Originally Posted by
Pilotpip
ATP,
If I recall you're a ramper for a major. If this is the case, how would you feel if that company decided that they were going to replace you, your pay, and your bennefits with somebody from ATS (I worked for them at an FBO and was paid pretty well but know how it is on the airline side), Swissport or any of the other third-party vendors where the rampers start at $6 an hour? This contempt that I saw because I had an ATS shirt on once in a while at the terminal is the same as you'll find on the pilot side. We're all trying to make things better and nobody wins when they take the "easy" route. It harms all of us financially, professionally, and ethically (in my humble opinion) in the long run.
You can't replace experience. While you aren't going to learn how to program an FMS, make a crossing restriction, or figure out who you're calling on the radio next while at ORD from instructing, towing banners, or hauling freight there are a ton of other things that are going to be learned that will make you much better prepared and give you much more credibility in the front office. To a lesser extent, I think it makes you a better professional. Most of the academy kids (I'm 26 and these others acted like children regardless of their age) had this disgusting sense of entitlement while I was in class at the former employer. Everyone in class here has 1000 hours, many have other professional experiences outside of flying, and the difference in the attitude is night and day. Most of the stuff you learn in class can be taught to a monkey. I've done it twice now and I'm convinced of that. Remember, a chimp was the first American in space
And slice is right. I'm at Shuttle now. I left TSA last month.
I feel ya on that what you just said Pilotpip. You see, like I've said before, I want to find out about the "actual pilot culture...the mindset...the way 'how' things are done so to speak. It's just like when you went to RAH for your interview. I'm sure you gathered as much info as possible. I'm doing the same just in a different direction but primarily at the same magnitude. I've gotten information from both sides....pro PFT and con PFT. Both can get me to where I'd like to be, however there are some variables and tradeoffs that I'm going to have to seriously consider. For example, I have found a flight school that has a program that mirrors ATP's, but is $13K less....besides my fiance and son live in that city which is only 60miles away from me. Go figure. Btw, no RJ course offered there!!!
You're right. I'm a former ramper. Worked the ramp for DAL and CMR @ PBI and CVG respectively. I also enjoyed a career in Airport Ops. I've worked airside, landside & terminal. I loved it...especially airside. I do have an extensive work history being that I'm 46. BS from Riddle back in '87. I've worked from bagging groceries at Publix Supermarket to being Agent in Charge while on duty at PBI to Sales and Marketing at Comcast. This is no pipe dream. This has been a desire for as long as I can remember.
In all sincerity, I do appreciate all the feedback I'm getting. Others feel more passionate about this type of training than others. It's all good. Sharpening my skills as a pilot by flight instructing would build the necessary knowledge base I would need to be successful in any type flying. Training at a PFT facility after getting my CPL w/MEL rating would get me to the FO position quicker thus allowing my career to hopefully move at a quicker pace...something I believe we all want. However I do see your point about it can be harming to fellow airmen financially, professionally, and to an extent ethically.
All in all guys I thank you for your input. Decision time for me. I've got about another month to make up mind as to which direction I want to go. This was no flamebait or anything like that. I just don't want to **** up 40-55K!!!
Thanks again. Blue skies.
atp