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12-05-2008 | 06:56 PM

FlyHigh423

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From: First Officer

How long to the top?

Hi,

I am curious, how long do you think it would take to get from being a co-pilot on a regional jet to being a captain flying a 747 all around the world? I know the road between the two will be very rough with furloughs, crashpads, and stress but I am strongly determined to become an international pilot! So, what do you think? about 30 years??

12-05-2008 | 07:12 PM

buzzpat

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From: Urban chicken rancher.

Quote:

Originally Posted by FlyHigh423

In today's environment, possibly never. Then again, 10 years from now, you may be there. Just keep flying safely and responsibly. It'll happen.

12-05-2008 | 07:23 PM

cencal83406

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Quote:

Originally Posted by buzzpat

In today's environment, possibly never. Then again, 10 years from now, you may be there. Just keep flying safely and responsibly. It'll happen.

That's funny. I had that dream about 12 years ago... being an international CA. I would still love to have that dream but right now I can just hope that I have my job in a year.... two years.... 5 years. I'm already lucky that I've still got it.

12-05-2008 | 07:43 PM

buzzpat

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From: Urban chicken rancher.

Quote:

Originally Posted by cencal83406

That's what I'm saying. I've been flying for 25 years. I've been furloughed for six years. Don't wanna burst anyone's bubble though. Who know's where we'll be down the road?

12-05-2008 | 07:46 PM

cencal83406

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Quote:

Originally Posted by buzzpat

That's what I'm saying. I've been flying for 25 years. I've been furloughed for six years. Don't wanna burst anyone's bubble though. Who know's where we'll be down the road?

But I wish I was flying 12 years ago..... I just broke into the industry last year. You've treaded much muddier waters than I ever have (yet). I hope we all have jobs but you probably deserve it more than I do what with all the time you've put in.

12-05-2008 | 07:52 PM

RockyBoy

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If you want to go live in India, Dubai, or Tokyo, you could probably do it in 10-15 years. Emirates has 777 Captains that are under 40 years old. Probably have to take a risk and work for a relatively new carrier that is planning on rapid widebody growth. That is how the young guys got into the widebody Captain spots at Emirates so fast. Unless you get hired by a U.S. legacy before you are 35 years old, it probably won't happen here in the good old U.S.A.

12-05-2008 | 07:53 PM

buzzpat

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From: Urban chicken rancher.

Quote:

Originally Posted by cencal83406

Not really. Here's what I have learned: I flew for the USAF for 20 years. Fighters, heavies, mostly international, and some combat. Retired from the USAF and went to fly for Delta in 2001. Flew MD-88s, was furloughed after 9/11, deferred recall for awhile and am now back and loving the 73NG. The commercial aviation business is fickle. But, that being said, it beats working a 9-5 desk job. The best I ever had it was flying militarily all over the world. I'd go back to that in a heartbeat.

Bottom line: we aviators have a really nice profession and an obligation. Our pay ain't what it used to be but its still a wonderful gig. I tried the white collar world and hated it. Give me a jet, a nice crew and a decent rotation.

12-05-2008 | 08:00 PM

sig598

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From: Watching Law & Order on reserve

I second that motion

12-05-2008 | 08:02 PM

TCMC17RES

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From: SEA 7ER B

Quote:

Originally Posted by buzzpat

The best I ever had it was flying militarily all over the world. I'd go back to that in a heartbeat.

You may have seen the best of the military flying all over the world when you were in. I would bet if you did go back, you wouldn't stay for long. I'm on mil leave right now from DAL, and REALLY miss it. I'll be back for the summer flying, I just hope I can stay in the ER.