Commuter Hell
02-26-2009 | 03:09 PM
#41
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 397
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From: Satan's Camaro
I had around 400 hours of GA time and my ratings (except for any instructor rating) prior to coming to the military side. I will agree with you that the first 400 hours of my military training was different - more intense. I mean - bombing, dogfighting, low levels at 300-540kts at 200-500', or CARRIER QUALIFICATION - day and night!!!! Of course no civilian training is going to touch that extreme.
But I'll tell you what - - I'll put up a Commercial Pilot with instrument rating who is going for his CFI certification against that same freshly minted FRS aviator in the area of some basic aviation knowledge (pick any of the FAA writtens) and even the PPL would probably eat him alive!
Just remember this.....the airplane (in my community) is nothing more than a flying weapons system. We military pilots are NOT professional pilots. I don't get paid to fly. I get paid for being a Marine - flying is just what I do when Uncle Sam needs some attitudes readjusted
If I want someone to take off from an expeditionary airfield at night and conduct a self-escorted strike on NVGs; then I'll chose the military trained pilot. If I want someone to get me safely from DFW to LAX in IMC, then that 25 y/o, 1000 hr "child" is better suited to be flying my family around in an RJ anyday (as part of well trained and coordinated crew) - IMO.
USMCFLYR
But I'll tell you what - - I'll put up a Commercial Pilot with instrument rating who is going for his CFI certification against that same freshly minted FRS aviator in the area of some basic aviation knowledge (pick any of the FAA writtens) and even the PPL would probably eat him alive!
Just remember this.....the airplane (in my community) is nothing more than a flying weapons system. We military pilots are NOT professional pilots. I don't get paid to fly. I get paid for being a Marine - flying is just what I do when Uncle Sam needs some attitudes readjusted
If I want someone to take off from an expeditionary airfield at night and conduct a self-escorted strike on NVGs; then I'll chose the military trained pilot. If I want someone to get me safely from DFW to LAX in IMC, then that 25 y/o, 1000 hr "child" is better suited to be flying my family around in an RJ anyday (as part of well trained and coordinated crew) - IMO.USMCFLYR
02-26-2009 | 03:33 PM
#42
Gets Weekends Off
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 13,843
Likes: 1
From: FAA 'Flight Check'
So far - the times I've seen a tank driven around city streets it hasn't been a pretty sight!http://xml.truveo.com/rd?i=141269449...l=148798889%20
http://video.aol.com/video-detail/de...man/3567302583
USMCFLYR
02-26-2009 | 04:27 PM
#43
Gets Weekends Off
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,258
Likes: 0
I can agree with everyone here on this issue. Although the public opinion and perception will never change.
I'll be 24 in June and I'm sitting in the left seat of a Saab. I've been told I look older than I am when I haven't shaved for about a day or two, but when I'm clean shaven, I probably look right about 23-25-ish. I've been flying since I was 16, and have worked my a$$ off to get to where I am today. There aren't a whole lot of people that can say they were logging PIC turbine time at 121 carrier when they were 23. Not to bash you other young guys at all ... I'm just saying I traded the route of better pay for a faster upgrade, and it paid off. I've had people give me the look of "please tell me there's someone else up there with you" before. It's not pleasant and it certainly aggravates me, but it's the public perception, and they just don't know any better. Unless one of us comes out and does a 1-on-1 interview with a national news channel explaining the training, the hours, the harsh flying conditions, the mental/physical drain/toll ... the public will never fully know.
It's a poopy situation and there's not a whole lot any of us can do except try to tell the pax you're sitting next to when you jumpseat that we are all extensively trained to do our jobs and to keep everyone safe.
I'll be 24 in June and I'm sitting in the left seat of a Saab. I've been told I look older than I am when I haven't shaved for about a day or two, but when I'm clean shaven, I probably look right about 23-25-ish. I've been flying since I was 16, and have worked my a$$ off to get to where I am today. There aren't a whole lot of people that can say they were logging PIC turbine time at 121 carrier when they were 23. Not to bash you other young guys at all ... I'm just saying I traded the route of better pay for a faster upgrade, and it paid off. I've had people give me the look of "please tell me there's someone else up there with you" before. It's not pleasant and it certainly aggravates me, but it's the public perception, and they just don't know any better. Unless one of us comes out and does a 1-on-1 interview with a national news channel explaining the training, the hours, the harsh flying conditions, the mental/physical drain/toll ... the public will never fully know.
