Originally Posted by JackReacher

Exactly. We’re not going to Mars, not going to the Moon, in fact we’re not even going into orbit. We’re just going to Des Moines. Don’t make it more complicated than it needs to be.

Originally Posted by Turbosina

This.

Although, I don't mind the background question, I often asked it myself when I was a CA..."So, whatcha do before you came here?" Just kinda helps get a conversation going and helps you learn about the person.

To answer the OP...

A few classic red flags (all of which I have experienced personally) are as follows. I will say: all but one of these happened while I was at my former employer, and not UAL.

• First words out of his mouth are something along the lines of "Since I'm a check airman / management pilot / former squadron commander/ ..."
• "I'm not racist, but..."
• "I'm real laid back"
• Wears the hat IN the flight deck. Extra bonus points if the headset is worn over the hat (actually saw this happen once)
• "I just talked to the CEO the other day and he told me in confidence..." / and so forth
• Custom bag tag with bird col. insignia
• Brief takes longer than the flight
• Asks to inspect your pilot cert and medical (no, not while you're jumpseating....I mean when you show up to operate the flight)
• Rude to the FAs, ground crew, cleaners, etc
• Refuses to tip the van driver. "I don't get tips for doing my job, why should he?"
• Tells you your SOP-dictated technique is all wrong and insists you do it his way because that's how they did it at his previous airline
• Expects you to do the entire preflight (walkaround, box, clearance, flows, literally everything) and absolutely refuses to do anything aside from sitting there scrolling through pics of his boat / lake house / 'Vette / fourth wife/ etc

Originally Posted by Knotcher

Agree with a lot but if you’re flying with me you’ll be doing the box and walk arounds every leg. For six-figure professional it’s not that torturous. I’ll do my own flows. I’ve spent twice as much time in the right seat as most new hires total time. I’m taking a break.

Originally Posted by Knotcher

Agree with a lot but if you’re flying with me you’ll be doing the box and walk arounds every leg. For six-figure professional it’s not that torturous. I’ll do my own flows. I’ve spent twice as much time in the right seat as most new hires total time. I’m taking a break.

Originally Posted by blizzue

Meeting at the FPA is more complicated?

Sometimes on early shows where the jet isn’t close to the FPA I’ll text and say let’s plan to meet at the gate. But overall I think meeting at the FPA is more conducive to meeting someone for the first time and actually being able to have a conversation.

The default should be the FPA and honestly if the FO wants to meet at the jet and texts me before hand, no problem.

Originally Posted by Knotcher

Agree with a lot but if you’re flying with me you’ll be doing the box and walk arounds every leg. For six-figure professional it’s not that torturous. I’ll do my own flows. I’ve spent twice as much time in the right seat as most new hires total time. I’m taking a break.

Originally Posted by Broncofan

I agree with most of what you said. However I don’t mind the whole gate vs FPA thing. The book says FPA unless directed otherwise from the CA so that’s just what I expect. Not a red flag.

Originally Posted by Knotcher

I’ll do my own flows.

Originally Posted by Knotcher

I’ve spent twice as much time in the right seat as most new hires total time.

Originally Posted by Knotcher

I’m taking a break.

Originally Posted by blizzue

Meeting at the FPA is more complicated?

Sometimes on early shows where the jet isn’t close to the FPA I’ll text and say let’s plan to meet at the gate. But overall I think meeting at the FPA is more conducive to meeting someone for the first time and actually being able to have a conversation.

The default should be the FPA and honestly if the FO wants to meet at the jet and texts me before hand, no problem.

Originally Posted by ClappedOut145

nothing better than a 0600 departure in ORD and having to go to C19 only to hear “fuel look good to you?” Then walk to E16 for your departure. #nowayFPA