Most Important Things You've Learned
01-01-2018, 08:10 AM
#15
Line Holder
Joined APC: Dec 2017
Position: Paper Airplane Expert
Posts: 59
Originally Posted by 86BravoPapa
That brings up a question I've had for awhile; as an FO, what do you do if the Captain does or is about to do something seriously wrong that would jeopardize the safety of the flight? In otherwords how do you prevent from riding the aircraft into the ground when you don't have final say?
Sometimes playing dumb in an attempt to point out an error can be a nice way of politely helping out your CA.
We all make mistakes and that's why you're both there. If you're flying with a cowboy that is doing something absolutely unacceptable or pushing limits then outright say so. There is a cockpit voice recorder for a reason and it doesn't lie. If you're right, you're right.... but make sure you're right before you say something. Or if you're unsure, say something.
Just remember that your CA earned their seat and that they probably "help" you out a lot of with corrections and tips so be kind in return when addressing any unlikely errors or oversights.
01-01-2018, 08:19 AM
#16
Gets Weekends Off
Thread Starter
Joined APC: Dec 2017
Position: Part 135
Posts: 184
Originally Posted by JetBlueNewb
Don't ever fail to mention a potential safety issue. Using tact is key, "Sir/Ma'am, did you notice the ILS approach has been updated recently?" "Sir/Ma'am, are we supposed to be at 160kts or 170kts... I wasn't sure what approach said?"
Sometimes playing dumb in an attempt to point out an error can be a nice way of politely helping out your CA.
We all make mistakes and that's why you're both there. If you're flying with a cowboy that is doing something absolutely unacceptable or pushing limits then outright say so. There is a cockpit voice recorder for a reason and it doesn't lie. If you're right, you're right.... but make sure you're right before you say something. Or if you're unsure, say something.
Just remember that your CA earned their seat and that they probably "help" you out a lot of with corrections and tips so be kind in return when addressing any unlikely errors or oversights.
Sometimes playing dumb in an attempt to point out an error can be a nice way of politely helping out your CA.
We all make mistakes and that's why you're both there. If you're flying with a cowboy that is doing something absolutely unacceptable or pushing limits then outright say so. There is a cockpit voice recorder for a reason and it doesn't lie. If you're right, you're right.... but make sure you're right before you say something. Or if you're unsure, say something.
Just remember that your CA earned their seat and that they probably "help" you out a lot of with corrections and tips so be kind in return when addressing any unlikely errors or oversights.
01-01-2018, 10:50 AM
#17
Line Holder
Joined APC: Dec 2017
Position: Paper Airplane Expert
Posts: 59
Originally Posted by 86BravoPapa
From this and other posts it sounds like CRM is very respected today and most of the old school 'I'm the Captain and my word is final' way of thinking is out of the cockpit.
When I make it to the left seat someday, I would expect my FO to say something too and I wouldn't be mad at them for doing so...even if I end up blushing for a moment. Pride takes a backseat, and it has to or else people could die.
01-01-2018, 11:52 AM
#18
Gets Weekends Off
Thread Starter
Joined APC: Dec 2017
Position: Part 135
Posts: 184
Originally Posted by JetBlueNewb
Don't get me wrong, there might be some situations where I would just shut up and trust my CA. It's one of those, circumstantial things where a million factors are involved. However, there is a line where risk requires verification of an unknown or potential error. Coming from my background (originally Army combat arms) as well as having two kids to come home to, I will always speak up if something isn't right. That being said I've had to trust my co-workers with my life as well and sometimes that just means believing in their capabilities and competence. The same goes for flying... but up to the line I mentioned before. CRM and lessons learned definitely are helping. It's our responsibility to learn from the lives lost in the past due to preventable accidents. If we fail to do so then the cost of those lives is squandered.
When I make it to the left seat someday, I would expect my FO to say something too and I wouldn't be mad at them for doing so...even if I end up blushing for a moment. Pride takes a backseat, and it has to or else people could die.
When I make it to the left seat someday, I would expect my FO to say something too and I wouldn't be mad at them for doing so...even if I end up blushing for a moment. Pride takes a backseat, and it has to or else people could die.
01-01-2018, 12:01 PM
#19
Back on line
Joined APC: Jan 2007
Position: Out of the sim, back in the real!
Posts: 99
Enjoy it
I’ve learned that people show up at an airline, and start on the same day together. And yet, they can have wildly different careers and lives.
Enjoy every minute of every day, because we will all have to take that final flight.
Awacs
Enjoy every minute of every day, because we will all have to take that final flight.
Awacs
01-02-2018, 08:05 PM
#20
Day puke
Joined APC: Feb 2006
Position: Out.
Posts: 3,865
The other respondents are giving wonderful advice about being a good pilot.
Here are my top three observations about the aviation industry:
3. It takes 12-16 hours to earn 8 hours pay.
2. Depending on your home location and your primary base, commuting can cost anywhere from $5-15k, and it will burn from 20-60 hours of your off time per month. Keep that in mind when you are looking to bid up or take a new job.
1. (and this applies to many industries) If you do what you love, you will never demand the highest possible pay for your talents.
No one fantasizes about being a trash collector. As a result, they have no one who would "do this job for nothing." That is why they command a salary for an unskilled/semi skilled job that requires no education beyond a GED, yet they still get paid more than many regional pilots, and arguably over a 30 year career, with no education debt and far more job security, can accrue equal wealth (with good planning) at the time of retirement.
Even if you are a hard negotiator, you will always be competing with the 'pay to play' or 'I'll do it to get the next real job' people.
Here are my top three observations about the aviation industry:
3. It takes 12-16 hours to earn 8 hours pay.
2. Depending on your home location and your primary base, commuting can cost anywhere from $5-15k, and it will burn from 20-60 hours of your off time per month. Keep that in mind when you are looking to bid up or take a new job.
1. (and this applies to many industries) If you do what you love, you will never demand the highest possible pay for your talents.
No one fantasizes about being a trash collector. As a result, they have no one who would "do this job for nothing." That is why they command a salary for an unskilled/semi skilled job that requires no education beyond a GED, yet they still get paid more than many regional pilots, and arguably over a 30 year career, with no education debt and far more job security, can accrue equal wealth (with good planning) at the time of retirement.
Even if you are a hard negotiator, you will always be competing with the 'pay to play' or 'I'll do it to get the next real job' people.
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