Why 21?
#31
The 727 had a thing called a "Panel". The Panel had a guy sitting in front it (sideways) called the "Flight Engineer". FE's did not actually fly the airplane. Your friend probably spent some time sitting at the panel.
Also, airline safety statistics in the late 60's were quite poor compared to today...do some quick research, there are lot fewer airliners and a lot more accidents. You probably don't remember those little kiosks that sat in every airport...and sold per-trip life insurance
Also, airline safety statistics in the late 60's were quite poor compared to today...do some quick research, there are lot fewer airliners and a lot more accidents. You probably don't remember those little kiosks that sat in every airport...and sold per-trip life insurance

. See my point is there's no Replacement for experience except experience. I've yet to understand how Instructing in Clear and a million prepares someone for the types of flying encountered in airline flying. I mean many flight schools won't even let their planes fly when forecast is showing bad weather on the way..... As for your on-site life insurance it was a way to make quick money using people's Fear. Fear is a powerful weapon! I wonder how many really had to Use that Insurance?
#32
The guy on the panel may not have been hands on maneuvering the airplane, but he was still in the cockpit and part of the crew, gaining experience if not hours. Sitting on a panel for a few years would give him a chance to learn the operations, see the weather and airports, and get used to being part of a crew. Anyone can be taught to follow needles, its the other stuff that's hard.
#33
Gets Weekends Off
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 417
Likes: 0
From: 170 babysitter
This argument about age is completely insane! I have been a Commercial Pilot since I was 18 and proud of it. Yes, I had to work my ass off to earn as much money as I could while being in HS. Yes I had help from my parents and I am very grateful they were willing to help me out. I was a CFI at 19 and an airline pilot at 20. Am I saying all people at my age are meant to be where I am? NO! Are there some my age that are and maybe should not be? YES, but I hope they are far and few and I am sure any good company can rule them out before it leads to a problem. I am sorry some of you guys feel that the younger pilots are ruining the industry. NOT TRUE! There are many 30+ guys willing to fly a "Shiny Jet" for less than 20k a year! It's not the age that's ruining the industry, it is the industry itself. By this I mean the pilot shortages due to due many of reasons, one being the economy. Pilot shortages mean airlines are forced to lower their minimums to find people to fill the seats. This means guys right out of school don't even have to instruct anymore to build time to be competitive. Do I agree with this, no. I believe that instructing and other types of PIC time building are crucial to developing pilot skill and decision making abilites. Again, nothing to with age! Many companies such as compass and others are using larger aircraft that mainline uses and paying 1/3 the rate to save money. Again, nothing to do with pilot age. Sorry, I don't mean to rant and rave about this. It just frustrates me that people are puting down fellow pilots just because of their age. I personally hope I never have to fly with you. As a matter of fact it has never been an issue with anyone at my company. We have 23 year old captains flying with 50 year old FO's. Just my 2 cents.
#34
Gets Weekends Off
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 379
Likes: 0
From: Waiting for class to start...
i may be 21, but i have been flying since i was 12
#35
"have you ever thought one day he moved from the "Panel" to the FO seat with STILL having 200hrs and 10multi"
Having spent four years at the panel, I can say YES, it would make a big difference. Panel time at a 121 airline was a great way to build experience without being in a window seat.
Having spent four years at the panel, I can say YES, it would make a big difference. Panel time at a 121 airline was a great way to build experience without being in a window seat.
#36
That kid's part of the reason the industry is the way it is today.
"I care about my career, and I'll make whatever sacrifices I need in order to reach my goals. Who cares how it affects others right now, or how it will affect me in the 15 years from now?"
Idiot.
I'd say he was shooting himself in the leg, but unfortunately he's also screwing the rest of us at the same time.
"I care about my career, and I'll make whatever sacrifices I need in order to reach my goals. Who cares how it affects others right now, or how it will affect me in the 15 years from now?"
Idiot.
I'd say he was shooting himself in the leg, but unfortunately he's also screwing the rest of us at the same time.
#37
Gets Weekends Off
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 762
Likes: 0
Also, airline safety statistics in the late 60's were quite poor compared to today...do some quick research, there are lot fewer airliners and a lot more accidents. You probably don't remember those little kiosks that sat in every airport...and sold per-trip life insurance 

Last edited by NE_Pilot; 01-30-2008 at 05:13 PM.
#38
hey thanks all who responded.
I am almost done with the 4 year degree, doing riddle extended and I am only about 12 classes away.
So, people have been hired at SkyWest without being 21? Same with Mesa?
So if it was you then, and you met the requirements, would you apply? In my opinion I would say no because if you submit your resume and they do not notice that you are not 21, and you get to the interview and they find out you are not 21 couldn't that hurt you in the future?
I am almost done with the 4 year degree, doing riddle extended and I am only about 12 classes away.
So, people have been hired at SkyWest without being 21? Same with Mesa?
So if it was you then, and you met the requirements, would you apply? In my opinion I would say no because if you submit your resume and they do not notice that you are not 21, and you get to the interview and they find out you are not 21 couldn't that hurt you in the future?
#39
Gets Weekends Off
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 379
Likes: 0
From: Waiting for class to start...
Colgan, where I just resigned has many pilots under 21. I just turned 20 when I got hired. I actually was put into and upgrade class when I was 21 but told them I was not old enough for the ATP. Colgan is very respectful and does not see age as the problem. As a matter of fact, I am sure any of these 20 some year old saab/beech pilots are more of a pilot than any of these button pusher guys!!!
#40
so why did you leave...and the other SAAB guy could prolly fill us in on his opinion of them, i have seen his monkey / ape thing around talking bad about the place, seems like a good argument.


