I punched out and have no regrets.
12-06-2013, 10:40 AM
#61
Line Holder
Joined APC: Oct 2008
Position: 17 S.E. of Kedzi
Posts: 71
Originally Posted by feltf4
What do you do for a living?
I have told coworkers several times that things do not seem fair but that is life. Here a pilot may spend years of training and gaining experience for what? 80 grand in the left seat of a regional being responsible for 50 or 75 passengers?
People take their utilities for granted until they do not have it then whine. We must bust our butts to get them back in service. Until I started this job I never had a clue about a utility behind the scenes. Trust me, when utilities go out people are doing everything they can to get them going again while being safe so nobody gets hurt.
12-06-2013, 11:13 AM
#62
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Mar 2008
Position: FAA 'Flight Check'
Posts: 13,837
Originally Posted by BTDT
Fortune 500 utility company. Everyone demands electricity or furnace fuel. Not everyone needs to fly.
There is nothing better than looking for a job while you have a job
12-06-2013, 12:06 PM
#63
Line Holder
Joined APC: Oct 2008
Position: 17 S.E. of Kedzi
Posts: 71
Originally Posted by USMCFLYR
And what exactly do you do for that Fortune 500 Utility Company?
There is nothing better than looking for a job while you have a job
There is nothing better than looking for a job while you have a job
In no way am I concerned about some of the proposed legislation including that trading stuff, etc. The one I am employed by just had some legislation go their way which includes incentives for system improvements up until 2020. Right at the time I will probably retire. And no, I'm not an office boy. My job is out on the streets.
Can you say the same as a pilot?
Edit:: Not that I am concerned but I could go quite a while without employment. Unlike others I do not spend up to my level of income.
Last edited by BTDT; 12-06-2013 at 12:20 PM.
12-06-2013, 12:23 PM
#64
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Mar 2008
Position: FAA 'Flight Check'
Posts: 13,837
Originally Posted by BTDT
In no way am I concerned about some of the proposed legislation including that trading stuff, etc. The one I am employed by just had some legislation go their way which includes incentives for system improvements up until 2020. Right at the time I will probably retire. And no, I'm not an office boy. My job is out on the streets.
Can you say the same as a pilot?
Edit:: Not that I am concerned but I could go quite a while without employment. Unlike others I do not spend up to my level of income.
Can you say the same as a pilot?
Edit:: Not that I am concerned but I could go quite a while without employment. Unlike others I do not spend up to my level of income.
I asked what you did for this utility company.
If you want to keep it some sort of secret - that is fine.
I was just asking.
Can I say the same about what as a pilot?
It sounds like you have some fiscal responsibility.
Do you think you are alone in that on this board?
Don't strain yourself patting your own back there BTDT
12-06-2013, 01:35 PM
#65
Moderator
Joined APC: Oct 2006
Position: B757/767
Posts: 13,088
Originally Posted by BTDT
I have acquired a rather keen street sense in my current career and noticed how shocked she was when I mentioned the fact she would most likely be on call 24/7 while starting as a right seat pilot for the regionals. She openly told me she never heard that before. Has that aspect changed since I've been in the know? Are those students that isolated while being around those supposedly in the know? In any case this person seemed totally naive about the realities of aviation which may or may not work in her favor. Again she appeared derated in the fact she needed to instruct after having jet sim time along with actual Phenom time in which they switched seats during the flight in order to get everyone their chance.
As I have said I do not know much about the industry anymore and did not even think about it for 18 years. I went to OSH in 09, seen the plane I always wanted to build (Bearhawk 4 place) and bought a rib and spar package. Three months later I threw a blood clot to the kidney and have had a special issuance ever since. I will probably sell those parts because I no longer care to play the medical game. It has not effected my life in any way or earning potential other than aviation. There is so much more of life to me anyway than the hobo life of a pilot.
Good luck to all who choose to fly and be safe. Don't let anyone pressure you into things you know are not right.
Yes. That's incorrect. Part 121 pilots don't sit call 24 hours a day. Unless they're sitting long call reserve, which is typically a 12 hour min notification window. And some can do that from home while out of base. At some point, you have to have rest before you operate a 121 flight.
I'm sorry to hear about your medical issues. But being an airline pilot doesn't always mean one lives like a hobo. I typically have 15-17 days off a month, and if I sit reserve I can generally spend over 20 days month at home. And I commute.
