First 121 IOE
 

Anybody care to share how their first 121 IOE experience went?

Met the captain about 2 hours before the trip started. He looked over my docs and such, answered and asked questions, talked about what gonna go on, showed me how to sign in for a trio, where some stuff it, did a walk around with me, shows me how step up ACARS and other stuff, then flew the trip.

Went great but that was a decade ago. Sunny weather in the southwest. Of course then I got sent to the northeast on reserve, first trip online with in bad winter wx with a CA from the southwest who had just got back from long term leave...

I had the pleasure of spending a 4 day trip with the most hated LCA in the company. It sucked balls. Got yelled at a lot, talked down to, and debated calling in sick/fatigued. I just ended up sticking it out and didn't talk to him besides SOP call outs. I've never spoken to him since then. He retires next month.

Haha! Awesome! To those coming in, welcome to the airlines. Each company has those LCA's :D!

I had a very similar experience at Envoy. Dude was a complete and 100% dildo the entire trip.

Sounds nice. My guy cut me off when I tried to ask him a few questions ahead of time and said, "We'll cover it in the plane." Gee, I'm only helping to fly 76 people out of one of the busiest airports in the world for the first time. Then he got mad at me when I wasn't keeping up during our first (very rushed) taxi.

Second IOE trip was a lot nicer with another guy.

I got lucky. A pretty nice guy. He had me do about 80% of the flying. Other than the company procedures they are going to make sure you can land. That was the hard part when you first learned to fly and it isn't any different moving to a jet. It takes a little getting used to and the simulator can't prepare you for the sensation of speed. Just follow their advice and fly the way they want you to fly. Later on you'll end up flying the way some other CA wants you to fly.


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There are definitely some "tool" LCA out there just as there are in the rest of the pilot population. While my first 121 IOE was over 24 years ago with several other such events, I can't recall anyone being anything other than professional.
There were some LCA who were better to deal with than others. I would venture to say that there are some who are not suited for the position but opt for it just for extra pay, status etc. It is a demanding job no doubt, especially when you have someone in the seat with no previous airline experience and flying in/out of some high density airports. But any good LCA should be able to handle it well. I think a lot depends on the person receiving training as well. Show up with a good attitude, proper attire, prepared and with a willingness to learn. Keep your questions relevant and ask them when appropriate. Simulator training does not always prepare you for the line when it comes to flying speeds and you have to adapt to the ATC environment. Things happen fast and it's normal to feel "behind the curve" initially. By the end of IOE you should feel fairly comfortable but it will take a few more trips to really feel completely at ease. Some airlines require observation flight prior to starting IOE. It's a great "pressure free" environment to observe and learn as well. Most crews are happy to help and it also depends on your approach as well. Also, don't always believe what you hear on the line about a certain Captain, LCA or FO. As Dr. Phil once said, even the flattest pancake has two sides! I remember doing observation flights with Brand X, and the F/O asked me who I was scheduled to do my IOE with. When I mentioned the guys name, both the pilots grimaced and told me to call in sick as this guy was the biggest tool in the shed. I thought about it, but decided to stick to the schedule. Long story short, it was a non-event. Oh, one more thing, steer clear of political and religious opinions unless you are sure both of you are on the same page.

I got to hand fly an ILS PRM my first flight as flying pilot. As we were being vectored for the approach the autopilot went crazy and disconnected itself. I thought the LCA would take controls for the approach and he just looked at me and said "you'd better hand fly it." That was a nice "welcome to flying a jet" moment.

All three of my original IOE captains were great. I'd love to fly with any of them again.