i AM one of those guys who would LOVE to fly that 767 for free..... once.
I want to fly every plane ever built (although I might have second thoughts about the Gee Bee).


Yeah, yeah, Rascal, I hear you, "that's what brought this industry down."

You may be right.
During an interview I was asked what my dream flying job was: my answer, "Flying a Pan Am Clipper in the Pacific."
Watching The Great Waldo Pepper still gives me goose bumps and misty eyes.
I don't know how many times I have been in the cockpit at the end of a stand-up, watching a sunrise and said, "and they pay me $20,000 a year to do this."

Don't worry. I know business is business. And I am fighting to improve my working conditions. But fighting for better compensation doesn't mean I will give up my love.

 

Hey man, I was in your shoes several years ago. Never give up and never forget what it is like to fly for fun. The job can get repetitive after a while and even boring at times.. then once you think you made it, you get furloughed, etc.. just keep on tryin... but every once in a while you will get to see an amazing sunrise/sunset at FL350 that just makes you stop and smile.

Here's one I took a while back out of Halifax, Nova Scotia:

 

It is only socially acceptable to wear that jacket, if you accompany it with the large aviators, and the typical pilot swagger! And Wear it as often as you like! Hell I wear a leather jacket as my main coat... I just prefer them over the rest.

One piece of advice... Dont fart on your instructor, while in the air... However, If you absolutely must.... Always, and I MEAN ALWAYS, Look at him and proclaim, "It wasnt me!!!"

 

It is probably the warmest jacket i own now, and its winter. All my friends say I look like a pilot now, so I must be making the right impression. I won't forget that advice either, Its going to be in the Diamond DA-20 cockpits haha..

 

haha man I'm the same age as you filled with the same desire to fly. Go for it, man! It's gonna be a long hard battle through the CFI-ing, flying at regionals, trying to build up hours, and then building up seniority and getting laid off. I've already been through my first furlough and I'm not even a pilot yet, just a humble ramper for NW... i mean DL. But, in the end, i have faith everything will pay off. And, if not, i know I can do something else in aviation and fly my own aircraft on the side. Work hard, be smart, and you'l make a good living and enjoy life. No matter what life hits you with... keep flying!

 

Nice, I have a few Hours in the 20.... That is one tiny plane... I mean I am a 5'10 220lb former linebacker... Needless to say it was a tight fit. The 40, now that is a sweet little ride there. Get one with the G1000 in it and you got yourself a good day!

 

The University has like 3 or 4 Diamonds, 3 cessnas, and one PA-38. I think one of the Cessnas has the new ADS-B program, I don't remember but i think one of the diamonds has a glass cockpit in it. I'm 6'3 185Lbs it will probably be a tight fit for me too.

 

Reminds me of a funny story....

My private pilot check ride, things are going well, no problems. We just finish locating the alternate after 'diverting' from the x-ctry flight plan when my designated examiner opens the fresh air vents to full open (it's january, mind you), and doesn't say a word. Not more than 5 seconds later does the most awful, rancid smelling fart hit my nose. I mean, there are nasty farts, and then there are PUTRID farts. Talk about providing realistic distractions! I thought a furry woodland creature may have died inside of his rectal cavity. Meanwhile, nothing but awkward silence. I say nothing, he says nothing, but we both know what happened and who did it. Several more long seconds tick by, and he finally pipes up, and says in a matter of fact tone of voice, "Well, lets head on back to the field and wrap this up." No ground reference, no BAI; he probably felt like he had put me through enough suffering. I was actually concerned that he may have **** his pants.

Long story short, I nailed the landings, learned what he had had for lunch without asking, and got my private ticket!

 

Have fun! You are only 19, take it nice and slow and enjoy the ride. Surround yourself with positive people and you will go far.

 

You know it's bad when you have to put on the o2 mask.

Trainee,

Go for it. To hell with the naysayers. Just be wise in your choices and realize that the fastest way isn't always going to result in being the easiest/least expensive/most rewarding way to get there and you'll be fine.