This may be the greatest post in the history of APC.

 

What I gather from previous posts. He did some cargo / pax ops and then got hired by National (?) in the right seat of a 121 jet. Things didn’t go his way and now he thinks he was robbed. Also, if you are near 40 years of age you should give up on an airline career because it is a waste (since you are too old and almost dead).

I say again, if you are near 40 years of age than just give up on a career with an airline because it's too late for you.....you old, ancient bastard!

So easy a caveman could figure it out.

 

near 40 and going to work for a regional (because you don't have PIC) at those wages sucks. then try it with a family and at FO rates. I think you would get to know the term "food stamps" quit well.

he does have a point that this industry sucks if you lose your job. it's never really a lateral move to a new company. you always have to start over at the bottom and todays wages suck unless you're at fedex, ups or southwest. I'm not bashing the seniority, I'm bashing to pay for those that don't see it...

 

agreed Not sure its irony though, more like NWA mangement unloading on us and 'nary a whimper' from us...........

 

He mentioned the majors not the regionals.........

 

I was laid off as a 757 FO at 36 years old with 6300 hours TT. I have a clean record, BS Degree and a wife and four small sons in tow. Ten years ago I would be a hot prospect with those times.

My point isn't "poor me" but what the h-ll? How have we come to a point where middle age guys like myself who after almost two decades of full time effort are not even worth 40K and a second glance at a major.


It just isn't worth so much risk and effort.

SkyHigh

 

Sky, quit pretending you're similar to us. You're not.

 

I must not be the same. Somehow I have more concern for my well being than many others here. I am not comfortable with merely reaching mediocroty one day. My life goals are much higher that what an airline career can currently give.

I remember clearly as a boy that pilots were highly regarded professionals. They lived in the best neighborhoods. Drove new cars. Were home all the time. My school friends who had fathers that flew for the airlines would do things like live in Europe for the summer or rent a beach house in Hawaii for a month. Pilots had the money and the time off to do things like that.

It seemed back then that it was a profession worth striving for. The sacrifices worth the effort and expense. Now it is humiliating to be a pilot. The pay is comparable to most middle class professionals and they are gone all the time. Life as a pilot is getting steadily worse. There is no doubt about it. The reason is that the job is easy to do now, training is easy to come by and quality experience is everywhere. The regionals are handing over brand new jets to people with only a handful of hours.

I am clearly not the same as you. You are much older and are enjoying the sunset of the industry. Me and my generation only have hardship and losses ahead. I understand that you can not have the same perspective. Your eye is on the door. You bought your home 20 years ago and are senior. You can't possibly imagine what it is like to envision having to provide for a new family with today's expenses while on reserve.

When I write it is from the oerspective of a young person who is just starting out in the industry. You already are gainfully employed and counting the days. Don't feel bad but understand that yes we are diffrent for many reasons.

SkyHigh

 

Thanks

AA

 

he has very little turbine PIC if not none. I doubt that he will get on with a major without any unless he has some great connections.