You know, I whole heratedly agree. I work as a Pilot Examiner as well, and I have worked at some of the big name pilot factories and most guys these days seem to think they are entitled to the job, the big paycheck and the lifestyle. Brothers all, professionalism comes from the inside, it is by nature, intrinsic. No one or organization can BUY professionalism. No matter how much one is paid, if you don't have it in you, you will never be. You see, the pay you get will come as a reward for you professionalism and perseverance. I challenge any of you to go into the "outside world" and demand someone pay you what you want, without having to REALLY prove yourself in that field first. We can all sit and B**** about the big evil corporations that pay our checks, and most of it is true, but another truth is who you are and how you conduct yourself. If you want to make 60-70K/year and only work 16 days a month for it, then I suggest trying real estate!!!! Oh yea, they're hurting in this market too. Ok, well then what did you degree in in college??? Maybe you should join the military and let them drill some discipline and humility into you!? I digress... Whether you have 300 hours of 3000 hours, you have it or you don't. (Professionalism and talent) I too am tired of seeing these guys (the 25-35's, my own age and generation mind you) walking the airports with Ipods and backpacks and wrinkled up uniforms and hollywood sunglasses, not purely because they look goofy, but because you do give the rest of us who are proud of who we are and what we do, a bad rap. Money cannot now, never has and never will be able to buy someones professionalism or integrity. Those who put a pricetag on that ultimately have neither, and will never truly have it if more than a facade. No matter who pays them or how much they're paid.

 

I'm a professional airline pilot. I guess we haven't met.

Hopefully that answers your question.

 

Your statement that has nothing to do wiht being a pro, actually shows your lack of being a pro. In some other industry, that backpack may not matter, but in ours, that just doesn't fit in with the image. Why is image important? Well, I'm sure you can anser that on your own, if not, you will be able to as you continue to mature..

 

Ok, perhaps I'm the odd one out, or not working at the right airports.. But I've NEVER seen a (non-FFDO) pilot walking through the terminal with a backpack... (or listening to an ipod)... Where does this happen!?!

 

I think its funny when a company takes a bunch of employees, dress them up to look like they make 6 figures, pays most of them them 20-40k a year and the employees begin saying how "its not about the money, its about GLAMOR"

Professional = Glam in this thread fyi

 

Not scary at all, you know there are people in many professions that at times will have to take a second job. It all depends an circumstance and desire. In your case, your attitude of entitlement is part of the downfall (of character and professionalism) of this and other industries. This is not only happening in aviation guys. But it sure seems more outwardly prevailent here. Sounds like you need a new pimp!

 

No, no glam for me, I don't call any of it glam. You see glam is a lifestyle, NOT an image. I just know the importance of true character and how that projects outwardly will always show, and then will reflect back on you and the rest of us.

 

And no, it's not about the money, and I think the spirit of the original post in this thread has been missed by all but a few. Again......character and integrity. Actions baby, actions.....

 

A while back some major news website posted an article that the decrease in pilot wages did not seem to be affecting the performance of the airlines over the past several years. I believe it was discussed on this forum, the article basically asserted that major airline pilots still flew just as safely and punctually as ever, even though their wages had been slashed significantly.

That is one impression that the public was given. That airline pilots can get paid less, but because we are so professional we will continue to work just as hard.

Fact of the matter is that airline managers are TRAINED to get the most out of labor. They watch VHS videos on it. To them you are not a pilot, you are labor.

A line item.

A number on a list of numbers that represents a significant expense which must be minimized in order to maximize profit. They are trained minimize your compensation just as well as everyone of us is trained to fly an airplane. You can dress up, act professional, and continue trying to upstage your coworkers 'till the cows come home, but until organized labor gains an upper hand in negotiations we are all stuck in this rut.

 

As I continue to mature... now that is funny coming from someone talking about being a professional. Why doesn't a back pack fit in with the image? What is it about it? I want you to explain how someone is less professional by having a back pack.