Airline Pilot Central Forums

Airline Pilot Central Forums (https://www.airlinepilotforums.com/)

- Leaving the Career (https://www.airlinepilotforums.com/leaving-career/)

- - I'm done (https://www.airlinepilotforums.com/leaving-career/73234-im-done.html)

Quote:

Originally Posted by DactlFO (Post 1368825)

Wow! I guess I stirred up a nest of hornets. Been away from the board for a while, out flying a C-150 around in circles. I found that I can count 100 hours of my sim time, so that gets me closer to the majic number. I'm not sure what good its going to do me. Once I get my ATP, I'm still going to be short of the experience requirements almost all jobs require, but I'll be that much closer.

My attitude has evolved a bit. I'm no longer disgusted with the whole industry, just my crappy corner view of it.

I had a tremendous opportunity, took advantage of it and got to fly the DC-8 and 767 for about 400 hours. You all are correct in that as a former PFE, I don't get to count anything over 500 hours of that time toward my pilot experience. I don't expect to. I'm not a 400 hour pilot, I'm a 900 + pilot, just trying to find a way to get someone beside myself to pay for some of that time. I'll keep plugging away at it, while I'm working on the gas pipeline.

My disgust is now focused on the airline (mis) management that furloughed me, then added 70 more above me before adding a merger and ISL on top of that.

I was encouraged by a friend who told me, "Don't let those *******ers win," but I gotta tell you, I kind of like being home.

Yep, the wrecking crew is standing by for anyone who wants to do a little venting or is working through the process! Glad to hear the news. Much of my first 1000 Hrs. was in 150's, many different models in fact, including Aerobat and straight tail; keep it up. 100 MPH, 6 GPH and 40 degrees of flaps! You might get a little bored after while but don't be tempted to perform any stupid 150 tricks, there are a few but I will not tell you how to do them. Included is a way to descend almost as fast as a spin. Also watch out for slips with full flaps; they can snap on you in a split second. Good luck (And get your CFI)

Yoda2,
I learned to fly in a straight tail 150. Got a bunch of time in a straight tail 172 with manual flaps too.
Thought about getting the CFI too. I've already taken the FOI, but never thought I'd need a single eng commercial. I got mine in the twin. I'd have to add on the rating and get the CFI, so I'm not sure if the cost would be worth it here in NoPa. Not a lot of people with disposable income wanting to learn to fly.

Quote:

Originally Posted by DactlFO (Post 1369180)

If you like you can get your initial CFI as an MEI. Just getting it shows you have gained additional knowledge, reinforced your commitment to aviation, will more properly instruct a new F/O down the line, could instruct ground training for the company, Etc. It is worth plenty even if you do not use it for flight instruction, same regarding an A&P. Also get your AGI if you don't have it, before the FOI expires. If I had two equally qualified candidates I would always pick the one with the CFI, whether they had used it or not. You will also garner more respect from an employer and among your fellow airman for having it. And do not let it lapse, otherwise you will have to endure the day from hell twice.

I should have mentioned this in the previous post, you are mixing apples and oranges... You do not need to get a SE commercial; you already have your commercial. This is different than a ME ATP with SE commercial privileges. You would however need to operate a complex single to commercial standards for the examination. Pilots can also pick from many CFI ratings for their initial; most pick either the F/W SE CFI, F/W ME CFI or Instrument Instructor as their initial.

My FOI expired years ago. I'd have to retake it. Yep, SE complex to comm stds is what I meant by "add on the rating." Right now I'm limited to private privledges in the single. The money is the thing for me right now. No income, except for unemployment and trying to squeeze in a few hours a week in the 150, when I can afford to pay for the gas. Thank God I don't have to pay rental or an instructor on top of that. Oh, I do have eggs for sale. $2 a dozen if you need some.

Some states have education benefits for people
on unemployment. You might be able to get a
grant for a rating at no cost to you.

BTW, Stop flying around in circles! Get a safety pilot and fly a ton of practice approaches; as many kinds as you can. Get all the IFR and hood experience you can with that 150. Bring a portable and practice flying the GPS approaches also; If there is a base nearby see if you can fly the GCA approach. Load up that log book with IFR; not just hours...

Yoda, What I meant by flying around in circles is from home airport out to other airports and back to home airport. This time of year in NO-PA, it's always IFR. No bases or GCA's, but I like the GPS idea. Thanks.

Quote:

Originally Posted by SkyHigh (Post 1368251)

Aviation; It is not a stable and equitable career or path to financial independence but a way of life, so is drug addiction.

Perfection, I think we have nailed it. I wanted a job, a valued and respected career that provided an ample return on my investment so that I could support a happy family life and aviation is not it.

Skyhigh

Jeeeezus,,,you are a broken whiny record. Pick up the needle already!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Airhoss (Post 1371817)

Jeeeezus,,,you are a broken whiny record. Pick up the needle already!

That's funny, you SkyHigh haters sound the same to me.

"I got lucky in aviation 30 years ago so it's the perfect career for EVERYONE today!!"
*click*
EVERYONE today!!
*click*
EVERYONE today!!
*click*
EVERYONE today!!