[quote=USMCFLYR;464579]
Sorry - I'm still confused; and I'm being serious here.........
I have always considered a "professional pilot" to be someone who gets PAID to fly.
It could be what I used to know as an AIRLINE pilot (now I know the term Part 121) or a Cargo Pilot (you know - FedEx, DHL, or UPS; just learning about most of those other companies) or Charter operations like World or ATA.
Then I put the Corporate pilots in that category and the guys that flew tourists around the Grand Cayon for example.
All pilots who day in and day out got paid for flying.
Now.....I understand the "attitude" as you put it about flying right eveni f you are just out for a recreational flight along the gulf coast (btw - I miss that type of flying) and if I were tlaking about someone's preparation and the way he handled himself I might use the word "professional" but I guess it would be meant in a different way - from the guy that gets paid.
So...again...what is professional? I would say that you and Sky *were* professional pilots - you got out of the business and into something else (medical for you right and real estate for Sky?) So if someone asked you at a party what you did for a living - I wouldn't expect you to say "I'm a professional pilot." If someone asked you what you had done prior I would expect you to say "I was an airline pilot".
In your opinion - - am I a professional pilot?
USMCFLYR
I have never flown with you, but I do think you are a professional. I can tell that you care about doing what you do well, as do I, and are passionate about it, as I am. That's why there are such spirited and in-depth exchanges here. But you have grasped the core of why people like Sky and myself are here.
It's true that I am a Physician now, but i'm a pilot too, and I always will be. A few years back, if someone at a party had asked me what i did for a "living", I prob would have had to excuse myself from the room, or tell a lie-because my flying "job" didn't really provide me and my family with a "living". Always had to do something on the side for money to pay bills.
My present "job" provides me and my family with a great living.
But my question to you is-do you think people who fly regional equipment are paid to do it?
I personally don't think they are "paid" to do what they do. They recieve money, but far from being "paid". Far from not having to supplement their income with spouses or 1-2 other jobs.
Anyway, I'd have enjoyed flying a month or 2 with you also.