Few observations and thoughts

[adreamer]

as a newbie to 121 environment. This is what I see and hear for last few months. Please forgive me that English is not my first language, so my grammar and expression might be off a little.

"Me" generation:
Two of my classmtes gave me the summary of new generation pilots. One of them is waiting for Go-Jet training. We had a little discussion about the issues. His conclusion - "every regional sucks. What can I do to further my career? "All I want is to fly CRJ-900. It looks so cool"

Jumpseating:
Thanks to Doug's web site and a fellow JC member(another southernjet), I have learned how to do two legs commute to my base. As said before, always wear uniform to facilitate jumpseating/non-rev travelling. However, I finally bump into CA who actually use jumpseat as "education warfare". Velo would be proud. This CA wanted to make sure I am not a go-jet guy. At the same time, my CA gave jumpseat to "Skybus". I actually discussed a little with my CA about "Skybus" issue from what I hve learned from JC.

ALPA vs non-union:
I am still learning about ALPA - need to finish reading flying the line volume I and II. However, some of my classmates think these two books are just ALPA's propaganda. I think ALPA need to do some public education, beside giving out and reading the books and pay dues, for pilots like me, a newbie 121 pilot.

When come to contract neogitation, in my opiniion, non-unionor other union carriers' pay scale, does affect others. If you think it does not, you are lying to yourself. For the airline I work for, I am enjoying the friut of my fellow pilots effort(Horizon guys also). I thank them for it.

Carrier vs Carrier:
I have been asked few times about my current airlines. To me, every airline has its own up and down side. It is like a un-told family secret, you don't hear too much about it. One of deciding factor for many pilots is upgrade time.

As many JC posts before, upgrade can changed as I post this. When I start training at my current airline, the upgrade time is about 7 years or so. As today, few months later, upgrade time is down to about 3 and 1/2 year. I wish I have crystal ball which tell me upgrade time frame at any carrier. I would be rich.

Another factor for choosing career-starting airline is jet vs. T-Prop. I have never flown jet in 121 environment. Therefore, I can't say anything about Jet flying. I fly dash or "smash 8" for living. There are always two side of things - we fly low and slow, in comparsion to jet. One advantage is we can actually see things on the ground. However, on the flip side, we are most likely in the weather. From my perspective, it is a good time to practice / learn weather radar techniques from your CAs. Therefore, it is not bad at all.

Just my 0.02. This is what I have seen and heard so far.

[meyers9163]

Good write up Jeff..... I know what its taken for you to get where you are currently and could not be more proud of ya man!

[Velocipede]

Turned down a Gojet, but allowed Skybus? What an idiot.

[kellwolf]

Originally Posted by adreamer

ALPA vs non-union:
I am still learning about ALPA - need to finish reading flying the line volume I and II. However, some of my classmates think these two books are just ALPA's propaganda. I think ALPA need to do some public education, beside giving out and reading the books and pay dues, for pilots like me, a newbie 121 pilot.

I agree that ALPA needs a good, strong education drive. But those guys that think FTL is propaganda might as well say the same thing about most history books. Sure, it's gonna be skewed towards the authors' thinking a lot of the time, but you can't argue with historical events that actually took place.

[Velocipede]

Anyway, I'm glad you straightend out your Capt. about Skybus. Remember, BOTH cockpit crewmembers must be completely comfortable with jumpseaters. Always voice your opinion to the Capt. BEFORE he authorizes the jumpseat.

If he's worth his salt, he won't take anyone YOU are uncomfortable with.

[stoki]

Originally Posted by Velocipede

Turned down a Gojet, but allowed Skybus? What an idiot.

I think those were 2 different captains that adreamer was talking about.



Off Topic - How low and slow do you guys actually fly?

[BobDDuck]

They do go pretty slow. We were coming in on an arrival into CLT last night at 11000 with a Dash at 10,000 and 220 knots. Approach gave us best forward speed to get in front of them for our descent and at 320 knots, they pretty much looked stationary.

[Velocipede]

Originally Posted by stoki

I think those were 2 different captains that adreamer was talking about.

Now that I reread it, I think you're right. Doesn't change my advice, though.

[Seggy]

Good post and observations Jeff.

[calcapt]

Jeff, your willingness to learn and bounce ideas off others is awesome. You will make a great 121 captain.

[JaceTheAce]

adreamer...

I am very impressed with all of our captains at our airline. Whenever I get into the right seat I let them know my background (low time) and they are more than willing to provide suggestions that make me a better pilot.

[adreamer]

Thanks for very kind words, everyone.

Jace, love my CAs also. I have learned a lot about wx radar techniques. Those two CAs I memtioned - one is United CA who want to make sure that I am not a go-jet guy. Another CA, who has not know too much about Skybus.

Answer your phone. I am not crew scheduling.

[B767Driver]

Originally Posted by calcapt

Jeff, your willingness to learn and bounce ideas off others is awesome. You will make a great 121 captain.

The verdict is still very much in doubt...he didn't mention anything about buying beers.

[skyrunner1500]

Originally Posted by B767Driver

The verdict is still very much in doubt...he didn't mention anything about buying beers.

And talking the junior F/A's into the captain...

[ComplexHiAv8r]

Very nice writeup Jeff.

[saxman66]

LPA vs non-union:
I am still learning about ALPA - need to finish reading flying the line volume I and II. However, some of my classmates think these two books are just ALPA's propaganda. I think ALPA need to do some public education, beside giving out and reading the books and pay dues, for pilots like me, a newbie 121 pilot.

You'll quickly learn after reading these history books, they are not propaganda. If you read the forward the author was not a member of ALPA and not even a pilot. He pretty much tells the truth of ALPA, good and bad. I don't know how others feel but it came across as pretty unbiased.