum , why not !

[Brian Abraham]

when somebody claims to have flown anything what has wings and scored 20-30 thousand hours and has simultany thousands of postings here being every day present you can move forward without further thinking about it

You need to be careful who you paint with that brush - 411A posted 8,683 contributions and flew Constellations, DC-7 in airline service and passed away recently still occupying the left seat of a Lockheed 1011. Had Howard Hughes visit his home when a lad, and his father was a design engineer with Douglas working on the DC-3 and subsequent.

[aerobat77]

brian, there may be VERY few exeptions of the above written, i agree.

[mutt]

Aerobat77, you seem to have a problem with the concept that someone who actually likes aviation might actually find time to post on an internet forum.

Look at the histories of Top Bunk, Rainboe, 411A, Con-Pilot and many other long term posters, you will discover that they have had extensive flying careers, yet obviously love posting on Pprune. You could also look at the posts of someone called John Farley, then google his name followed by Harrier

I dont understand why you find this so hard to believe?

Mutt

[galaxy flyer]

I'll second that, mutt

Aerobat77, I'm sitting in Dubai waiting for the drinks restriction to be removed in 21 minutes. It's a good time to read and post. I've learned a lot from some posters here (thanks, mutt, J_T, Old Smokey, Con-pilot and the rest), been repelled at others and wondered how a few have survived to post at all. Mind you, I'm pretty junior--11,000, 2 ATPLs, 5 civil types and 3 military ones. Only half of mutt's posts, must try to keep up.

Off to happy hour!

GF

[aerobat77]

you seem to have a problem with the concept that someone who actually likes aviation might actually find time to post on an internet forum.

mutt, i do not have a problem with it, quite the opposite, like said i think its the spirit of an open aviation forum that people which like aviation find time to post here intensive.

the question here but was who is "really" an professional actual pilot, and gave my opinion to this . but like said- there may be some rare exeptions.

beyond this its not the intention to "blackmail" somebody specific, i do not name any nick names.

but how i had the right feeling that exactly the professional posters will kick in very quickly and report disgusted their flying hours on widebodies since how the concidence it takes- they are all just right now at off or standby and not in FL390 on longrange missions ?

hey gents, lets take it easy- like said, i call no nicks, i have no problem with it, i like this forum !

cheers

[Cymmon]

I have a very great interest in aviation, having flown DC3's, viscount 700, Caravelle 12, Dassault Mercure, Antonov 24, Ilyushin 62-86 and Tupolev 134 + 154 to name a few in the past. I must also say as a passenger.

I read books about aviation on a regular basis, have the jet engines - Rolls Royce book, books on the operating systems of the A380 and how to fly it etc. I can contact a pilot of Qatar Airways currently on B777 but looking at moving to A380 etc.

But I wouldn't have a clue about flying apart from 2 trial lessons in a Cessna 150, and being allowed to handle a cherokee.

But to read some of the posts by -411 etc, well, they set my mind racing! The love and interest shown in aviation, the complexities of the aircraft flown and some of the highly detailed answers to some of the enthusiasts questions (mine included) is mind blowing.

Long may these as I see "real" pilots, not just jobbing pilots with no love of flying etc continue to provide fantastic and extremely interesting feedback on forums like this.

Sorry for the waffle, but I love all things aviation, just never got there.

[PJ2]

Virtual738;

Does anyone know approx what percentage of the posters on here are actually Professional Pilots ?

I suspect about 5% of all posters we read, perhaps less, are professional pilots flying transports for the majors and regionals, military, charter & cargo. Then there are ground and sim instructors who may be retired professional pilots. There will be meteorologists, software/hardware, aeronautical, electrical, mechanical, maintenance and flight safety engineers, human factors specialists, maintenance people, perhaps a few dispatchers, maybe two or three executives and FAs. I suspect the vast majority do not work in aviation in a professional capacity. That said, the questions asked and the engaged, respectful manner in which many are interested in learning more is widespread regardless of profession.

Just an impression, backed up in places with a bit of knowledge through private communications.

PJ2

[captjns]

How about if one is labeled as an unprofessional professional pilot… and as a professional unprofessional pilot. What category would that chap fall into?

[gorter]

Originally Posted by captjns

How about if one is labeled as an unprofessional professional pilot… and as a professional unprofessional pilot. What category would that chap fall into?

Jetblast!!

Coat, hat

[Jetpipe.]

+ the wannabes, newbies and fresh fish like me.. CPL next week (hopefully) !!!

I see this forum as a tool for the pro´s and a dreamcatcher for the rest...

Jp