Originally Posted by
tm602
Or maybe learn something from. Guys like the poster you reference have taught me things that have saved my life more than once. Thicken your skin a little, the plane will kill you without saying a word. Well, maybe "Pull UP" but you are almost a goner by then anyway.
No offense, but the up and coming pilots of today seem to have baby soft tender emotions and a reluctance to take a little instruction from the guys who have been in the game longer than they have. Staying alive is more important than "having fun". There's definitely a requirement for the job to be enjoyable and fun, but that's not the first priority, and certainly not the main ingredient in a good pilot. What you should look for is the guy who shows you the ropes (even after you think you know it all) but still makes a pleasurable crewmate.
Having spent 3000+ hours in cargo (and having gone to corporate for another 3000+ and now returning), I can say you will aquire skills and situational awareness that will make you a great pilot if you fly cargo.
Is it the fastest way to get to a seat I the majors?...maybe not..but a great way to lay a foundation for your future.
And you might find that the quality of life benefits of flying cargo, is a huge plus...others here might not agree, maybe it more of an attitude, but reality is, once you are a good pilot, the size of the plane is not as important as is the paycheck (yes, even after Sept 11 , I was kept busy in cargo, no layoff or furlough...) Or the QUALITY of time you get to spend with your family.
Sure the planes are older, smaller, and have more of an "old school" setup, but honestly, if you can safely fly a Metro or be-99, you can do many things.. Sometimes more than $$ matters.
Not all roads lead to a part 121 job...
Having flown bush, cargo and corporate, each has it pluses and minuses. The important thing is is to find what you like.
I personally prefer not having to get 2 meals a day at a food court at a airport.... similarly weekends off(usually) are great, as are half the day!!
Keep an open mind...
Getting to park within a few feet of my plane...then flying an Hour...them spending a night/afternoon in a hotel, then going home is IMO GREAT.