Originally Posted by
wrxpilot
Not sure what the SJS moniker is about, since I fly a small 25 year old turboprop (Brasilia), which is listed next to my profile. I've already done the "SJS" thing, and have a PIC type rating in a j-j-j-jettt! I don't care what I'm flying, as long as I'm getting a paycheck.
Apparently you're confusing the purpose of the iPad and what it will do. It is a tool to replace charts and manuals, and goes a long way towards organizing information in a way that is very intuitive and useful to a pilot. I spent several years flying a plane that was totally paperless, which included the use of iPads. It is a win win situation, and I can see no reason why anybody would complain about it.
As far as the company using it to track you, that is extremely paranoid, but I'm sure you have your reasons. Anyway, the fix is simple... Just shut it down when you're done with your flight.
Not sure why you mentioned "career wrecking RJs", but you're preaching to the choir. Get rid of every damn one of 'em. Regionals should just be flying small turboprops in my opinion... The last thing I plan on doing is spending my career at a regional airline, and it would be nice if the majors became a place to go to again.
The SJS Moniker was thrown in there because your first post indicated that not being excited about the Shiny New Toy means that we are whining sniveling idiots. Shiny New Toy Syndrome goes hand in hand with Shiny New Jet Syndrome.
Just because one flies the Bro doesn't mean one don't have SJS. You next post seems to indicate that you "get it", so I will retract the SJS.
Here's the thing though... As an EMB-120 FO, who is new to the airline side of the industry (sounds like you flew corporate), you should be careful making statements about what kind of attitudes the guys with the experience should have. Since there isn't a pilot on the property right now with less than about 12 years, everyone that was leaving a comment has experience. I wouldn't go over to the corporate section and start spouting off to those folks about what their attitude should be, as I have very limited corporate experience. I figure they know their issues best.
You think we are paranoid? Buddy... you have no idea. The company was videoing/recording our conversations in ops for years before we found out. Our Management is reading this conversation (Hi guys!!!). And trust me, they WILL use the iPads to track our movements, compare it to sick list usage etc. If you work for United, and you AREN'T paranoid, you are stupid.
Another correction to your assessment. The iPad is nothing but an inconvenience for me without Wifi installed in the airplane. Right now, with Shipsets, I have nothing that I need to carry. Now I've got to carry another iPad. I have my own, which I will continue to use, so now I'm going to be dragging around 2 of them. And what information does it give me that I don't already have? Zero. What happens if I lose it? Break it? You think the company is going to pat me on the head and say "That's ok, we'll just get you another one?" HELL no they won't. It will come out of my paycheck! Paperless is all fine and good, but how hard is it for me to open up a book and find a chart? Like I said in the first post, if they put Wifi in all the jets, then that is a completely different story. If I had access to real time weather, moving map taxi charts, etc. etc., then THAT would make it a very valuable resource. But we don't, and apparently aren't going to considering they just announced they are going to spend $500 million in cabin upgrades, and WIFI on the UAL airplanes that don't have it wasn't in the announcement.
Right about now you are rolling your eyes and thinking you know how I should feel. Put another 20 years in and then come talk to me. You'll see. In the meantime, you can keep your snotty comments to the regional board. They might go over better there.