kojack2101

I agree as well... very unnecessary... Great post.. must have hit a nerve!!!

Diver Driver

Excellent post Winglet! It shows the true separation between those that just do this because it is a job and those of us that have a true passion for what we do... you echoed my thoughts exactly.

Purpleanga

At the risk of sounding like an *******, I think pilots come in waves. There are many major pilots that got on when times were very easy, then there are those that got on when times were tough. I've heard a bunch of stories of inadequacy in a major airline cockpit as well. And there is a consensus that in many ways it was easier to land a major job more in the past then it is now. But yes, many many many pilots that are products of the last hiring wave should probably still be flying in the pattern at their local airports right now. It's true, I've seen many hopeless cases that have slipped through the cracks. The good thing is that RJs almost fly themselves.

Herbie

It was a very good post winglet. All I will say is not to let age be the factor that determines in your mind whether or not someone is a good pilot. The guys you talk about that now it's what they have wanted to do since they were little kids probably got there start at a very you age. I started flying at 13 and now, 10 years later, I am in this industry. I think my passion speaks for itself as I have not quit my job at TSA, although it sounds appealing some days.

I am in this one for the long haul boys and girls. It is about time that we get back what is ours in this business. It won't happen over night, and it certainly won't happen if all some of us do is point our fingers at one and other to assign the blame at who crippled this industry. The botom line is it doesn't really matter how we got to this point, it is that we are here and we need to get ourselves out of this rut.

captain152

Well said herbie!

I took my first flight in a small plane when I was 10 with my Dad. I've been flying in commercial jets since I was a toddler. Been in love with it ever since I can remember and known what I wanted to do ever since I can remember.

I do remember vividly though my Dad asking me if I was sure this is what I wanted to do. That his career path made it look like a cake walk and that he was EXTREMELY lucky to be where he is today. That the aviation industry as a whole is a NASTY place to be, but if you love it, you'll get through to where you want to be ... you just have to love it unconditionally! -- That was the advice my Dad gave me before I decided to take my first lesson.

Already I have seen the hardships of this industry ... the heartbreaks, the friends on furlough, the accidents, the abuse, the seemingly never ending nights, and the flack we all get from management. But still, every time I get lucky enough to "grease one" it reminds me of why I still love what I do. It truly doesn't matter how bad of a day I'm having ... every time a little kid comes up and says hello and says he wants to be a pilot and his/her parents thank us for the flight, that's what reminds me why I do what I do.

Most all, if not all, of us knew what we were getting into when we joined this volatile industry. None of us were ever meant to fly (per gravity), yet some of us were simply born with the ambition and drive to do it. We just have to keep fighting with the hopes that one day the industry will start turning around

...ok, i'm done

winglet

Herbie, you are correct.

I apologize for generalizing the age issue. It is exactly that, a generalization. I see too many newer pilots content with mediocrity. I was attempting to point out that there is a noticable trend and it is not good and to inform some of the new pilots that "slipped through the cracks" that you aren't fooling anybody and you need to develop some self discipline and be the pilot you know you can be and are obligated to be.

I have flown with some incredible pilots that were very young and much more knowledgable and talented than I was at that age. Unfortunatley they are few and far between these days. Hopefully you are the exception not the rule. My point was that if you are new to the airlines and not very good at this (you know who you are) then improve yourself.

There truly are those special few who are "born" to fly. Others have to work at being good at it every day. I'm not too proud to admit I'm the latter and that there is always room for improvement.

Good Luck All,

Winglet

Lowlevel

HA! I heard that a lot from some of the senior guys I flew with from "that other base I call the Mother Ship".
One favorite was this:
Departing LGA I said in my takeoff briefing "the departure will be hand flown and then I will continue to hand fly for a while (I know, I should have said it differently)."
Capt. asks "When you say A WHILE, exactly how long will you be hand flying?"
Now, from his question, I know he does not want me to hand fly too much, so I reply "Up to 10,000" (I was planning on longer, but....)
Captain - "Oh ok, because I get some guys that want to hand fly all the way to cruise or in cruise, and I don't want to be bothered with all that work as NFP"
WOW, turning that heading bug must be some tough work

When he flew his legs- AP on at 600 feet, off on short final. FUN!

JoeyMeatballs

I mean really, if nothing else Hand flying keeps you busy for the first 20 minutes of a flight, you will have hours and hours of staring with your seat reclined.........

these are the same guys thet NEVER put the ailerons into the wind on a X-wind T/O, Basic airmenship.............

Lowlevel

Another thing I found as useful reading for pilots in the NTSB website. It may seem gory or odd to some to read accident reports, but you truly learn from other's mistakes or misfortunes. If you ever find yourself in a similar situation, you may not let it escalate the way the ones in the report did. There is also a book called "They called it pilot error". The book contains all stories of aircraft incidents that were blamed on pilots.
Aviation is a place where you should never stop learning, which is one thing that keeps it interesting. If you ever sit back and say to yourself "Well, I know all they is to know 'bout this aviatin' stuff" then quit right away before you hurt yourself or others.

Thedude

What was written in that statement was: If your a non-military white male, don't bother applying.