Originally Posted by
AxlF16
I was an A320 LCA for a couple of years...senior lineholder & commuter. They were right up front and said that you have very bad judgement if you are doing it for the money. I did it because I enjoyed the motivation & energy of our new hires. What I liked best was the initial Captain OEs. Our job wasn't/isn't passing out kool-aid and checking for shoe shines & hats.Easily half of my job was showing how to be a good UNION pilot, how to enforce the UPA, and how to mentor other pilots - without being a wet blanket asshat. Most of that burden should fall on the shoulders of line Captains, but most are either too busy chasing money or are so negative that they are ignored. I spent 22+ years as a line pilot with no input or impact. As an LCA I at least had the opportunity to influence new hires and new Captains on how a smart, professional ALPA pilot should conduct their duties.
I’ve had great LCA’s here. They have all been in the position because they wanted to be. Very few were drunk on the Kool-Aid. My captain upgrade was more focused on doing the job by the book, knowing the contract, and taking care of the customers and crew, not being a “company man”. I hope that trend continues and they don’t get burnouts willing to suck it up for the override.