this is part of the reason why collectively as an industry pilots cant get anything positive done. Instead of fighting as one against management we chose to get into ****ing contests about flight experience, type ratings, pay scales, shiny aircraft and pilot age. Maybe if half the energy spent on here bashing petty things and each other was used towards a collective good against the people that make lives bad, the industry would slowly become a better place.

I understand it was never as good as they say, and never as bad as it seems, but this persona I am portraying is from me meeting individuals that are very similar to what I described, not just a figment of my imagination

Good Post,

I hear you 5 by 5! It's a sign of the times. Ab-Initio training, TCAS, GPWS, moving map GPS, (almost idiot-proof) automated aircraft, multiple-choice exams with answers provided, zero FAA oversight. I'm frustrated as well being forced continuously into playing "unpaid flight instructor". Pilot standards have definitely dropped to an all time low.

Where are the pilots that I used to look up to? The ones that grew up knowing they wanted to fly since their earliest memories? You know, the ones I don't have to explain the differences between a Boeing and an Airbus to? The ones that built their time with experience in a multitude of different aircraft and flying environments? The ones that became airline pilots AFTER building their confidence and competence at night in inadequate little airplanes in questionable weather?

We are living in the post 9/11 airline era where you can go from a over priviledged burned out 25 year old (insert your former dead-end job here) to "airline pilot" in 18 months. Skipping the experience and knowledge that is required for the position. I really shouldn't have to babysit these guys. I'm tiring of teaching aerodynamics, meteorolgy, high altitude aerodynamics, aircraft performance, etc. to these neophytes with the over inflated sense of entitlement. I miss flying with the guys and gals who have previousely explored the full envelope of their aircraft and flying abilities and posess the instincts and thought processes required for the job before they strap on a Part 121 aircraft with passengers in the back.

I'll continue on though because that is what I do. I'll show up to work and once again spend my time aloft explaining complex airspace, correct WX Radar usage, takeoff/landing performance, etc, to another clueless 21 year old 250 hour "ace of the base". I'll once again waste my breath explaining what I thought was common aviation knowledge contained in such obscure publications as the AIM and CFR 14, Part 91, 121 etc. That's my career choice, I guess.

Oh, and for those of you I offended. Good! It means I described what you know is true. Put down the magazine, unplug the I-Pod, skip a drink, and crack a book occasionally. Go read an airplane book (start with an Aircraft Recognition Handbook), build an aviation library, hand fly more often, make a small effort to increase your aviation knowledge, observe the good pilots you fly with, ask yourself what makes them good. Take note of the bad habits of the crappy pilots you fly with and vow not to become like them. Oh and since I'm at it, go and get some quality cross-wind landing instruction and then read "Aerodynamics for Naval Aviators" or "Fly the Wing" or "Fate is the Hunter", etc.

You'll find that with a continued desire to gain knowledge and experience, and the attempt to be your best, you'll develop the real confidence along with the real competence you've been faking thus far. You're an AIRLINE PILOT, act like one.

Thanks for letting me get that off my chest. Now let's all get out there and reclaim the profession.

Winglet Out!

Saab is balls-on with the typical Pilot persona today...for those based in ORD, have y'all ever flown with the type that got into flying "just because...?" I am shocked when they tell me they live downtown, hate cars, don't like driving, etc...and will NOT do anything but cower in their left-seat when the rampers/gate agents aren't getting their jobs done. And then they complain that nobody respects them.

I've said it before -- the incerdible "need" for Pilots in the last ten years has dramatically reduced the quality...

I hear ya Saab...

LoL that was good winglet...especially regarding hand-flying! I can't tell you how many guys I fly with say something to the effect of "I can't believe you're flying the RJ, it's not meant to be hand-flown," and "You can't fly this anymore -- it's not a 172." They're the same ones that scare me in the x-winds, man-handle the controls, fly an out-of-trim aircraft, and wonder why a lowly FO can fly circles around them...and these are guys twice my age :rolleyes:

suggestion needed
 

Why not both?

Dude. You shouldn't have to do it! You should quit. Show 'em what kind of balls you have. Show them what a real man is about.

That's a bit harsh - and unnecessary.

I agree with Winglet (as always). Nice post sir - it's guys like you that make me want to learn more, and be a better pilot.

Awesome rant winglet.

I usually make those posts after a few drinks but who knows a few Mimosas with the wife i understand.

The thing is the pilots that have known from day 1 that they want to fly and respect the profession still exist. They just don't get recognized because every young FO gets put into this nice generalization. No matter if you went to UND or ATP your still a spiky haired no talented weight in the right seat according to some.

Another thing i have noticed covers various posts. I know many military pilots that just stumble on flying. I know a Vietnam vet that had a very successful flying career because it started when he scored well on a test. I also have met many West Point and Naval Academy guys that just do it because it's a better job and was worth giving a shot. On the other had some guys had it planned out when their peers were swallowing coins. I'm not implying that they are poor pilots. I think it may be part of the reason why the ex-military legacy guys allowed scope and everything else to go away.