Is it possible...
12-13-2009 | 05:49 PM
#1
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Joined: Oct 2009
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From: C152 Left Seat
Is it possible...
Is it possible for me to see how being a professional pilot is? What I mean is that before I spend $50,000 on training, I would like to experience what a day consists of. I know that this is a dumb thing to ask for, but idealy, what I want is to sit in the co-pilot seat of a 208 Fedex feeder for an entire day and see how it is. Do you understand what I am saying, or am I just rambling on? Also, is there anything that even comes close to what I am asking?
Thanks,
Caleb
Thanks,
Caleb
12-14-2009 | 06:14 AM
#2
Gets Weekends Off
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 320
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From: Aviation Consultant
Caleb-
Unfortunately probably not - a company must carry insurance and most likely it will not cover a passenger. It sure doesn't hurt to ask but I wouldn't get your hopes up. Talk to friends, ask folks here, to illustrate in detail the layout of their day for you, you may get a better idea.
Unfortunately probably not - a company must carry insurance and most likely it will not cover a passenger. It sure doesn't hurt to ask but I wouldn't get your hopes up. Talk to friends, ask folks here, to illustrate in detail the layout of their day for you, you may get a better idea.
12-14-2009 | 07:08 AM
#3
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From: C152 Left Seat
Caleb-
Unfortunately probably not - a company must carry insurance and most likely it will not cover a passenger. It sure doesn't hurt to ask but I wouldn't get your hopes up. Talk to friends, ask folks here, to illustrate in detail the layout of their day for you, you may get a better idea.
Unfortunately probably not - a company must carry insurance and most likely it will not cover a passenger. It sure doesn't hurt to ask but I wouldn't get your hopes up. Talk to friends, ask folks here, to illustrate in detail the layout of their day for you, you may get a better idea.
12-14-2009 | 07:24 AM
#4
Gets Weekends Off
Joined: Mar 2005
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From: Aviation Consultant
Actually, the likelyhood of sitting in the cockpit would be worse. Not only are there insurance problems but regulatory problems. Nobody is allowed in the cockpit of a commercial airplane unless you are a required crewmember or have jumpseat privileges or approved by the FAA. That just won't happen for someone who wants to "observe" as a non-employee. Post 9/11 these regulations were heightened to protect the cockpit, which is why you don't see the door open during flight anymore.
12-14-2009 | 07:36 AM
#5
Prime Minister/Moderator
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Engines Turn or People Swim
What I would suggest you do is go take some flying lessons, if you are interested enough to be asking this question you might as well shoot for a private pilot license. Get that done, do some recreational flying on your own and if you really like it then consider professional flying. Nobody who is not already a pilot should commit to an aviation career training program.
Once you know your way around the airport you might be able to find a small charter operator or even a private owner who will give you a ride in a business jet.
12-14-2009 | 08:43 AM
#6
Self Employed.
Joined: May 2005
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From: Corporate Pilot
Microsoft Flight Simulator
Buy Microsoft flight simulator. Program in a flight from LAX to JFK and then fly the entire thing in real time. If you want in enhance the realism do it in a dark room starting the flight at 11:00PM. Don't get up. Don't watch television. Don't talk to anyone just sit there for 6 hours staring an an unmoving screen.
Then as the sun is coming up turn the autopilot off and land the plane.
I think you will come close.
Skyhigh
Then as the sun is coming up turn the autopilot off and land the plane.
I think you will come close.
Skyhigh
12-14-2009 | 12:26 PM
#7
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I can offer two suggestions:
1: If you or your family travels overseas, book the trip on a foreign carrier. Once you are out of US Airspace on a non-US airline, there is a slight possibility you might be able to visit the flight deck.
2: Try to find a mentor in your local area. Easier said than done, I know. I was lucky, my father worked in the hospital with the wife of a major airline pilot, and the wife of a pilot instructing (and subsequently moving up the career ladder). These gentlemen were enthusiastic about sharing their experiences and advice with me.
If you want to find a mentor, perhaps start with joining your local EAA chapter.
1: If you or your family travels overseas, book the trip on a foreign carrier. Once you are out of US Airspace on a non-US airline, there is a slight possibility you might be able to visit the flight deck.
2: Try to find a mentor in your local area. Easier said than done, I know. I was lucky, my father worked in the hospital with the wife of a major airline pilot, and the wife of a pilot instructing (and subsequently moving up the career ladder). These gentlemen were enthusiastic about sharing their experiences and advice with me.
If you want to find a mentor, perhaps start with joining your local EAA chapter.
12-14-2009 | 12:30 PM
#8
Gets Weekends Off
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 13,843
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From: FAA 'Flight Check'
Buy Microsoft flight simulator. Program in a flight from LAX to JFK and then fly the entire thing in real time. If you want in enhance the realism do it in a dark room starting the flight at 11:00PM. Don't get up. Don't watch television. Don't talk to anyone just sit there for 6 hours staring an an unmoving screen.
Then as the sun is coming up turn the autopilot off and land the plane.
I think you will come close.
Skyhigh
Then as the sun is coming up turn the autopilot off and land the plane.
I think you will come close.
Skyhigh
Sky - I hope there is movement on the screen. At least the little symbols ought to move around the screens right? Also - you sat next to the other pilot for this hypothetical flight and didn't say a word to the person you were flying with or have communication with ATC?
USMCFLYR
12-14-2009 | 12:45 PM
#9
alchemist
Joined: Apr 2007
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Get in your car and make five trips. Each trip around 1 to 1.5 hours. Stop inbetween trips and refuel, rest, get something to eat and hit the road again to continue, but only 15mins total for each rest/fuel stop. During your trip, try to take a route with heavy volume of congestions, this will give you an idea of ground stops, delays, and holding for whatever reasons. You must complete this five leg trip before going home, only to rest nine hours before doing the same thing again the next day. And sometime during your trip, park the car get out and sit somewhere outside of your car for 2 to 3 hours before continuing. (This is for airplane swaps and sits) The closest comparison I can give you....
Counter-silliness
