Tips For Newbies
12-28-2017, 02:20 PM
#51
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Feb 2006
Posts: 490
At my airline, we have a 12 hour rule. MAKE SURE you have adjusted your watch for the local time! I use van time as the limit.
Also, in the event that someone goes digging into your shenanigans from the night before, why make it easy for them? Finish your drinks before the 12 hour time hits. Also, close out the tab with cash and close it well prior to the 12 hour time. Don't leave a paper trail.
Some of you young-uns may be be tempted by the FAs. It may be your first real job, so you haven't had the opportunity to learn a very basic lesson: Don't dip your pen in the company ink. The previous advice concerning today's harassment enforcement environment is well said and speaks for itself. If you choose to socialize, do so with plenty of witnesses.
Everyone has a camera and video device now, aka smart phone. Assume you are being recorded at all times in public. For instance, doing your walk-around while jawjacking on the phone may not be the best idea, since a pax looking out the window at an adjacent gate may want to go viral with your conversation.
When you arrive at your hotel room, do a thorough inspection (hot water exists, drains work, toilet flushes, climate control works, bedbug check, general cleanliness, etc.) before you unpack anything or even take off your coat. Nothing is more annoying than having to get dressed and repack again because you have to change rooms.
Always put the DND sign on your door and throw the bar/chain and deadbolt. At the very least it will prevent a duplicate room key issue from entering your room.
Also, in the event that someone goes digging into your shenanigans from the night before, why make it easy for them? Finish your drinks before the 12 hour time hits. Also, close out the tab with cash and close it well prior to the 12 hour time. Don't leave a paper trail.
Some of you young-uns may be be tempted by the FAs. It may be your first real job, so you haven't had the opportunity to learn a very basic lesson: Don't dip your pen in the company ink. The previous advice concerning today's harassment enforcement environment is well said and speaks for itself. If you choose to socialize, do so with plenty of witnesses.
Everyone has a camera and video device now, aka smart phone. Assume you are being recorded at all times in public. For instance, doing your walk-around while jawjacking on the phone may not be the best idea, since a pax looking out the window at an adjacent gate may want to go viral with your conversation.
When you arrive at your hotel room, do a thorough inspection (hot water exists, drains work, toilet flushes, climate control works, bedbug check, general cleanliness, etc.) before you unpack anything or even take off your coat. Nothing is more annoying than having to get dressed and repack again because you have to change rooms.
Always put the DND sign on your door and throw the bar/chain and deadbolt. At the very least it will prevent a duplicate room key issue from entering your room.
Last edited by chignutsak; 12-28-2017 at 02:38 PM.
12-28-2017, 11:32 PM
#55
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Aug 2015
Position: Guppy Gear Slinger
Posts: 1,991
10 minutes early for every van? Never drink with your crews on an overnight? Always check your entire hotel room for mechanical issues? Never touch an FA, even if you're both single and consenting adults?
I'm all for professionalism but this is all taking it a bit too far. You guys must be real treats to spend 4 days with.
I'm all for professionalism but this is all taking it a bit too far. You guys must be real treats to spend 4 days with.
12-29-2017, 01:20 PM
#57
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jan 2007
Posts: 692
10 minutes early for every van? Never drink with your crews on an overnight? Always check your entire hotel room for mechanical issues? Never touch an FA, even if you're both single and consenting adults?
I'm all for professionalism but this is all taking it a bit too far. You guys must be real treats to spend 4 days with.
I'm all for professionalism but this is all taking it a bit too far. You guys must be real treats to spend 4 days with.
12-29-2017, 03:07 PM
#58
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Dec 2017
Position: It has wings and I sit left.Sometimes.
Posts: 181
Do not EVER not ask if you have a question about anything. If your Indoc or systems instructor offers to go over or refresh what you learned in class that night or if they offer just to help you study or go over whatever, do it. Show the efffort you’re putting forth and it will build you a good reputation from day 1.
12-29-2017, 09:27 PM
#60
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Aug 2015
Position: Guppy Gear Slinger
Posts: 1,991
It's really simple...
1. The moment the shutdown check is complete on your last leg of the day, call the hotel to make sure the van is coming. Extra points for knowing the van driver's cell number and texting him to head over to the airport while you cross the FAF
2. Are you the FO? Then do your duty and take the ugly one, every time.
3. Any time a trip begins with the words 'I'm real easy going and pretty much SOP' from the left seat, see if you can 'accidentally' fall down the jetbridge stairs when beginning your walkaround. The resulting broken body part will undoubtedly be less painful than enduring the next 4 days in that flight deck.
4. Don't ever bother asking for a wind check. Wait a few moments... odds are, Delta will ask for you.
5. Thinking about reporting turbulence? See #4 above.
6. Quick magic trick: Are you married? Want to see all your money disappear in a flash? Have an affair with an FA.
7. Don't drink the airplane coffee. Just don't. If you're still not convinced, stop by a MX hangar one day and ask the guys to show you a 'potable' water tank.
8. Despite the whining, the b*tching, the moaning, and incessant complaining about schedules, pay, the new contract, the lack of a new contract, management, rampers, FAs, gate agents, van drivers, dispatch, passengers, the FAA, check airmen, the schoolhouse, your EFB, your commute, the TSA, Customs, Boeing, Airbus, Embraer, the ME3, and God... This really is The. Easiest. Job. In. The. World. Relax, fly the airplane safely and professionally, have a little fun from time to time, and don't let the whiners get you down.
If you don't believe me, try sitting in a grey cubicle for a couple decades. Heck, even a couple of weeks. You'll realize pretty fast just how good we pilots have it.
1. The moment the shutdown check is complete on your last leg of the day, call the hotel to make sure the van is coming. Extra points for knowing the van driver's cell number and texting him to head over to the airport while you cross the FAF
2. Are you the FO? Then do your duty and take the ugly one, every time.
3. Any time a trip begins with the words 'I'm real easy going and pretty much SOP' from the left seat, see if you can 'accidentally' fall down the jetbridge stairs when beginning your walkaround. The resulting broken body part will undoubtedly be less painful than enduring the next 4 days in that flight deck.
4. Don't ever bother asking for a wind check. Wait a few moments... odds are, Delta will ask for you.
5. Thinking about reporting turbulence? See #4 above.
6. Quick magic trick: Are you married? Want to see all your money disappear in a flash? Have an affair with an FA.
7. Don't drink the airplane coffee. Just don't. If you're still not convinced, stop by a MX hangar one day and ask the guys to show you a 'potable' water tank.
8. Despite the whining, the b*tching, the moaning, and incessant complaining about schedules, pay, the new contract, the lack of a new contract, management, rampers, FAs, gate agents, van drivers, dispatch, passengers, the FAA, check airmen, the schoolhouse, your EFB, your commute, the TSA, Customs, Boeing, Airbus, Embraer, the ME3, and God... This really is The. Easiest. Job. In. The. World. Relax, fly the airplane safely and professionally, have a little fun from time to time, and don't let the whiners get you down.
If you don't believe me, try sitting in a grey cubicle for a couple decades. Heck, even a couple of weeks. You'll realize pretty fast just how good we pilots have it.
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