PFT Pro/Con question - Page 3 - Airline Pilot Central Forums

#21

Slice , 02-10-2008 06:56 PM

Gets Weekends Off

Quote:

Originally Posted by Senior Skipper

I've never come across anyone I think could benefit from that sort of program, and I hope I never do. But i'm certain of 2 things:

Somewhere out there, there is somebody who is in a unique enough situation to warrant that kind of program.

There aren't enough of those unique situations to keep those programs running. Hence they must be full of people who are willing to shoot themselves in the leg and screw themselves and the rest of us in the long run.

For THOSE poeple, I have no respect whatsoever. It's a bad thought, but I kinda hope they get stuck in those crappy "jobs" and see how foolish they've been.

There's never an excuse for going through a program like that. I don't care if you're 25 or 55. The programs have been around for years, so enough people are around to keep them going. If your situation is that unique stay at your old job to provide for your family. Scab mentality indeed. If they did it once what's to say they won't take the easy or low road when the moment of truth presents itself in the future. Not at my airline if I have a choice(which I currently do not).

#22

Senior Skipper , 02-10-2008 07:11 PM

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Well like I said Slice, I've never come across any situation so extreme that it warrants these programs. If I ever had anything to do with hiring pilots, you'd better have a darn good explanation to give when I ask why you went there, because you're just the type of person the industry needs to get rid of.

PS. Cartman rocks

#23

Slice , 02-10-2008 07:58 PM

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Senior Skipper

Aren't you working on your PPL still? So how would you come across it?

#24

POPA , 02-11-2008 07:00 AM

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Quote:

Originally Posted by atpwannabe

Which leads me to believe that there is something up the sleeves of those who strongly discourage those from participating in PFT's other than their arm.

I was once touched inappropriately by a PFTer. The horrible emotional scarring that resulted has led to my promise to rid the world of PFTers and their perverse definition of pleasure.

#25

freezingflyboy , 02-11-2008 09:47 AM

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Quote:

Originally Posted by atpwannabe

I believe that SkyHigh and SeniorSkipper both have valid points. It's just at what Part you are flying under. If I'm going to go the 135 route, then absolutely I need to have a firm foundation in terms of being able to make a decision quickly and independently of others b/c some aspects of 135 flying is a single pilot operation. On the other hand, if I'm flying 91 or 121, then I need to be able to conform to the company. I believe it's termed as....being a team player. Each pilot has his/her respective duties in the cockpit which contributes to the overall successful trip/flight.

Personally speaking, I have considered the PFT program at Gulfstream and not for the "usual suspect" reasons. There are some people out there who are an exception to the rule and are good low time pilots. I would venture to guess less than 2% of all low time pilots (those who actually meet the mins for some regionals) are capable and competent enough to fly an RJ. JMO. However, for me it's different.

I would remain in the South Florida area. My fiance/wife wants to remain here for now. With me flying and her working in the school system as an administrator would allow us to be able to live comfortablly. In addition, I have a 3 yr old son. We want at least 2 more children. It is important to me to be home every night during his formative years. I don't know how many times I have heard some of you talk about the importance of family, QOL and the like. My love for flying DOES NOT SUPERCEDE THE LOVE & SECURITY OF MY FAMILY. My plan would be to stay at GIA for at least 2-3 years, then apply to the Majors...whether pax or cargo. If that scenario didn't play out, seeing my wife & children happy and still able to enjoy a flying career at that level would be ok with me. I guess I can sum it up by saying, "No greater love that a man has than to lay down his life for his friends."

atp

For what its worth, one of the WORST pilots I have EVER seen had 1100 hours, 800 with GIA. This person could not hold an altitude or a heading SEPERATELY much less both at the same time. Forget about trying to maintain a speed.

#26

freezingflyboy , 02-11-2008 09:52 AM

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Senior Skipper

I'll drink to that! However, i will say that those programs do have their place. For example, a late career changer may need to do it if he's got a family to feed and there are extenuating circumstances. But the 20-something who has left college in the past few years and just REALLY wants to flt big jets has no business there. The jets are there today, and they will be there tomorrow, and next week, and next year. What's the rush?

Yes you've always wanted to fly. Ever since you can remember. Guess what? Me too. If you've gone all these years and the desire to be in a jet hasn't mortally wounded you, believe me that a few more months (building time so that you can go to a real job) won't kill you either.

If anyone has a family to feed they shouldn't be plunking down $30,000 to go play "airline pilot". PFT and PFJ are very different things. PFJ (Pay For Job) is about the most terrible thing you can do in this industry besides crossing a picket line. Go look at Colgan or Commutair or Great Lakes. Those places pay YOU to fly their airplanes. All you are doing is telling management "hey, i want to play airline pilot! Why pay that guy $20,000 when I am worth NEGATIVE $16,000! Oh, and don't forget the sand-based lube"

#27

Senior Skipper , 02-11-2008 03:56 PM

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Slice

Aren't you working on your PPL still? So how would you come across it?

How DARE you, fatboy!?!? I'm WAY beyond that stage (sarcasm).

LOL

I'm actually on my way to my commercial right now, but I always like talking to guys higher on the food chain- fun and educational at the same time (hence I'm on this forum). That's how I've managed to know a couple people at various stages of the journey.

#28

Senior Skipper , 02-11-2008 03:58 PM

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sand-based lube

LOLOL

Never heard that one before freezing...unless there's a deeper (corny chemistry joke) meaning

#29

freezingflyboy , 02-11-2008 05:15 PM

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Senior Skipper

sand-based lube

LOLOL

Never heard that one before freezing...unless there's a deeper (corny chemistry joke) meaning

Nope, no hidden joke. As enjoyable as it sounds.

You'll get to experience it first hand when you make your break into professional aviation. Typically used to coat management's fist before its rammed up your....well never mind. Don't need ANOTHER infraction this week

#30

Senior Skipper , 02-11-2008 06:37 PM

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It's a good thing I'm committed to "this airplane thing" (as one of my relatives puts it), else you guys would turn me right off the idea of flying. No foul though. Sometimes you need a bit of honesty here and there.