New to the forum with a question
 

I just retired from medicine and have my own citation. I am looking for a new challenge and wondered if anybody knew if there was a way to get hired on at an airline as a captain? I am not really interested in being anybody's copilot. Is it who you know? Also, I hear that when you jumpseat on most airlines they usually put you in first class. Is this the norm? Is there a charge to jumpseat? Thanks guys for the advice. I figure I have about 10 years to conquer the major airline captain thing and want to get started.

Ed,

There are very few airlines out there that will hire off the street applicants to fly as captain, and those that do probably don't have the pay or lifestyle that you are looking for. You pretty much are going to have to be "anybody's copilot" until you get some line experience, and odds of getting on at a major airline without some sort of airline experience (aka regional) is slim to none these days.

As for jumpseating, you sit wherever there's room these days. I haven't jumpseated in over a year since I'm no longer at the airlines, but most airlines now have so many "premier" frequent fliers that qualify for free upgrades that non-rev travellers and jumpseaters might as well expect coach, and sometimes you're lucky to get that with the number of folks that are flying on budget fares...

Out of curiousity how old are you? I only ask since you mentioned retirement... If you're above 60 fuggedabout it. Keep the Citation and fly around for dinner and golf.

I just turned 50 and thanks for the advice. It would just be hard for me wearing a $20k Rolex and driving a car that costs more than most guys make in a year to sit in the right seat and copy clearances and get the captain coffee. I'm over the internship thing and really just want to accomplish my next goal in life. I have heard that flying an airliner is easier than a cessna so just want to stand on top of the mountain without being a sherpa guide if that makes sense. Surely if you talk to the right person this is a possibility? It's not about the money, it's about the challenge.

Do you want to borrow my ego so you can boost yours even higher?? Enjoy your retirement and leave the flying to those that are dedicated to OUR profession.

Well said aircum. The least we need in Aviation are Doctor who are always guessing their way thru.

Are you a Proctologist?
 

Ed,
Just wondering if you could be a proctologists, because it seems your head may be up your ass! Are you for real dude, or just trying to stir the pot? Either way, leave the flying to the pros dude. I was leading F-15s into combat one day, and pouring cofee the next as a new hire with FedEx. No regrets, you gotta pay your dues sh-t for brains.

Fox 3 kill --- Jolly's out for knots

I suggest you put the Rolex in the top drawer of your dresser, buy an airport "beater" to drive, and stop by Wal*Mart and pick up a 79 cent ballpoint pen - - and don't scribble the clearance, I want to be able to read it.


Don't worry about pouring my coffee -- just pass the Thermos and I'll pour my own.




Since I have your attention, what do I need to do to become a head neurosurgeon at my local hospital? I'd hate to have to start out as a scrub nurse.




THE ABOVE POST WAS WRITTEN IN JEST TO THE AUTHOR OF THIS THREAD WHO OBVIOUSLY POSTED IN JEST, AS WELL. NICE JOB AT FLAMEBAITING! :)




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Ed - you shoud get your rotorcraft certs and go fly 135 in the Gulf Of Mexico.

Helo flying - you don't have to retire at 60 and you won't be a co-pilot. PHI will give you a Bell 206 or 407 to play with from sunrise to sunset...These days the guys there are making 55K a year starting out working 7 on / 7 off.

I'll be happy to answer any more question you may have...

You won't have to move you can fly down in your citation and fly your shift. Property is not inexpensive down there in Lafayette, if you decide to settle there, and you could really enjoy yourself in retirement working 7 on 7 off as a helo pilot.

-LAFF

-LAFF

Know what the difference between a Doctor and Pilot is?

I Pilot doesn't go around thinking they're a Doctor!

Flamebaiting? Yes....

Hey Ed, I was a pre-med major in college 25 years ago. I was thinking of doing something else other than flying. Do you know anyone that would hire me to be a neuro-surgeon? Your knowlege of commercial aviation is on par with my medical knowlege .... just enough to be dangerous. By your statements, it would appear that you would not be capable of being an airline captain as it requires common sense. Enjoy your retirement and please stay on the ground.