The first time I ever jumpseated was many years ago on an ABX DC-8. A CA, an FO, and an over 60 PFE wearing four stripes. The dynamic was beautiful. It was good to see a CA, the PIC, asking for concurrence from from a well seasoned flyer. Perhaps, that is the way it was meant to be.

I wish I could look over my shoulder to an old sage every now an then.

 

Having an over-60 captain in the FE seat was a good thing, especially in high-turnover, fast-upgrade periods when, as a green captain, the fueler says "how much fuel ya want, Cap?"
Indicating the occupant of the FE seat, "I want how much he wants"

 

He's *****ing about the news in another thread about a new medal that is coming out that RPA pilots are eligible for.

 

Love that video! Definately some great times plumbing!

 

See my 2nd post. I realized that after I reread his post. Agree completely.

 

Agreed with the part about drones (not the FE, Radioman, and Navigator stuff. I'm glad I didn't have to do any of that). But I too am very glad i have <15 years left at this outfit.

Funny you mention this now. About 2 weeks ago, I was clicking around MSBC's website on my iphone (have it book marked, occasionally use it to get a quick highlight of world news). Anyway, there was an article whos headline grabbed my attention because it was something along the lines of "Man goes from unemployed to drone pilot earning 6 figures".

So, I clicked the link and read trough the article. In summary, it was about (you guessed it) Blue Collar Average Joe who was laid off from whatever non aviation field he was in and decided on a whim to go to a civilian "drone pilot school". Evidently, these are popping up quickly around the USA and pumping out drone pilots (think Spartan Aeronautical College,in Tulsa, type pilot factories, only they pump out drone pilots for the $$$ instead of 'commercial' pilots).

To earn that 6 figures, the dude had to "go to Afghanistan" to pilot his drones BUT the thing I remember most about the article...
A drone school/instructor/salesman was quoted as saying....
[i'm paraphrasing until I get to the " " because I cant remember the whole sentence exactly]:

We tell our students about the huge variety of civilian uses for trained drone pilots including border patrol, pipe line inspection "and delivering packages for UPS and FedEX."

Yes, the part I put in " "s is accurately quoted verbatim. Drone schools are already telling their students it's coming.

 

And if you can't get into drone school maybe you should look into zeppelin school.

Airship Makers Float New Craft to Erase Hindenburg Blot - Bloomberg

 

I actually know a guy who left 121 to go fly a blimp. I'm not sure which one, but I believe he's living in Ohio.

I always figured I'd sit sideways somewhere... :/

 

The drones are an interesting concept and may come to something in the distant future. The real scary thing out there for FedEx and UPS is the 3D printer. Who knows where that technology will be in 5 years. They already have the cost down to just over $2200 for the basic model. When you need a part in a hurry, this may be the new thing rather than a FedEx package.

 

You mean, like this?