Originally Posted by
JoePatroni
I’ve flown with countless guys who spent 80% or more of their careers in the left seat after getting hired in the 60’s and 70’s so that argument holds zero water. United pursued people with private pilot certificates at one time.....how does that figure in your “pathway?”
Incidentally, I would argue 32 years of flying is HARDER today than it used to be back in the days of 68-70 hour lines.
You’ll be “waiting” a while because I don’t plan on flying in coach after I retire, personal choice.
I'm from the early 60's and that certainly wasn't my pathway. I didn't start out at UAL and I have heard what you are saying about the private pilot stuff; I never actually saw that any where. I don't think that really happened except maybe in some extreme case for some very abbreviated window.
When I hired on at TWA (as a Flight Test Manuals clerk in 63 as a licensed pilot), a Flight Engineer at PanAm averaged 9 years to get in to the right seat. I know where the water is; mostly in the mid altitudes where i doubt you ever spent much time.
Later (late 60's) many were granted LOA's to fly for (JCA) "Jesus Christ Airlines"; in the Biafran Airlift. Connies in to Africa at night. Just to be clear, I was not a military pilot (these were not military flights). These were the kinds of experience many brought to the airlines.
But none of it will hold your place at the gate, ha.
And you are still an active employee; wow, after you sir.