tinman1

That wasn't meant as a dig against older guys, but rather the types who have amassed 98% of their experience flying under blue skies with calm/light winds, most of whom happen to be older if I had to guess.

flapshalfspeed

There's a reason the military enforces age limits in their pilot selection/training, and it isn't just the ability to pass a pilot physical.

I've had problems with some older CFI/135 types in their late 40s-50s--they're my dad's age, they were the boss in their life for the last 10-20 years, they want to hand-fly all the time (which is fine to practice on non-RNAV vectored departures in less-busy airports), and all of the above creates CRM issues when I have to pull rank on them.

I don't have to deal with that with young guys as often--they're more likely to see "oh this guy was doing this when I was still in high school." They're eager to learn, they know the automation, they're quick, and they often have vastly-superior hand-flying skills than old crusty CFIs who think they know everything about airline flying because they know everything about 91/135 flying.

Don't get me wrong--older guys from 121 backgrounds, or ones who respect the automation and differences in crew vs non-crew environments--those guys are fine to fly with. Also guys who have a sense of humor and simply respect the fact this is a diff ballgame and that I have more experience in this operational environment than they do.

squawkoff

But couldn't that apply to younger guys too?

word302

Is there something wrong with hand-flying rnav departures?

squall line

Mesa requires all RNAV SIDS to be flown with the autopilot on.

squall line

I agree with most of the points about older pilots. They are slower to pick up the jet automation etc. but let me also bring up this point. For the most part, their reason for being at Mesa or any other regional is typically different than the younger crowd. Their attitudes are different (IN GENERAL). Why? For most, it is their 2nd career. It is also probably a big swing from their last career (non aviation related). Mesa is cold calling these guys because they have a pilot certificate. They need to fill seats. They think this will be a nice change from what they had been doing. Hey, yeah, this sounds like fun kind of thing. They probably have a lot of distractions through training due to other jobs/businesses on the side, family, you name it. It's much different than those dudes right out of college and instructing etc. I've flown with older pilots coming from other aviation jobs and they seem to pick things up just fine. It's the others that are there because they were bored at their other job and think this will be fun. The desire/determination/drive are much different between these demographics.

Please note I am talking in very general terms. There are always exceptions to the rule, but I feel this is a fairly accurate observation.

Bumbaclot

You miss the memo brudah?

Bucketofpropwas

What's the trend for months on reserve in IAH? Can you bid monthly while in training, based on estimated completion date or is reserve automatically assigned after IOE? Anybody renting rooms in IAH, crash pads around is the public transport good enough to get to the airport for early shows? Do they pay for parking? I figure I'll have $250 to apply toward a place.

word302

Wow. Can you hand fly an approach?

iFlyRC

Rnav arrivals and approaches are two different things. Of course you can hand fly an approach and is a requirement to do so in the sim, single engine no less.
Can you fly at FL410? Don't answer, I really could care less.