I appreciate that block30. I was an air traffic controller for five years and then I worked on Seahawks as an aviation electrician for 4.

Not sure I want to be a reserve guy with all these wars. Naw, I loved the Navy, even miss aspects of it, but I've done my part for King and Country.

Unless you can make the case

 

You're welcome GF! I know what u mean, grew up listening to those stories not only from my Dad but also his buddies literally my whole life.

 

Yeah, all your active duty time will be quite a few points in retirement....you'll do quite a bit better than the "average" guard/reserve only retiree. That and Tricare.

 

I imagine running a red light is equivalent to crossing an active runway with no clearance, probably another career (and/or life) ender if someone else is taking off or landing. I have always loved trains and planes, still am a train nut hobbywise. Operating large machinery, whether it be a ship, widebody, or locomotive has always fascinated me. Too bad you have to choose one over the other. It would be nice to see the scenery for a change. As for retirement, when I started at the majors in the early eighties, they (mgmt and labor) swore it was as good as congress too. Things change, and many of us are now or soon will be working those five extra years to beef up our "new" retirement plan. Hope those on the railroad fare much better then we did!

 

I applied to CSX as a Freight Conductor. Application window closed August 31, still waiting to hear back, if ever.

 

Oh, I'm sure you'll hear back. Do you currently fly for a living?

 

Was, yeah. Was at a regional, then left, and not by choice, now flying charter, but I started charter after I applied. I redid my whole resume' and put anything emphasizing the word "safety" in there for every job I've had in some aspect or another...

 

I don't know you obviously, but the mere fact that you're a successful pilot, allows me to say with extreme confidence, you'll have no trouble landing this job if it is indeed what you want.

There is abundant opportunity on the R.R. for advancement beyond your craft as well, i.e. management opportunities. If you're a college graduate, definitely consider some of those avenues once you're in. If you need more schooling, the R.R.s are great about helping with tuition costs.

They will lay claim to your life in a significant way, but I'm not sure that isn't the case for every employer now days.

Your most fatigued moment that you can remember as a pilot will be a common feeling on the R.R. It can be hard. But nothing beats the feeling of a sunny day and cool breeze on your face as you stand out on the catwalk of the locomotive taking in breathtaking views of open prairie, canyons, mountains, lakes, and all the wildlife. Hey even going through the bad part of a large city on a train is pretty cool.

There are absolutely a lot of things about it I miss!

 

This is a similar experience to truck driving (if you can get on with a good company). Pretty much your own boss and seeing the country from ground level can be very exciting and freeing. Get tired? Pull her over and take a nap.

The pay isn't too bad either with a decent company and some seniority. Comparable with railroad if you play your cards right. Railroading is a blast though. Did that on a tourist line for a few years and I really miss it. It was nowhere near the grind of a Class 1 but had a ton of the fun aspects.

The only difference is, if you are breathing you can get hired at a trucking company. Not so at the railroad. To get a really good driving gig you have to have some miles under your belt and have a stellar driving record. There's a guy that just started at my company (I won't share his name here) that was a captain with Continental on the 73 for over 25 years and a CP with the company. He's driving trucks for fun. A FANTASTIC gentleman by the way. Hilarious to talk to and a total blast to be around. It's funny to see him. Here's this well groomed Airline pilot hanging with tattooed ex-con truck drivers and having a helluva time. He loves it here.

 

Thanks for the info Sulkair and Mosteam. If I think of any specifics on questions I'll definitely send them your guys' way. I'm also thinking of going firefighter. Dad did it for 26+ years, it's always had my attention, all the guys at the stations in a specific town know me or my dad very well, and it's rewarding. We shall see. I may swing in, and ask the chief what I need to get in.