You really want to get out after getting this far? Many many pilots hook check rides. Keep your head up and press on. Attitude is everything, keep a good one and you'll do fine. I've had many jobs before flying and then joining the AF. There are ups and downs in all industries. Follow your gut.

 

Not at all. They are not at all the same job. Besides no FO is ever held to the same standard after the incident. If you're talking altitude and airspeed control then, yes, they should demonstrate the same standard. But, if you're talking judgment, an FO is not held to the ame standard. After 20+ years as a captain for 5 different airlines, I understand this more than ever.

As for leaving the career, if you really WANT to be home every night then this career is not for you. You may feel differently, however, after you have kids. ;-)

 

I think the FO should, as a new hire and always, be held to the same flight standards as the CA (ATP standards). If he can't, he shouldn't be hired. CA's get paid for being PIC. Flying is the easy part of the job. The CA is getting paid for his responsibility. The FO is getting paid to fly. The FO and CA should be flying at the same level. The difference is that the CA will have more experience and is in command.

If you think you should be paid like a captain for basic ATP flight standards, you are in the wrong business.

 

Thanks for the replies all. I suppose the advantage of still having a job (for now) is that I can still pick and choose where I want to go from here. But I've seen some job postings over there that I'm very interested in, and if I get a positive response from them, there is no question I will leave the industry. Believe it or not I've always been one of the more positive types in the pilot group, but everybody has their breaking point and I think I just reached mine. This has been a long time coming. I almost quit several times in flt school, and again when we nearly went broke on first year pay at my airline. I've been debating this decision all year, and this failure just crystalized it for me. And I agree that we should be held to ATP standards...again the failure was my fault, and I'll get back on the horse when the time comes. But im still leaving the industry as soon as I can. Yes, a lot of the items on my list have always been industry problems, and I knew that very well coming in. I just say why continue to subject myself to all that when my QOL could be much better elsewhere.

 

take your time and find a good replacement. The reality of this job takes awhile to sink in. Don't beat yourself up over one failed checkride. That one event does not sum up your entire flying career.

you need to do what is best for you and your family and if that is leaving so be it . Good luck there are a lot of possibilities for someone young and with your education level.

 

This is 100% right, It's not really a "job" but a lifestyle. Some like it, some don't.




.

 

I've been debating the same thing for a while now. I thought things were looking up for me when I narrowly escaped a now defunct regional for a 737 charter gig. Wow PIC time in a jet and i'm still a young guy so everything is gravy..... until times get tough, contracts get scarces and the new company starts using everybody 20 days minimum on the road makes the 6 legs a day in the turboprop look pretty good when you get 15 days off a month. Is it worth having to wear a tie every day (without a zipper) yet...i dunno.

 

Sounds like you are getting some good time logged. If you are in an NG then I'd start looking overseas for a better gig. If you're in a classic, God help you.

Young, single and on the road was pretty fun back in the day. I wouldn't stand for it now but I don't have to. I'd suggest you keep looking and chase the dollars. A larger paycheck has a way of soothing the pains of being on the road too much.

 

What an utterly ridiculous and uninformed statement.

A FO is not pilot in command, and does not suffer the full weight and responsibility of the flight. The PIC bears responsibility for the ultimate outcome, regardless of who may be flying or operating the aircraft at any given time, and is the final decision maker. The captain gets paid accordingly, and also in accordance with his or her seniority.

You wouldn't know about that, apparently.

 

I understand your sentiments. At least with 121 flying there is seniority to protect you from Furlough, were as a "normal" job you can get canned regardless of how long you have been there. My airline sometimes has me going to my car in the employee lot thinking "I'm not coming back to this" but at the end of the day I love what I do, maybe not who I do it for, but I do love it. Maybe you need to change who you're doing it for. I'm staying here because it's a means to an end, and nothing is permanent, even low pay, bad treatment and other issues. Stay positive and keep at it.

As an F/O I'm starting to look at the Captains stuff. There are some captains here who can't be decisive, and as a former NCO it drives me nuts. Either gotta go left or gotta go right, but a decision needs to be made.

Another thought, is maybe they're somehow messing with you and want to see you quit. Don't give the guys the satisfaction.