12-06-2013, 03:35 PM
#66
Line Holder
Joined APC: Oct 2008
Position: 17 S.E. of Kedzi
Posts: 71
Originally Posted by USMCFLYR
I have no idea what you are trying to spell out here.
I asked what you did for this utility company.
If you want to keep it some sort of secret - that is fine.
I was just asking.
Can I say the same about what as a pilot?
It sounds like you have some fiscal responsibility.
Do you think you are alone in that on this board?
Don't strain yourself patting your own back there BTDT
I asked what you did for this utility company.
If you want to keep it some sort of secret - that is fine.
I was just asking.
Can I say the same about what as a pilot?
It sounds like you have some fiscal responsibility.
Do you think you are alone in that on this board?
Don't strain yourself patting your own back there BTDT
There was talk of pending legislation that would allow utilities to trade which would be some sort of pollution credits for coal fired plants. Ours is just completing over 700 million in "scrubbers" allowing the generating stations to be in compliance with EPA rules. That is what I thought you meant by saying the best time to look for a job is while you still have one since some utilities would be negatively affected.
I just find it humorous that many in aviation can be the ultimate optimists.
I thought I had mentioned a page or two back that I am a gas man. Aside from periodic flatulance I work with natural gas as a gas serviceman. A first responder to hit lines, leaks in homes and buisinesses, pipe fitter, CO calls, turn people's utilities on and off, fire calls etc. I have also shut off thousands of people for non payment. That can get rather interesting and I have been threatened more than once.
We check a place out for compliance with the National Fuel Gas Code and work under the auspices of DOT. Yes the DOT is responsible for regulating the transmission and distribution of natural gas through their arm called PHMSA. Pipeline and Hazardous Material Safety Administration.
Did I dream of being a gas man? hecka no but whatever works.
12-06-2013, 06:29 PM
#67
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Mar 2008
Position: FAA 'Flight Check'
Posts: 13,837
Originally Posted by BTDT
I am sorry if I offended you as that was not my intent. I am also not trying to pat myself on the back. People who know me would say I am not competitive (maybe the reason I do not fly) laid back and certainly not egotistical.
You don't see posting your paycheck (which is good btw) on a public forum as a little egotistical, braggart, or back patting?
You really look back on this sentence and don't see yourself patting your own back:
Not many will go to this extent to prove a point that I will but I will ask how many career pilots on this board can post something comparable to this. Two weeks net after deductions including my pre tax 401k deducted and I was sleeping in my own bed every night. No college education either.
For what purpose?
There was talk of pending legislation that would allow utilities to trade which would be some sort of pollution credits for coal fired plants. Ours is just completing over 700 million in "scrubbers" allowing the generating stations to be in compliance with EPA rules. That is what I thought you meant by saying the best time to look for a job is while you still have one since some utilities would be negatively affected.
Most people will walk into an interview nervous as hell, on edge with their brain going ten miles a minute hoping to say what the employer wants to hear. I walked into the interview with no concern for any of that, had a beard, plain button up shirt and jeans thinking let the chips fall where they may. They asked if they hired me how do they know I will not leave to fly again. My response was if they hire me how do I know they will not lay me off.
So if I went into a job interview tomorrow I could sit across from the panel and honestly ask - why should I work for you? People don't always have that luxury wouldn't you agree?
I just find it humorous that many in aviation can be the ultimate optimists.
Did I dream of being a gas man? hecka no but whatever works.
Btw - you didn't answer one question from my post.
Can I do what as a pilot?
12-06-2013, 10:19 PM
#68
Line Holder
Joined APC: Oct 2008
Position: 17 S.E. of Kedzi
Posts: 71
I am not privy to the multi quotes so I will answer your questions as best I can.
".and you tried to post a second pic too For what purpose?"
I was not going to post a second pic. I mentioned that because the one posted was a little dated and I could not get a current one. It bothers me not if people know that because they will never know my annual wage. Some are more, some are less depending on hours overtime but still better than I would have done in most other endeavors.
"Simply it is a good feeling to go into an interview and not NEED the job..... People don't always have that luxury wouldn't you agree?"
I did not say the job was not needed. I was within a few weeks of running out of unemployment after being layed off from check hauling. I was however living with the parents. It just so happens the company was going through the unemployment office at the time and I even had to bring an unemployment pay stub to the interview.