It's a poopy situation and there's not a whole lot any of us can do except try to tell the pax you're sitting next to when you jumpseat that we are all extensively trained to do our jobs and to keep everyone safe.
02-26-2009 | 05:42 PM
#44
Gets Weekends Off
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 797
Likes: 0
From: Jet Pilot
I had around 400 hours of GA time and my ratings (except for any instructor rating) prior to coming to the military side. I will agree with you that the first 400 hours of my military training was different - more intense. I mean - bombing, dogfighting, low levels at 300-540kts at 200-500', or CARRIER QUALIFICATION - day and night!!!! Of course no civilian training is going to touch that extreme.
But I'll tell you what - - I'll put up a Commercial Pilot with instrument rating who is going for his CFI certification against that same freshly minted FRS aviator in the area of some basic aviation knowledge (pick any of the FAA writtens) and even the PPL would probably eat him alive!
Just remember this.....the airplane (in my community) is nothing more than a flying weapons system. We military pilots are NOT professional pilots. I don't get paid to fly. I get paid for being a Marine - flying is just what I do when Uncle Sam needs some attitudes readjusted If I want someone to take off from an expeditionary airfield at night and conduct a self-escorted strike on NVGs; then I'll chose the military trained pilot. If I want someone to get me safely from DFW to LAX in IMC, then that 25 y/o, 1000 hr "child" is better suited to be flying my family around in an RJ anyday (as part of well trained and coordinated crew) - IMO.
USMCFLYR
But I'll tell you what - - I'll put up a Commercial Pilot with instrument rating who is going for his CFI certification against that same freshly minted FRS aviator in the area of some basic aviation knowledge (pick any of the FAA writtens) and even the PPL would probably eat him alive!
Just remember this.....the airplane (in my community) is nothing more than a flying weapons system. We military pilots are NOT professional pilots. I don't get paid to fly. I get paid for being a Marine - flying is just what I do when Uncle Sam needs some attitudes readjusted
If I want someone to take off from an expeditionary airfield at night and conduct a self-escorted strike on NVGs; then I'll chose the military trained pilot. If I want someone to get me safely from DFW to LAX in IMC, then that 25 y/o, 1000 hr "child" is better suited to be flying my family around in an RJ anyday (as part of well trained and coordinated crew) - IMO.USMCFLYR
Thank you for your response, I enjoyed reading it.
I guess to an extent one cannot assuredly judge one's flying ability based on hours and/or types of hours. I believe it has more to do with competency in the current craft and application of experience (lessons learned) to that particular airframe. Each individual is going to be different.
As an example, I'm approaching 7K hours and am current and qualified in "heavies". However, one would be wrong to assume that I am just as qualified and competent to fly a small, GA aircraft.
02-26-2009 | 05:45 PM
#45
Gets Weekends Off
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 797
Likes: 0
From: Jet Pilot
I've had people give me the look of "please tell me there's someone else up there with you" before. It's not pleasant and it certainly aggravates me, but it's the public perception, and they just don't know any better.
02-26-2009 | 06:02 PM
#46
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Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 220
Likes: 0
From: Moving backwards
I have been tempted to get a permission slip saying that my parents approved me to do the high school pilot internship. Then I can show the passengers who decide I am too young to fly that it's ok.
I just won't mention my 5,000+ hours with 1,500 of that being in Chieftain's flying their bank checks and medical treatments. And my 2,000 hrs in the plane they are stepping onto.
I just won't mention my 5,000+ hours with 1,500 of that being in Chieftain's flying their bank checks and medical treatments. And my 2,000 hrs in the plane they are stepping onto.
02-26-2009 | 06:52 PM
#47
Gets Weekends Off
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,621
Likes: 0
From: CR7 Capt
02-26-2009 | 07:02 PM
#48
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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 240
Likes: 0
From: DA50EX
02-26-2009 | 07:23 PM
#49
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 101
Likes: 0
From: CR7/9 Left
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