rickair7777

65 now. Probably 67/68 by the time he gets there.

BoFlyer25

Yeah I never dismissed what FoT had to say. Everyone is entitled to an opinion and I respect that as well as what they have to say. I have been on one side of the fence only not the other. That being said I am not totally out of an opportunity to turn around if I absolutely hate it.

My eye problem has gone away. It actually wasn't as bad as I thought and I have an unrestricted 1st Class so that isn't a thing. The DUI is what it is. 12 years ago and not a ticket since. It is my understanding that once I have my clearance to fly in to Canada and can prove this is a 1 time terrible mistake I should be okay. Seeing my driving and overall record since should prove this. It isn't like it happened a few years back. Majors/Legacys will only really care how you worked out at the regionals. Top that with flow through programs I would hope that if I keep my same work ethic and attitude I will do well at the regional and major/legacy level. As I stated in some of my previous posts I am not trying to make wide body captain. I am just looking for a comfortable position at a major where I have a good quality of life/seniority.

Also running your own business isn't some cake walk. Young mans game meaning what? Long hours and time away from family? I get 4-5 days off a month and travel often to jobsites dealing with GC's and people who are underqualified to do what they are doing and constantly trying to shift high dollar value problems they've created back on me. I don't always think my job sucks but I do think people who have spent to long in this field undervalue being able to set the parking brake and walk away for a good nights rest (in a hotel far away from home or not).

All jobs are susceptible for sure. Currently we are in a looming recession and maybe by the time I get there its crap. Well then I've just flown the hours and continue on life as it is. Except I still have a business to run but now I get to figure out how to lean out survive the storm. The problems our economy creates are unfortunately unescapable no matter what industry we are in (unless of course you want to be a politician lol).

If this is true someone who knows tell me. I am done with my written tests I just need to finish my lesson plans and do my flight training. I was under the impression that regionals didn't care how you picked up your 1500TT they needed bodies and as long as you were competent and fit their personality profile you'd get hired. I am unafraid of flying with others I really just knew it was going to take a lot of extra effort to finish my CFI and because of how many hours I work a day trying to schedule times with folks before or after work may be a nightmare. That all being said I know quite a few CFI's I wouldn't want to work with at an airline who would gladly take your money and take you up for some lessons.

I will and I am currently doing that. If things don't work out with regionals I will continue to do that. I feel like not taking the shot is something that will haunt me. If I get on and I hate it there are other opportunities out there for me in the sector I work in or I may come back in and run the business I am in. As I started with this thing there are plenty of people on both sides who can see greener grass on the other. There are perks to both and downsides to both. I know you seem to see the downsides from the flight side and can tell me all about how regionals will suck etc. But if your established and unhappy in the airlines let me tell you how fun it is to get a small business started. How long the hours are for crap pay and how much your family is going to struggle and EVEN if you make it to success you could be one bad economic turn or one bad job away from back to struggling and making hard decisions on other peoples lives.

I really do appreciate your candor though. Nothing I am doing here I take lightly. Its a big decision and it may not work out. I get that, I am prepared for that. Call it good ADM on life. Always have a back up plan and always be prepared to not go. That all being said I have to try or I won't forgive myself. I'm already disappointed in myself for not trying to have a discussion with an AME at 18. My life could have been on a totally different trajectory to begin with. I am of course of the belief that everything happens for a reason so we will just roll with what we have.


I've heard this could happen soon due to the shortages/retirements of the baby boomers that are happening now. What's stopped them from doing it before now?

rickair7777

That experience is relevant in dealing with circadian disruptions. But there is a difference for pilots... in addition to gutting out the emotional misery of being awake and working when you really should be sleeping, you need for your brain to function while you're doing it (google UPS Birmingham).

Also even though it doesn't feel particularly tiring sitting in the plane it does suck the life out of by the end of a long shift... multiple days compounds that unless you get 20+ hour overnights. Why? Probably cabin altitude, dry air, and maybe being constantly "switched on"... you're always 2 feet away from your buddy, you can't eat or even take a leak without coordinating with the other pilot and cabin crew. There are definitely worse jobs but it does wear you down at the end of the day.

Today I would not want to be doing some of the regional flying (and drinking) that I did 20 years ago. I could do it it if I really had to, but I'm fitter and have more stamina than the average.


1. Little precedent. The rest of the world via ICAO had gone to 65 before the US did; only Japan and one or two others allow age 67 for domestic ops.
2. No particular need (until recently).
3. Risk to the pols and regulators... there was no risk to doing nothing and letting the old limit stand.

There is an apparent need now. Even if the airlines don't want it due to LTD cost, etc the pols could still score some PR points with the public since it would have the appearance of "doing something, anything" to alleviate airline current disruptions.

JohnBurke

To say nothing of time zone changes and disruption of circadian rhythm.

Those who work long hours at their business might try imagining going to work, completing the business day, and walking out the door only to find he's catapulted into the future by fifteen hours, and is already in the middle of the next business day. Then turn around and go to work, only to walk out at the end of that business day to find one has been reeled back in time to arrive at the front door of work...six hours before he started the day. A fatiguing time machine. Do that for a few days and then go home to find that one has no sleep pattern, is either tired all the time or can't fall asleep. Then do it for thirty years. Look in the mirror . See someone who has aged sixty years in the same time frame.

Time to make the donuts. Again. Remember the tired guy walking out the door to go home, who runs into himself walking in the door to go to work? Something like that.

Except no donuts.

dera

Some people adapt better than others. I have no problem with long flights, ACMI flying for me is the most relaxing work I've ever done in my life. Most of the time I get to the destination well rested and feeling great, ready for that 20-40 hour layover where I can adjust my sleep pattern as required. But I am a very good sleeper, and I've done extensive long haul travel for 20 years so I am well adapted to it.
The ones who don't adapt well, they are the ones who are in their 40's looking like they are about to hit the retirement age.
The great thing is, if you are not suited for that line, then don't do it. Plenty of jobs in aviation where you only see 1 or 2 time zones.

METO Guido

Supplemental rest regs are a satire. Useless since George Jetson married Jane.

rickair7777

You mean since Fred married Betty?

rickair7777

Yes some people are far more adaptable to it than others.

Not having wife/kids at home helps... that always forces you to immediately snap back to Hometown Standard Time at the end of trip, instead of doing what your body wants.

OscarRomeo

Fred married Betty? Wilma’s going to be ****ed!

rickair7777

You know how it is.