Once again. Right place, right time. I had already passed several pre employment tests and other interviews including the drug tests which have been a problem for those wishing to join the company.
"Now if someone did dream of being a pilot (of any flavor) and it has worked out, maybe you can actually be genuinely happy for them too?"
I know exactly what you are referring to. This:
"If flying is working for you so be it. If it is not, as it does not for most, I am happy for you. But::::"
That was a typo which was meant to say this:
"If flying is working for you so be it, I am happy for you. If it is not, as it does not for most then:"
By the time I seen that I had already reposted and could not figure out how to edit it. My brain can sometimes function faster than my fingers.
LET ME CLARIFY.
I AM OFFICIALLY NOT UNHAPPY FOR ANYBODY THAT FLYING HAS WORKED OUT FOR AND AM NOT HAPPY FOR THOSE IT HAS NOT.
There. My official position
".and you tried to post a second pic too For what purpose?"
I was not going to post a second pic. I mentioned that because the one posted was a little dated and I could not get a current one. It bothers me not if people know that because they will never know my annual wage. Some are more, some are less depending on hours overtime but still better than I would have done in most other endeavors.
"Simply it is a good feeling to go into an interview and not NEED the job..... People don't always have that luxury wouldn't you agree?"
I did not say the job was not needed. I was within a few weeks of running out of unemployment after being layed off from check hauling. I was however living with the parents. It just so happens the company was going through the unemployment office at the time and I even had to bring an unemployment pay stub to the interview.
Once again. Right place, right time. I had already passed several pre employment tests and other interviews including the drug tests which have been a problem for those wishing to join the company.
"Now if someone did dream of being a pilot (of any flavor) and it has worked out, maybe you can actually be genuinely happy for them too?"
I know exactly what you are referring to. This:
"If flying is working for you so be it. If it is not, as it does not for most, I am happy for you. But::::"
That was a typo which was meant to say this:
"If flying is working for you so be it, I am happy for you. If it is not, as it does not for most then:"
By the time I seen that I had already reposted and could not figure out how to edit it. My brain can sometimes function faster than my fingers.
LET ME CLARIFY.
I AM OFFICIALLY NOT UNHAPPY FOR ANYBODY THAT FLYING HAS WORKED OUT FOR AND AM NOT HAPPY FOR THOSE IT HAS NOT.
There. My official position
12-07-2013, 02:50 PM
#70
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Nov 2011
Position: Admiral
Posts: 726
If you're like me, and were getting physically angry every time you looked up and saw a jet flying over, don't be afraid to take the chance on getting out. You're worth more, especially if you're a disgruntled regional FO.
The industry never panned out how I hoped it would, and I was tired of being broke. The prospect of getting married this fall and starting a family while commuting put even more stress on me than I wanted. I had to make a change and was fortunate enough to find a position with a large simulator instruction provider.
I now see my "family" every night, work for a company where I feel I have a real chance at advancement. Many of my coworkers have been with the company for 20+ years. All of the managers worked their way up the ladder. It's a refreshing change of pace to be around people that are happy to be at work. Great benefits, and more than doubling my pay are only icing on the cake. For the first time in 6+ years I find myself geeking out over airplanes and am actually considering going flying for fun.
If you're not happy, don't wait. Get out. It was amazing when I was discussing the move with peers that I respect the only comment they would make was "I can't imagine not flying for a living". There's more to life than airplanes. If you're not happy, do what you need to do to be happy.
hehe see what I just did there?
The industry never panned out how I hoped it would, and I was tired of being broke. The prospect of getting married this fall and starting a family while commuting put even more stress on me than I wanted. I had to make a change and was fortunate enough to find a position with a large simulator instruction provider.
I now see my "family" every night, work for a company where I feel I have a real chance at advancement. Many of my coworkers have been with the company for 20+ years. All of the managers worked their way up the ladder. It's a refreshing change of pace to be around people that are happy to be at work. Great benefits, and more than doubling my pay are only icing on the cake. For the first time in 6+ years I find myself geeking out over airplanes and am actually considering going flying for fun.
If you're not happy, don't wait. Get out. It was amazing when I was discussing the move with peers that I respect the only comment they would make was "I can't imagine not flying for a living". There's more to life than airplanes. If you're not happy, do what you need to do to be happy.
hehe see what I just did there?
