I’m guessing that those people took the early out. Those who are are left will spend a few days knocking the rust off and go back to the line. I’m shocked by how much I’ve dumped, but I’d only need a couple of days reading the FOM plus a few days in the FM. Systems, flows, and limitations would come back fast. If I went back to my previous fleet, an RQ1 would be sufficient.

I agree, just like falling off a bicycle. You will quickly remember.

But if someone did not take an early out and will be 63 or 64 when called to resume flying... I wonder.

The sim was like the bicycle for me. The challenge for me after an extended break was always the FM and FOM. The older I got the more of a challenge it became.

YMMV

The sim and flying has always been like a bicycle to me as well, and I find that the book work requires more focus as I age. My problem doesn’t seem to be cognitive ability, but declining give a ____ as I get older. It gets harder to focus and maintain the same level of book proficiency when I seem to care less every year.

Beautiful!

I’m starting to sound like an aging widebody FO that has no interest in being a captain until I can hold the good European trips........ oh wait, I’ve been that guy for years. Being a NB captain flying multiple legs a day, dealing with the passenger and flight attendant drama, short layovers, and unproductive trips sounds too much like work. Hopefully the long haul flying will come back before this LOA terminates so that I don’t have to upgrade just to avoid NB FO pay.

Exactly- Filler to allow post to be long enough

I’m glad you know you wouldn’t enjoy dealing with what NB captains must. I wish more of our pilots knew their personality limitations and would refrain from trying to manage when it is clear they cannot.

After 18 months the 737 MAX finally certified by FAA to fly again. They'll start training the trainers in Dec. CBTs and sims for all starting in Jan.

Agreed and I’d prefer to have a vaccine before jumping back into the sea of ignorance.